What is the XLN Audio Reel Machines ADpak?

It is an expansion pack for Addictive Drums 2 that features four classic 1980s drum machines recorded to analogue tape. It is designed to provide warm, saturated electronic drum sounds for modern production.

Does this software work as a standalone program?

No, Reel Machines is an ADpak, which means it requires the Addictive Drums 2 engine to function. It acts as a library of sounds and presets that load within that specific software framework.

How many drum machines are included in the library?

The Reel Machines ADpak includes sounds from four world-renowned electronic drum machines from the 1980s. These are curated to cover the most iconic sounds of that decade's music production.

What recording medium was used for these samples?

All drum machines in this pack were recorded to premium analogue tape. This process adds subtle saturation, harmonic warmth, and a distinct vintage character to the electronic samples.

What kind of reverb is included in this ADpak?

Each kit in the Reel Machines collection includes a real plate reverb effect. This effect is designed to provide explosive and punchy decays that enhance the electronic nature of the drums.

Can I adjust the room sound for these electronic drums?

Yes, the pack includes blendable real room ambience. This allows you to add dynamism and a sense of physical space to the drum grooves, making them sound more realistic than typical dry samples.

Which musical genres is this pack best suited for?

Reel Machines is ideal for hip-hop, dance music, and 80s-style pop. Its booming kicks and snappy snares are specifically tailored for these percussion-heavy genres.

How does the sound character differ from standard digital samples?

The use of analogue tape gives these samples more 'vibe' and character than standard digital versions. They feature a smoother high-end and a more cohesive low-end due to the natural compression of the tape.

Is the Reel Machines ADpak suitable for live use?

Yes, when hosted within a DAW or the Addictive Drums 2 standalone player, it can be triggered by MIDI controllers or electronic drum pads for live performance.

What is the typical price for this expansion pack?

The Reel Machines ADpak is typically priced at approximately £78. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions from XLN Audio.

Can I layer these sounds with acoustic drums?

Yes, within the Addictive Drums 2 interface, you can mix and match components from different ADpaks. You can layer Reel Machines electronic sounds with acoustic snares or kicks for a hybrid sound.

Does this pack include cymbals?

Yes, the pack features the internal cymbal and percussion sounds of the original drum machines. These are described as sizzling and articulate, benefitting from the analogue recording process.

Gear article

XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Reel Machines ADpak

The Reel Machines ADpak is a digital expansion for XLN Audio's Addictive Drums 2 software, featuring high-fidelity recordings of four iconic 1980s electronic drum machines. These samples were processed through premium analogue tape machines to provide the warmth and saturation characteristic of vintage hip-hop and dance music productions.

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Overview

The XLN Audio Reel Machines ADpak is designed as a comprehensive solution for producers seeking authentic electronic drum sounds within the Addictive Drums 2 ecosystem. Unlike standard digital samples, these sounds were captured using high-end analogue tape machines to impart a specific harmonic character and 'vibe' that is difficult to replicate with pure digital synthesis. It provides a curated selection of four world-renowned drum machines that defined the sound of the 1980s.

Recording Process and Character

The primary distinction of the Reel Machines library is its recording signal path. By recording the drum machines to premium analogue tape, XLN Audio has introduced subtle saturation and warmth to the source material. The result is a sound profile featuring:

Kicks: Booming low-end with significant weight.
Snares: Snappy and punchy response.
Cymbals: Sizzling and articulate high-frequency detail.

Furthermore, the expansion includes blendable real room ambience, which adds a sense of space and dynamism often missing from dry electronic drum samples.

Key Features

Reel Machines integrates seamlessly into the Addictive Drums 2 engine, allowing users to manipulate the electronic samples using the same tools applied to acoustic kits. A notable inclusion in this ADpak is the real plate reverb effect, which is specifically tuned for electronic percussion to create explosive, punchy decays. The kits are designed to 'jump out of the speakers,' making them suitable for modern mixing environments without extensive external processing.

Applications

This ADpak is primarily targeted at genres where the drum machine aesthetic is central to the composition. It is particularly effective for:

Hip-Hop: Providing the foundation for classic and modern beats.
Dance Music: Delivering the punch required for club systems.
80s-inspired Pop: Recreating the signature saturated percussion of the era.

While it focuses on electronic sounds, the inclusion of real room samples allows it to be layered with acoustic kits, such as those from the British Drum Co. or Tama, to create hybrid textures.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard sample packs, Reel Machines offers the advantage of the Addictive Drums 2 interface, allowing for deep tweaking of pitch, envelopes, and effects. While traditional snare drums like the Sonor AQ2 or Natal Originals Walnut provide organic acoustic resonance, Reel Machines focuses on the processed, 'larger-than-life' electronic sound. For users who find standard digital drum machine samples too 'sterile,' the tape-saturated character of this expansion provides a more 'finished' and professional alternative out of the box.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the XLN Audio Reel Machines ADpak?: It is an expansion pack for Addictive Drums 2 that features four classic 1980s drum machines recorded to analogue tape. It is designed to provide warm, saturated electronic drum sounds for modern production.
Does this software work as a standalone program?: No, Reel Machines is an ADpak, which means it requires the Addictive Drums 2 engine to function. It acts as a library of sounds and presets that load within that specific software framework.
How many drum machines are included in the library?: The Reel Machines ADpak includes sounds from four world-renowned electronic drum machines from the 1980s. These are curated to cover the most iconic sounds of that decade's music production.
What recording medium was used for these samples?: All drum machines in this pack were recorded to premium analogue tape. This process adds subtle saturation, harmonic warmth, and a distinct vintage character to the electronic samples.
What kind of reverb is included in this ADpak?: Each kit in the Reel Machines collection includes a real plate reverb effect. This effect is designed to provide explosive and punchy decays that enhance the electronic nature of the drums.
Can I adjust the room sound for these electronic drums?: Yes, the pack includes blendable real room ambience. This allows you to add dynamism and a sense of physical space to the drum grooves, making them sound more realistic than typical dry samples.
Which musical genres is this pack best suited for?: Reel Machines is ideal for hip-hop, dance music, and 80s-style pop. Its booming kicks and snappy snares are specifically tailored for these percussion-heavy genres.
How does the sound character differ from standard digital samples?: The use of analogue tape gives these samples more 'vibe' and character than standard digital versions. They feature a smoother high-end and a more cohesive low-end due to the natural compression of the tape.
Is the Reel Machines ADpak suitable for live use?: Yes, when hosted within a DAW or the Addictive Drums 2 standalone player, it can be triggered by MIDI controllers or electronic drum pads for live performance.
What is the typical price for this expansion pack?: The Reel Machines ADpak is typically priced at approximately £78. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions from XLN Audio.
Can I layer these sounds with acoustic drums?: Yes, within the Addictive Drums 2 interface, you can mix and match components from different ADpaks. You can layer Reel Machines electronic sounds with acoustic snares or kicks for a hybrid sound.
Does this pack include cymbals?: Yes, the pack features the internal cymbal and percussion sounds of the original drum machines. These are described as sizzling and articulate, benefitting from the analogue recording process.