WHAT’S NEW IN HANDY DRUMS V2.0?
by Goran Rista
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Handy Drums V2.0, a significant upgrade that brings a year’s worth of hard work to fruition. This version introduces substantial improvements across the board, enhancing sound quality, aesthetics, and usability to deliver an unparalleled virtual drumming experience.
AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENTS
Handy Drums’ main graphical user interface (GUI) has been fully vectorized, ensuring a crisp, clear appearance on any screen size and resolution. This update also features refined pencil artwork sketches, elevating the plugins’ visual appeal.
SOUND INNOVATIONS
- Remixed and Rebranded Kits: The iconic John Bonham-style kit, now known as the Rock Legend, has been remixed to offer a richer and more versatile sound, complete with new snare drum options.
Studio Legend has also been remixed for a more natural sound and will sit in the mix better than before. - Enhanced Sample Triggering: V2.0 introduces a more natural playing experience by employing random sample triggering, which avoids repetitive sounds and enhances the realism of the performance.
- Sophisticated Variable Hi-Hats: Advanced algorithms allow variable hi-hats to closely mimic real hi-hat performances, enhancing the authenticity of virtual drumming.
New Instrument Additions
The Latin Percussion & Drums section now boasts a doubled number of instruments and articulations, including three báta drums, a tambora, and more. The World Percussion plugin features a new higher-pitched djembe, and the Vintage Standard kit has been updated with better-sounding cymbals.
FUNCTIONAL AND USABILITY UPGRADES
- Accessibility Improvements: Efforts have been made to label and organize GUI components for better navigation, especially for users relying on screen readers.
- Mixer Enhancements: The main mixer now includes Solo buttons alongside Mute buttons for improved control, with added functionality for toggling all buttons simultaneously. New panners and individual elements mixers offer more nuanced sound customization.
- Expanded Outputs and Mapping Capabilities: The number of stereo outputs has been increased, and the mapping panel now features dynamic drum pads and blank mapping keys for greater flexibility.
- E-Drummer Mode: A special mode tailored for electronic drummers introduces tailored plugin adjustments for a more authentic playing experience.
- Load Samples on Demand: To optimize performance, samples are now loaded as needed, reducing memory usage and speeding up plugin loading times.
- MIDI Loop Browser: This standout feature makes finding and auditioning MIDI loops effortless, streamlining the drum track assembly process in your DAW.
Integration with Handy Grooves
Our comprehensive loop pack collection, Handy Grooves has been meticulously reorganized and integrated into the Handy Drums V2.0 ecosystem for seamless access and use. They now come with installers that will make them instantly available inside all Handy Drums’ MIDI Loop Browser.
All Handy Grooves MIDI packs have been updated to v2 for existing customers. If you have already purchased Handy Grooves, you can download the new version from your GoranGrooves Library Account.
SUMMARY
Handy Drums look better, sound better, and are more powerful and easier to use.
If you are new to Handy Drums, get a FREE TRIAL now.
If you own a previous version of Handy Drums, we have attractive upgrade options for you.
For a closer look into the new features, see the dedicated documentation.