Solo Taiko Drums

from 8DIO:

8DIO Solo Taiko Drums is the most comprehensive set of deep-sampled Taikos on the market – containing over 4.200 samples and 3.9GB.  The library contains several larger Taikos (O-Daiko) down to a wide variety of smaller Taikos (Shimes) and everything in between. Solo Taiko Drum contains 60 different recordings of Taiko Drums and was recorded in two microphone perspectives (close and far). The two microphone positions allows you to sculpt a larger sound and potentially render Taiko in a surround environment too. The Solo Taikos also contains a variety of alternative articulations like different stick types, taikos played with hands, rimshots and clacks. In addition we also added a bonus sample set of Cannon Barrel sounds. It is common for Taiko ensemble to supplement the Taikos by playing on a metal barrel, which evidently symbolizes the barrel of a cannon.

contributor’s thoughts:

I just want to start by saying I LOVE these drums! They sound absolutely fantastic.

There are a number of different Japanese drums that have been sampled here giving the full spectrum range here. From deep thundering O-Taiko to the smaller shimes. I especially like the rimshots. They are such an important part of taiko playing.

Each drum and articulation is mapped out with 2 piano keys each making it easy to play on the keyboard with both hands.

I usually the close mic patches and I’ve noticed that I often need to boost the levels in my mixes because the levels seem a bit low. I’ve just been experimenting with adding the far mic patches and setting the MIDI channels the same so it’s triggering both and the sound gets much bigger and more powerful.

This instrument was one of their earlier ones which is reflected in the interface. It lacks all the bells and whistles that their newer libraries offer. Sometimes though I feel this is not a bad thing. I like to apply EQ, compression and reverb in my mix so it’s kind of a good thing that the instrument here just focuses on the playing instead of distracting you with cool graphics.