Ultimate Studio Drums II: The Sequel - GB Discussion Thread

[Squids]

Big Band Jazz => OK
Bill Bruford => demo problem
Bonzo Hands => OK
British Rock => OK
Chambers => DrumMasters_GUI_S-Generic18.tga and DrumMasters_GUI_S-Generic6.tga missing
Classic Rock => OK
Copelnd => DrumMasters_GUI_S-Generic15.tga missing
Gottlieb => OK
DrumDoc RGC => 43 mwr-rgs*.wav
DrumDoc RGS => 43 mwr-rgs*.wav
Ed Greene 1/2 => OK
Hot Timbale => 50 nowerludwg*.wav
Jerry Marotta * => OK
John Blackwell => OK
Mower => 50 nowerludwg*.wav
NDV* => OK
Progressive => OK
Retro Soul => OK
Ring Beat => OK
Weck => DrumMasters_GUI_S-Generic7.tga and DrumMasters_GUI_S-Generic1.tga missing

X-Dark,

Can you tell me. There is a file in your Infinite Player folder called: "Studio ProFiles Infinite Player_info.nkx" can you look in the info or properties of the file and tell me the date? Also the exact size of it.

It should be January 4, 2010 and about 186.2 mb. If it isn't... that could be the TGA issue (because I am not having that issue here so far).

Thanks. Also if anyone else has that file and it is not that date and size let me know. Again I am going to help solve this swiftly here so I appreciate the feedback. If anyone is annoyed, scared, confused or frustrated by it just don't look... get the DVD option and don't even worry about it! For the brave downloading adventurers... thanks for the help in solving this. Normally I'd leave this to Allen and the support team but since I am in the thick of it here I might as well knock it out with Ryan who is staying late just to solve it with me. Thanks!

Also, X, you listed the kits but didn't say which version you were loading. IMAP? GM? VDRUM?

Is anyone else having issues specifically with it trying to find a TGA file? Not the missing snares, that we know. But the TGA file is a mystery at the moment. I have a feeling it has to do with what info.nkx file one has or an incomplete download of it or something like that but let's see... unfortunately Kontakt's NKX files will still "partially work" if partially downloaded which makes these things a little tricky to figure out but it can be done. Nature of the beast.

[tull1996]

No worries on this end. You guys have been keeping right up with issues that have come up.

I'll agree with one poster who said the process has been a little confusing at times, but the drums sound really good.

I've been comparing them to the Steven Slate drums I recently purchased, and though both are miles ahead of the 1990's era drum machine I HAD been using, after listening to both, the SR drums have to take the prize. The Slate drums will certainly get used here, as well, for some tracks, but yours seem to sound more "real" somehow and will likely see more use.

And all the extras were a nice touch. (Once I figure out how to use these studio space effects, I'm sure I'll get use from those, too.)

[todd_r]

I'm slightly lost. I've downloaded everything from esoundz, not installed anything yet, is anything going to have to be re-downloaded/patched? If so what?

(not done phase 3 yet)

Ta

[Squids]

I'm slightly lost. I've downloaded everything from esoundz, not installed anything yet, is anything going to have to be re-downloaded/patched? If so what?

(not done phase 3 yet)

Ta

Yes, I will let you know very soon exactly what to redownload. But don't worry, it may sound more confusing than it actually is.

Here's something good to know. The Infinite Library Installer REPLACES files for you with the latest updated zip of patches or samples we provide. If we have an updated one you simply drag and drop the latest one and it takes care of everything for you but as long as you don't move things around. That is the key. So don't move the patches anywhere and you'll be able to stay current with the latest. We had a few issues.

Okay, folks, we figured out the problem. X-Dark, you don't even have to tell me what the info.nkx's date and size is. We figured out what the issue is... and those from the last group buy probably remember it. This is that good old Info NKC and NKX issue cropping up again... you have to have the LATEST Studio_Profiles_Infinite_Player_Info.nkx AND nkc for all of the latest graphics to show up.

So, you have TWO options now to fix that!

One: We have now put the LATEST "Studio_Profiles_Infinite_Player_Info.nkx AND nkc" into everyone's user area... simply download that and drag and drop that zip onto your Infinite Library Installer - that should solve your missing TGA files.

or

Two: The last zip of samples in this is the "Extra Snares 2" zip. That will be available along with the Phase 2 Patches zip again in about an hour or less. When that is there you can actually SIMPLY download those two, drag and drop those zips onto the Infinite Library Installer and they should actually solve all of the issues in X-Dark's list. If they don't let me know.


Now, some of you may think "man, these guys really show their flaws out in the open"... let me tell you something. ALL companies have issues with this stuff. We deal with it in a straightforward and honest way. Granted we usually prefer to deal with support one on one because some people's problems are not the same as others and as you can see here... it is easy to cause confusion. So, I apologize for that! But, on the bright side you can see how much we care, how quickly we are on top of this stuff and how EASY it is to solve... just a lot of parts and elements involved but this is totally worth it if you want to have such a modular expandable workstation within Kontakt like this! It really is incredible and powerful... as you grow into being an Infinite Player user the minor hassle of dealing with things like an INFO file and patch updates will be FAR outweighed by the added value free updates, enhancements, add ons and expandability! You'll end up getting more for your money and from a company that has been around the block a few times... and one you know cares.

Plus, who else can you talk to at 2 am about this stuff?

Thanks for your patience.

Now, there are some minor updates also for the bonus Multitracks that are coming tomorrow. Nothing you guys couldn't set yourself but... we want it all set right (toms assigned to slots etc.) so I will keep you posted about that.

The final pieces of the puzzle should be in place by tomorrow when the mass of DVDs go out the door. SquidiMidi Grooves will be in your user area tonight as well (should be in about an hour as well). Those are iMap midi grooves from yours truly. Man I work hard!

[strangechild]

Haha. Well, the next group buy is actually NOT about drums... well only a little bit but mostly about something else entirely. More news about that coming up but it doesn't relate so much to this really...

What DOES relate to this (in case anyone is - hopefully - addicted) is the actual RELEASE of Drum Masters 2 Multitrack, Platinum, EpiK DrumS - A Ken Scott Collection, Neil Peart Drums and some more Signature Expansions such as Percussion, Snares, Cymbals, Hats... lots of cool stuff coming!

How 'bout getting this one to work.

I have to say that this entire process has been unpleasant, confusing and needlessly time consuming. Somehow you guys need to make it less convoluted.

Seriously, this is nothing personal. I'm just telling you my experience being a first-time customer of your product.

The drums, however, sound great.

Thanks.

We do our best. Most Kontakt Player products do not let you do it this "custom" and "a la carte" so we have to forge our own way, making our own installers and getting everything to line up in a product custom made just for a group buy. That's a big thing! You don't see too many companies doing that... because it is partially insane! But that's the only way to get such a good deal, so much for your money and even some exclusive one of a kind features/content that isn't even in the MAIN product release (this is not the MAIN product release by the way... "Ultimate Studio Drums" bundles are for these past two group buys only and are NO LONGER available to the public now).

So, maybe you didn't realize this was a custom made product perhaps... or the relative value difference (ie. Sonic Reality normally makes products like Ocean Way Drums and EpiK DrumS that sell for $500-$1,500 each) but a few minor hassles just to get it all together (you can even just opt for the DVD option which ships out tomorrow and was FREE... and with no hassles... this is just for the anxious ones who want to download right away - hopefully problem free but we're not the first soundware/software company to have bugs to fix!). I don't know what you'd be comparing to and if it is really apples to apples since virtually no other company does things quite like THIS but... in any case, we hope you see the big picture here and can appreciate the incredible value for the money. You love the sounds of the drums! That's good. So it is just a matter of everything lining up just right... it is complex and this product is hot out of the oven. A few EASY fixes, smooth downloading (which took us a major overhaul last time to be able to offer this time) and a lot of other quick resolutions in order to be able to offer so MANY people a great deal like this so efficiently.

In fact, I'd say it was going pretty well compared to ourselves in the past and other mass download/modular content products I've seen. It can be chaotic but on the other hand this is the future and cutting edge stuff we're talking about here! We hope it is worth it for you for the benefits you get from it all.

No doubt my own ignorance has been a factor. And now that I kind of know how the process works it doesn't seem all that bad.

For future releases, I do think you need to write out more comprehensive and properly formatted instructions. It's just a suggestion.

Thanks.

[Squids]

Okay, good news! It is all updated and there. I will come back later and tell you what to re-download but basically the Phase 2 Patch zip, the Extra Snares 2, make sure you have downloaded the new percussion samples zip...

Also SquidiMidi is now in your user area (or will be in minutes). I included both the grooves from the first one and the new ones so people that just joined USD2 would have them all... Over 250 IMAP Grooves! I told you I'd pack it in for ya.

Whew... I am going to go eat! I'll check back with you all in a bit. Have fun!

[pwedza]

I've purchased but not yet installed USD II. I'm having similar issues with USD I.

Is there a central location where we can follow these various updates and fixes? It is pretty difficult to scroll through threads trying to figure stuff out.

btw - the kits do sounds excellent and the product is great !!

[Squids]

I'll make a new thread that is specifically about procedures and updates in our company forum and give you all a link. We did this last time but I will make a new one.

Anyway, if you're new to it don't worry. It seems more complicated than it really is only because we run into hitches trying to squeeze the NI Kontakt Player system to be able to do such diverse expandability. You see, the Infinite Player is the only single Kontakt library that is expandable with so many gigabytes upon gigabytes of Drum Kits to Grooves to Sound Effects to every type of instrument in the world. It's pretty powerful! This is MUCH more than just a drum plug-in that you're getting here. It's a platform for being able to add high end instruments of all sizes from a company that "samples everything" (that's our motto actually) and you don't even need to OWN the powerful sampler that it uses (although getting full Kontakt 4 is highly recommended... or even Komplete 6 which is a nice thing to have if you're into things like Absynth which are pretty darn cool).

So... that world is now open to you. In other words, now that you have installed the Infinite Player within your Kontakt Player you are a simple drag and drop away from adding more sounds. Sure, we have some kinks to work out here so it could be a lot smoother... especially in the way of EXPLAINING this. I realize that could be a LOT better. Just you saying it means it is so. I totally agree. In fact, a massive effort is being made to make everything at SR much more clearly understood and easily found. But, yes, for starters I will make a separate thread because this one is even hard for me to keep track of as well... more for discussion but consolidated information for reference will have to be compiled. This stuff is brand spanking new, freshly squeezed natural with lots of vitamin C. (okay, now what is Squids talking about? He is a wacky guy I tell ya this Squids... even talks about himself in the third person! What's up with that?) Sorry, I lost my train of thought. Sometimes there's a man... sometimes there's a man... it's his time and place. Awe heck I about introduced him enough! (Fine, you win another easy one, name the movie! First one to name it gets 3 juicy epointz...)

Anyway you get my pointz?

[strangechild]

I've loaded all the new zips and I've checked every kit I have. The only tiny problem I came across is the GUI file for the Bruford kit is nowhere to be found.

One question about the MT kits. Maybe it;s more of a Kontakt 4 question: Is it possible to solo the OH, ROOM, and MISC outputs?

Thanks for all your hard work. It is appreciated.

[strangechild]

Sometimes there's a man... sometimes there's a man... it's his time and place. Awe heck I about introduced him enough! (Fine, you win another easy one, name the movie! First one to name it gets 3 juicy epointz...)

"TBL"

Okay, if you're going to quote one of my favorite movies, you're all right with me.

[Squids]

Sometimes there's a man... sometimes there's a man... it's his time and place. Awe heck I about introduced him enough! (Fine, you win another easy one, name the movie! First one to name it gets 3 juicy epointz...)

"TBL"

Okay, if you're going to quote one of my favorite movies, you're all right with me.

Hey, cool and you won by the way. THREE SONIC BUCKAROOS. That's 3 dollars value in what we call "epointz' which are credits on esoundz.com for getting more downloadable soundz. You can put it toward that new rug... it really did tie the room together did it not? What is your esoundz name?

I'll look into the issue with Bruford graphics... oddly enough the graphics worked when it was in demo mode... go figure. Easy fix though... maybe not at midnight but some time tomorrow we'll do a Global Patch update for USD2 that covers everything.

[bassman63]

Nothing in my Spam, why are you asking?

EDIt:
@Bassman - I misunderstood the question, I think you asked if Allen has a Spam Filter activated. Well, he hasn't responded to my Email describing my problem and I sent that 2 days ago. Guess he's just taking an easter break or so...

Sampleconstruct,

sorry to have made you misunderstood, and hope your request has been processed. I have received a message from Allen 10 hours ago, and now I see Bonzo MT kit downloadable in my "myaccount" area at esoundz.com.

best,

Nicky

[strangechild]

You can put it toward that new rug... it really did tie the room together did it not?

f'in'-a



Mr. Lebowski: What makes a man? Is it being prepared to do the right thing no matter the cost? Isn't that what makes a man?

The Dude: Uhhhm, sure... that and a pair of testicles.

So many great lines...

Bunny: He doesn't care about anything. He's a nihilist.

The Dude: Oh, that must be exhausting.

Hey, thanks for the epointz. That was easy, since I have that movie permantly on my ROKU player and I've watched it more times than I want to admit. It just makes me laugh. And it's so well written and paced.

I'll PM you my user name.

The Dude abides.

[Sampleconstruct]

Nothing in my Spam, why are you asking?

EDIt:
@Bassman - I misunderstood the question, I think you asked if Allen has a Spam Filter activated. Well, he hasn't responded to my Email describing my problem and I sent that 2 days ago. Guess he's just taking an easter break or so...

Sampleconstruct,

sorry to have made you misunderstood, and hope your request has been processed. I have received a message from Allen 10 hours ago, and now I see Bonzo MT kit downloadable in my "myaccount" area at esoundz.com.

best,

Nicky

Yep, Allen put 2 MT Kits in my Download area too - that was an easy fix...

[DarkStar]

One question about the MT kits. Maybe it's more of a Kontakt 4 question: Is it possible to solo the OH, ROOM, and MISC outputs?

Two ways to explore:
a) In Kontakt: display the Mixer, make sure that each drum kit piece is routed to its own Mixer channel (create them if needed) and drop the faders on the other Mixer channels,

b) In Kontakt, , route each Mixer channel to a different VSTi audio output; in your host route the VSTi audio outputs to different audio tracks, then you can solo the ones you want in your host.

This thread was done for Drum Masters 1 but much of it is still relevant:
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=243170
and there is good info here too:
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=277554

And this should help:
http://www.native-instruments.com/forum ... hp?t=96758


HTH