🔥Steven Slate Drums 5 $44.06 US!!! LOWEST PRICE EVER!

[peter]

NOTE: According to my check, this is the lowest price ever on Steven Slate Drums 5, lower than the Black Friday low of $48.79 US at Loot Audio.

Steven Slate Drums 5

The Drum Sounds Of Your Dreams
Slate Digital introduces SSD5, the long-awaited successor to the popular Steven Slate Drum Version 4. SSD5 offers a clear user interface with all important control elements at a glance, best sound quality thanks to the physically modeled playback algorithm and easy processing due to the sophisticated routing / mapping system.

Steven Slate Drum 5 Overview
Analog processed and unprocessed samples
Deluxe 2 drum library adds 50 new instruments
111 Snares, 103 Kicks, 115 Toms
16 Hi Hats, 49 Crashes, 10 Rides, 3 Splashes, 5 Chinas
Percussion pack of cowbell, (1 Clap 1 Tambourine 1 Cowbell)
Famous “artist modeled” kits
Drumkit or pad cells view allows up to 32 drum instruments
Completely reworked routing/mapping system
Over 15 GB of sound library

https://www.bestservice.com/en/steven_slate_drums_ssd5_platinum.html?aid=ZBgL2roqVxRSujmR

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51

[pseudopop]

I don’t know why, but I like drums. Can’t have too many of them.

Is there anything here that stands out in a good way? I want to buy this, but I need something to persuade my prefrontal cortex.

21

[peter]

On pseudopop said

I don’t know why, but I like drums. Can’t have too many of them.

Is there anything here that stands out in a good way? I want to buy this, but I need something to persuade my prefrontal cortex.

There’s a free version that gives you a taste of the full drum plugin with one drum kit and three presets. I’m a huge believer that when there is a free version of a free trial version, it’s best to download, install, and spend some time with that before deciding if you want the full product or not. As a former working drummer, I have some very strong opinions regarding sampled drums — what sounds I appeal to me. I find Steven’s drum plugin is best suited for high-energy rock. While SSD 5.5 includes a jazz kit, IMO, it’s the rock kits are what this plugin does best.

https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5/#SSD5FREE

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

2

[locrian]

I too like and own many drum VIs but, to my ears, these sound awful.

2

[pseudopop]

On peter said

There’s a free version that gives you a taste of the full drum plugin with one drum kit and three presets. I’m a huge believer that when there is a free version of a free trial version, it’s the best to download, install and spend some time with that before deciding if you want the full product. As a former working drummer, I have some very strong opinions for sampled drums. I find Steven’s drum plugin is best suited for high-energy rock. Granted, SSD 5.5 includes a jazz kit, but I think the rock kits are what this plugin does best.

https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5/#SSD5FREE

I have the free version and I like it well enough, but it doesn’t have 111 snares and 103 kicks, so I was wondering if the full version is just more of the same.

[peter]

On locrian said

I too like and own many drum VIs but, to my ears, these sound awful.

For anyone wondering, the WOW! reaction wasn’t from me. I’m completely cool — and even want — people expressing their honest opinions about sample libraries, plugins, and gears. It’s one of the things that forums are censoring more and more. I know directly that Mike Greene does that with VI-Control when someone shares a negative experience with one of a developer that pays for a presence there or advertisers (he even uses some of his pals to bully people who criticize advertising and subscription-paying developers, as Mike has explained to me, negative criticism of developers that pay to be on VI-Control is not what his forum is about; on the other hand, Mike encourages attacks on his competitors that don’t advertise with VI-Control; I’ve discussed these practices directly with Mike, BTW; he admitted freely to them to me or even explained them to me, and didn’t deny that the ethics of these practices aren’t great). There’s someone else in this community who’s a successful music journalist (I don’t know if he’s okay with me sharing who he is), who told me that GearSpace censored him for criticizing an advertiser.

That’s a reality for the big forums. That will NEVER be a reality at LinkedMusicians. The non-toxic policy is about how we treat one another, not censorship for expressing a negative opinion of a product or service or a negative experience you’ve had with a developer or manufacturer. The latter is really important to share. Positive opinions and experiences are great, but people are more hesitant to share negative opinions and experiences, especially if the consensus is very positive towards a product or brand. This community will always have the backs of members to express positive or negative experiences with products and the companies who make them without having to worry about repercussions from other community members or angry business owners.

And, FTR, Steven is a friend. But he has a business, and when you have a business, criticism of what you make and the services you provide is all fair game and I’m certain Steven agrees.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

4

[pseudopop]

$43.61 at JRR with the code FORUM.

https://www.jrrshop.com/steven-slate-drums-ssd.html

For US residents the difference isn’t much, but my price at Best Service is €49 (about $53), so this is significantly cheaper.

Edit:

$43.98 at AudioDeluxe + one month of EastWest ComposerCloud+ for free

https://www.audiodeluxe.com/products/virtual-instruments/steven-slate-drums-ssd-55

• This reply was modified 7 months, 4 weeks ago by pseudopop. Reason: Add AudioDeluxe

[peter]

I ran a sentiment analysis on Steven Slate Drums 5 (SSD5). For those who haven’t seen my threads about this, I’m working on introducing it in a section where members can review plugins, sample libraries, DAWs, etc. and see a summary of the posts from various online music / composers forums and social media sites. Here are the results:

The most common praises for Steven Slate Drums 5 (SSD5) include:

Sound Quality: Users consistently praise the sound quality of SSD5, noting that the samples are well-balanced, realistic, and “radio-ready.” The new physically modeled playback algorithm has improved the sound of all drums, even those from previous versions.

Ease of Use: SSD5 is lauded for its user-friendly interface and the ability to quickly dial in realistic drum performances. The software is described as easy to understand and navigate, even without reading the manual.

Versatility: The library offers a wide range of drum sounds suitable for various genres, with particular strength in rock and metal. It includes over 100 new drum kits and a variety of articulations for sonic variety.

Mix-Ready Sounds: Many users appreciate that the drum samples sit well in a mix with minimal processing required. They are described as “punchy” and “in-your-face.”

Value for Money: At $149 (or $99 for previous owners), many consider SSD5 to be well worth the price, especially given the quality and quantity of the samples provided.

Improved MIDI Grooves: While not all users utilize the MIDI grooves, those who do note a significant improvement in quality compared to previous versions.

Comprehensive Mixing Capabilities: Users appreciate the dedicated snare ring and bleed channels, which are considered time-savers when mixing.

Consistent Sound: SSD5 is praised for maintaining a signature sound that users find reliable and effective across various productions.

The most common criticisms of Steven Slate Drums (SSD5) include:

Interface and technical issues: Some users report difficulties with the plugin’s interface and experience frequent errors, making it almost unusable. There are complaints about having to re-download the software and dealing with persistent errors.

Copy protection: The use of iLok for copy protection is a deterrent for some potential users who prefer not to use this system.

Limited effects: Unlike some competitors, SSD5 doesn’t include built-in effects. Users need to configure multiple outputs and apply effects in their DAW, which some find restrictive9.

Limited cymbal options: While the cymbals are praised for their sound quality, some users note that there aren’t many cymbal options available compared to other drum libraries.

Lack of integrated features: SSD5 is criticized for not having an integrated groove editor or extensive groove library, which some users find limiting compared to other drum software.

Artificial sound: Some users, particularly drummers, find that the samples sound artificial compared to real drums.

Similarity to previous versions: Some users find it difficult to discern significant improvements between SSD5 and its predecessors, particularly in terms of the interface and overall functionality.

Limited MIDI grooves: While the MIDI grooves have improved from previous versions, some users still find them lacking compared to other drum software options.

Boomy toms: Some users struggle with controlling the “boomy-ness” of the toms, finding it difficult to remove unwanted resonance.

Lack of comprehensive features: When compared to some competitors, SSD5 is criticized for missing features like extensive mixing capabilities, effects, or more comprehensive groove options.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 4 weeks ago by peter.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

2

[peter]

On pseudopop said

$43.61 at JRR with the code FORUM.

https://www.jrrshop.com/steven-slate-drums-ssd.html

For US residents the difference isn’t much, but my price at Best Service is €49 (about $53), so this is significantly cheaper.

Edit:

$43.98 at AudioDeluxe + one month of EastWest ComposerCloud+ for free

https://www.audiodeluxe.com/products/virtual-instruments/steven-slate-drums-ssd-55

I appreciate when people beat a deal! But as all of these prices are very close to that of Best Service, folks who want to help support this site can easily do so by purchasing from the Best Service affiliate link in the original post. I think 7% of the price — before tax comes back to support LinkedMusicians. It’s not a lot, but it helps. To give an idea, even sending email is costly. With the cost of the plugins / scripts, support contacts (there are several major plugins/scripts), etc., I’ve put in more than a couple of thousand dollars into the site to date and will need to spend more to accomplish some of things I have on the site roadmap that I’ve shared. But even if I wasn’t building functionality there are ongoing costs like hosting, email, service contracts, software updates (if you don’t keep the software updated it can not only have issues, it can have vulnerabilities that make it easy to hack; I just avoided a potential hack and had to remove software I paid for due to a vulnerability and am awaiting a patch).

• This reply was modified 7 months, 4 weeks ago by peter.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

1

[peter]

HERE’S THE UNEDITED SENTIMENT  ANALYSIS I JUST RAN. IT’S A DETAILED SUMMARY OF WHAT USERS OF SSD5 HAVE WRITTEN IN FORUMS (I MAY BE USING SUBREDDITTS, YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK, ETC. TOO), BUT THIS WAS LIMITED TO ANALYZING POSTS ABOUT SSD5 ON THREE POPULAR FORUMS:

Many users have expressed strong positive opinions regarding the sound quality and realism offered by Steven Slate Drums 5. One user on Gearspace described the sound engine as “brilliant” and the most “natural” they had encountered . The inclusion of previously unreleased “OG One-Shot snare samples” in the 5.5 update was also praised for adding “incredible punch, fatness, consistency and depth” to the sound . For some, SSD5 achieves a level of realism comparable to playing a physical drum kit, especially when monitoring through headphones . This user further noted that the drums sound “real and beautiful from the get-go” with minimal adjustments needed. The Deluxe 5 samples, in particular, have been highlighted for their quality, with one user on VI-Control and KVR Audio noting an “unusual (in a good way)” characteristic that makes them sound well-mixed right from the start . Endorsements from prominent industry professionals, such as Jeff Juliano and Jay Baumgardner, further bolster the perception of exceptional sound quality, with claims of the samples being the “best sounding available” with significant punch and versatility to fit various mixes . The “mix-ready” nature of the presets is frequently cited as a significant advantage, streamlining the production process by providing sounds that integrate well into a mix with minimal effort . The fact that the samples were “Analog Processed and Raw Samples Recorded to 2-Inch Tape” contributes to a sonic character that many users find appealing and authentic . The consistent praise for the natural, realistic, and punchy sound suggests a core strength of SSD5 that resonates deeply with its user base. This sonic foundation is likely a key factor in the plugin’s popularity and reputation within the music production community. The emphasis on mix-readiness reflects a design choice that prioritizes efficiency and ease of use, allowing producers to focus more on the creative aspects of their work. The positive feedback on the Deluxe 5 samples and the improvements made to older samples with the new engine indicate a commitment to sonic excellence.

Beyond sound quality, users have also lauded the ease of use and workflow efficiency offered by SSD5. The redesigned graphical user interface (GUI) has been consistently described as “easy to use” and navigate, often to the point where a manual is not immediately necessary . The inclusion of “lightning-fast MIDI features” contributes to a responsive and smooth experience when working with MIDI drum parts . The provision of “processed kits” allows users to quickly access production-ready sounds, accelerating the initial stages of music creation . A standout feature in terms of workflow is Groove AI, which has garnered significant attention for its intelligent groove creation capabilities . Users appreciate the ability to tap in rhythms or drag in audio files to instantly generate drum patterns. The customization options within Groove AI, such as the Kick and Snare dials and the Morph feature, provide flexibility in shaping the generated grooves. Furthermore, the complete song builder functionality allows users to arrange entire drum tracks within the plugin. The ease of routing SSD5 to a digital audio workstation (DAW) via AUX channels and routing presets simplifies the integration process into existing production setups . The ability to load a substantial number of drum instruments and user-created one-shot samples simultaneously offers creative flexibility within a single instance of the plugin . This focus on user-friendliness suggests an intentional design philosophy aimed at making SSD5 accessible to a wide spectrum of users, regardless of their experience level. A streamlined workflow enhances productivity and reduces potential frustration, making the plugin more appealing to music creators. The Groove AI feature appears to be a particularly valuable addition, offering innovative ways to generate and manipulate drum patterns, which can be a significant time-saver and source of inspiration.

The extensive library content and variety within Steven Slate Drums 5 have also been positively received. The plugin boasts a large number of included kit presets (over 138) and a comprehensive selection of individual instruments, including a wide array of kicks, snares, toms, hi-hats, crashes, and rides . The categorization of these kits into various styles, such as processed, raw, jazz, metal, vintage, and indie, makes it easier for users to locate sounds suitable for their specific musical genres . The inclusion of over 2,400 MIDI grooves provides a rich source of rhythmic ideas and starting points, particularly beneficial for users who may not have extensive drumming or drum programming experience . The availability of artist and famous drum kits, along with dedicated expansion packs featuring the signature sounds of artists like Frank Zummo, Patrick Carney, and engineers like Chris Lord-Alge, caters to users seeking specific sonic aesthetics or wanting to emulate the drum sounds of renowned musicians and producers . The addition of previously unreleased “OG One-Shot” snare samples offers a unique element that may particularly appeal to long-time followers of Steven Slate’s work . The sheer volume and stylistic diversity of the included content suggest that SSD5 aims to be a versatile solution capable of addressing the needs of producers working across a wide range of musical styles, potentially reducing the need to invest in multiple specialized drum libraries. The focus on artist-specific content and unique samples indicates an effort to provide both broadly useful sounds and more specialized, desirable elements for specific user segments.

SEE NEXT POST…

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

[peter]

…CONTINUED

Finally, the value proposition of Steven Slate Drums 5 has been highlighted as a significant positive. The availability of an “affordable upgrade path” for existing users of previous versions is a welcome aspect for loyal customers . The outright purchase price, particularly when offered at a discount (such as the mentioned $99), has been described as a “slamming deal” or a “steal” by multiple users , indicating a perception of excellent value for the features and content provided. The provision of a fully functional, never-expiring demo version (SSD 5.5 FREE) allows potential buyers to thoroughly evaluate the plugin before committing to a purchase, reducing the risk and enabling informed decision-making . Offering an affordable upgrade path is a strategic move that helps retain existing users and encourages adoption of the latest version. The perception of SSD5 as a great deal at its price point suggests a strong competitive advantage in the virtual drum software market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious producers. Providing a free demo is a crucial step in allowing potential users to experience the plugin firsthand, increasing the likelihood of purchase if it meets their needs and workflow.

Despite the numerous positive aspects, users have also voiced several unfavorable opinions, criticisms, and reported various technical issues with Steven Slate Drums 5. Some users have encountered technical problems, such as issues with the hi-hat sound, which has been described as “loose” and lacking a tight closed sound, unlike in other comparable plugins . One user reported missing MIDI grooves and samples after performing a complete reinstall, raising concerns about the reliability of the installation process . A particularly frustrating issue for some users has been the constant need to redownload the plugin after parts of the kits fail to load or cause errors, significantly impacting usability . A DAW-specific bug was reported where cymbals would not stop ringing after hitting the stop button in Logic, causing inconvenience during mixing and bouncing tracks . The Groove AI feature, while praised for its potential, has also been a source of frustration for some. One user detailed issues with jumbled groove information, tempo discrepancies, and the requirement for mono audio input, leading to an unrewarding initial experience . This user also found the generated drum hits to be less precise and imaginative than hoped . Furthermore, compatibility issues with expansion packs have been reported, such as the Blackbird expansion not working after updating from a previous version of SSD . These technical issues, ranging from specific instrument problems to installation and DAW integration challenges, can significantly detract from the user experience and may prompt users to seek more stable alternatives. Problems with key features like Groove AI can undermine their intended benefits and lead to user dissatisfaction if not addressed. Compatibility issues with updates can erode user trust and create frustration for those who have invested in additional content.

Subjective criticisms regarding the sound characteristics of SSD5 have also emerged. Some users have found the samples to sound “quite processed” and “somewhat fake,” suggesting a preference for a more natural or raw drum tone . One drummer expressed the opinion that all of Slate’s drum samples sound “artificial,” a strong critique from someone with a deep understanding of acoustic drums . The sound has been described as “produced up-maybe a bit plastic in the upper mids,” catering primarily to a “heavily produced drum sound” often found in genres like hard rock . This specialization might limit its appeal for users working in genres that require a more nuanced or organic drum sound. Some users have felt that certain presets are “overprocessed,” further reinforcing the idea that the sonic character might be too polished for some tastes . Additionally, some kits have been criticized for having “too much room sound,” making it difficult to achieve a tighter sound suitable for genres like funk or jazz . The perception of the sound as overly processed or artificial is subjective but indicates a potential mismatch between the sonic aesthetic of SSD5 and the preferences of some users. The specialization towards a heavily produced sound may limit its versatility across different musical genres. Issues with excessive room sound highlight a need for greater control over the ambience within the plugin.

Feature limitations and missing functionality have also been points of criticism. Compared to competitors like Superior Drummer and Addictive Drums, SSD5 has been noted to lack built-in effects, potentially requiring users to rely on external plugins for sound shaping . The player in SSD5 has been described as lagging behind in terms of programming features compared to some alternatives, suggesting that it might not offer the same level of detailed control over MIDI performance . The absence of the ability to control snare and ride position via MIDI continuous controllers (CC 16 and 17) limits the expressive potential for users with advanced MIDI drum controllers . The locked panning of room and overhead microphones to the drummer’s perspective, without an easy way to swap channels within the SSD Mixer, restricts flexibility in stereo imaging . Users have expressed disappointment that Groove AI does not allow direct drag-and-drop of audio from the DAW sequencer, a convenient feature found in EZ Drummer . Some users have expressed a general dissatisfaction with the hi-hat sounds within SSD . There has also been a desire for more content focused on well-recorded natural drums, rather than primarily relying on processed sounds created by “big name mixers” . The lack of a true Dual Pan option within the SSD Mixer has also been noted as a limitation for precise stereo control . The absence of built-in effects and advanced programming features places SSD5 at a disadvantage for users seeking an all-in-one solution. Limitations in MIDI control and stereo imaging restrict the level of sonic customization and expressiveness. Comparisons with features offered by competitors, such as EZ Drummer’s Groove AI implementation, highlight potential areas for improvement in workflow efficiency.

Concerns regarding workflow and the user interface have also been raised. While SSD5 aimed for an improved GUI, past versions (specifically SSD4) were described as having “cumbersome” routing . More recently, a user praised the sound quality but described the interface as “terrible,” citing constant redownloading and errors that rendered the product almost unusable . This suggests that while the visual design might be improved, underlying stability and usability issues persist for some users. Past difficulties with routing and more recent complaints about interface stability indicate areas that require ongoing attention to ensure a positive user experience.

When compared to other drum software, Steven Slate Drums 5 is often positioned in a specific segment of the market. Superior Drummer is consistently viewed as a more in-depth and flexible option, offering greater realism and control over aspects like room ambience and microphone bleed . However, this comes at a higher price point and with a steeper learning curve . While Superior Drummer requires more mixing to achieve a final sound, SSD5 is often preferred for its mix-ready presets, making it suitable for demo work and users seeking immediate results . EZ Drummer is lauded for its ease of use, extensive library of MIDI grooves, and intuitive search functionality . A point of comparison is Groove AI in SSD5 versus EZ Drummer’s “band mate” feature, with some users noting the more direct audio drag-and-drop capability in EZ Drummer as an advantage . While some find EZ Drummer less “hard-hitting,” others have switched from SSD to EZ Drummer, citing SSD as “lacking” . Addictive Drums 2 is appreciated for its blendability and the ease with which users can select snare sounds across different libraries, a feature not found in Toontrack products . SSD5 is also noted to work effectively with Steven Slate Audio’s Trigger 2 plugin for augmenting or replacing acoustic drums . For users requiring maximum control over every aspect of the drum sound, BFD3 is often recommended alongside Superior Drummer . Generally, SSD is considered easier to use and performs well for rock and metal genres, though it can sometimes exhibit a “machine gun” effect due to sample repetition . The free version of Steven Slate Drums is often cited as a good starting point, particularly for rock and heavier styles of music . These comparisons highlight that different virtual drum instruments cater to varying needs and preferences. SSD5 appears to strike a balance between ease of use and a produced sound, particularly excelling in rock and metal. Users choose based on their priorities, whether it’s sonic realism, ease of workflow, level of control, genre-specific sounds, or budget.

Conclusion
The sentiment surrounding Steven Slate Drums 5, as reflected in online music forum discussions, reveals a generally positive reception, particularly concerning its sound quality and ease of use. Users frequently praise the natural, punchy, and mix-ready character of the samples, especially within the rock and metal genres. The improved GUI and the innovative Groove AI feature are also significant points of appreciation, contributing to an efficient workflow. The extensive library content and the perceived value, especially when considering sale prices and the availability of a free demo, further enhance its appeal.
However, the analysis also identifies areas of concern. Technical issues, including installation problems, DAW-specific bugs, and inconsistencies with certain features like the hi-hat and Groove AI, have been reported. Subjective criticisms regarding the sound being overly processed or artificial for some users, along with limitations in features compared to competitors (such as the absence of built-in FX and advanced programming options), also warrant consideration.

Overall, Steven Slate Drums 5 is positioned as a powerful and user-friendly drum plugin that particularly resonates with producers working in rock and metal who prioritize a polished, mix-ready sound and an efficient workflow. While it may not offer the same level of depth and customization as some higher-end alternatives, its strengths in sound quality, ease of use, and value make it a compelling option for a significant segment of the music production community. Addressing the reported technical issues and considering potential enhancements in areas such as hi-hat control, stereo imaging flexibility, and Groove AI usability could further elevate user satisfaction and solidify its standing in the competitive virtual drum software market.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

[peter]

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

2

[peter]

So, I realize that most people are going to want concise summaries, not 3,000 word summaries, but I was just blown away at how good this analysis was. I agree with a lot of it. I think the chart is also really well done. So, for here, I just need to set things up for a more concise format, but to have competitive analysis charts where it makes sense.

Of course, most developers won’t love this idea. But as I’ve shared many times, this is my passion project and I’m creating a community based on deconstructing marketing / promotion and hype, influencers, and deceptive practices in this industry to give my fellow musicians and producers more honest information when researching products and services.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

1

[peter]

So, I’m refining my prompt for the sentiment analysis and I can use your input. I was thinking I could make the analysis 750 words or 500 words PLUS a chart contrasting the plugin or sample library with competitors. Would you prefer 500 or 750 words? My guess is that people will prefer 500 words WITH the chart. Please let me know your thoughts.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

1

[thesteven]

FYI According to Best Service sale is until April 10th.

1

[Author]

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