A to E advice for module: mesh heads, quartz triggers, and module/interface?...

[dat yeti]

Hello, I posted awhile ago for some advice and ideas about a ridiculous idea that I'm not going to pursue anymore. I plan on doing an A to E conversion. I need to play quietly, so mesh heads seem to be the way to go. I have an A kit that I love and don't mind spending some dough to make it work! For now, I can muffle my A cymbals, but might get some E cymbals in the future. Just need to figure out which module thing to do for at least the 3 toms, and bass. Have some pads I could put on snare. Also if needed, I can get a few friends to solder for me, have access to a quite a few tools, and I know a bit about electronic parts so I don't mind ordering them too if those options come up.

My sizes are a jazz fusion: 20,10,12,14 floor, 14 snare (x2) (most likely use 1 at a time).

So far It seems getting roland, or/and Billy Blast mesh heads would be the best along with quartz triggers. I am not really fussy about brands but these seem like they are good quality and might suit my tastes. Also, seem decently priced.


Now for modules...I don't know where to begin. I am a bit overwhelmed with choices and softwares to choose from. But I am a bit concerned about the "playability" of the snare. I don't need anything fancy or a 3 zone or whatever, but hoping for at least a dual zone. I of course am hoping to get the snare as realistic as I can get it, but understand that is literary a luxury. Also depending what happens, if I get a module I might just save up for E cymbals too over time though.


I've played the td30 which of course sounds great, td15 which was pretty good, td11 which was good as well, and a yamaha 542 which was really cool! I just do not see how spending a grand for the td15, or td9, or almost a grand for the yamaha 700 is worth it. There are sound packs of course, but will they make the snare sound much better as in sensitivity compared to real snare? Yes its still electronic I know that. Yes of course I could play so much more, and they sound great etc. But that's so much though. Haven't played or heard Alesis, but I haven't found much positives, or info in general about their DM10. Whereas roland and yamaha seem solid, but pricey.


I also read on this forum that the td15 mp3 functions were not working right, and had to get new cables? Can't find the link. I am not worried about the sounds on a module as I will work with them, but would like to be able to edit with them a bit and having a mp3/usb functions would be a plus.

So I have been looking for other cost effective "things" such as: roland tmc-6, alesis and I/O, and also the Nord Drum. Honestly I do not know how to work these or really use these but I am guessing that you need software, cables to work with each in addition to the quartz triggers. I think on the Alesis I/O you need to have it hooked up to a computer always to play?

Honestly, the yamaha 700 module seems the best bang for your buck if I can find one a bit cheaper, sale, or used. I really liked the sounds of the 542, and the 700's gotta be better!

I'm definitely on the learning curve, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Finished finals so have some time to learn and ask questions!

[perceval]

Quartz triggers are definitely the way to go if you don't want to solder. Easy on, easy off.

Mesh heads from what you mentioned will work, as will others like Drumtec.

Module. We usually say "get the best module you can afford, build your kit later".

Things to consider: A Yamaha module is pretty good (the DTX502 seems to win as the best money spend on a small module for the moment), but if you are going DIY, know that your drums will be single zone. It's a lot harder to get a reliable second zone DIY with a Yamaha, compared to Roland or 2Box.

Also, the best sounds will come from VSTs. For that, I suggest you read the VST primer on this forum. Lots of info on how to get very realistic sounds, even playing with a cheaper module. You will need a computer.

Good luck with your search!

[hairmetal-81]

In search of your module, you should be clear about two things before-hand:


1. Whether you want to go the VST-route or the module-route

2. Whether you want to have modeling or samples (that's if you decide, under Point 1, that you'll be going down the module-route).



HTH

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

In search of your module, you should be clear about two things before-hand:


1. Whether you want to go the VST-route or the module-route

2. Whether you want to have modeling or samples (that's if you decide, under Point 1, that you'll be going down the module-route).



HTH

Or...you could just get a 2Box module and have the choice of VST samples that you can trigger with your PC or load directly into the module.

[allanjohn]

Or...you could just get a 2Box module and have the choice of VST samples that you can trigger with your PC or load directly into the module.

with additional software!!

[hairmetal-81]

and awesome third-party support by Lustar, Louis and company!!

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Besides...you can still trigger VSTs with it...and it comes stock with some very nice samles already loaded....and they have more free ones at thei site.

[hairmetal-81]

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Whot 'e sayd!!!

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Inteesting how editing my post erased my whole first respose. Anyway i said it was eell worth the xtra cost for lustars progeam. Its a real time saver....and its not very expensive.

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

I hate posting from my phone.

[perceval]

I know it's nice to get carried away, but the OP thought that spending a grand on something was too much....

I wanted to mention the 2Box more, but since budget didn't allow it, went another route.

[hairmetal-81]

I know it's nice to get carried away, but the OP thought that spending a grand on something was too much....

Either all the numbers got me dizzy, or I must've completely missinterpreted this:
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I just do not see how spending a grand for the td15, or td9, or almost a grand for the yamaha 700 is worth it.

It sounded to me like a comment about the price-performance ratio of all these (td15, td9, and dtx700), not like a 1000 bucks is actually his budget!


If it indeed is --> "...back to the drawing-board!"

[dat yeti]

Hi guys thanks for the posts. I am saving up, and as soon as I sell my old kit I will have enough to invest in mesh heads at least for the moment and a good chunk for a module. Also, I like modules from all 3 brands: Yamaha, Roland, and 2Box. Those are also the most expensive though. I am sure they are worth it as they are easy to use.

I was also asking about other ways of doing this such as the Alesis trigger I/O, roland tmc-6, Nord drum. But I cannot find any info on explaining how this stuff works, and it seems like it is a pain in the butt anyways. Are they really stressful? Or is it manageable to a degree depending on what you do? I plan on using it like a makeshift module so nothing fancy. Just need some decent sounds that I can hear while playing quietly.

I like the 2box module, it seems great, just don't want to spend 2 months of work on it haha. Also, has anyone tried the A->E meshhead/quartz conversion with a 2box module? That is the stuff I am trying to figure out and want to know, so I can decide where to go. Using other softwares does not scare me, but would prefer simplest solutions with a little potential of tweaking.

[airflamesred]

Roland/Yamaha etc modules have both a trigger interface, which you need, and on board sounds. The Alesis IO is just a trigger interface which you can then hook up to your pc/mac and use any number of samplers available. or, at the budget end, an Alesis DM5, perhaps.
On the subject of trigger interfaces I am going to make my usual recommendation on the megadrum. Fast, plenty of inputs, midi or usb and you can plug anything into it.

[hairmetal-81]

IMO I think it is save to say, that you can scrap both, the TMC-6 and the Trigger IO!

Depending on your actual setup, the TMC will have not enough inputs, so you would have to use at least two!
Also, I don't know how accurately it triggers, since it's not the newest of technologies anymore.

The Trigger IO, I believe, was developed with rubber-heads in mind. It is reported that it is not working the best when used with mesh heads.



The Nord-Drum has its own "speciality niche." It is 6-channel only, and you would have to like the sound:

!* These vids give a good representation of the Nord-Drum sounds. Please ignore the German blurb... *!



Regarding Mesh & Cones:
Off the top of my head, I can think of three members (...at least!) that are successfully using Quartz-cones, mesh heads, and 2Box(es) in combination!


HTH

[airflamesred]

[QUOTE=

The Trigger IO, I believe, was developed with rubber-heads in mind. It is reported that it is not working the best when used with mesh heads.


HTH[/QUOTE]

Just to be clear that the megadrum is fine with mesh heads and contrary to reports here, does not need to be plugged into a pc

[perceval]

The Megadrum does not have on-board sounds... if not connected to a PC to play VSTs, what do you connect it to? Your DM5?

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

agreed..without a PC or module for sounds......the Megadrum is just a electronic paperweight. It has come a long way though from the version I own and if I were to go the route of just triggering VST software from my PC...the new version of the Megadrum would be the route I would go. Very impressive piece of gear from Dmitri. However...the 2Box offers VST quality samples with module reliability. Currently it's the most progressive module on the market that offers such features.

[hairmetal-81]

Megadrum connected to an acient DM5? LOL !

Electronic paperweight? Even more LOL !


You are sharp-tongued, guys; I like that!
What were in your coffee this morning? LOL LOL LOL