Library captures 1960s R&B/pop drum sound
Following on from their recent wave of plug-in effects, Iconic Instruments have just launched an all-new virtual drum instrument that's been designed to capture the sound of 1960s R&B and pop. Detroit Drums includes two vintage kits, offers per-drum tuning and dampening, and includes an authentic-sounding 1960s-era virtual mixer with a wealth of vintage-inspired processing and effects built in.
The developer says that the new arrival has been made specifically to recreate the sound of 1960s R&B and pop - genres that were also instrumental in shaping the sound of early hip hop records. There are two kits included: L-Model and S-Model, both of which were equipped with period-correct heads and cymbals and set up using classic tuning techniques. Each drum benefits from its own Tuning control, and also includes a Dampening parameter - a feature which Iconic Instruments say is unique to the library. Combined, the two controls allow users to dial in a wide range of sounds than span everything from an up-tuned, open Bop-style kit to a down-tuned, dry 1970s studio kit.
Another feature that is said to be unique is the Hi-Hat Pedal control, which allows users to sweep between samples on the fly, making it possible to replicate the natural, subtle undulation caused by subtle pedal movements that can be missing in rival drum plug-ins.
Detroit Drums also features a full mixing environment that aims to capture the beat up' sounds of the era. The onboard mixer boasts a per-channel Tube Drive effect, and also includes a built-in Plate Reverb processor, high- and low-shelf EQs and a Tape effect. The included effects are simplified versions of Iconic Instruments' Model 350 Tube Preamp, SP140 Plate Reverb, Model 660 X Exciting Compressor, ParametrEQ and Transport Vintage Tape plug-ins.
Key Features
Drums & Cymbals: Authentic 1960s-era drums and cymbals that have individual Tuning controls, as well as never-before-seen Dampening control for each drum.
Mixing Environment: Virtual 1960s console gives you control over overheads, outside kick and under-snare mics - features specially tuned tube-style Drive effect for each channel and mix bus, Plate Reverb send effect and mix-bus effects chain that includes a 660-style Compressor, high- and low-shelf EQ and Tape effect.
Hi-Hat Pedal Control: The unique Hi-Hat Pedal control allows you to sweep between samples on the fly for ultra-realistic results.
Bussing Matrix: Reroute each channel to its own track for mixing in your DAW, or keep channels routed to the built-in mix bus to mix within the Detroit Drums plug-in.
Key Mapping: Choose from General MIDI Mapping for standard use, or Chromatic MIDI Mapping to access an expanded array of drum and cymbal permutations.
Round Robining: Switch Round Robining on for slightly varied, more natural results, or turn it off for more consistency.
Presets: Choose from 10 Drum-and-Cymbal Presets, as well as 10 Mixing Presets to use right out of the box, or to use as a starting point for your track.
I'm very proud of how great these drums and cymbals sound, but the unique Tuning and Dampening controls are a real achievement. And the effects in the Mixing Console give you all the colour options you want to have on hand These are the drum sounds you've been chasing for years! - Michael Vecchio, Founder, Iconic Instruments
Compatibility Detroit Drums is supported on PCs running Windows 11 or later, and Macs running macOS 12 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability Detroit Drums is available now, and is currently (14 June 2026) being offered at the following introductory prices:
L-Model: $79 (usually $99)
S-Model: $79 (usually $99)
Detroit Drums Bundle: $129 (usually $198)
www.iconic.nyc/detroit-drums
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Library captures 1960s R&B/pop drum sound 
