In Summary

Proving that the big names aren’t the only ones doing high quality virtual drums, Goran Grooves Handy Drums are trusted by an increasing number of composers. Here we check out Version 2’s improved sounds, greater user-friendliness, and more…

Going Deeper

Although composers now enjoy a range of virtual drum and percussion virtual instruments (VIs) to choose from, not so long ago, the only way to get organic drum sounds was to record them yourself. Later, drum machines offered a way to get synthetic and sampled sounds with varying degrees of success (like the unmistakable DOOOVVSH of the Linn snare or that 808 cowbell), but even these lacked the one thing that makes all drums tick: great performance. Step sequences or other tick-perfect hits have their uses, but for many styles nothing can beat perfect virtual sounds coupled with the nuances that modern VIs now bring. Going full-circle, some even offer the meta-delights of aping the hardware machines that tried to replace the real thing in the 1980s…

Goran Grooves Handy Drums V2.0

Back on more familiar ground, Handy Drums is a drum library from the mind of drummer and producer Goran Rista. Taking on the established names, Handy Drums offers a well-judged library of 15 drum kits and percussion sets, with 10 genre-specific volumes of MIDI to play them with. Composers can mix and match kits and volumes, or treat themselves to packs of products to cover all of their musical bases.

In the video we explore Goran Grooves V2.0. With one instance handling drums, we also indulge in a second to cover percussion duties for some extra rhythmic intrigue. We check out the new MIDI browser and also the much improved variable hi-hat control that provides a great analogue of the pedal action on the real thing. We also hear the new remixed and rebranded kits for perfectly produced drum and percussion sounds straight out of the box.

Version 2 delivers re-mixed sounds with pumped-up realism, improved MIDI browsing and more. As a drummer, I really appreciate the action of the new variable hi hats. Although using CC’s in this role is nothing new, this is one is the best I’ve tried. The ambiences around Handy Drums kits are baked-in, but they are well judged in level and compliment the sounds perfectly on the percussion sounds especially. Touches like DAW transport sync to the new MIDI browser also see version 2 coming of age; if you want great sounding pre-produced drums and percussion with very little fuss, Handy Drums V2.0 delivers.

Goran Grooves V2.0 New Features In Full:

• New Look The entire interface is now fully vectorized for a sharp look regardless of screen resolution or the zoom factor.

• MIDI Loop Browser allows you to quickly browse and audition any MIDI loops on your computer from within the plugin or the standalone app. The built-in player can sync with your DAW, so you can audition how various grooves work with your existing arrangements.

  Handy Drums now ship with a limited selection of MIDI loops instantly accessible within all Handy Drums plugins you have installed in your system. If you have MIDI loops scattered around your computer, you can bookmark all your locations with a simple click for immediate access.

• New Sophisticated Variable Hats New sophisticated algorithms that closely mimic the performance of real hi-hats using foot controller sending CC#4. The hi-hats now output a different sound depending on how quickly the CC4 controller moves. GM to variable convertor included.

• Remixed and Rebranded The John Bonham-style kit was remixed from the ground up to sound nicer and more versatile, now known as the Rock Legend. The second remixed kit is the Studio Legend. It sounds more natural now and will fit into a mix better than before.

• New Latin Percussion & Drum Instrument Additions Three báta drums, a tambora, Peruvian cajon, three panderetas, mambo bell, cajita, vibraslap and the resampled timbales.

• Various other functionality and accessibility improvements for those using screen readers or other tech. The mixer has various improvements including a doubling of the channel count for exterior mixing in the DAW mixer from 8 stereo outs to 16.