2box or upgrade td-30 kit?

[drumlab84]

I have a td-30k set with pd-128s, but my VH-11 has been giving me trouble and was looking into getting VH-13 and other MG cymbals...but don't know how much this will improve my kit. I currently use SD2, BFD2/3, AD, SSD4, but at times can be frustrating to get everything working properly when I just want to jam. Would changing to 2box be ideal for me, or would upgrading my k pads to kv help along with an audio interface help more. I have a 2013 macbook pro i7,8 gb ram and can notice latency which it seems 2box would eliminate.... I am most concerned about the feel of the 2box cymbals esp the hi hat compared to roland. Thanks

[airflamesred]

2box without a doubt

[spikeithard]

I hear great things about 2box but I just cant get over how they look...

[hemiboy]

I had a td 30 and thought it was the tits until I played 2 box. If you really hate the color . Take the module cover and mesh heads or rubber heads off and just spray paint them black and your good to go!

[Tommy_D]

The only upgrade to your TD-30k will be the VH-13. The other cymbals all play the same, its just the color that changes.

[drumlab84]

Thanks for the replies .... The new mg cymbals are cosmetic but was curious if they feel any diff?.. I'm leaning towards 2box ,but if the cymbal pads don't play well then it would be a deal breaker.

[BWaj]

Go Gen 16, all other e-cymbals are a joke, imo.

[Tommy_D]

Get a hi-hat converter box from Jman and you can use any cymbals with the 2Box module.

As someone who has both a TD-30 and a 2Box module, I still like my TD-30 better.

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Get a hi-hat converter box from Jman and you can use any cymbals with the 2Box module.

As someone who has both a TD-30 and a 2Box module, I still like my TD-30 better.

I was just the opposite....after a year...sold the 30 and kept the 2Box. Look through this thread for 3rd party compatibility options..

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/forum/advanced/diy/62492-2box-gear-compatibility-and-mods-links-and-builds/page4

[Kenster]

I agree....sounds like the whole external MIDI thing is creating headaches, the 2Box is an all in one solution. You can still use all your other hardware (PC and VSTs) to get the samples right to put into the module. You can still use your pads and drum hardware but you will need a HH adapter for the 2Box module to work with HHs other than 2Box (and I hear the 2Box HH's aren't that great).

K

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

You can still use your pads and drum hardware but you will need a HH adapter for the 2Box module to work with HHs other than 2Box (and I hear the 2Box HH's aren't that great).

K

It's not really that they are "not that great" the "hall sensor" in the controller, which it what makes the hats function as hats, works very well(especially in the "foot controller box mod")..it's just the pad itself seemed very "mushy" to me. I didn't like it at all. However once you put your favorite rubber pad on a nice stand with a sturdy adjustable spring and attach the controller box to the pedal...the hats function nicely. Even the stock pad functions well on the nice stand...I just don't really care for rubber pads.

[mrspiffyca]

I have a td-30k set with pd-128s, but my VH-11 has been giving me trouble and was looking into getting VH-13 and other MG cymbals...but don't know how much this will improve my kit. I currently use SD2, BFD2/3, AD, SSD4, but at times can be frustrating to get everything working properly when I just want to jam. Would changing to 2box be ideal for me, or would upgrading my k pads to kv help along with an audio interface help more. I have a 2013 macbook pro i7,8 gb ram and can notice latency which it seems 2box would eliminate.... I am most concerned about the feel of the 2box cymbals esp the hi hat compared to roland. Thanks

I have had a TD30K since Christmas & I had the same problem with the VH11. I wear AT50's & I could hear the sticks hitting the rubber thru the headphones when I played it. I thought it might be broken & I was going to buy a VH12 second hand, then a new neighbour moved in next door & complained about the noise so I moved the drums across the room. The VH11 now plays as advertised & it is very responsive, I love playing it & no longer feel the need to replace it.
The kit is in a small 40 year old apartment with a 60 amp panel. Before the kit was near the end of a circuit that ran from the panel thru the kitchn, the fridge is plugged into the same circuit. I now have it on a completely different circuit & the whole kit plays & sounds noticably better, more so the cymbals but particularly the VH11. Before the VH11 was at best unreliable & sometmes near useless, now it is highly responsive. The Vex Strike kits are more distinct from one another & nuanced. I have the kit plugged into a Monster power bar with Stage 2 line conditioning, it's pretty Mickey Mouse in terms of serious Audiophile line conditioning but it has helped every device I have plugged into it that has a IC power supply (it had no effect on an Arcam AV receiver & Denon 2930 Dvd player, both with hefty torroidial power supplies).
I had the same VH11 issue with my previous TD9 but I just assumed I needed a better module but I probably could have gotten more out of it by moving the kit. No worries though, the TD30 is awesome when its performing up to its capabilities, just try it on a spur that is free of devices that make electrical noise (fridge compressor) or rob it of current (Subs, AV amps), other wise it's a bit flat & unresponsive which is really disappointing when you've spent 5 grand. No regrets now though.

[drumlab84]

mrspiffyca...I had no idea that the power supply could effect playing like that..interesting. Well I have gave up on going 2box and very happy staying with roland gear. I just got the MG cymbals and VH-13 and can def notice an improvement in feel when playing. The only thing that I wasn't anticipating was how loud the hi hats are, but I put rubber/foam with adhesive tape and is much quieter now. Its not vh-11 quiet, but the feeling of 2 pads moving while playing hard and the slightly harder playing surface and sheen make everything more enjoyable. Downloading AD2 now as you can layer sounds and improves old libraries as well.