What exactly is Goran Grooves Handy Drums - Mallets?

It is a virtual drum instrument plugin specifically sampled using mallets instead of sticks to provide a softer, more melodic percussion sound.

What genres is this virtual instrument best suited for?

It is ideal for ballads, gospel, orchestral pop, and any genre requiring dramatic tension or melodic, upbeat rhythms.

How does the sound differ from a standard drum kit plugin?

It has significantly reduced high-frequency content and a softer attack, producing a sound that is clear and well-tuned rather than sharp and aggressive.

Can I create cymbal swells with this software?

Yes, one of the primary design purposes of the Mallets edition is to create smooth, professional-sounding cymbal swells for building tension.

Are the toms comparable to any orchestral instruments?

The toms in this library are reminiscent of classical timpani, offering a dramatic and well-tuned quality suitable for cinematic scoring.

Is this product a physical accessory like a drumstick?

No, despite being listed in some retail categories near parts and spares, it is a software-based virtual instrument.

How much does the Handy Drums Mallets typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific virtual instrument is approximately £20.

Can these samples be used for upbeat music?

Yes, the manufacturer states they can be used to create jovial, melodic beats for happy-sounding tunes.

What is the primary benefit of the 'softened' high-frequency content?

It creates a distinct, warm sound that avoids the harshness of stick hits, making it easier to sit in a mix with delicate instruments.

Who manufactured this software?

The instrument was crafted and engineered by the team at Handy Drums under the Goran Grooves brand.

Does this replace a standard snare drum sound?

It provides an alternative texture; while a standard snare is sharp, these mallet samples are designed for a more resonant and subdued percussive effect.

Is the tuning of the drums adjustable?

The manufacturer describes the samples as being 'well-tuned' out of the box to ensure they provide a melodic quality to the tracks.

Gear article

Goran Grooves Handy Drums - Mallets

Goran Grooves Handy Drums - Mallets is a specialised virtual percussion instrument designed to emulate the sound of drums and cymbals played with soft mallets. It is primarily utilised for creating swells, dramatic tension, and melodic rhythmic patterns across various musical genres including ballads, gospel, and orchestral pop.

See live prices

Overview

The Goran Grooves Handy Drums - Mallets is a virtual instrument plugin that focuses on the specific textures produced when percussion is struck with mallets rather than traditional wooden sticks. While often categorised broadly under parts and spares in retail environments, it is a digital tool engineered for music production. The instrument is designed to provide a distinct sonic profile that fills a niche between standard drum kits and classical orchestral percussion.

Key Features and Operation

The instrument operates as a software-based drum module. Its primary features include:

Softened Attack: The use of virtual mallets results in a reduced high-frequency content compared to standard drum samples.
Tonal Toms: The tom-toms are recorded to be well-tuned and clear, allowing them to function almost melodically.
Cymbal Swells: The library includes specific mapping for mallet-struck cymbals, allowing for the smooth crescendo and decrescendo effects commonly used in ballads.
Genre Versatility: While suitable for dramatic tension, the library is also voiced for upbeat, jovial rhythmic parts.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the Handy Drums Mallets is characterised by warmth and clarity. By softening the transient (the initial 'crack' of the hit), the instrument produces a sound reminiscent of classical timpani when the toms are played. This allows for a dramatic quality that is less aggressive than a standard rock kit. The frequency response is deliberately curated to provide a 'clean' mix that integrates easily into gospel tracks or ballads without requiring heavy equalisation to remove harsh high-end frequencies.

Applications and Suitability

This virtual instrument is particularly suited for producers working in genres that require atmospheric or cinematic percussion. In gospel music, the mallet cymbals provide a smooth transition between song sections. In ballads, the soft-touch toms add rhythmic support without distracting from the vocal performance. Furthermore, the instrument can be used in 'happy-sounding' upbeat tunes where a softer, more melodic percussive character is desired over a sharp, percussive attack.

Comparison to Traditional Percussion

Unlike standard virtual drum kits that might include a few mallet samples as an afterthought, this dedicated instrument is built entirely around that specific articulation. Compared to using standard 5A maple drumsticks or heavy-duty beaters like the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra, the virtual mallets in this software offer a much rounder, darker tone. While a traditional snare head like the Evans MS3 is designed for maximum projection and snap, the Handy Drums Mallets focus on the resonant, lower-mid body of the drum shell.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Goran Grooves Handy Drums - Mallets?: It is a virtual drum instrument plugin specifically sampled using mallets instead of sticks to provide a softer, more melodic percussion sound.
What genres is this virtual instrument best suited for?: It is ideal for ballads, gospel, orchestral pop, and any genre requiring dramatic tension or melodic, upbeat rhythms.
How does the sound differ from a standard drum kit plugin?: It has significantly reduced high-frequency content and a softer attack, producing a sound that is clear and well-tuned rather than sharp and aggressive.
Can I create cymbal swells with this software?: Yes, one of the primary design purposes of the Mallets edition is to create smooth, professional-sounding cymbal swells for building tension.
Are the toms comparable to any orchestral instruments?: The toms in this library are reminiscent of classical timpani, offering a dramatic and well-tuned quality suitable for cinematic scoring.
Is this product a physical accessory like a drumstick?: No, despite being listed in some retail categories near parts and spares, it is a software-based virtual instrument.
How much does the Handy Drums Mallets typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific virtual instrument is approximately £20.
Can these samples be used for upbeat music?: Yes, the manufacturer states they can be used to create jovial, melodic beats for happy-sounding tunes.
What is the primary benefit of the 'softened' high-frequency content?: It creates a distinct, warm sound that avoids the harshness of stick hits, making it easier to sit in a mix with delicate instruments.
Who manufactured this software?: The instrument was crafted and engineered by the team at Handy Drums under the Goran Grooves brand.
Does this replace a standard snare drum sound?: It provides an alternative texture; while a standard snare is sharp, these mallet samples are designed for a more resonant and subdued percussive effect.
Is the tuning of the drums adjustable?: The manufacturer describes the samples as being 'well-tuned' out of the box to ensure they provide a melodic quality to the tracks.