XLN Audio Addictive Trigger is a powerful drum replacement and enhancement plugin designed to revolutionize the way producers and engineers work with live-recorded drums. This innovative tool combines an intelligent triggering engine with high-quality drum samples from XLN Audio’s acclaimed Addictive Drums library. Addictive Trigger uses a novel FFT-based matching system called Audio Fingerprint, which accurately identifies drum sounds even in the presence of mic bleed or background noise. This advanced technology allows for precise detection of various drum hits, including ghost notes and different stroke types, ensuring that the correct articulations are played back. The plugin offers a user-friendly interface with four main pages: Kit, Edit, Reverb, and Beats. Users can easily assemble custom drum kits, make detailed adjustments to individual drums, apply global reverb effects, and browse through an extensive library of MIDI grooves. Addictive Trigger also features a built-in mixer with separate channels for each drum, overhead and room mics, and a master bus, providing extensive control over the final sound.
Pros:
• Highly accurate drum hit detection using Audio Fingerprint technology
• Intuitive interface with extensive sound shaping capabilities
• Large library of high-quality drum samples recorded in world-class studios
• Automatic parameter adjustment with SuperStart feature
• Seamless integration with Addictive Drums 2 for expanded sound options
Cons:
• Limited to 12 instruments per kit with a fixed configuration
• Primarily focused on rock-oriented sounds, which may not suit all genres
Addictive Trigger’s standout feature is its Audio Fingerprint technology, which sets it apart from other drum replacement plugins. This FFT-based analysis system accurately identifies drum hits even in complex audio environments, reducing false triggers and missed hits. The plugin’s ability to differentiate between stroke types played at similar velocities ensures that the correct articulations are reproduced, resulting in more realistic and nuanced performances.
The SuperStart function is another notable feature that streamlines the workflow by automatically analyzing the source material and providing suitable detection settings. This time-saving tool allows users to focus more on creative aspects rather than tedious parameter adjustments.
Addictive Trigger offers extensive sound-shaping capabilities through its multi-page interface. The Kit window allows users to assemble drum kits from individual sampled drums, while the Edit page provides detailed control over each drum’s sound. Users can apply various insert effects, adjust EQ, compression, and saturation, and fine-tune the overall character of each drum. Two global reverb generators with a dedicated editing window further enhance the spatial qualities of the drum sounds.
The plugin’s mixer section, permanently visible beneath the main window, offers individual control over each drum channel, overhead and room mics, and a master bus. Users can adjust volume, panning, and send levels to the two reverb engines for each channel. The stereo channels feature an innovative panning control that allows for both traditional left-right adjustment and width control.
Addictive Trigger comes loaded with a selection of high-quality drum samples from XLN Audio’s Addictive Drums 2 library. These samples were recorded in renowned studios like Fairfax Recording (formerly Sound City) and United Recording (formerly Ocean Way), ensuring professional-grade sounds right out of the box. The plugin supports layering and mixing of different drum sounds, allowing for creative sound design and customization. For users who already own Addictive Drums 2, Addictive Trigger offers seamless integration, allowing them to use their favorite presets and ADpak expansion sounds without any conversion or setting changes. This compatibility greatly expands the available sound palette and enhances the plugin’s versatility.
Addictive Trigger also includes a comprehensive MIDI loop library with thousands of full beats, songs, and fills covering various genres. These loops are searchable, can be synced to tempo, and easily integrated into projects through drag-and-drop functionality. The plugin supports multiple MIDI mapping options, including General MIDI and several electronic drum kit mappings.
Compared to other drum replacement plugins, Addictive Trigger stands out for its Audio Fingerprint technology, which offers superior accuracy in drum hit detection. While plugins like Drumagog and Trigger by Steven Slate Digital are popular choices, Addictive Trigger’s ability to differentiate between stroke types and accurately detect ghost notes gives it an edge in terms of realism and nuance. In terms of sound quality, Addictive Trigger benefits from XLN Audio’s expertise in drum sampling, as evidenced by the success of Addictive Drums. The included samples are of high quality and cover a wide range of styles, particularly in rock and pop genres. However, some users might find the sound palette less diverse compared to plugins like Superior Drummer 3, which offers a more extensive library spanning multiple genres. Addictive Trigger’s user interface is generally more intuitive and streamlined compared to some competitors. The SuperStart feature, in particular, sets it apart by simplifying the initial setup process. However, plugins like Trigger 2 from Steven Slate Digital offer more advanced MIDI editing capabilities within the plugin itself, which some users might prefer for detailed drum programming.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and engineers working with live-recorded drums in rock and pop genres
• Users seeking an accurate and easy-to-use drum replacement solution
• Addictive Drums 2 owners looking to expand their drum production toolkit
• Musicians who need to enhance or replace poorly recorded drum tracks
• Producers working on tight deadlines, thanks to the time-saving SuperStart feature
Addictive Trigger is a powerful and user-friendly drum replacement plugin that excels in accuracy and sound quality. Its innovative Audio Fingerprint technology sets a new standard for drum hit detection, allowing for precise triggering even in complex audio environments. The plugin’s intuitive interface, coupled with the time-saving SuperStart feature, streamlines the workflow for producers and engineers. Addictive Trigger’s high-quality drum samples, recorded in world-class studios, provide users with professional-grade sounds right out of the box. The extensive sound-shaping capabilities, including detailed editing options and a flexible mixer, allow for deep customization of drum sounds. While primarily focused on rock and pop genres, the plugin’s compatibility with Addictive Drums 2 expands its versatility. Despite some limitations in kit configuration and genre coverage, Addictive Trigger offers a compelling solution for those seeking to enhance or replace live-recorded drums with minimal hassle and maximum accuracy.