Virtual Drummer

Virtual Drummer is a collection of drum-instrument plug-ins for producers building programmed parts from built-in sounds, styles and phrases. It suits writers who want MIDI parts they can edit or route elsewhere; the collection’s breadth is its main draw, while the lack of personal sample import is a real constraint.

Overview

Virtual Drummer focuses on drum tracks rather than serving as a general-purpose instrument. Its MIDI drag-and-drop and Direct MIDI Out options let producers move parts into a DAW for editing or send them to other instrument and MIDI tracks.

The Drummer’s Bundle combines eight drummers, 35 kits, 301 styles, 6,941 phrases, 895 presets and 36 mix presets. That breadth makes it the strongest fit for producers who want several directions in one purchase. Individual titles are more focused, and the whole series excludes importing your own samples, so it is a poor match for workflows built around a personal drum library.

Key features

• Styles and phrases: The titles span Nu Disco, 70s, rock, grunge, punk, contemporary 60s and 70s sounds, and urban or funky grooves. The range offers useful starting points across several styles, but the supplied material sets the limits of the palette.
• MIDI editing and routing: Drag MIDI into a DAW or send it directly to another instrument or MIDI track. This suits producers who want to refine a generated part or use another sound source, rather than keep every element inside the plug-in.
• Per-drummer mixing: Each drummer includes five kits and six mix presets, alongside individual sound-shaping controls, multiple audio outputs and a master section. Those options support more tailored mixes and routing; they are more useful to producers who want control over separate drum sounds than to anyone seeking only a fixed stereo loop.
• Studio One piano-roll guidance: Studio One users can see style and drum-element names on piano-roll keys, with style and instrument ranges highlighted. That context can make MIDI editing more legible in that DAW; it is a specific advantage for Studio One users, not a general feature across hosts.
• Compatibility and legacy format: Current UJAM plug-ins require 64-bit software, and UJAM recommends using the free trial to check compatibility. Virtual Drummer 2’s existing Rack Extension lacks newer features such as MIDI drag and drop, so Reason users considering that legacy format should weigh the workflow trade-off.

Pricing

Virtual Drummer is sold as one-time purchases, with individual plug-ins priced from $119. The plan prices below are stated in USD; the listed once prices for some titles differ from the page’s displayed $119.00 figure.

The free Odd Meter MIDI Pack is a limited way to get more than 30 drum styles, not the full plug-in collection. Individual titles suit buyers who want a particular drummer; the bundle is the broader choice for those who want the range of eight. A free trial is available, and the user guide says the plug-in runs without limitations for 30 days. The pricing note also describes a 7-day trial, so check the current trial terms before relying on the longer period.

Platforms

Virtual Drummer supports macOS and Windows. UJAM provides standalone installers for both systems as well as installation through the UJAM App. Check the trial on the intended setup before purchase, particularly if the host software is not 64-bit.

Who it's for

Virtual Drummer is best suited to producers who want a dedicated drum instrument with ready-made styles, MIDI they can edit or route, and mix controls for shaping its sounds. The bundle makes the most sense for users who want variety across the collection. Producers who need custom sample import, or who depend on the older Reason Rack Extension’s newer MIDI workflow, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The bundle provides eight drummers, hundreds of styles and thousands of phrases, giving buyers a broad set of starting points.
• Pro: MIDI drag-and-drop and Direct MIDI Out make parts usable in a DAW or with other instruments.
• Pro: Individual sound shaping, multiple outputs and a master section offer more mixing control than a fixed drum part.
• Con: Personal sample import is not supported, which rules it out for producers who need their own drum library.
• Con: Current plug-ins require 64-bit software, making the trial important for compatibility checks.
• Con: The legacy Virtual Drummer 2 Rack Extension lacks MIDI drag and drop, limiting that format’s workflow.

Alternatives

Browse virtual instruments if you want to compare a wider range of instrument software.

• Dexed is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows, but choose Virtual Drummer when the priority is drum styles, phrases and drum-specific mixing rather than a free alternative.
• IK Multimedia ReSing offers a free plan with two voices, two instruments and one RVC import, or a 129.99 USD one-time plan with 10 voices. Pick it for voice-focused tools; Virtual Drummer is the more relevant choice for drum production.
• PREMIER SOUND FACTORY has free instruments that require full Kontakt 5.7 or higher, not Kontakt Player. Consider it if that Kontakt requirement suits your setup; Virtual Drummer is purpose-built for drum parts.
• Surge XT is a free, open-source virtual instrument for Linux, macOS and Windows. Choose it for a cross-platform free instrument; choose Virtual Drummer for its focused drum styles and phrase library.
• Vital has a free Basic plan with 75 presets, 25 wavetables and full synth features. It is the alternative to consider for synthesis rather than dedicated drum programming.
• Voltage Modular offers free standalone and plug-in versions for Windows and macOS, as well as a free trial. Pick it for a modular instrument setup; Virtual Drummer is aimed at drum tracks.
• BBC Symphony Orchestra has a free Discover edition with 34 instruments and 47 techniques, plus a 399.00 GBP one-time Core plan. It is the alternative for orchestral parts, not drum production.
• Pianoteq is a paid instrument with a free trial and supports iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Choose it when piano is the intended instrument; Virtual Drummer is for drums.

Verdict

Choose Virtual Drummer if you want a drum-focused instrument with a broad library of styles and phrases, MIDI routing, and controls for shaping individual sounds. The Drummer’s Bundle is the best fit for variety, while an individual title suits a more targeted purchase. Look elsewhere if importing your own samples is central to your production or if your software is not 64-bit.