PD-5 Pad Questions...

[lethic]

Hey,

Im trying to make my own v-drums setup on a very small budget. I want to use the TD-8 module. That means I have to cut back on pad quality... I backed down from PD100/120's to PD7/9's but thats not enough. So... I was looking at the PD-5s. A few questions before I seriously start thinking about a purchase. Will the PD-5 pads be compatible with the TD-8 module? If so, will the quality (sensitivity, high-polymorphy, and general quality) of the module be reduced severely by using the lower quality pads? For example, I know that with the higher model pads you can use brushes with the TD-8/TD-10 modules. If I have the module but only have a PD-5 Pad will the brushes not work? Those are my two main questions. Thanks in advance!


-Jarek

ps - if anyone has any comments or input on this setup, please let me know!

[Cyberjam]

There are very few modern pads out there that will not work (even my old TAMA pads would work with the TD8 or 10).

I would use the Pintech mesh headed pads for the toms, snare and bass drum. Maybe some Yamaha pads for the cymbals (or the Pintech dual zone rubber pads).

The PD5 is a good pad but you will upgrade eventually. The only thing I would use a PD5 for is maybe a hihat pad or kit select pad.

I would save my money and get the dual zone Pintechs instead of the PD5's. You won't be sorry.

Why throw good money after bad?

Buy it once, not twice.

Patience.

HTH

Cyberjam

[This message has been edited by Cyberjam (edited January 07, 2001).]

[lethic]

I was aware of the the pads being single trigger. Im now thinking, that I might just get the 'trap set compact kit' which is all PD-5s with a TD-5 module. Its the cheapest set Ive seen (800.00). I dont really need a duel trigger pad except for maybe on the snare drum. Will the PD-5 pads be compatible with an Alesis DM5 or DMPro? I really want a TD-8 for its sound custability, but a DM-5 is so affordable until later in the future when I have enough for the TD-8. The TD-5 seems pretty worthless. Anyone know any combo's I could do under 1,000? Preferably v-drums... I have a thing for them. How does everyone stand on other pads and other modules? Pintech, hart, alesis? Thanks.

[lethic]

In reply to cyberjam:

Im on a budget is the thing... doesnt matter how long I wait. The budget is 1,000 give or take a little (pocket cash). I only need a very simple set.... one rack, one bass drum, on floor tom, one snare, one ride, one hi-hat, one crash. Pintech's will work with roland modules? also, what do you think of hart's pads? are pintech pads cheaper than v-drum pads? Also, I dont need dual zone pads for anything but ride/snare really.... It would be nice for the other pads to have it too, but I am on a budget.. and I can always upgrade to a dual zone pad later on. I just need something for now, for around 1k. Suggestions?

thanks.

[puttenvr]

Perhaps you can buy the module or pads second hand. There are enough people who sell their goodies after some time. Saves a lot of money.

[rudi-mint]

I have Hart pads and I like them. They work fine and are cheaper than the roland mesh head pads. I don't believe you will be able to get a high quality set for a grand. If you are using these for practicing only that will not be a problem, but if you plan to use them out, you may want to try to get something a little better. I bought my E-kit piece by piece that way I did not have to come up with a bunch of $ at one time. Yamaha DTXpress is 999. new. I know it is not roland but it sounds good and would make a good starting place. I think it is a much better module than the td-5.

Good luck
Kurt

[redman]

When I first got into e-drums I bought a trap kit second had with five pd-5's a pd-7 and a pd-9. The pd-5's really do suck and you will regret buying them. If you can;t afford anything better don't through your money away. Go to the logistics site and get free plans to make your own using remo practice pads a trigger from radio shack a coffee can lid and some foam , soldering gun. You probably don't believe that this will work because I didn't but honestly they work better than a pd-9 but are only single zone. If your not into either I'd say just wait and buy something worth buying. My 2 cents. ~REDMAN~

[lethic]

How does this sound you guys?

A yamaha DTXpress with a TD-8 Module? Does anyone know if the DTXpress pads are any good? Also, the same with the bass trigger/hi-hat pedal. If they are decent, would they work ok with the TD-8 or would I just be wasting cash. Thanks.

[Boingo]

I'm trying to figure out your logic. You want the Yahama pads - assume you prefer pad feel over low noise. You don't want the latest technology from Yamaha which appears to have most if not all of what the Roland has plus several features many V owners have expressed an interest in, plus you are willing to risk the possibility of incompatibility problems by mixing different suppliers products. I'm not being as much critical as curious as to what led you to this preference? My guess is you would still end up with a fairly decent system.

[lethic]

If you are asking why I dont just get a DTX 2.0 top-of-the-line yamaha system instead of all this mix-n-match the answer for me is, I like the features of the TD-8 that I dont believe (but I could very well be wrong) the DTX module does not have. One is, the ability to custabmize your own drum sounds, and another is the advanced sequencing options, among others. I dont really care how good or bad the pad is, as long as it makes a sound on the module, and will pick up moderately fast 32nd notes. Features, noise level, brushes, etc. arent really important, and Im not planning on gigging with this. Its a practice device, that I might use to record with someday. Thats basicly it. Im not risking compatability errors, because I would most definetly make sure that they would work together, before purchasing them. If I got the higher end yamaha packadge I would pay around 600 dollars more, and I would be getting a better module (which I will most likely be replacing with a td-8 for reasons listed above) and a pad more, and a guess they are better 'quality' pads? Are they dual triggeR? The only thing that needs to be dual trigger on this set is the snare. I just dont see why it would be worth spending 600 dollars more, where all Im getting are slightly bigger pads, with a few more features. The only thing that might be worth while, is the better module, but if the td-8 is compatible i would rather use that.

That help?

-Jarek

[Boingo]

Crap! I thought it said DTXtreme. You said express. That makes more sense. Forgive me man, I gotta get a new pair of eyeballs. The one's I got just ain't what they used to be.

I don't have a TD-8, so really can't comment. sorry...

[rudi-mint]

The DTXpress cost 999 complete. I am not sure you can by the set without the module. Maybe you can, but I have never seen them sold that way. The td-8 cost 795, but there are some threads on this site that say you can get it cheaper. Any how if you are going to spend 1800 on the DTXpress and a td-8, why not by the roland studio set for 1900?

I agree that you should go with the td-8 over the yamaha module, but that will eat up almost your whole 1000 dollar budget. It will be very dificult to get a complete set with a td-8 for a grand. Maybe you could by the module and trigger your acoustics until you can but some pads.

Kurt

[lethic]

Actually, I was reading a review on the DTX 2.0 today, and checked the price. About 1600. A little over my budget, so I had a discussion with my parents (who are paying for most of it) and they agreed that paying the 600 dollars would be worth it. So I am most likely just gonna get a DTX 2.0 and use its module (atleast for now). Does this make sense? Does to me... Anyone have any comments on the DTX 2.0 setup? As I understand it, All the pads are dual trigger pads, is this right? If so, thats great! Thanks for all the posts guys. I love this group.

[rudi-mint]

lethic

I am not familar with the Yamaha 2.0, but I am sure it is a good set. You are right all the pads are dual trigger. I played the DTXpress and was impressed with it for the price so I am sure the 2.0 is great. I have seen them listed for about 1800, so 1600 is a good deal. Maybe if you begged and promised to extra chores, you could talk your parents to kicking in a few hundred more so you could get the roland studio set. It comes with the td-8 for about 1950. If not the yamaha will be fine. The only problem is you won't get much help with it on this site.

Kurt

[lethic]

Yeah, well the site support factor would suck, but I could share new info with the site hehe if anyone was interested. I looked into the studio set, and I actually think that the 2.0 is better for me, because I get an extra rack tom and one extra floor tom(studio comes with 1 rack right?) and I get all the pads dual trigger. The studio i believe has the toms as single triggers. In general can you use the second triggers on a dual trigger pad to do things like, start/end sequences, switch drum kits, etc or do you need a seperate pad for that?

Otherwise, Im fine with the way the DTX mod works, It looks great, and if it sucks, Ill buy a used DM5 or something.