Toontrack EZX: Metal Machine 2

In 2011, Andy Sneap defined modern metal drum sounds with his now-iconic Metal Machine EZX.

Now, a decade and a half later, he returns to redraw the blueprint - in his own studio, on his own gear and with an entirely new, handpicked selection of kits.

Metal Machine 2 is a collection built from the ground up to deliver the precision, power and unmistakable punch that have kept Sneap at the forefront of metal production since the turn of the century.

This EZX for EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3 features kits from three distinct decades, each with its own tonal identity - from the massive 1990s six-tom kit, bolstered by four octobans, to the darker, more subdued character of the 2010s set and the razor-sharp attack and piercing tone of the pristine 2020s kit.

Add to that a whopping 15 snare drums and a wide variety of cymbals, and you have a vast palette of drum tones ready to tackle anything you throw at it.

Whether it's old-school heavy metal, the intricate arrangements of progressive metal or the relentless brutality of death metal in all its forms, this EZX has you covered.

The drums were sampled by Carcass drummer Dan Wilding, who also contributed a foundational collection of drum MIDI spanning a broad spectrum of grooves and fills.

The more than 25 included mix presets were crafted by Andy Sneap and the Toontrack sound design team.

In addition to making use of the full toolbox of compressors, EQs, reverbs and effects available behind the scenes in the software, several presets also feature carefully blended layers of one-shot samples - giving you mix-ready sounds with the weight, attack and clarity to cut through any wall of guitars.

Got the original Metal Machine EZX? Then this is a no-brainer, not an upgrade that renders its predecessor obsolete, but a companion that brings the story full circle.

New to Andy Sneap's drum sounds? Start here and work your way back.

Sounds from one of the most vital forces in metal production, at your fingertips. Fire up that machine and get back to the grind.

Features

• Three complete kits
• Ideal for traditional to modern, progressive and extreme metal
• Engineered and produced by Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, Dream Theater)
• Recorded at Sneap's own Backstage Recording Studio
• A total of 5 kicks, 15 snares, 15 toms, 4 octobans, 19 cymbals and 3 sets of hi-hats
• Sampled by Dan Wilding (Carcass)
• More than 25 mix-ready presets, some with layers of additional samples for extra attack
• Includes a basic collection of MIDI grooves and fills by Dan Wilding

Andy Sneap - The Architect of Modern Metal Production

More than 100 albums in, Andy Sneap still makes an indelible impression on every project he touches.

For more than three decades, his unique blend of precision, power and uncanny clarity has helped define the sound of modern metal as we know it.

Arguably one of the most influential metal producers, engineers and mixers of our time, Sneap's impact extends well beyond the studio.

Since 2018, he's also been lighting up stages worldwide as a touring guitarist for Judas Priest.

Dan Wilding - Extreme Groove Machine

Drumming since the age of 10, Dan Wilding has built an impressive career and established himself as one of today's most respected drummers in metal.

Best known as a permanent member of legendary death metal pioneers Carcass since 2012, he has also collaborated, toured and recorded with artists such as Aborted, Heaven Shall Burn and Kai Hansen.

Combining blistering speed, technical precision and an unmistakable sense of groove, Dan has carved out a signature style that is as powerful as it is versatile.

The Kits

Monarch Kit

Pearl Masters (1990s) - 4-ply maple with reinforcement rings

Recorded with drumsticks and snare wires on.

Crimson Kit

Tama Starclassic (2020s) - Walnut/birch (4-ply Birch + 2-ply American black walnut)

Recorded with drumsticks and snare wires on.

Blizzard Kit

Tama  Starclassic (2010s) - Maple

Recorded with drumsticks and snare wires on.

Additional Instruments

• 6 Kick drums - Tama, Pearl, and DW.
• 15 Snares - Tama, Pearl, Ludwig, VK, and Yamaha.
• 9 Rack Toms - Tama and Pearl.
• 6 Floor Toms - Tama and Pearl.
• 4 Octobans - Pearl.
• 4 Hi-hats - Zildjian and Paiste.
• 3 Rides - Zildjian and Paiste.
• 8 Crashes - Zildjian, Paiste, and Meinl.
• 3 Splashes - Sabian, Zildjian, and Paiste.
• 4 Chinas - Zildjian, Paiste, and Meinl.
• 1 Cowbell - LP.