Toontrack – Drumopolis SDX

Few producers have had the same impact on music history as Tony Visconti. He not only pushed sonic boundaries and revived the sound of rock, but also created groundbreaking milestones in musical art during a career spanning nearly six decades. From landmark albums with iconic artists like David Bowie, T. Rex, and Thin Lizzy to numerous Grammy Awards and a Music Producers Guild Award for Outstanding Contribution, Visconti’s influence speaks for itself—it’s woven into the very fabric of music as we know it.

For this SDX, he showcased his fearless approach and insatiable curiosity at London’s legendary Metropolis Studios. Accompanied by his favorite drummer, seasoned British session musician Stephen Gilchrist (The Damned, Cardiacs, Graham Coxon), and engineer Liam Nolan (Adele, Rihanna, Drake, Stormzy), he oversaw the recording of eight drum kits selected to capture the most iconic moments of his illustrious career. 

The recording took place in two separate spaces in Studio A: the spacious main room and a smaller, soundproofed booth. The main room captured the punchy, edgy drums, reminiscent of Visconti’s Bowie-era work, while the booth featured the grittier sounds of Thin Lizzy and T. Rex. Both rooms featured a wide range of ambient sounds and the use of additional microphones, providing additional tonal nuances for the mixes. 

Additionally, the natural reverb in the adjacent stone room was captured using a stereo ribbon microphone, adding another organic layer to all the drum kits. In total, these kits cover eight different facets of rock – from loud and open to tight and harsh. Whether it’s glam, classical, alternative, art rock, progressive, or something else, you’ll find something for you.

In addition to the sounds, the package includes a wide selection of presets developed by Tony Visconti himself, as well as a MIDI library of grooves and fills by Stephen Gilchrist – all inspired by the various eras and works that made Visconti a legend. Drumopolis SDX is Tony Visconti’s legacy in drum form – captured with detail, depth, and an unmistakable passion for drums. Ready to create? Welcome to Drum City.