The word “half” only has 2 real connotations. The cup is either half full or half empty; you’re either half way there or half way gone. Since it’s America’s Independance Day, we are about half way through or into 2014. In that time, many developers have released many drums kits and stem kits, so today we will rank the top 5 in each category. It was a long and arduous process between the Maschine Masters family to breakdown and rank over 70 releases (that MaschineMasters.com has had the opportunity to review), but I believe we’ve got it right here. 

**NOTE: Maschine Expansions did not qualify for ranking nor did VSTs or strictly Kontakt Libraries.**

DRUM KITS

#5  808 Warfare

Producers Choice 808 Warfare has become a favorite for many producers worldwide that need 125hz and below filled in their mix. It comes in wav format as well as Kontakt. In all honesty, we feel this could have made it higher in the rankings it weren’t just an 808 library. FULL REVIEW

#4  Sean Divine 336 Kit Vol. 2 

Volume 1 made our Top 10 Kits of 2013 so the ceiling was high for Mr. Divine and he did not disappoint. Following the same format, he delivers quality claps, kicks, and snares. He also added more loops, and a few bonus sections to make this a standout kit. This kit also comes in Kontakt format as well as Maschine format. FULL REVIEW

#3  J-Zone Lunch Breaks 

The NYC native, known for his work in the 90s, released the kit of breaks early this year. All breaks were recorded and performed by J-Zone himself. These breaks were recorded to tape using analog gear to give the user extra warmth. These will easily be the backbone to your tracks and are great for getting the fingers dirty on the pads. FULL REVIEW

#2  Jake One Snare Jordan Vol. 2 

G-Unit’s in house producer made our top 10 list last year (ranking at number 2), with the first installment of the Snare Jordan series. Part 2 comes in hitting hard right out the gate with 115 samples in wav and aiff format to use with any sampler. Everything from kicks, loops, claps and an outstanding selection of snares right out of Jake Ones’ ASR-10, make this a must own for all. FULL REVIEW

#1  Beat Butcha Protein Kit Vol.3 

What else is there to say about the Beat Butcha that hasn’t already been said? The 3^rd installment of the Protein series may possibly be the best yet. Hard hitting kicks, slappin snares, and loops all neatly organized into very manageable folders help this kit stand out. Instrument chops, FX and percussion round this kit out as a potential top 10 for 2014.  FULL REVIEW

Honorable Mentions: !llmind Boomtrap Drums, Weiss Drums Main Collection, Stixx Jampack Vol.2

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOP 5 STEM KITS

James Jaxin (@jaxin414)

Forum Moderator MaschineMasters.com

Product Review Specialist MaschineMasters.com