Why DAW integration is a “must have” for almost all drum samplers / drum libraries:

With the sole exception of "Toontrack Superior Drummer 3", pretty much all drum samplers/drum libraries need improvement in order to deliver flawless electronic drum performance (and, of course, to meet the high demands of the player). This means that various shortcomings cannot be compensated for in standalone mode (not to mention a perfectly functioning “Variable CC hihat” translation, for which many drum samplers/drum libraries require DAW preparation anyway). The appropriate DAW (such as Reaper) and, alternatively, interventions in the sampler engine (unfortunately, this is often not possible) can remedy the situation in the following cases:

∙ Missing or insufficient “Articulation TRIMs” ( = adjust the volume of individual articulations even within a kit piece!) = one of the most important features (completely missing in MixWave and EZDrummer, for example)

∙ Detailed velocity translation (the standard velocity tools are completely inadequate for more demanding requirements (and velocity is one of the most important factors!) (e.g., the ridiculous one-dimensional velocity curves in most Kontakt drum libraries, such as GGD, MixWave, etc.)). The ability of the “Audiofront eDRUMin” trigger device to create separate velocity curves for individual trigger zones (even within a pad!) provides a certain remedy, but it is still far from the detailed and convenient DAW tools in terms of functionality and richness of detail. It is to be hoped that one day eDRUMin velocity curves will be as powerful and convenient as my preferred DAW tool. Anyone who only has Roland module curves at their disposal is completely lost, as these are a total failure (you can't even assign different curves for HEAD and RIM, and the few rough and uneditable curve presets from a Roland module are simply completely inadequate).

∙ Eliminate buggy samples. Unfortunately, the sloppiness in drum sample production on the part of most manufacturers is quite a spoiler. In this regard, Toontack Superior Drummer 3 is unfortunately no exception.


Conclusion: DAW integration is essential for eliminating shortcomings. Anyone who thinks it would be possible to do without it has, in my opinion, failed to understand that the flawless drum library for electronic drumming most likely does not exist (at least, that's how it's always been in my experience) and never will. There are a few candidates that come close in their default state (such as the RS Drums Simen Sandnes library, for example), but then I find another unpleasant flaw or drawback.

So, am I saying don't use these libraries and only use SD3? NO, of course I'm saying the opposite, because despite all their flaws, these libraries offer the ultimate drum sound that I wouldn't want to do without. There is nothing better in the world when it comes to attractive and authentic drum sound! So for me, it's always a case of getting rid of the shortcomings!


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Why DAW integration is a ”should have” for all drum samplers / drum libraries (including SD3):

Well, simply to expand the range of functions and create your personal dream kit. This ranges from enhancements to approximate the acoustic model to “advanced creative e-drum engines” ❗️