VH11 vs VH13?

[Peter Warren]

Has anyone compared the VH11 to the VH13 extensively? I am considering getting a TD30 and VH13.

[allanjohn]

Peter, we compared the vh-12 and 13 when the TD30 first came out and found very little difference. I haven't compared the vh-11 head to head with the 13, but found it perfectly acceptable with the td25.

[jpsquared482]

Hi, I have use both fairly extensively.

Electronically speaking (triggering, output performance to the module): I found the VH13 to be "better", but I wouldn't use the word "superior". I would say it's not worth the price difference; the VH13's improvement is slight. I am very happy with my VH11 into a TD11 triggering VSTs. (Transmuting with Toontrack is very nice.)
Feel/technique: This is where the VH13 does out-perform the VH11. It feels more like a real HH than any other rubber cymbal on the market (not talking real DIYs here).
Calibrating: This is where the VH13 is better. Some users have some difficulty getting the VH11 properly calibrated. It' really not that difficult. Like anything calibrating and dialing it in is dependent on a series of variables including your HH stand, etc. Take your time and you'll get it. The VH13 was just easier for me IMHO.

These are just my experiences, and others may have a different experience and opinions, of course.

JP

[Peter Warren]

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like it is a lot of money for a small difference. I have a td25 now so it would be an expensive upgrade since I use sample libraries for final mixes anyway. Thanks

[jpsquared482]

Hi Peter,
I'm glad you mentioned that. I don't believe the TD-25 supports use of the VH13. I looked at the specs and it only mentions the 11.

[TangTheHump]

Peter Warren,

I've used all three: VH-11, VH-12, and VH-13. In terms of triggering and expensiveness, they are all about the same. In terms of feel, the VH-12 and VH-13 provide two pads that close together and this yields a feel closer to an acoustic hi-hat. However, don't be fooled by the illusion. The bottom cymbal of the VH-12 and VH-13 has nothing to do with the triggering and sound generated. It is there simply to provide the feel of two cymbals closing. The actual sensors and electronics of the three pairs of hats (VH-11, VH-12, and VH-13) are located in the top cymbal and just under the top cymbal, and are pretty much identical.

Is the more authentic feel of the VH-12 and VH-13 worth the extra money? Hmmm. Maybe. Neither the VH-12 nor the VH-13 feel like acoustic hats, but they do provide a more satisfying pedal feel. The VH-11 still plays very well though and, in terms of the sound that comes out of the module, you'd be hard pressed to tell any difference. I'd say the VH-12 and VH-13 are only worth it if the extra money isn't of significance to you. If you're short on budget, there's little reason to save and save for the more expensive e-hats.

[Peter Warren]

That's great to hear. I would have to get a TD30 and a VH13 to upgrade so it would be very expensive. If the TD30 ever had an update that removed machine gunning from the toms and improved realism,I would want to do it. Right now it is very close to the td25 sound wise.