The “EZX” format is designed for simplicity and speed. Unlike the full Superior Drummer expansions, an EZX gives you a focused set of presets rather than deep sound design controls. That means:
The Made of Metal EZX is not just another drum sample library; it is a meticulously captured snapshot of the heavy metal genre's demanding standards. Designed for songwriters and producers who need drums that cut through walls of distortion and low-tuned guitars, this expansion for EZdrummer and Superior Drummer delivers the aggression and clarity required by modern metal production.
Released by Toontrack in collaboration with renowned producer/mixer Mark Lewis (known for his work with Megadeth, DevilDriver, and Whitechapel), the Made of Metal EZX is not just another drum sample library. It is a sonic manifesto for modern heavy metal.
Unlike standard EZX expansions that offer a "general rock" sound, this pack is hyper-focused. It aims to replicate the aggressive, punchy, and tightly compressed drum sound characteristic of 21st-century metal production.
The MIDI is categorized by feel. Look for folders named:
Here’s a write-up about Made of Metal EZX by Toontrack, with a focus on how it works and what it offers:
The Made of Metal EZX bridges the gap between programming and performance. It strips away the excess noise and delivers a focused, hard-hitting drum sound that forms the backbone of any heavy track. Whether you are crafting a double-kick masterpiece or a slow, sludgy doom riff, this library provides the metallic foundation your music needs. made of metal ezx work
Note: If "EZX work" referred to a specific phrase, brand name, or technical term not related to Toontrack music software, please clarify and I would be happy to rewrite the content for that context.
Made of Metal EZX expansion is essentially a "dream team" collaboration between legendary metal producer Colin Richardson (known for work with Slipknot and Machine Head) and drummer Jason Bowld (Axewound, Pitchshifter). It was recorded at the world-class Galaxy Studios
in Belgium, specifically chosen for its unique wood-lined, hall-like room that gives the drums a massive, reverberant character without losing the "piercing attack" needed for modern metal. What's Inside the Kit? Unlike some expansions that focus on one specific sound, Made of Metal
is designed for versatility across metal, hard rock, and even pop-punk. Four Full Kits: It includes kits from Signature Pieces: Users often highlight the Truth kick Black Beauty snare
as being worth the price alone for their punch and clarity in a mix. The Cymbals:
You get a massive selection of cymbals (about 30 total), which can be quite "hot" in the default presets, so many producers recommend dialing them back a bit to prevent them from becoming harsh. MIDI Grooves: The “EZX” format is designed for simplicity and speed
It comes with a library of MIDI performances by Jason Bowld, giving you authentic "human" grooves to build from. Why Producers Use It
The "story" of this expansion is its balance between raw power and "mix-ready" convenience. While it’s polished enough to get a great demo sound instantly, it captures enough detail (recorded with about 30 microphones) to hold up in professional productions. It is often described as the "warmest" sounding kit in the Toontrack metal lineup, providing depth without completely burying your guitars. You can check out the full details and audio demos on the Toontrack Made of Metal EZX product page or find it at retailers like Sweetwater Are you looking to use this for a specific sub-genre
(like Djent or old-school Thrash), or are you just getting started with Made of Metal EZX
The phrase "Made of Metal" refers to a popular expansion pack for EZX, a drum production software developed by Toontrack. It is designed to provide high-gain, heavy-hitting drum sounds tailored specifically for modern metal production. The Sonic Architecture of EZdrummer’s "Made of Metal"
The "Made of Metal" EZX represents a pivotal tool for home producers and professional engineers alike, bridging the gap between raw percussion and the polished, aggressive aesthetic of contemporary metal. Produced and mixed by the legendary Colin Richardson (known for his work with Slipknot, Machine Head, and Bullet for My Valentine), this expansion is not merely a collection of samples, but a curated environment built for the heaviest of genres. 1. Precision and Power in Sampling
At the heart of "Made of Metal" are the drum kits themselves. Richardson selected four distinct kits that offer a range of textures from "vintage-heavy" to "ultra-modern." The sampling process captured the nuanced velocity of professional drummers, ensuring that when a producer triggers a blast beat or a slow, crushing groove, the software responds with authentic physics. The inclusion of specialized cymbals—larger, thicker, and more resonant—is essential for cutting through the dense wall of distorted guitars typical of the genre. 2. The Influence of Colin Richardson The Made of Metal EZX bridges the gap
The "work" involved in this EZX is heavily defined by Richardson’s signature mixing philosophy. Metal production often suffers from "frequency masking," where guitars and bass drown out the drums. "Made of Metal" solves this through meticulously pre-processed signal chains. The drums come "pre-mixed" with the right amount of compression and EQ, allowing them to remain punchy and "clicky" without losing the organic "thud" required for impact. 3. Versatility and Workflow
While the name implies a narrow focus, the "work" this EZX performs is quite versatile. It includes a massive MIDI library of grooves, ranging from technical death metal patterns to straightforward hard rock beats. This allows a songwriter to:
Prototype quickly: Drag-and-drop grooves to build a song structure in minutes.
Customize sound: Use the internal mixer to swap snare drums or adjust room mics for a more ambient, "cavernous" feel.
Integrate seamlessly: It works within the EZdrummer and Superior Drummer ecosystems, making it a standard tool for digital audio workstations (DAWs). Conclusion
"Made of Metal" is a testament to how specialized software can democratize high-end production. It takes the complex, often expensive "work" of recording a world-class drum kit in a multimillion-dollar studio and distills it into a digital interface. For the modern metal artist, it provides the "iron" foundation necessary to build a professional-grade wall of sound.
Before diving in, ensure you have the host software installed.
To assess its functionality, we must look at the three pillars of this library: The Drums, The Mixing Philosophy, and The Playability.