sfz format mapping of NDK (free demo version)

Introduction

Click here for more info on how to get the samples and to read about the kit. If you like the free kit, check out the full kit (as used in most of my jam sessions).

If you've not previously come across NDK (free demo version), you've been missing out. It's probably the best free drum kit on the web. The kit is recorded clean and pretty dry, so it's open to all kinds of processing to get it to sound like you want it to - far better than having been pre-processed to sound a certain way. Check out some of the demos in the naturalstudio forum.

The sfz format mapping uses the WAV samples available from the site above. The velocity layer assigments are taken from the (old ns_kit7free) Soundfont mapping. The attenuation may not be identical but works.

I've adjusted the gain applied to some of the instruments in the kit to my taste. It's very straight-forward to remove these -- just open the file in a text editor, find "volume=" and change the numer to 0 - or remove the setting, if you prefer.

Normal map

The first version below also includes "choke" keys an octave above the each cymbal (apart from the "extra" open hi hat). Other than that, the layout matches the Soundfont and is pretty close to the GM drum map.

ndk_demo.sfz

Alternate maps

These next three versions use a completely non-standard keymaps. I produced them as I was having trouble following several drumming tutorials because the placement of the GM drum map keys isn't the same as where the drums and cymbals in a real kit are positioned. These mappings are closer to that.

When you're playing, remember the sound you hear is from in front of the kit, facing it. The layout below is for sitting behind the kit, playing it. So the stuff on the left side of the kit sounds as if it's on the right. (The third one doesn't quite follow the original layout.)

Choking of all the cymbals (except the hihat: use the pedal!) is with the right-most key on my keyboard ;-) -- that's two octaves above middle C.

For the second and third alternatives:

• CC4 controls hihat - 0-63, as above; 64-127 swap Open and Closed sounds.
• Only the Open Hihat is muted by the other hihat notes.
• Snare single hits mute snare rolls.

Other sfz format mappings

Last updated: 22 January 2009
Atelier Robin re-releases the free kit!
13 April 2005: Uploaded third alternative mapping and updated second alternative (volumes, mapping).
22 December 2004: Uploaded second alternative mapping.
21 December 2004: (Later) Added choke to alternate map.
Added chokes to normal map; added first version of alternate map; expanded page to cope!
24 October 2004: Replaced page content and mapping.
23 October 2004: New mapping and spreadsheet added.
7 October 2004: Use &lt; rather than < in html.
6 October 2004: Amended URL for ns_kit.
1 May 2004: First version.