BATTERY 3 from Native Instruments is a sample playback virtual sound module that runs either as a stand-alone application or as a plug-in for Mac OS X and Windows XP. It consists of 128 cells, each with a powerful compressor and multi-mode filter, an LFO, freely assignable envelope, re-sampling effect and an extended Loop section.
The basic layout of the software is divided into two main sections and a header bar. The header is used for loading and saving kits, setting master tempo and volume. A Cell Matrix displays between 16 and 128 sample cells while the Edit Pane contains browser, cell edit, effects and sound-editing parameters.
The cell matrix is as fast as it is easy to use. It is simply a matter of loading various sounds into the sample cells and creating whole new drum kits in a matter of seconds. The matrix itself can be rearranged, cells grouped and cells or groups can be muted or soloed for easy management.
BATTERY 3 includes a set of advanced articulations and performance features, making drum tracks more realistic. Flam, drag, roll, buzz, three stroke ruff, speed roll, muted, alternate and release stroke and the Geiger Counter all add the realistic touch that normally only a drummer could provide.
A graphical wave editor allows for editing sounds in minute detail (down to the single sample level.) Functions include cut, copy, paste, normalize, reverse and more. Or the wave editor can be used to experiment with the samples while just editing parts of the waveform. A simple button click returns the sample to its original state.
BATTERY 3 can be used as loop production machine with loop preview available directly within the browser and synced to the master or host tempo. The software is also able to sync the LFOs, the MIDI echo and delay effect, so that even after changing the master tempo everything stays in sync with the song.