What would Megatron do?

[binhead]

Hello all, Brand spanking new here, all the way from sunny Ireland

First off, Great site, really informative and helpful, hats off.

I've read through as many posts as possible but I still have questions!

so...... Been drumming for about ten years, big, loud kit, circumstance forces me to sell and where I live now means a V kit is the only option, but the budget, it mocks me... reckon I'll have about €1200 to blow, for that I could get the TD9 module with the mesh snare and PD8 tom pads, as in the TD3 set but with the TD9 brain (if that makes sense) OR I have the possibility of getting a secong hand TD8 Set with all mesh heads and a double kick for €1200.

SO, is the TD8 still a wicked module? or is the TD9 wayyyy better? and What are the midi in capabilities on both? I want to use the pads as triggers for my sampler for live percussion and noise making etc so would the TD8 also have the ability to do that?

And how sick are you of answering the same questions?

over and over!

Thanks in advance,

Binhead.

[evil1rox]

Welcome,

Well you certainly don't waste time opening up a can of worms do you you? The td8 is still a good module, although it may sound a bit dated. That can be alleviated with a Vex pack, or some of your own tweaking of the sounds.

TD8 has user customizable COSM settings. More limited than it's cousin the TD10, but still has it and helps get a "better" sound if you will.

TD9 is brand spanking new...and I've not even played it at a music store yet. If it were my money though, I'd buy as much of a module as money affords and slowly upgrade the pads. (Playing on rubber pads...really isn't that bad in my opinion. I still use one for soem aux. stuff.)

If you can swing it...try looking at a td12 with the small rubber pads. You'll be extremely happy with that module (unless you play the TD20 ) but might not be in the budget.

I can tell you this group of characters (some of whom moderate this forum) make custom kits once you get sick of the kits in the module.

Anyway...welcome...and happy (deal) hunting!

E

[V(ader)DRUMMER]

The TD-8 remains a very popular module though it has been discontinued. I have no idea about e-drum prices in your part of the world, but a used TD-8 kit with mesh pads in good condition at a good price would be an excellent option for getting started in electronic percussion. As I always say, you have to start somewhere. Roland gear tends to hold it's value, so you'll be able to sell off your first kit and recoup a good chunk of your initial investment when you're ready to upgrade to bigger, better and more expensive gear later on.

Best of luck.

[Hercules]

Hi Binhead,

Welcome - the merits of better module vs better pads has been discussed a number of times on the forum and there seems general agreement that the best module you can afford is a good start. If you start with a better module then components can be added to your setup as you can afford more and better individual pads.

What I've found, though, over the last 6 months of playing an e-kit (TD-6V) is that I am still happy with the sounds in the 6V module (though it does have other limitations) but am slowly getting dissatisfied with the rubber pads compared to the mesh heads.

Mesh heads are quieter to play (less stick noise) and have stick response more like an a-kit but they do cost more. Mesh heads also seem to give slightly better sensitivity (dynamics). I am finding that the triggering for very quiet notes (e.g. when you are starting a roll at very low volume) is the main thing lacking in the e-kits compared to my old a-kit though this is only a factor in very quiet passages.

In the end, if you're buying secondhand then you need to compromise and grab whatever offers the best condition and options, then add the extra components as they pop up. Even if you get a TD-3 kit for a good price it will give you something to start with to keep you out of mischief.

Good luck

[binhead]

Hey all,

Thanks a million for all your replies, very informative! I was leaning toward the TD9 with the pd8's but after playing the mesh head toms I don't know if I can go that route, they're just so damn bouncy.

The offer of the td8 for 1200 fell through but there's another TD8 with all mesh heads in perfect condition going for €1290, might offer him 1000 and see what happens! As for the Vex pack? Is that software that loads more sounds or what? I'll be using the kit just for playing drums in my flat but I also sing and play percussion in a band so ideally i'd like to mount a few pads on a stand and be able to mess around with loads of percussive sounds and link it to a sampler aswell for all out noise melt. Can you record samples into the TD8 Brain and assign them to pads? and are the cymbals with a standard TD8 set dual zone and chokable?

sorry.... more questions,

Cheers!

Binhead.