DK+ Virtual Drums

I use Tracktion now as my primary host, having moved off Reason. I like the Reason instruments but find Rewire clumsy to use compared to VST instruments, so have been carefully selecting "Reason alternatives" for Tracktion.

For the drum sampler, I recently purchased DK+. It was the right decision and at the current special price of $US 38, a bargain for the features.

As a drum sampler, it fits the bill perfectly.
I can't comment on the sequencer - I don't use it. I'd rather do my sequencing in Tracktion.
There is no drum synthesiser - but there are plenty of good free drum synths out there.

Pros: (i.e the features that were important to me)
- Very easy to use and very easy to set up custom kits
- Sample preview in the .wav file browser
- CPU friendly
- Excellent sound quality
- Built-in reverb (adjustable by drum pad - hurrah!!)
- Built-in compressor
- Small footprint. No bloatware here.

Cons:
- Included sound library is ok (some very nice vintage drum machine kits), but nowhere near as comprehensive as DR008, RMIV etc.
- Only supports it's own format and apparently LM4 for kits (at this stage).

I get the feeling that this product will improve substantially with new versions. The improvements from v1.04 to 1.1 are already quite significant. All the important basics are there now and I would highly recommend to musicians who are on a tight budget and have access to plenty of .wav drum samples.Read Review