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Eastwest Stormdrum

5.0 (2)

3 Critic Reviews

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Eastwest Quantum Leap Stormdrum 2

$79.00

4.5 (7)

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Page last updated Feb 07, 2026

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Description

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The EastWest Stormdrum is a groundbreaking music software plugin that brings the thunderous power of cinematic percussion straight to your digital audio workstation. Designed by acclaimed producer Nick Phoenix, this virtual instrument is a treasure trove of epic percussion samples and loops meticulously recorded at the legendary Record Plant, Studio A. With a library that spans across 6 gigabytes of loops and multi-samples, Stormdrum offers an immersive experience into the world of film score percussion.

Whether you're scoring a blockbuster movie or crafting an intense trailer, Stormdrum's versatile sound palette has you covered. The collection includes two distinct libraries: the INTAKT loops and KOMPAKT multi-samples. The INTAKT engine is your go-to for loop manipulation, offering real-time time compression and legato looping that syncs seamlessly with your sequencer. KOMPAKT, on the other hand, excels in handling multi-sampled kits with features like disk streaming and auto sample alternation, making it the perfect tool for creating custom drum setups.

From the resonant boom of the Thunder Ensemble to the intricate rhythms of North African toms, each sample in the Stormdrum library is crafted to deliver rich, dynamic soundscapes. The collection's vast range of instruments includes everything from the ambient Egyptian bass drum to the powerful Japanese lion drum, providing endless possibilities for creative expression.

Key Features:

Over 6GB of loops and multi-samples from world-class percussionists
Includes Native Instruments' KOMPAKT and INTAKT sample players for both MAC and PC
Supports VST, DXi, ASIO, RTAS**, Audio Units, Core Audio, DirectSound
Features unique instruments like the Thunder Ensemble and ambient Taikos
Multi-sampled kits with up to 20-way velocity switching for authentic sound dynamics

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastwest Stormdrum.

Features and functionality

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The Taiko drum in Eastwest Stormdrum 2 & 3 is praised for its quality, helping achieve a powerful percussion sound reminiscent of Game of Thrones.
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The Opus engine potentially resolves previous issues with long load times in the Play engine, offering a smoother experience.
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Use cases and applications

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By layering orchestral percussion with timing offsets, users can create a flam effect, enhancing the epic feel of drum tracks in compositions.
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Combining different kick and floor tom samples with EQ and effects can help replicate the war drum sound, especially when dampened for a punchy attack and reverb added.
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Software and compatibility

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Ableton users can utilize James Holden's Group Humanizer plugin for humanizing percussion, whereas Cubase offers a built-in Humanize feature in its quantize section.
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Transitioning from the Play engine to the Opus engine requires purchasing new products; existing products won't automatically upgrade.
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Long-time users note that moving from Kontakt to the Play engine was seen as a downgrade in functionality.
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Comparisons

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Action Strikes is noted as an alternative for creating epic drum sounds, offering multiple styles for users seeking variety in their compositions.
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User experience

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Owners find that despite its age, Eastwest's older VSTs still deliver high-quality sound, comparable even to newer alternatives.
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Critic Reviews

Review: Eastwest Ministry of Rock and Storm Drum 3 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

EastWest's Storm Drum 3 shines with an expansive library of percussion sounds, brilliantly capturing the essence of world music. Mickey Hart's influence is palpable, offering a treasure trove of unique instruments and effects that inspire creativity. However, the steep learning curve and some technical quirks, such as unclear sample mapping and installation challenges, may deter those less experienced with digital audio workstations. While the sound quality is superb, the interface could use clarity. Despite these drawbacks, Storm Drum 3 is a powerful tool for those ready to explore its depths, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

Full Review

Quantum Leap Stormdrum 3

soundonsound.com

Quantum Leap Stormdrum 3 is a treasure trove for percussion enthusiasts, featuring a stunning array of meticulously recorded ethnic instruments from Mickey Hart's personal collection. The impressive breadth of sounds, particularly the powerful Japanese taiko drums and dynamic multi-percussion ensembles, offers composers a rich palette for diverse musical projects. However, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, and some may find navigating through the extensive library challenging. Additionally, the lack of isolated tracks in live loops could limit flexibility. Overall, while Stormdrum 3 excels in quality and depth, its size and complexity may not suit everyone.

positive

Full Review

EastWest Stormdrum 3 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Stormdrum 3 brings a stunning array of percussion sounds and exceptional playability, making it a must-have for any serious musician. With an extensive library of instruments and articulations, it excels in creating authentic, dynamic performances. However, it does suffer from occasional glitches with the PLAY 4 engine, which may disrupt workflow. Overall, this is an impressive tool for those seeking high-quality percussion sounds, albeit with minor technical hiccups.

positive

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Dominic Howard

Drummer, Music Producer

Muse

Verified via Paul Tingen - 'zen' guitarist and author

Used on The 2nd Law.

"Many of the drum samples came from Battery, and East West’s Stormdrums and RockDrums, with the last one only for demoing."

Yoko Shimomura

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Livedoor

The Intakt version of Stormdrum can be seen in the photo in this page from Shimomura's blog.

Dan Forden

Composer

Verified via Game-ost

"I’ve worked both at home and at Midway and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment over the years with a variety of different setups. Currently I’m running Pro Tools 8 on an 8-core Power Mac and I have a number of excellent musical plug-ins: Omnisphere, Stylus RMX, Kontakt, Play Libraries (Ministry of Rock, Stormdrum, Symphonic Choirs) and other Native Instruments plug-ins. I also use Vegas and Sound Forge for sound effects and other mixing and editing."