Drum VST vs. Samples vs. Real Drums: What is the difference? Which is better for you? This article will help you answer those questions. Let’s read on!
Drum VST vs. Samples vs. Real Drums: Comparison Table
Many of you own small but functional home studios, allowing you to write, record, and mix everything yourself.
Chances are you play one instrument or more (guitar, vocals, keys, etc.), then fill in the arrangements with virtual instruments, such as Drum VST and samples.
No shame about it, but you need to know the difference between them and Real Drums. Let’s start learning by looking at our comparison table.
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Samples |
Real Drums |
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Drum VST vs. Samples vs. Real Drums: Comparison
Overview
- Drum VST
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) refers to effect or instrument plug-ins within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) on computers.
- Drum Samples
Samples are pre-recorded Drum sounds, sometimes consisting of full beats and fills, which you can add to your song before modifying to your taste.
- Real Drums
As its name suggests, Real Drums will require the real drummers to play the real drum kit, then record before mixing.
Pros
1. Drum VST
- It gives you access to countless drum samples: It will depend on your desired style, such as: using jazz brushes, a metal kit with an electronic drum kit, or a double pedal.
Simplicity: It is unnecessary to prepare many microphones to record the real kit. It also saves you from having to maintain your acoustic drum kit. - Have more space: Investing in a Drum VST instead of a drum kit will give you more space in your room.
2. Drum Samples
- Ideal for those who don’t have a drum kit: It allows you to skip buying a drum kit and a room that sounds good. You also don’t have to rig up a complex setup to get your performance recorded.
- Perfect for those who do not play drums: If you don’t know how to play drums, the drum samples will do the rest of your recording.
3. Real Drums
- Better for your recording: Real Drums will give tangible energy, vibe, and feel made, which will give much nuance and validity to your recording.
Cons
1. Drum VST
- Unsuitable for Skilled Drummers: For drummers, recording the acoustic kit could be easier than using Drum VST.
- Limited by the samples: Though you can access a vast samples library, you are limited by the samples you can gain and the plugin’s settings.
2. Drum Samples
- Drum samples may get repetitive: It can be frustrating and boring for the listener, especially if not properly mixed and tuned in some way.
- Your music may be similar to others: Of course, you’re not the only one who uses samples, right?
3. Real Drums
- Costly: A drum kit can be a significant investment.
- Not for those who don’t play drums: Mastering a drum kit will require a lot of time and effort.
Drum VST vs. Samples vs. Real Drums: Which One Is Better?
Drum VST and Samples are ideal for musicians who don’t play drums.
Regardless of how perfect the rest of your recording is, if your drums sound amateurish and weak, your entire mix will sound unskilled and inefficient.
Besides, drums are hard to record well. Even the top experts in drumming have to admit that it is a complex instrument to record and mix well.
Also, some drummers cannot keep time to perfection, meaning you have to edit every beat that is a bit off.
That’s when Drum VST and Samples come in handy.
Drum VST and Samples are also valuable for making a demo, as recording real drums could be a hassle. For example, you must mic the whole kit record and mix properly.
However, Drum VST and Samples are far from giving listeners the feeling they get of Real Drums. An excellent recording of real drummers can do more for the mix than perfectly polished virtual drummers.
It is hard to measure, but the intangible energy, vibe, and feel made with Real Drums will give much nuance and validity to your recording.
FAQs
What does a drum VST do?
VST is a plug-in that will replace inaccessible instruments, such as drums.
Are drum samples good?
Yes. Drum samples are ideal for musicians who don’t play drums.
Which drum VST is the best?
Here are our recommendations for the best drum VST:
- Xln Addictive Drums 2
- Heavyocity Damage
- Toontrack Ezdrummer 2
- Toontrack Superior Drummer 3
- Native Instruments Studio Drummer
- Native Instruments Drumlab
- Native Instruments Battery 4
