Rigid Audio Videogamedrums is a specialized Kontakt instrument designed to emulate the iconic drum and percussion sounds of classic video game consoles. This unique plugin aims to capture the nostalgic essence of 8-bit and 16-bit era gaming audio, offering users a vast library of retro-inspired drum samples and an intuitive interface for crafting authentic chiptune-style beats. With 222 preset drumkits and 381 categorized source drum sounds, Videogamedrums provides a comprehensive toolkit for producers, composers, and sound designers looking to infuse their tracks with vintage gaming flavor. The plugin’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, featuring a straightforward preset browser, three customizable macro knobs, and a range of sound-shaping options to fine-tune each drum hit. Videogamedrums goes beyond mere sample playback, incorporating various synthesis techniques to generate authentic chip-style tones, allowing users to create both faithful recreations of classic game soundtracks and modern interpretations of retro gaming audio.
Pros:
• Extensive library of 222 preset drumkits and 381 source sounds
• User-friendly interface with easy preset browsing and customization options
• Authentic recreation of classic video game console drum sounds
• Ability to save custom presets for future use
• Three versatile macro knobs for quick sound shaping
Cons:
• Requires full version of Kontakt 5.8.1 or higher
• Limited to retro gaming-style sounds, which may not suit all production needs
Videogamedrums boasts an impressive array of features designed to deliver an authentic and versatile retro gaming drum experience. At its core, the plugin offers 222 carefully crafted drumkits, each capturing the essence of different gaming eras and consoles. These presets range from faithful recreations of iconic 8-bit sounds to more complex 16-bit inspired kits, providing users with a wide palette of nostalgic tones to choose from.
The sound engine of Videogamedrums is built upon 381 categorized source drum sounds, meticulously sampled and synthesized to emulate the characteristics of classic gaming hardware. These sounds are organized into three distinct categories, each containing 127 samples, allowing for easy navigation and selection. Users can mix and match these source sounds to create custom kits tailored to their specific needs.
One of the standout features of Videogamedrums is its intuitive preset browser. This system allows users to quickly audition and select from the vast library of preset kits, streamlining the workflow for those seeking instant inspiration. Additionally, the ability to save custom presets ensures that users can store their unique creations for future use, building a personalized library of retro-inspired drum sounds.
The plugin’s interface is centered around three macro knobs, each offering multi-assignments for rapid sound shaping. These knobs can be customized to control various parameters simultaneously, allowing for complex modulations with a single twist. This feature is particularly useful for live performances or quick adjustments during production.
Videogamedrums incorporates several sound-shaping tools to fine-tune each drum hit. Users can adjust parameters such as pitch, decay, and bit depth to achieve the desired level of retro authenticity or to create entirely new sounds inspired by classic gaming tones. The plugin also includes basic effects like reverb and delay, adding depth and space to the typically dry and punchy chiptune sounds.
A unique aspect of Videogamedrums is its approach to synthesis. While many of the sounds are sample-based, the plugin also utilizes various synthesis techniques to generate authentic chip-style tones. This hybrid approach allows for a broader range of sounds and greater flexibility in sound design, bridging the gap between faithful emulation and creative exploration.
The plugin also features a randomization function, enabling users to generate new and unexpected kit combinations with a single click. This tool is invaluable for breaking creative blocks and discovering unique sound palettes that might otherwise go unexplored.
Lastly, Videogamedrums includes MIDI mapping capabilities, allowing users to assign different drums and parameters to their preferred MIDI controllers. This feature enhances the plugin’s playability and integration into existing studio setups, making it a versatile tool for both studio production and live performance.
In the niche market of retro gaming-inspired music production tools, Videogamedrums stands out for its focus on drum and percussion sounds. While there are several chiptune-oriented plugins available, many of them concentrate on melodic instruments or full console emulations. Plogue’s chipsounds, for instance, offers a broader range of chip-based sounds but lacks the specialized drum focus of Videogamedrums. Similarly, Impact Soundworks’ Super Audio Cart provides a comprehensive collection of samples from various gaming consoles but covers a wider range of instruments beyond just drums. Compared to more general drum machine plugins like Native Instruments’ Battery or XLN Audio’s Addictive Drums, Videogamedrums offers a much more specialized sound palette. While these general-purpose drum plugins may include some retro-inspired kits, they don’t provide the depth and authenticity in the chiptune realm that Videogamedrums does. In terms of user interface and workflow, Videogamedrums’ straightforward approach and focus on preset browsing make it more accessible than some of its competitors. Plugins like FXpansion’s Geist2, while powerful, offer a more complex interface that may be overwhelming for users seeking quick access to retro drum sounds. Videogamedrums’ ability to save custom presets and its randomization feature set it apart from some simpler chiptune tools, offering a balance between ease of use and customization that many similar plugins lack.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and composers working on retro gaming-inspired music or chiptune tracks
• Sound designers seeking authentic 8-bit and 16-bit era drum sounds for video game projects
• Electronic musicians looking to incorporate nostalgic gaming elements into their productions
• Hobbyists and enthusiasts of retro gaming culture and music
Videogamedrums plugin offers a specialized and comprehensive solution for producers, composers, and sound designers seeking authentic retro gaming drum sounds. With its vast library of preset kits and source sounds, the plugin provides an extensive palette of nostalgic tones that capture the essence of classic 8-bit and 16-bit era gaming audio. The user-friendly interface, featuring an intuitive preset browser and customizable macro knobs, makes it easy for users to quickly find and shape the desired sounds. The ability to save custom presets adds a layer of personalization, allowing users to build their own library of unique retro-inspired drum kits. While the plugin’s focus on gaming-style sounds may limit its versatility in some production contexts, it excels in its niche, offering a level of authenticity and depth that is hard to find in more general-purpose drum plugins. The inclusion of synthesis techniques alongside sampled sounds provides a good balance between faithful emulation and creative sound design possibilities. Despite requiring the full version of Kontakt, which may be a barrier for some users, Videogamedrums stands out as a powerful tool for anyone looking to infuse their productions with the nostalgic charm of classic video game percussion. Its straightforward approach, combined with the depth of its sound library, makes it an valuable asset for both quick inspirations and detailed sound crafting in the realm of chiptune and retro gaming-inspired music.