Worthwhile to replace TD9 by TD20?

[djska]

Sorry, this probably has been asked before, but do I gain anything by replacing my TD9KX2 by a bare TD20. I really like the additional snare and bass sounds the TD9 update offered. The TD20 is older than the TD9, so would this upgrade be worthwhile? Many thanks in advance,

[fastballer8]

Up front answer is YES. The TD-9 and TD-20 are from the same line of modules from around the same time period. The updated TD-9 might be newer but the TD-20 has many more capabilities such as positional sensing and the ability to reduce the machine-gun effect (can't remember what that's called at the moment). I have a TD-9 and am very happy with it, but if I had the money to upgrade to a TD-20, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[hairmetal-81]

It's called 'Positional Sensing', and yes, TD-20 does support it, TD-9 doesn't!

One of the deciding factors might be to think about what hihat pad you intend to use in the future:
If you are content with the VH-11, it's absolutely valid sticking to your existing TD-9.

If you would like to use a two-part hihat-pad, like a VH-12 or VH-13 however, you absolutely must go with something higher up, like a TD-20 (...or 12, ...or 30), as only these modules support either the VH-12 or V-13!


The freedom of choice is yours!


HTH

[saku]

I thought I answered this long ago, but for some reason my post was lost.
Fastballer is wrong when he says the td9 and td20 are from the same line...the td9 is a generation newer, with much better sounds straight out of the box. The td20 though has many more editing posibilities (including the compression that can help the hotspot), and if you work at it, or VEX it, you can get sounds that suit you perfectly....the real strength of the td20 though is in its multiple outs, which is important for recording and live sound to FOH....so it sort of depends on what you want to do. I am perfectly content with the td9, but if I played live or recorded, then I would go for a td20....note that the td12 has the same editing capabilities and sounds of the td20, but rather less outputs, so would be a better (read: cheaper) option for just jamming at home....

[fastballer8]

Oops, good catch Saku. You're right that the TD-9 is a generation newer.

[djska]

Tx, guys, I am contend with the TD-9, especially with the sounds offered by the version 2 update, and I am content with the VH-11 hihat. I looked through the manual and am impressed with the features (such as sequencing etc.), but I am bit wary about having to create my kits from scratch again and I would have to customize a bunch of cables, because I would have to sell the TD-9 cable tree with it. Also, the TD-20 is quite a bit larger and I suspect it would be difficult to fit on the TD9 rack. It does look more robuust for use on stage (no external power supply, more outputs).

I also thought about buying the TD-20 and then setup the TD-9 for my 6 year old boy, creating a small kit for him with left over stands, pedals and pads.

[mrspiffyca]

I don't know how much you were going to pay for the TD-20 but fot $1100 how about a new TD-15? Really good module that would swap right in for the TD-9. You would get better sounds, playability & connectivity & you could just add a Vex pack. I've been listening to the TD 20 bank on my TD-30 & although they have slightly better playability than my old Vex'd TD-9 V2 I don't know if the sounds are better overall. They are better in some ways but not as good in others, the TD-9 sounds fuller & warmer. I also read on this forum that the Vex guys are going to continue releasing packs for the V2.0 TD-9. I think that module might be like a NAD 3020 amp, it will just keep on going in the 2nd hand market because even though its not the best people really like it & it's affordable. Anyway my 2 cents, I don't think I'd spend a $1000.00 or so replacing it with a TD-20 because it's now a dead end, I'd get a 15 or just keep it.

[ohlarikd]

TD9 does not support cymbal swells as well. That really annoyed me. I mean that should be standard across the whole lineup.

I would say:
If you play gigs a lot: Get a TD20 for its reliability, simplicity, positional sensing, cymbal swells.
If you stay in your basement: Try hooking up the TD9 to Superior Drummer VST. You will gain cymbal swells and much better sounds. Is it cheaper than buying a TD20 and selling the TD9? Depends on what equipment you have already (PC, interface, software) and how much you could sell a TD9 for...

For me, I kept the TD9 and use Superior Drummer. But I can't imagine hauling all this stuff around to gigs. I would get a TD12, 20, or 30 for that. Many people have success with portable laptop rigs for VSTs though.