Toontrack LA Sessions SDX is a premium drum library for Windows. One engineer whose sonic signature can be discerned in an incredible musical legacy is Niko Bolas. Over a remarkable forty-year career, his approach to the art of recording has helped shape iconic works by artists across the musical spectrum. In this SDX, Niko showcases his years of experience, bringing to life his vision of the perfect drum extension: nine carefully curated kits, many of which were personally owned by some of the world’s most iconic session drummers, recorded with the detail, character, and uncompromising curiosity that have defined his work for decades.
The Village Studios
When it comes to drums, the acoustics of the room are just as important as the instruments themselves. For these sessions, Niko chose his favorite spot on the Los Angeles session map: The Village. It has hosted everyone from legends like the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan to modern giants like Lady Gaga and Coldplay, and has hosted iconic sessions since the late 1960s.
After careful testing, Niko settled on three key locations in the main room of Studio D: the piano area, the studio floor, and the raised stage. He also placed some drum kits in the sealed vocal booth to create a fourth, completely contrasting effect. To capture all of this, he used an extensive array of microphones, even capturing the sound of strings resonating inside the studio’s grand piano for an extra dose of retro, dancefloor-like ambiance.
Legendary Drum Kits
Paying homage to some of the legendary session musicians he has worked with over the years, Niko leveraged several connections to secure personal drum recordings from Kenny Aronoff, Steve Jordan, Denny Fongiser, Charlie Drayton, Anthony LoGerfo, Russ Kunkel, and Stella Mozgawa. The result is a wide palette of drums, perfect for everything from sophisticated jazz, acoustic pop, and rootsy singer-songwriters to bold rock.
Installation Options
Standard Installation
Default Mic Setup. This is the standard install of the library featuring all close, primary overhead, ambience, and all room microphones. This is the minimum install for presets to sound as intended.
Use OBW-File:
- LASSESSIONSBOOTH 1-17
- LASSESSIONSFLOOR 1-14
- LASSESSIONSPIANO 1-25
- LASESIONSRISER 1-15
Full Installation
Full Mic and Bleed Setup. This is the full install of the library featuring all close, overhead, and room microphones plus additional bleed in the close microphones.
Use OBW-File:
- LASESIONSBOOTH 1-28
- LASESIONSFLOOR 1-21
- LASESIONSPIANO 1-34
- LASSESSIONSRISER 1-24
Key Features
- Nine carefully curated drum kits
- Recorded by Niko Bolas at The Village in Los Angeles
- Personal kits from iconic session drummers
- Four distinct recording locations including piano area, studio floor, raised stage, and vocal booth
- Extensive microphone array including grand piano string resonance
- Wide palette suitable for jazz, acoustic pop, singer-songwriter, and rock
- Standard and Full installation options
Format and Compatibility
Format: Soundbank for Windows and macOS.
Requires Toontrack Superior Drummer 3 or EZdrummer (depending on SDX compatibility).
File Size: 146.38 GB
