The Stories SDX is likely not for the metal drummer looking for hyper-compressed triggers, nor for the pop producer stacking 808s.
This soundbank is for the storytellers.
Unlike previous SDXs where velocity dictated volume, here, velocity often dictates texture. Hitting a tom softly triggers a "mallet roll" sample. Hitting it hard triggers a stick attack plus the resonance of the room breathing. This dynamic response is perfect for scoring emotional shifts in film or game soundtracks.
As of the latest update from Toontrack, the new Stories SDX retails for approximately $179 USD (€159 / £139). Existing Superior Drummer 3 owners will find it in the "New & Noteworthy" section of the Product Manager. There is currently no cross-grade discount for owners of other SDXs, but given the unique, narrative-focused content, it stands alone as a specialty tool rather than a replacement for your main rock library.
If you own Hans Zimmer SDX or The Rooms of Hansa, you know those libraries excel at bombast and power. The Toontrack Stories SDX soundbank new release is the polar opposite.
You get six fully mapped kits ranging from a classic 1960s jazz setup to a massive 26-inch kick drum rock kit. However, the "ghost" pieces are the highlight—rusty cymbals, paper-mâché snare tops, and bowed crotales.
Toontrack has effectively created a new instrument category: The Narrative Percussion Library. By focusing on the decay rather than the attack, and the room rather than the close-mic, the Stories SDX allows producers to paint with shadows. It asks the question: What is your drum track trying to say?
For composers who treat every sound as a character in a story, this is the most inspiring release of the year. Head over to Toontrack’s official website to hear the official audio demos, or fire up Superior Drummer 3 to start your own story today.
Have you tried the new Toontrack Stories SDX soundbank? Share your mix results in the comments below or join the discussion on our forum. toontrack stories sdx soundbank new
The Stories SDX, released on September 5, 2023, is a high-end sound expansion for Toontrack's Superior Drummer 3. Developed in collaboration with multi-Grammy-winning engineer Frank Filipetti, this library is designed as a "multi-genre" toolkit rather than a niche genre expansion. Core Content & Technical Specs
The expansion is substantial, requiring approximately 160GB of disk space for a full installation, which includes immersive 5.0 surround sound options.
6 Drum Kits: Sourced from Filipetti’s private collection and iconic sessions, spanning sounds from the 1930s to modern rock.
Extensive Percussion: Features over 30 percussion instruments, including timpani, congas, bongos, gongs, woodblocks, and orchestral bass drums.
Recording Location: Captured at Power Station New England, a studio modeled after the legendary Power Station in New York.
Versatile Tooling: Kits are sampled with various tools, including sticks, rods, and mallets, and feature "snare wires on/off" options for selected kits. Key Highlights & Features
Broad Sonic Palette: Unlike many SDXs that focus strictly on metal or jazz, Stories covers pop, rock, singer-songwriter, and even musical theater styles.
Mix-Ready Presets: Includes 64 presets engineered by Filipetti and the Toontrack team, ranging from raw, natural tones to highly processed, "glossy" sounds. The Stories SDX is likely not for the
Custom MIDI Library: Comes with dedicated MIDI grooves for each drum kit and specific patterns for the percussion collection, performed by Norman Garschke.
Acoustic Environments: Users can blend sounds from three distinct spaces: the main room and two different isolation booths. Expert Consensus
Reviewers from platforms like Sound On Sound and Production Expert highlight its value as a "first expansion" for those who want a versatile, high-quality addition to the core library without being boxed into a specific genre. It is particularly praised for its organic warmth and the rare inclusion of a comprehensive percussion set within a drum expansion.
The Stories SDX Go to product viewer dialog for this item. by Toontrack is a versatile sound expansion for Superior Drummer 3, released on September 5, 2023. Produced by multi-Grammy winner Frank Filipetti, it was recorded at the legendary Power Station New England. Key Features & Content
The library is designed to cover a broad spectrum of musical genres from the last 40 years.
Six Full Drum Kits: Each kit represents a different "mile marker" in Filipetti's career.
Modern Rock: 2000s DW Collectors Birch, designed for grit and power.
Classic Rock: 1960s Rogers Londoner, ideal for big 80s ballad and rock sounds. Have you tried the new Toontrack Stories SDX soundbank
Art Rock: 1970s Premier Elite, a "workhorse" kit with a loud, historical NYC sound.
Acoustic Songwriter: 1980s Gretsch Stop Sign Badge, focused on nuance and subtle singing tones.
Vintage Pop: 1960s Ludwig Super Classic, bringing out natural acoustic timber.
Musical Theater: 1930s Slingerland Radio King, recorded with sticks, rods, and mallets for extreme adaptability.
Percussion Collection: Includes 34 instruments like timpani, gongs, congas, bongos, and shakers, all recorded in the same 5.0 surround setup.
Recording Spaces: Captured in three distinct rooms—the main room for depth and brightness, and two isolation booths for tighter, more intimate sounds. Technical Specifications
⚠️ Storage Warning: This is a massive library requiring significant disk space. Toontrack Stories SDX - Expert Review | Audio Production