Digitaldrummer August 2018

digitalDrummer_aug_2018.
qxp_Layout 3 24/7/18 9:04 am Page 1
Edition 35 • August 2018 US$10
Malcolm
Holmes
in on digital
Ben YoDrum
Todd MuzikalDunk
NAMM debuts TD-17KVX
Emily D. Davies
WORLD OF MUSIC
809 Nepean Hwy. Brighton East, VIC 3187 Ph: 03 9557 8600
www.worldofmusic.com.au
welcome
digitalDrummer_aug_2018.qxp_Layout 3 24/7/18 9:04 am Page 3
CREDITS THERE’S NO COMPARISON between the e-drum market

today and the offerings when I started digitalDrummer in
DigitalDrummer
2010.
ABN: 61 833 620 984 My first kit was a Roland TD-3, which I chose over the Yamaha
30 Oldfield Place DTXplorer at the time. Both of those kits are a long way from
Brookfield Q 4069 the entry-level offerings today. And the flagships of 2010,
AUSTRALIA which cost a pretty packet, are similarly under-equipped when
you stack them up against some of the kits on the market
editor@digitaldrummermag.com today.
www.digitaldrummermag.com Co-incidentally, the hot news in our first edition was Pearl’s
Editor & Publisher return to electronic percussion with the ePro Live. Pearl was
touting its ability to load real samples, boasting of access to
Allan Leibowitz
sounds from Toontrack, BFD and Sonic Reality, among others.
Sub-Editor Fast forward eight years, and we report on Pearl’s
Solana da Silva collaboration with Korg (which, co-incidentally, featured
Contributors alongside Pearl in the January 2010 digitalDrummer with its
latest Wavedrum offering). The new e/MERGE line picked up
Matt Hinton a Best of Show award at Summer NAMM and features a new
Scott Holder module and “acoustic-like PUREtouch Electronic Pads”.
This month, we include an in-depth review of the Roland TD-17
MuzikalDunk
KVX drum kit, a mid-range offering which in many ways
Raul Vargas redefines the Japanese giant’s approach. There’s a new
Cover Photo Bluetooth-enabled module, a new budget 12” snare pad, a
Malcolm Holmes
new kick pad and an impressive new hi-hat combo.
Interestingly, this module may herald the end of the VH-
Design and layout 12/13 hi-hat line because, like the recently released TM-6
‘talking business’ PRO trigger module, the TD-17 is not compatible with those
variable hats.
This edition also continues a tradition we began in our second
Support digitalDrummer magazine – head to head testing of mesh heads. While there
wasn’t much choice in the mesh head market in 2010 (mostly
due to Roland’s patent), we lined ‘em up and tested ‘em in the
If you like what you’re reading, first comprehensive comparison, accurately measuring sound
please make a donation. levels and bounce with a test rig we developed especially for
that purpose. Eight years on, we have tested almost three
.
dozen heads and followed the evolution of technology, from
Roland’s dual-ply through various gauges of single-ply to the
current crop of three-layer heads.
Founding member In the pages ahead, we go back to the early days of electronic
drumming and hear how Mal Holmes had to build his own
triggers in the early days of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the
Dark, one of the ‘80s bands synonymous with e-drums. And
Copyright or wrong: skipping forward 30 years, we also read about one of the
Forget the legalese and just play most recent adopters of technology – the winner of the
fair! We work hard to produce inaugural Electronic Drums category of the Hit Like A Girl
digitalDrummer. Please respect contest, MuzikalDunk (yes, that’s a stage name).
that and don’t rip off our content. In All that and more this month.
this age of electronic publishing, it’s
obviously tempting to “borrow” other
people’s work, and we are happy to
share our stuff — but please ask first
and be sure to include a link back to
our website on anything published
elsewhere.
editor@digitaldrummermag.com
digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 3
inside
digitalDrummer August 2018
E-drum Vikings
6 Allan Leibowitz visited Stockholm to catch up with some e-drum
innovators.
A few surprises at NAMM

10 In what some are seeing as an indication of the increasing
market penetration of electronic drums, especially at the entry
level, there were a couple of new offerings at the Nashville
show.
As Yo like it
14
digitalDrummer was among the first to try Medeli’s latest
offering.
20 Roland’s sweet 17
Roland has retired its TD-11 kit, adding a new module, new
pads and Bluetooth connectivity. Allan Leibowitz got hold of the
top-spec TD-17KVX kit, set it up and tried it out.
Head2Head: Prism versions

28
To date, digitalDrummer has tested more than two dozen mesh
head variants, and this month, we look at four models from
Prism.
Just add triggers

32
They may not be designed as an e-drum solution, but Allan
Leibowitz tried triggering a new practice pad set.
4 www.digitaldrummermag.com
Profile: Malcolm Holmes

36
When Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark made its first
appearance on Top of the Pops, Malcolm Holmes caused a stir,
performing standing up, playing an electronic drum kit. While
electronic drumming became an essential part of ‘80s music,
Holmes was ahead of his time, using a home-made kit because
nothing else was available.
How I use e-drums

42
MuzikalDunk was the winner of the inaugural Technology
category in the 2018 Hit Like a Girl Contest.
Big talent for small detail

44
A couple of years ago, we showcased a few miniature kits built
by model makers around the world. Now, we feature the work of
another talented miniature artist, Mark Ron Barbacena in the
Philippines.
46 Totally toms
E-drum educator Raul Vargas this month turns his attention to
the toms, with a few different grooves.
48 My Monster Kit
This month, we head over to Essex in the UK, where Matt
Hinton shares his kit.
feature
digitalDrummer_aug_2018.qxp_Layout 3 24/7/18 5:36 pm Page 6
Allan Leibowitz visited Stockholm to

catch up with some e-drum innovators.
E-drum
Vikings
IT GAVE THE world Ikea and Volvo, but started their own companies or moved into
one of Europe’s smallest countries also other businesses, growing Sweden’s e-
makes a disproportionate musical drum influence.
contribution, and we’re not just talking XLN Audio co-founder Lars Erlandsson
about ABBA. Sweden is an unlikely leader says “it’s probably something in the water”
in the world of electronic percussion, but it which promotes his country’s music
produced the original ddrum, 2box, Nord technology aptitude. He agrees that
Drum, Addictive Drums and Toontrack. “Sweden is a music country; we have a lot
What is it about the country, home to fewer of writers and producers making huge
than 10 million people, that makes it an e- international hits”.
drum hotbed? Swedes are also “techies”, he says, citing
Bengt Lilja, founder of 2box, sees music sharing service Spotify. The
Sweden’s strong music education as one country’s fast Internet services have also
of the drivers. “There are an enormous helped the proliferation of music
amount of Swedes writing pop hits, not technology.
only here, but internationally,” he says. Erlandsson believes that “technology is
And then there are a lot of technicians boring, but design – what you present and
applying their skills to music, he says. how you present it – is important”.
Those two forces combined to form Clavia, He and co-founder Niklas Möller
the Swedish synthesizer manufacturer developed Addictive Drums when they
founded in Stockholm in 1983 by Hans couldn’t find a simple drum plug-in that
Nordelius and Mikael Carlsson. The ddrum allowed them to save their tweaked drum
line was developed by Clavia before being samples. One of the big innovations was
sold to its current US owners, and the creating presets based on FX that allowed
developers and technicians who honed the same kit to be transformed from
their skills in the small company have Metallica to James Brown in a single click.
XLN Audio co-founder Lars Erlandsson

digitalDrummer, August 2018 7
The first incarnation of Addictive

Drums was released in 2006,
embodying Erlandsson’s desire
for consistency and simplicity. “I
didn’t want millions of sub-
menus. I wanted to remove all
the options and just make the
options that are there count.”
Early on, the developers realised
they could make lots of kits from
each recording using FX, but of
course, there were limitations
and they started rolling out
AdPaks to cover various genres.
Responding to customer
requests, MIDI packs were the
next line of extensions.
Addictive Drums 2 followed in
2014, with additional slots for
bigger kits and the ability to link
kit pieces for sound blending.
“The original concept from 2006
is still there, but there’s always
an expectation that you’ll add
more features,” he explains. 2box founder Bengt Lilja
Erlandsson recognises that his The new module, he admits, has been a
products are facing competition from the long time coming, due to changes in the
increasing use of real samples in drum development team and the demands of
modules but that isn’t affecting business. ensuring compatibility with third-party pads.
“We’re growing, moving to a new place and “Sometimes things take longer than you
hiring people so that we can increase expect, especially when you are a small
velocity and be able to take on a number of team,” he explains.
bigger projects at the same time,” he adds.
While he’s reluctant to go into detail, Lilja
One of the “hardware” competitors is not says his company is continuing to develop
too far way – in the form of 2box, the drum the platform, primarily the module. “But a
company founded by former Clavia good instrument is not only the brain. You
alumnus, Lilja. The company recently need pads and cymbals that work great
started shipping its new DrumIt Three with it.”
module. “The aim with DrumIt Three was to
make something good, something more His goal is unchanged from the founding of
cost-effective and make it compatible with 2box: “A brain that can produce the sounds
other pad systems on the market,” he you like to play and pads that allow you to
explains. The company’s original DrumIt do it expressively”.
Five module used proprietary hi-hat and We didn’t catch up with Toontrack, which is
ride solutions. located in Umeå, 600 km away.
The 2box philosophy, he says, is about digitalDrummer would like to
great sounds, ease of use and good acknowledge the assistance of Anders
dynamics. The ability to import samples Gronlund, e-drum tinkerer and owner of
and to prepare multi-layer samples using a Zourman Drums, Sweden’s newest
free software editor are also unique. electronic percussion innovator.
INSTANT
UPGRADE.
Adding DW to your electronic drum kit means optimal playability and performance.
DW 5000 Pedal 2018 (Digital Drummer).indd 1 3/28/18 3:07 PM

gear
A few
surprises
at NAMM
IN WHAT SOME are seeing as an together to create the most natural feel of
indication of the increasing market any electronic pad available.
penetration of electronic drums, especially The PUREtouch Electronic Cymbal range
at the entry level, there were a couple of consists of an 18” three-zone ride (bell,
new offerings at the Nashville show. bow and edge), 15” two-zone crash (bow
However, they were largely reissues of and edge), and 14” two-zone hi-hats (bow
existing products. and edge). The cymbals feature a multi-
Pearl won a Best In Show award with its layer construction encapsulated in rubber
new electronic drum collaboration with with a playing action similar to that of
Korg - the e/MERGE line (pictured acoustic cymbals, but with a slightly softer
opposite). This all-new offering, built feel for controlled sound volume.
around the e/MERGE MDL1 module, The system is not compatible with the
features “a full library of high definition, Pearl mimicPRO module developed in co-
natural, organic and minimally processed operation with Steven Slate Drums.
acoustic Pearl drums”.
Pricing and availability information hasn’t
The drum pads are said to use the same been released, but German retailer drum-
technology deployed in the Korg tec has a basic kit listed at €3,999, with the
Wavedrum, housed in Pearl’s “acoustic-like larger hybrid kit listed at €4,199.
PUREtouch Electronic Pads”.
Alesis used the show to launch a new
According to Pearl, the sample library for Nitro Mesh kit. The Nitro is an eight-piece
the MDL1 was recorded not too far from kit (five drums, three cymbals) with mesh
the convention - at Music City USA in heads on all drums.
Nashville. Both current and vintage
instruments in a full variety of sizes were The kit (shown below) is billed as a kit for
chosen and sampled. Samples include the “any beginner-to-intermediate drummer
sounds of several “iconic Pearl artists, looking for a realistic, responsive playing
some specific genres, decades, and experience in a compact set that’s easy to
historic songs and styles from the past to transport and set up”.
the present”.
The triggering
technology is described
as parallel processing
of the player’s
character and sound,
“seamlessly layered
with high definition
samples of real Pearl
acoustic drums to
create an end result
that is as much a
reflection of you as with
any acoustic
performance”.
According to the
companies, the patent-
pending PUREtouch
Electronic Pads were
constructed by Pearl
and Korg engineers
with six layers of
material that work
This kit has an 8" dual-zone mesh snare Both kits are powered by the new DTX402
drum, three 8" mesh toms and a kick drum module, which comes with 287 drum and
pad. There are three 10" cymbals, a hi-hat percussion sounds, 128 keyboard sounds,
pedal and kick pedal and a durable four- 10 customisable drum kits and nine reverb
post aluminium rack. types.
The Nitro drum module has 385 drum and The module also includes 10 unique built-
cymbal sounds arranged in 40 factory kits. in training exercises, along with a record
It has 60 built-in play-along tracks, a function.
sequencer, metronome and performance The DTX452K features the KP65 kick drum
recorder. tower and comes with a bass drum pedal.
“Our new Nitro Mesh kit delivers the Additionally, the DTX452K includes the
amazing playing experience that only HH65, a more expressive hi-hat pad, as
mesh heads can deliver,” says Tim Root, well as a three-zone snare pad for head,
director of global percussion products for rim-shot and cross-stick sounds.
Alesis. The DTX452 is also expandable by
The Nitro Mesh Kit will be available this upgrading the snare to an XP pad and
northern Summer at around $350, making adding a second crash via the extra pad
it one of the best-priced mesh kits from an input on the bass drum. A PCY95AT
established brand. The previous version, cymbal package is available and includes
with rubber pads, had a recommended a crash cymbal, arm, clamp and cable.
retail price of $400, but was available for Yamaha has created the DTX402 Touch
around $300. app, available for both iOS and Android
Yamaha has revealed its new DTX402 devices. Drummers can use this app to
series electronic drum kits – an update fully customise kits to fit their sound and
from the DTX400 series. set-up preferences, as well as to operate
training functions and access video

tutorials for practice exercises. This is
particularly useful since the module has no
display.
The Yamaha DTX402K has a list price of
$799.00, while the DTX452K will sell for The Summer NAMM show, while
around $1,049. significantly smaller than the January show
Helensson, maker of the ITM2 internal in Anaheim, came on the back of a
drum trigger, attended NAMM for the first promising first half of the year for the US
time to show off its new HEADCASTER industry, according to organisers.
display system (above). The Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO,
HEADCASTER displays music, lyrics and believes that the members who attended
video information directly onto drum heads. “will be ahead of the competitive curve and
The main unit is mounted under a resonant deservedly enjoy greater success in the
head and projects an image onto the batter weeks and months ahead”.
head.
Attendance reached 15,010, a 5%
Powered by android, the HEADCASTER increase year-over-year. The 500-plus
has many control and display options and exhibitors covered 1,600 brands, and while
can access thousands of apps as with any manufacturers like Yamaha were out in
android device. force, some big names were notably
There’s no word yet on pricing or absent, preferring keep their powder dry for
availability. the winter edition.

gear
As Yo
like it
digitalDrummer was among the
first to try Medeli’s latest offering.
Hong Kong’s Medeli Electronics is perhaps The kit ships with a hi-hat controller, a kick
the biggest electronic drum company no- pedal, a nifty tablet/phone holder and a pair
one knows about. It is a prolific designer of sticks.
and manufacturer of electronic instruments Set-up is quite easy with very few bits to
and its offerings are everywhere – branded attach. The simplicity of the rack design
as Pearl, Alesis, Simmons, ddrum, KAT and means there are just four uprights to put in
many others. place and the rest of the parts are easily
A good example of Medeli’s work is the attached. Cable connections are also
module which Pearl used as the heart of its straight-forward, with everything clearly
ePro Live range, the RedBox – which is labeled and jacks cleverly positioned along
almost identical to the Alesis DM10. the rack surface. Even the power and
As some of those big names have moved headphone jacks are housed in the rack.
their production either in-house or to other The rack
manufacturers, Medeli has taken a stab at
The key to YoDrum is the curved
going it alone – albeit with another name,
lightweight aluminium rack. This not only
YoDrum. The launch kit has already picked
supports the pads and cymbals, it also
up a swag of design awards, but the
houses the cabling and the module, which
product is relatively unknown, with no
is a removable extension on one end.
major retail distribution arrangements yet in
Presumably, it’s removable so that it can be
place. In fact, it looks like there’s only one
detached for repair purposes as it would be
retail source at the moment - Music Store
a pain to return the whole rack!
in Germany.
The input jacks are all housed in the rack,
What’s in the box so there’s no spaghetti of cabling – just
You know this is a compact kit when it short lengths to link each pad to the rack.
arrives packed in a single carton. The The rack itself is supported by four tubular
reason for that small package is that much legs and feels pretty stable.
of the kit is contained in the rack itself, as
we’ll explain. The drum and cymbal arms are all
mounted on the uprights, so there’s limited
The kit consists of a curved rack with an flexibility, but given the small overall
integrated module and cabling built in. footprint of the kit, that’s not a huge issue.
The cymbals and pads are compact: The mounting hardware is all plastic and
there’s a 12″ mesh kick pad, two 10″ dual- while it feels sturdy enough, these may
zone pads (snare and tom 4) and three 8″ prove to be the weakest link over time.
mesh toms.
The pads
On the cymbal side, there are three 12”
Personally, I would have chosen to use the
dual-zone cymbals (the ride has an
largest pad (12”) as a snare rather than a
additional bell trigger) and a 10” fixed hi-
kick as 10” is relatively small for a main
hat.
drum, even in today’s beginner kits. And it’s
been a long time since I have played 8”
pads, so I had to sharpen my aim
considerably!
The pad construction is pretty similar to
what we’re seeing in the lower-end Alesis
pads. They’re no-fuss plastic ‘shells’
positioned on a moulded base, a multi-
column trigger platform in the middle and a
dual-ply mesh head on top, under a
The cabling is built into the rack chrome hoop with rubber silencing.

The rim piezo is attached to the base and There’s a simple dot matrix display and just
the head trigger is set under a clear plate a few buttons: a power button, a dial for
with six columns at the edges – a design changing kits, volume up and down control
which minimises hot spots and evens out and two banks of three buttons with
the triggering response. various contextual controls.
The kick pad is quite substantial and solid Basically, you can control the essentials
and works well with the supplied pedal. I from the module: switching kits, tweaking
was also able to attach a range of other the overall volume, starting or stopping
pedals – and there was more than enough playalong tracks and connecting to wifi or
playing surface for a double pedal Bluetooth. But if you need to do anything
arrangement. more complex, you need to access the free
YoDrum app.
The cymbals
The app has a fair amount of functionality,
The pedigree of the cymbals is not hard to
allowing you to tweak trigger parameters
find – just take a KAT Percussion KT-
(sensitivity, threshold, curve, crosstalk,
3ZC12 cymbal, recolour all the grey bits
etc.), load new kits and record new
black and you’re looking at the YoDrum
sounds.
cymbals.
You can edit the individual instrument
They’re rubber-covered cymbals with a
sounds and add FX via the app, but there’s
strike area covering about 60% of the total
no simple way to adjust relative volumes
surface.
of each instrument. A simple mixer window
The rubber covers the front half of the would be great!
surface and extends over the whole bell
YoDrum has around 64 GB of internal
area, and the bottom section of the front
sample memory and ships with six preset
rim acts as the choke.
drum kits, drawn from 178 drum, cymbal
Mounted on the cymbal arms, they are
fairly rigid and there’s not a lot of play, 12” cymbal and 10” drum pad (above)
and the minimalist module (below)
unless you leave the tightening nuts
really, really loose.
The module
To call the YoDrum brain minimalist is
an understatement. The module is a
simple tubular end section that can be
easily removed from the rack.
and percussion sounds and 128 GM So, in terms of playability, the YoDrum is
‘voices’. no slouch.
There’s an internal metronome – but no The sounds
training programs.
The six preset kits cover a predictable
In action spread of sounds: Standard (a middle-of-
Firstly, it is important to put the YoDrum kit the-road acoustic pop kit), Rock, Brush
in context. This is not a pro-level gigging (playable with sticks, not brushes),
kit. It is a compact drum set designed for Dubstep 2, R&B and Percussion.
small spaces and built to a budget (the The sounds are real samples, with most of
RRP is $999, so street price may be the snare samples containing eight layers,
around $850). while there are four sample layers for toms
The ergonomic design of the rack and the and cymbals. Some of the kits available for
small pads and cymbals mean everything download have more sample layers – but
is within easy reach and while the pads we’re a long way from the sample depth of
may not present the biggest targets, it mimicPro, Strike Pro and 2box.
didn’t take long to adapt to the layout. The hi-hat has four levels of openness and
The pads were very playable – the dual-ply four samples for each.
mesh heads felt natural and responsive. So, there is some sample variety, but not
The cymbals had the usual rubber e- quite enough to avoid machinegunning,
cymbal feel, albeit with less movement especially if you’re a very precise player
than some rivals. who hits the drum with the same force
Sensitivity and dynamics were good across each time.
all playing surfaces and the trigger design The app and the options
prevented hot-spotting.
While the stock kits cover some of the
Rim triggering on the snare and toms was basics, Medeli has taken a leaf from ATV’s
excellent, without any tweaking, and the book with a range of additional kits
cymbals also had good bow/edge available for purchase via the app. There
separation, while the ride bell was also are currently a dozen additional kits for
responsive without undue effort. purchase, ranging from Funk to Marimba.
Latency on the stock kits was in the range The kits are sold as full kits and you need
of the mimicPro and aD5, although there to buy credits to download them. (Final
was a touch of delay – maybe an extra pricing was not available at publication
millisecond – on some of the bigger time).
downloaded kits.
All of the fine controls are accessed via the free app
It’s also possible to record your own to trigger apps like GarageBand, DrumJam
sounds with the app and assign the or Xdrummer. In fact, YoDrum even has
sounds to specific pads. YoDrum has a dedicated MIDI maps for some popular
good online demo of the creation of a VSTs – and it works really well, albeit with
beatbox kit using the human voice. a bit of latency.
While this is a fun option, one can’t take it Wifi is a bit more tricky. There are two
too seriously because you have to use the ways to connect – via an existing wifi
mic of your phone or tablet for the connection or using the YoDrum as a
sampling. So, while I was able to record a hotspot.
snare drum hit and assign that, there’s no To connect to an existing network requires
way to use a quality .wav recording from a a very strong wifi signal. I struggled to
VST, for example. connect even though other devices right
But then again, given the target market for next to the module connected perfectly. I
this kit and the limited sample layers, can was only able to connect when the module
we realistically expect buyers to want to was right next to the router. And this may
put SD3 kits onto the module? be problematic because firmware updates
It’s worth taking a bit of a look at the and new kit loading require simultaneous
YoDrum’s connectivity, especially because connections to the Internet and the app.
wireless connections are essential for Using the hotspot method was much less
anything other than basic controls, with problematic and that became my default
much of the capability requiring use of the connection method for trigger tweaking,
app. etc.
For starters, the Bluetooth connection I initially struggled with wifi connections to
works well and I had no difficulty pairing the extent that I had to replace the module.
the kit with a number of new iDevices (you And even with the replacement, I found
need Bluetooth 4.0). Once connected, it is this connection flakey and less than
easy to play along to songs on your phone reliable. Hopefully, future firmware updates
or tablet. Better still, you can use YoDrum will improve reliability.
Overall The bottom line: I salute Medeli for going

it alone with a product quite unlike anything
YoDrum is something new – an ultra-
it has built for anyone else. The design is
compact sample-based drum kit backed by
very impressive and the ergonomics are
a powerful app.
fabulous. The uncluttered kit and module
It’s easy to see why its design has been are very pleasing on the eye – more so
recognised: its ergonomics and styling are than on the ear.
fantastic. But to win the hearts and minds
The sounds are good, but limited.
of drummers, it needs to perform.
However, they are probably par for the
For the starting drummer, or someone who course among entry-level kits.
needs a small kit for practice, YoDrum ticks
If you’re looking for a simple, compact kit
a lot of boxes: it’s inexpensive, compact,
that’s easy on the eye and the wallet, that
responsive and sounds quite good.
is responsive and very playable and you’re
What I liked: The kit was easy to set up not too averse to a bit of machinegunning,
and the integrated cabling meant no then this is an interesting option which I am
spaghetti of wires. While the pads were sure will only improve as the app is
small, they were easily reached and enhanced.
Specifications
playable. The pads and cymbals were
responsive and the drum design avoids
hotspotting. Pads: 12″ kick, 10” snare, 10” floor tom, 3
What I liked less: The 10” snare felt a bit x 8” toms
small, especially when I looked down on Cymbals: 12” three-zone ride, 2 x 12” two-
the underused real estate of the 12” kick zone crashes, 10” hi-hat and controller
pad. Of course, all the pads could have
Rack: aluminium rack with integrated
been upsized, but that would increase the
wiring
price.
Module:
While the sounds were generally good (I
especially liked the bigger toms and kicks), User sample memory: 63GB (shared)
the limited sample layers can be evident Polyphony: 256
when you play rolls on the snare. Kits: 6 preset drum kits
If this is intended as a starter kit, then the Preset Instruments:
absence of training tools is an oversight – 178 preset drum voices,
and hopefully one that will be addressed
via the app. 128 GM voices
Metronome: 30 - 280 BPM
I also found the claims about adding your
own samples a bit overstated since you Connections:
can only use recordings made using your Wifi: 2.4G WLAN 802.11b/g/n,
phone or tablet. with AP hotspot function
My biggest disappointment was the lack of Bluetooth: 4.0, A2DP & BLE MIDI profile
wifi reliability. This is a challenge because
USB to host (USB type C, USB MIDI &
the module needs to be connected to your
Audio Interface),
tablet or phone for most of the editing
functions. And, more crucially, you need a USB to device (USB type A, MSD)
live connection to the Internet to download Line out: 1⁄4” stereo
new kits. And you also need it to reload Line in: 1⁄8” stereo
them if you ever reset the module. The
downloads don’t reside on your tablet or Phones: 1⁄8” stereo
phone, so without that live link, you just MIDI in & out: DIN
can’t get them. RRP: $999
gear
Rolands’
sweet 17
Roland has retired its TD-11 kit, adding a new

module, new pads and Bluetooth connectivity.
Allan Leibowitz got hold of the top-spec TD-17
KVX kit, set it up and tried it out.
THE NEW ROLAND TD-17 kits are high-

specced mid-range offerings that offer plenty of
bang for your buck. The kits are a huge step
up from the TD-11 range they replace, with
improvements in the module, the pads, the hi-
hat and the kick drum.
What’s in the box
We tested the TD-17KVX kit which consists of
a TD-17 module, the new PDX-12 dual-zone
12” snare, three PDX-8 toms, the new VH-10
hi-hat, two 12” CY-12C crashes, a 13” three-
zone CY-13R and the new KD-10 kick pad – all
mounted on a compact MDS-4KVX rack.
The kit is quick and easy to set up and has a
relatively small footprint of about 1.1 m x 1.4
m.
The pads
The most obvious change in the Roland pad
array is the new 12” snare pad. The PDX-12 is
a bit like an overgrown PDX-8. Unlike the PD-
128 pad, this one is not built into an acoustic-
style shell. It’s more like a 2box pad – a
shallow plastic housing surrounding the hoop.
Internally, the sensors are mounted on the
side, avoiding hot-spotting. The rim is also
positioned lower than its counterparts “for a The pad
more natural feel”, according to Roland, but I looks a bit
have never had an issue with the rim heights flimsy compared
on the regular PDs. to the older 12” drums, and it also bounces
around a fair bit when you whack it, but it is
hard to fault its overall performance – and its
playing surface is generous for a lower-end kit.
It’s been a while since I’ve played the 8” PDX-
8s, but they performed well and didn’t feel too
small, especially when mounted on the
compact rack.
Roland claims the KD-10 kick pad is amongst
the quietest in its class, but personally, I
couldn’t detect much difference from the KD-9,
although the new kick is more stable and feels
more solid.
I did like the new VH-10 hi-hat, a 12” light-
weight dual-zone cymbal fitted to a controller
unit that is mounted on a regular hi-hat stand
(not supplied). This hi-hat felt very natural and
played really well – better than the VH-11
which is no slouch itself.
On the cymbal side, yes, the pies are small by
acoustic standards, but the three-zone 13”
ride and dual-zone chokeable 12” crashes
were sufficiently large targets and well-
proportioned in relation to the rack and other
pads. They were all very responsive and
relatively quiet, as we’ve come to expect from
rubber-covered cymbal pads.

The module the flagship TD-50, inheriting its sound engine

and many of its samples. This automatically
It’s worth noting that there are actually two
gives it an advantage over the TD-25, for
versions of the TD-17 module – the regular
example, which uses previous-generation
version and a TD-17L. The only difference is
technology.
that the L lacks Bluetooth connectivity, one of
the really appealing features of the full-blown The focus is on realistic, usable sounds, and
brain and a first for Roland. the module is loaded with 310 instruments,
arranged in 50 preset kits.
The TD-17 uses a combi-connector (DB-25
type) to connect the kick, snare, three toms, hi- The sounds span pretty much all the common
hat, crash and ride, with two separate ¼” jacks genres and if there are gaps, you can address
for an additional crash and an aux input. Some that by importing your own samples – mono or
people loathe the DB-25 connectors, but they stereo – and either using them as single-layer
are certainly quick and convenient – and one-shots or blending them with the stock
becoming more common in modules across sounds.
various brands. The TD-17 provides a fair range of tweaking
Like the mid-range TD-25, the TD-17 has just options for onboard and imported sounds. You
two main outs (left and right). It has MIDI Out can adjust the volume, panning, pitch and
(no MIDI IN, so you can’t use it with devices muffling of each instrument as well as the level
like a Zendrum or trapKAT) and a USB of snare buzz and the strainer tension on
connection. snares.
The module has an SD card for sample A key strength of the TD-17 module is its
imports, rather than a USB memory stick dock recording capability. It offers one-touch
like the TD-25, but then there’s also Bluetooth recording of either the full audio or just the kit.
which is fantastic for play-alongs using iTunes The recordings can be exported to SD card.
or YouTube content from your phone or tablet. Another useful facility is the ability to record a
phrase or loop and then assign it to a pad. So,
The compact box is a scaled-back version of
18
www.digitaldrummermag.com
for example, you can perform a fill and then In action

save it as a loop assigned to a tom rim. Instead
of repeating the fill, just hit the rim once and Roland’s marketing campaign touts the TD-17
voila! as a practice instrument which will “help you to
become a better drummer, faster”.
Comparisons to the TD-25, the next module
up, are inevitable and for me, the TD-17 leads The key qualities they’re stressing are realistic
the race on most fronts. One big plus over the feel, expressive modelled drum sounds and
TD-25 is the ability to assign any sounds to the engaging training tools.
rims – something not possible with the bigger, So, does the kit tick those boxes?
older brain.
There is, however, one sacrifice: the TD-17 The pads are all realistic, with decent sizes
doesn’t have positional sensing. (Positional (albeit modest compared to some of the new
sensing is the ability of a sound module to offerings on the market) and a realistic feel,
register and respond differently to hits at especially the new 12” snare and the new hi-
different locations on a pad or cymbal). For hat. The drums and cymbals have great
some people, that’s a big deal, but if you look dynamics and sensitivity, as well as Roland’s
at the large number of high-end modules which trademark low latency when paired with the
don’t have PS, you’ll realise it’s not essential module (just under 4 ms in digitalDrummer
for realistic-sounding drumming. tests).

seven included play-along songs on the

module or something from your own library –
either via Bluetooth or by patching your source
into the Aux In jack. Or use Bluetooth to play
along to one of the countless YouTube
drumming lessons.
Overall
The TD-17KVX looked impressive on paper,
especially at a street price of under $1,600, but
I was pleasantly surprised by the real thing.
In a compact package, you get a lot of things
to hit, some excellent sounds, a bunch of
useful training tools and some valuable editing
and recording capabilities.
The package is even more impressive when
you compare it to the TD-11 kit it replaces.
The drums are capable of fast rolls and the full Some retailers are running out the TD-11KV at
dynamic range from ghost notes to full-bore $100 more than the TD-17KV, making the new
rim shots. There’s perfect head and rim kit even better value.
separation. And the range of nuances on all What I liked: I was impressed with the sound
drums certainly compensates for the lack of quality, usable samples and ability to import
positional sensing. and blend samples in the TD-17 module. I liked
The VH-10 is natural-feeling and expressive, its simplicity and ease of navigation, but also
with precise triggering and a good range of
open/closed variation. From the shop floor
The ride is equally expressive, and triggering is Dealers around the world are seeing
even and predictable. The bell is reasonably strong interest in the TD-17 range, with
easy to trigger without the need for excessive the top-of-the-line TD-17KVX kit a top
force. And all the cymbals are capable of seller.
realistic and smooth edge swells. “Interest has been high, sales have been
pretty good; we had pre-sales before we
We’ve already addressed the quality and
had stock and have continued to sell stock
variety of sounds in the module discussion since,” says Rob Sparrow from the drum
above. Some argue that while Roland modules department of UK seller Andertons.
have enormous sound editing capability which
“Apart from the snare, which is cool and
allows users to create almost any tones they new, for me, not enough people have been
need, the stock sounds are generally talking about the new bass drum,” he
lacklustre. With the TD-17, this is not the case: says, adding that he has been impressed
the kits sound great out of the box. That’s not with the quietness of the KD-10 compared
to say that the sounds can’t be improved. Even to the KD-9.
without the addition of external samples, users Derek Senestraro, e-drum sales engineer
have lots of scope to achieve any specific at Sweetwater, also notes good sales. He
sounds they’re after. describes the TD-17 as a “great playing kit
The final element – training tools – is another at a more intro-level price”. He’s
winner. There are onboard tools like Time particularly impressed with the snare
Check which monitors your playing and response and the features which “are
indicates the percentage of accurate hits as really great for an entry-level Roland kit”.
well as those ahead of and behind the beat. Erik Hamm, owner of Edrumcenter.com,
Quiet Count, meanwhile, alternates between is among those doing a brisk trade in
click on and click off to help you develop your stand-alone modules. He’s also seeing
internal metronome. There’s also a Warm Up most interest in the TD-17KVX kit.
mode which takes you through some practice His personal take on the TD-17: “I like the
steps and grades you at each level. way it sounds and it’s got a nice easy-to-
use layout, like Roland stuff usually does.
And for those who prefer to practise by playing I think it will do very well.”
along to songs, you can choose from the
appreciated the taste of the TD-50’s editing Bottom line: Roland has surprised many of us
functions, albeit scaled back for the little guy. with a kit that meets or exceeds the needs of
mid-level e-drummers with reasonably sized,
While I’m used to a 14” electronic snare and
responsive pads and cymbals, an easy-to-use
large e-cymbals, I found the TD-17 kit
module with great sounds out of the box and
comfortable to play. The hardware makes it
advanced editing capabilities – with Bluetooth
easy to set up the pads and cymbals
connectivity and very competitive pricing. I’m
ergonomically within a small footprint, but
sure Roland has a winner on its hands with the
without feeling cramped and constricted.
TD-17 line and have no doubt these will walk
The pads are expressive and sensitive, and off the floor as fast as they can be unpacked.
Specifications
needed virtually no adjustments for my lighter
touch. And while I usually play a two-piece e-
hat, I found the new VH-10 more than Snare: PDX-12 x 1
competent to deliver a wide range of sound Toms: PDX-8 x 3
variation. Hi-hat: VH-10 x 1
The record function is intuitive and allows you Crash: CY-12C x 2
to easily export your recordings – with or Ride: CY-13R x 1
without backing. Kick: KD-10 x 1
Drum stand: MDS-4KVX
The training tools are fun and engaging and I
Drum sound module: TD-17
can see them encouraging players of all levels
Drum kits: 100 (Preset: 50)
to spend more time honing their skills. And the
Instruments: 310
Bluetooth connectivity was flawless, quick and
Instrument parameters:
incredibly useful.
Level (Volume), Pan, Tuning, Muffling, Snare
What I liked less: At first, I didn’t like the look Buzz, Strainer
of the new PDX-12, but it did fit in well with the User Samples:
rest of the kit. While I got used to the visual Internal memory size: 32 Mb
and liked the responsiveness, I found the drum Number of user samples: 100 max
to be too bouncy when struck hard – the whole Sound length (total): 24 minutes in mono, 12
assembly moves when you hit hard. It doesn’t minutes in stereo
really affect playing, but it does look and feel File format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16/24 bits)
disconcerting and maybe it would be worth Kit effects:
ditching the impressive and flexible ball mount Ambience: 25 types
and using a separate snare stand instead. Multi effect: 30 types
As I said, the lack of positional sensing was a Pad equalizer: 3 band (Low, Mid, High) for
non-issue for me, but for many e-drummers, each pad
it’s a holy grail. Master effects:
Equalizer: 2 band (Bass, Treble)
I’m not a huge fan of SD cards, especially Bluetooth: Ver 4.2
compared to USB sticks which are Internal songs: 7
commonplace, cheap and have enormous Recorder:
stage capacity, so the decision to ditch the Recording Method: Realtime
USB slot from the last generation of modules in Maximum length: 60 min (Temporary
favour of SD is another negative. But again, it’s recording: 3 min)
not a big deal and a small price to pay for the File format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bits)
ability to load samples and record the module External memory: SD card (SDHC supported)
onto external media. Connectors:
This is not an issue for anyone buying the full Trigger input connector: DB-25 type
kit, but for module-only buyers, be aware that Trigger in jack: 2 (Crash 2, Aux) 1⁄4” TRS
the TD-17 is not fully compatible with VH-12 phone type
and VH-13 hi-hats. Master output jack: 2 (L/mono, R) stereo 1⁄4”
phone type
Another trivial niggle is that instead of using Phones jack: Stereo miniature phone type
the standard module mount, Roland has Mix in jack: Stereo miniature phone type
introduced a new mount system. There’s MIDI out jack: 1
nothing wrong with the new system – except USB computer jack: 1
that you can’t use an old mount plate if you Street price: $1,600
want to.
ALESIS MESH HEAD
MESH HEADS ALL SIZES DRUM TRIGGERS CONVERSION
DIY DRUM TRIGGERS KTR-7 E-KICK IMPROVE YOUR 2BOX KIT

Electronic & Hybrid Drumming
DRUM MICROPHONES T-RIGG TRIGGER BAR RIM SILENCER
E-CYMBALS BEYERDYNAMIC DT-770 M CONES
682drums.com
gear
2
Head
Head
Prism versions
To date, digitalDrummer has tested more
than two dozen mesh head variants, and this
month, we look at four models from Prism.
PRISM IS A RELATIVELY new entrant to the e-drum market, with a range of products
including hardware and DIY wraps. The company also has an extensive range of mesh
heads at reasonable prices. We tried a few samples, but there are many more in the range,
including some three-ply offerings that look remarkably like Bill Blast’s
Ballistech 3.0.
Reflective Response (2 ply)

Touted for its “heavily reduced acoustic noise”, this was one
of the quietest heads we’ve played for a while, especially
for controlled hits. Prism says it’s made of two ultra-thin
layers, but it didn’t feel flimsy or fragile.
The fit was good, and it was easy to get a decent amount
of tension.
The head had a good feel with a realistic rebound and
pleasant tone, and quite a subdued buzz.
And on the triggering front, performance was right up there,
with good results in stock trigger settings.
Despite its budget price, this looked and felt like a good general-
use electronic drum head.
Simulation Series (2 ply)
This head also had a slightly oversized collar, especially the
black version, but I did manage to squeeze it into the PD-
128 hoop. This series boasts a heavier gauge of mesh
than the RR series, but stretched notably as it was fitted.
Within half an hour of fitting, both the black and white
versions had lost quite a bit of tension. To test, I re-
tensioned the head and left it unattended (without hitting
it) for another half an hour, and found the tension had
again slipped.
There were significant differences between the black and
white versions besides the fit. Both felt bouncy, but the white
had a bit more rebound. The black, on the other hand, was
slightly more noisy – although both had a notable level of
buzz. There were also tonal differences, the white having
a lower pitch than the black at the same tension levels.
I guess the differences won’t affect most drummers as
they’ll probably select the same colour for the whole kit,
but it is curious that two heads with the same name can
perform significantly differently.
How we tested
Mesh heads are fitted to a 12” shell and tightened using a
DrumDial.
A standard rig is employed to ensure that repeatable strikes are generated
by a stick. These strikes are monitored with a sound meter. In addition, the trigger sensor was
connected to an audio interface and the resulting waveforms analysed. The duration in seconds
between the initial hit and the end of the final wave is noted as the rebound.
Before testing, the rig is calibrated with a designated mesh head which has been used in all the
tests to date.
The transparency test shows the opacity of the heads by photographing a standard graphic through
the head.

Simulation Series (3 ply)

This was the most expensive model at $25.50, and in our case, the
most problematic because the collar was a bit oversized. This
meant it didn’t fit snugly under the hoop of the Roland PD-128
test drum, making it harder to seat and tension.
It’s also worth noting that Prism’s collars are quite thin – at
least 25% shallower than Roland’s and some other makes.
The head was relatively quiet and not too bouncy – its
performance on both tests was around average. The
acoustic tone was something of a dull thud – not too
pleasant, but at least it didn’t have the two-ply buzz.
Under the stick, the head felt natural – not too bouncy, not too
dead. And triggering performance was good – with no tweaking
necessary.
It’s difficult to judge the durability after a short test, but the head did
appear fairly robust and the maker claims to be using “high-grade
mesh material”. The extra layer also increased opacity, with this
head doing a good job of blocking visibility of the internals of the
drum.
Transparency test
Reflective Response
Simulation Series 3
Simulation Series 2
Simulation Series 2
Before you pull

the trigger
... Check out
our reviews
Round-up of past tests

Here is a summary of all the past mesh head tests. We
compare rebound, sound level and price.
!"#$! %&'("! %)*! +,'-".)"/")! 0"1,23$4!

!"#$%&'()*+,-./! 01"234! #! 5#6"!78! #2133!
!"#$%&'()9:;<=/! 01"234! #! 5>236">78! #2433!
(
!"#$%&'(?=,+@;<()9/! 01A2A3! B! !36A178! #C41#!
!"#$%&'(?=,+@;<()*/! 01A2A3! B! !!6A178(! 12A#A!
D%*;<=%! EA! 1! "16A378! #214A!
8,++;F<=-:! 01#! 1! 5"6AB78! 12!1A!
8,++;F<=-:(GG! 0#3! B! 5"6A178! 12A3#!
8,++;F<=-:()*+,-./! 01#! #! 5"6A#78(! #211#!
8,++;F<=-:(B24()9:;<=/! 0#3! B! 556A178(! 12A!"!
77<! H##! #! 5"6"A78! #2B##!
77<(I=+J-;<K! H#4! #! 5>6""78! #2#54!
$GL(*K(8%;,M(N;+*&%MOO! P03! #! 5"236A378! 123!4!
$%&'6<=-($=F;QM! H##! #! 5A6A178! #21>5!
$%&'6<=-(?=,+(R==+! H#A! B! 536A178! #21A#!
SJT7%&'! 0#4! #! 5"6A#78! 12"A#!
@,%<(U,QM&'V! 0>4! 1! 53236"A78! #2415!
@,%<(U,WW&'V! 0>4! 1! 556A#78! #24B4!
X=,%+(U&YY+=(@=,7(! 014! 1! 536A>78! #2153!
X;M<=-:(Z;+=M[=-:V(! 0B5! 1! 5!6"A78! #2#5B!
X;M<=-:(?=,-<;JM()*/! 0#A! 1! 536A178! #2B>B!
X;M<=-:(?=,-<;JM()9/! 0#A! 1! 536A478! #2B>3!
%&'-5.66.7.819! :;<=<>! 7! ?<@A7$B! ;=;>C!
%&'-5.00.! :;D=<>! ;! ?;@A;$B! ;=>;>!
%&'-5.66.;.819! :;;=?<! ;! ??@AD$B! D=E<A!
%&'-5.66.;.8F9! :;;=?<! ;! ?<@A7$B! ;=7CA!
?='J(Z;+=M<F<%J.=! 01>234! 1! 556A478! #2>1#!
?UI! 0B4! 1! 536"578! #24>B!
?J+,M7(*K(?='J! 0>4! #! 556""78(! #2#31!
[%;QQ=%:=,7! H1"! 1! 53236"#2378! #2431!
[&YY(U=F:OO! 01B! 1! 5A6"378(! 12!4#!
\6T7( ! E5! 1! 5"6"!78! 12A>A!
\6T7([9;M! EA! #! 5!6""78! #2#1"!
\6T7([%;]+=! E14! B! 5#236"378! #2#"3!
^U! 014! 1! 536A478! 12A"B!
!"#$6(*5(5+&0(9"#)1+"(94+()&"(9*+6)()*2">(jC";415$(2"#61+"$(*5(6"345$6>(aa(0HS(&"#$>(
e($*6345)*51"$(Z!#+)(0=5#2*36(3"#6"$(7+4$13)*45[!

diy
Just add
triggers
They may not be designed as an e-drum

solution, but Allan Leibowitz tried triggering a
new practice pad set.
E-DRUMMERS TEND TO look at tool. This, of course, is essential for a good

everything out there as a potential trigger trigger response.
device, and a couple of readers Fitting the heads is also simple. They fitted
approached me a while back saying they on everything I tried – from thick to thin.
had discovered “the next big thing”. Their The snare and tom pads just clip on with
interest was aroused when accessory- light pressure, but the bass drum pad
maker RTOM Corporation launched its requires a conversion kit which consists of
Black Hole slip-on mesh head solution. some elastic attachments that clip on the
How it works reso head to keep the unit in place. The
attachment kit may also be needed for
The Black Hole pads are heavy-duty mesh
some die cast or wooden snare and tom
heads mounted on a rubber-covered hoop
hoops, depending on the size and profile.
that snaps on top of an acoustic drum.
Think of NFUZD, but with a mesh head The bass drum proved problematic when it
instead of a rubber playing surface. came to fitting an external trigger. Most
triggers are designed for larger bass drum
Now the official disclaimer: The system is
hoops, but none in my collection had an
designed to offer a quiet practice solution
opening wide enough to accommodate the
for acoustic drummers. The aim is to sound
extra 3.75 cm Black Hole hoop. I suspect
exactly like the acoustic kit but 80%
the Roland bass trigger, with its slotted
quieter. The pads snaps on over the
design, may work.
existing head, so no removal is necessary.
The snare/tom units also post a mounting
Although the manufacturer makes no
challenge for most external triggers. There
claims about e-drum compatibility, I sense
are two types of mount: those which sit on
something may be under development to
top of the hoop and attach to a tension rod
take it in that direction.
(eg. ddrum Red Shots) or those which
Triggering the heads effectively push against the outside of the
hoop and which generally have a cut-out to
One drummer reported having attached a
accommodate the hoop.
Roland RT-30 external trigger and
achieving excellent triggering, so I set out The tension rod mount units are out of the
to check whether the Black Hole pads question because the raised hoop of the
would work with other triggers. Black Hole is far too high above
the lug. To use these, you
So, I cranked up the
would have to remove all
heads, slipped them
the tension rods and
on some acoustic
replace them with
drums and raided
much longer
the
versions.
digitalDrummer
trigger vault. Unfortunately, the
The heads news was not
come with much better for
a turn the bulk of the
buckle “side screw”
tension trigger units in
ring and my collection.
it’s Models from
possible to ddrum, ddt,
get them pintech, Tdrum
very tight, and Billy Blast
using the could not be reliably
supplied tensioning attached. So, besides
the Roland RT-30s tested by someone

else, I could use an older ddt trigger and
2box’s Trigit snare and tom triggers. I also
had some success with a DIY trigger that
I’ll review in a later article.
In action
The pads come in a variety of sizes for
common drum formats: 8”, 10”, 12”, 13”,
14”, 16”, 18”, 20”, 22” and 24”. I was An old-style ddt trigger
loaned the Starter Pack (12”, 13”, 14”, 16”
and 22”), but as mentioned, couldn’t test Overall
the kick. So, do we have a new contender as an e-
For the snare and toms, the biggest drum trigger surface? Provided you have
challenge is attaching the triggers to the the right external trigger or can modify an
broader rim that sits on top of the drum’s existing model to fit on the raised hoop,
hoop. Once attached, the three triggers Black Hole pads do offer an alternative that
that did fit remained in place and felt pretty is quick and easy and doesn’t require the
snug. removal of the acoustic heads.
I tested the triggered heads with a range of On the plus side, the heads are
modules that allowed for adjustment of tensionable and you can crank them pretty
scan time, threshold and sensitivity/gain. tight. The mesh seems quite robust and
Obviously, each one required some degree longevity is extended by the patch in the
of tweaking when connected to the middle of the head.
modules – generally, threshold was lower Pricewise, in the USA, the pads start from
and gain higher than my usual external about $50 for a 10”, with the five-piece set
trigger settings. selling for around $250. That’s not a whole
I managed to successfully dial in all the heap more than decent name brand two-
tom/snare heads with relative ease and or three-ply mesh heads.
achieved good dynamics, sensitivity and The downside is that this solution is noisier
head/rim triggering on all modules. A than regular mesh heads because of the
couple of design aspects had concerned resonance of the mylar heads. In fact, they
me before testing: the cloth patch in the are designed to deliver the original tones of
centre of the drums (much like Pintech’s the drums, but with an 80% sonic
mesh savers) and the rubber rims which I reduction. If that claim is correct, that still
thought might impede rim triggering. Well, leaves 20% of the volume of the host kit. In
wrong on both counts! Triggering was even some situations, like on stage, that may not
across the whole playing surface, including be a bad thing, but if you’re after totally
on the patch area – and rim triggering was silent practice, then you may need to
flawless. reconsider.
Of course, as with all side-mounted Anyway, thanks to those who spotted this
triggers, drummers sacrifice positional as a possible e-drum solution. Please keep
sensing for modules capable of that the suggestions coming and we’ll try to get
functionality. But the silver lining is that hold of a sample and put it to the test. And
they also eliminate the dreaded hot spot as in the meanwhile, given the interest they’re
it’s impossible to hit the piezo directly likely to have received to date, I would
because of its location close to the edge of watch this space to see when RTOM works
the drum – and because it’s protected by out an effective way to trigger these pads
the housing of the trigger unit. for a plug and play solution.
digitalDrummer_May_2018.qxp_Layout 3 26/4/18 12:00 pm Page 50
Our greatest hits

... in one volume
Over the years, digitalDrummer has reviewed scores

of products and produced a number of market-leading
head2head comparisons, helping you choose the most
appropriate solution.
Of course, all our back issues are available
online, but to save you the time and trouble of
searching, we have compiled our reviews into single
volumes, ready to access with just one click.
From triggers to mesh heads and VSTs, to download
your preferred compilation, click here.
Everything you need - just a click away.

profile
MALCOLM
HOLMES
IN ON DIGITAL
When Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark made its

first appearance on Top of the Pops, Malcolm
Holmes caused a stir, performing standing up,
playing an electronic drum kit. While electronic
drumming became an essential part of ‘80s music,
Holmes was ahead of his time, using a home-made
kit because nothing else was available. He shared
his e-drum experiences with Allan Leibowitz.
digitalDrummer: Let’s start at the very

beginning: how did you get into drumming?
Mal Holmes: I first got into drums when I was
about seven years old. My brother brought a
drum kit back to our house. Haven’t a clue
where it came from. It sat in bits in the front
room, so I thought I would try and set it up. I
figured that out, then put a record on the
record player and tried to play along.
Something happened: I think I managed to
play a beat that sounded like the record I was
playing to. Anyway, that moment has never
gone away; drums and drumming just got hold
of me.
I never had any formal tuition, whether that
was a good thing or not is debatable; but I’ve
managed to make a living and done so much
stuff playing in OMD. The good thing about
being self-taught and picking up things as I’ve
gone along is that I’ve ended up with my own
style of playing. I don’t sound like a Grade 7
drummer, but I’m happy with that.
dD: When did you realise that this was

something you could do as a career?
MH: I probably didn’t realise this until we had
to fly back from Brussels to do Top of the Pops
on the spur of the moment. All of a sudden, I
was literally sitting behind a drum kit in the
BBC studios in London, shooting that week’s
top 40 run down. Up until then, I just played
drums because of my love for it. I was
oblivious to the fact we were on the cusp of
becoming a successful band and I would be
doing it for a long time.
dD: Can you run through your gigging journey

- and your "big break"?
MH: It was OMD that gave me the break. I
spent a day and a half in a studio cutting the
drums on our first hit. Then things just
snowballed quickly. Up until OMD, I was
playing with anyone who would have me. I just
wanted to play. I would throw my drum kit onto
a public transport bus (much to the surprise of
the bus driver) and go rehearse or play a gig in
a pub. It didn’t bother me who I played with or
where the gig was. I would be 16 or 17 at this
time. I didn’t like college, so I’d be hanging out
with guitarists, bass players and singers.
dD: When did you first encounter electronic

drums?
MH: I’d seen Kraftwerk using them on the telly.
But it was when the manager of OMD built our
first electronic kit that I got my hands on some
- a couple of circuit boards and a Korg MS 20.
We needed it for OMD’s first UK tour.
PHOTO: OMDCULTURE.COM
Mal uses a combination of acoustic and electronic drums
dD: Why did you use a home-made kit? But, in the studio it was the warmth of acoustic
MH: We had to build one because you couldn’t drums that set the drums apart from many
buy them. There was nothing out there except other bands at the time. I would cut the drums
maybe the Syndrum. We needed a few white separately against a drum machine beat or a
noise circuit boards for the snare and hats. sequencer. The kick, snare and hats would go
Then we also needed another for a kick drum. down to tape individually. This changes what
Yeah, it was trial and error, more error than and how you play, all your favourite chops go
anything really. The kick, snare and hats were out of the window and you’re left with a drum
just not going to take a kicking from a gig. They track that is precise and in its own space - but
would move and I’d break the crystal mics in still has the human element. It’s very subtle.
the practice pads that trigger the circuit boards.
That’s when I brought in a real kick, snare and dD: The technology has come a long way
hats and the electronics would be used to since the ‘80s. What gear do you currently use
colour the tracks and make the drums sound - and how do you use it?
true to the record. MH: I’ve got a ton of Roland gear and use gear
from a cool German company called drum-tec.
dD: I'm assuming that you didn't stick with your I used a couple of TD-20s and a sampler for
home-made gear: what was your e-drum path toms, cymbals and samples when I was
after building your own? playing live. I used all kinds of pads to fit in
MH: It went something like our kit, Pollard around the kit. The electronic cymbals are
Syndrums, both with the MS20. We stuck with there so there is no spill from the overhead
the MS20 and a Pearl Syncussion for a long, cymbal mics. I also use a Sonor SQ kick and
long time. Then I brought in a Simmons for floor tom, a deep metal Sonor snare drum and
toms with a chip blower. We always used a Zildjian hats. That’s the engine room, if you
Roland CR-78 beat box in the live set-up as like. The good people at Roland gave me an
well. In the studio, anything would do. artist deal. I’m just about to get my hands on a
TD-25, which will be fun. Roland gear just
dD: How did e-drums shape the OMD sound? works - which is what you need on the road
MH: I think e-drums shaped the OMD live when the drum kit cases get thrown out of a
sound. They were there to recreate the record truck every day.
and how it was recorded when we played live.
The future of
drumming is here.
“ Sensory Percussion is a game changer that will

extend your musical palette as far as you can imagine.
•••
The software allows players to get an almost limitless
arsenal of sounds from a single drum, utilising all the
natural expressiveness of the instrument.
– digitalDRUMMER (August 2017)
”
www.sunhou.se
@sunhouseinc
dD: Increasingly, we hear from pro drummers dD: Readers may not know that your OMD
that electronics - sampling, loops and VSTs - career came to rather an abrupt end in 2013
are essential in the industry today. What would when you collapsed during a show in Toronto
your advice be to anyone starting out - and after your heart stopped. What are you doing
particularly those who believe acoustic drums post-OMD?
are the only "real" drums? MH: I’ve been spending time in my home
MH: Acoustic drums are very different to e- studio doing a few tracks, programming drums
drums, make no mistake about that. For me, and working with different artists. I’ve really
you can throw a lot more weight into a real kick enjoyed it. I’ve also released a few tunes via
and snare. They physically move air. E-drums my rent & debt record label and I’ve spent time
are great for creating new sounds for your building my website, malholmes.co.uk. I’m just
recordings and bringing those sounds to life about to get a Roland TD-25 module, so I’m
when you gig. The bigger a drummer’s sound putting a new e-drum kit together with all the
palette is, the more creative they can be. Real gear I’ve got lying around. I’m keeping busy
and e-drums should complement each other. but also taking time to chill out since I don’t go
It’s a case of horses for courses: what you on the road anymore.
need at the time for what you want to create.
All drums are our friend, not the enemy.
History lesson
Pollard Syndrum
This is the first commercially available electronic
drum invented by Joe Pollard and Mark Barton in
1976. There were two models: the single drum 177
and the four drum 477. Syndrums were a musical
success, but a financial failure and they only lasted
for a couple of years.
Korg MS-20
This patchable semi-modular monophonic
analogue synthesizer was released in 1978 and
continued in production until 1983. It was part of
Korg's MS series of instruments, which also
included the single oscillator MS-10, the
keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer
and the VC-10 Vocoder.
Pearl Syncussion
Released in 1979, the SY1 Syncussion offered two
completely independent (and identical) channels
which were typically triggered from two bongo-like
drums fitted with transducers. It is best known for
its 'beeyooo beeyooo' sounds which drummers
either love or hate.
Roland CR-78
The Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 is a drum
machine launched in 1978. Uniquely at the time, it
allowed users to programme and store their own
drum patterns. Famous songs that make prominent
use of the Roland CR-78 include Vienna by
Ultravox, Heart of Glass by Blondie and the main
rhythm of In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins.
performance
How I use e-drums

MuzikalDunk
was the winner
of the inaugural
Technology
category in the
2018 Hit Like a
Girl Contest.
I’M A PHILADELPHIA-based musician, have the Maschine MPC, where I could sample
producer and songwriter. My sound is a blend and trigger the drums. This process was also
of innovative polyrhythms and melodies that enhanced by using an M-Audio MIDI keyboard
take audiences to the fringes of modern music, as well. That tedious process can be shortened
while maintaining a classic musical sensibility or even eliminated when using an electronic
that keeps them in the groove. I’ve been told kit, thereby saving both studio space and
my flare for cutting-edge creativity and eclectic creative time.
ear produce genre-defying tracks and an
Like a lot of producers, I’m at my most creative
undeniable signature.
at night, and using e-drums allows me to
I am perhaps best known for my unique energy record whenever I want - without regard to
and power, sometimes reducing a drum kit to noise. It also alleviates some stress while
shrapnel and splinters by night's end, much to recording because I don’t have to worry about
the delight of the transfixed audience. the mic placements. Lastly, the tweaking and
finding of certain drum sounds right in the kit,
A couple of the cool electronics I like to use to
as opposed to through a sampler, makes
record drums are simple MIDI keyboards and
producing easier.
now, new to my production family, the ROLI
and Sensel which have been cool to Currently, I am working with the Philadelphia
incorporate. I usually transcribe MIDI tracks community and around the world, and
through Logic, Waves or by manipulating the expanding my reach by teaching children and
stock sounds that come with Logic. Coming young adults the art of drumming. I focus on
from ‘no means’ to ‘by any means necessary’ piquing the curiosity and interest in music - and
while recording, I had to experiment and be drums in particular - of girls and young women
creative to get the sound I was looking for as a tool of empowerment. They need to see
without much money for equipment. In order to and know that everyday women are out here
achieve the live drums effect, I actually play on the musical battlefront with everyone else
live acoustic drums on mostly all the forging a new way to think, process and create.
productions.
From my work as an instructor with School of
E-drums help mainly with sound designing and Rock Philadelphia and Tech Freire High
timing. School, to rocking stages with samba big band
Philly Bloco or rock guitarist Joe Jordan, I am
The way I record music, the feel of the
always finding new and innovative ways to
drummer is usually recorded last or at least
collaborate and expand my musical palette.
after the MIDI drums are laid down as a
skeleton. On some projects, I was lucky to
Gear list
Tama Superstar
acoustic drum set
Logic,
M- Audio Axiom
Workstation,
Behringer xenyx
Neumann TLM mic,
Waves Audio
Programming, Hear MuzikalDunk’s Hit Like A Girl entry here.
Sensel and ROLI
digitalDRUMMER,May 2017 43
models
BIG TALENT
for small detail

A couple of years ago, we showcased a few miniature kits built by model
makers around the world.
Now, we feature the work of another talented miniature artist, Mark Ron
Barbacena in the Philippines.
Barbacena uses paper and pins to build his replicas and has built a wide
range of kits including a recent Roland TD-6 model.
Here are some pictures of his first e-drum project, which is shared on
Facebook.
Eye for detail: Barbacena’s 1:10

scale Roland kit, complete with
Tama double kick pedals and
(below) a flashback to our
previous model coverage.

training
Totally toms
Click to watch the video
E-drum educator Raul Vargas this month

turns his attention to the toms, with a few
different grooves.
IN THE FIRST groove, the focus is on the floor tom. It is in triplets and we
will only play the first and third notes of the triplet.
The second groove uses our bass drum on each beat; the snare drum on
the second and fourth beat. Here, the floor tom is played in 8th notes and
the rack tom alternates like a rock groove.
The third groove is based on ''batucada'' style (Brazilian genre). Here we pay
more attention to the double hits that are on the second 16th notes of beats
1 and 3.
In the fourth groove, we introduce the ride, playing 8th notes, and develop
the beats on the rack and floor tom. (This groove is inspired by the theme of
Pray For Me.)
The fifth groove is a nod to R&B. There are two variations: either repeating
hands or alternating them.
The sixth groove is similar to the fourth groove, but playing the hi-hats with
the left hand only, while using the right for snare and toms. This is a bit of a
test of your ambidextrousness.
I hope that you can study and apply these grooves in different musical
situations. Remember that any exercise can be further developed to add
more language and phrases in our repertoire.
Mexican drummer Raul Vargas recently joined the Berklee

College of Music and Berklee Online faculty as an
international mentor. Since being voted E-drummer of
the Year in digitalDrummer’s Readers’ Choice poll,
Vargas has been appointed to the Percussive Arts
Society International Committee and has been selected
as his country’s first ATV artist.
46
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
Exercise 5
Exercise 6
Click to watch the video

gear
MONSTER
My
kit
This month, we head over to Essex in the
UK, where Matt Hinton shares his kit.
Matt’s kit Matt’s Story
Module: Roland TD50 I had a classical music upbringing (piano, flute,
Pads: PD-140DS digital snare, PD-128S-BC
choir) and started drums at 13 years old. With
floor tom, 4 x PDX-100 toms, KD-A22 on 22”

two school mates, we set up the school rock
band and the singer is now my wife of 21 years.
x 14” kick shell My drumming fell by the wayside in my 20s when
Cymbals: VH-11 hi-hat, CY-18DR digital ride, university and then career and family
2 x CY-13Rs, 2 x CY-12Cs and a CY-5 commitments got in the way. After 20 years of
Other: not playing, my wife asked me what I would like
Roland SPD-SX for my birthday present and my immediate
BT-1 bar trigger pad
response was an electronic kit. Within 48
Pearl THMP Throne Thumper

hours, I’d ordered a Roland TD-25KV and was
PA : BOSE L1 Module II with B2 Module

back into it. I joined a covers band in
Mixer: Soundcraft Signature 12

Manchester and am now in an originals rock
band, Point Clear, recording our first album.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxB5B5lEosCT26qNrKXmC0Q
www.matthinton.photography
Share
your kit
gearGuide
2BOX ENHANCEMENTS E-DRUM KITS
Hi-hat conversion module

for 2box™ DrumIt Five & Three
and ATV aD-H14!
Zourman converts you drumming life to perfect:

• 2box™ DrumIt Five and Roland™ FD-8,VH-11,VH-12,VH-13
• ddrum4 SE™ for Roland™ VH-11 hi-hat
d • 2box™ DrumIt Five and Roland™ CY-13R & CY-15R Rides
• 2box™ DrumIt Five & Three for ATV™ aD-H14 hi-hat
• Legendary snare samples for 2box DrumIt Five & Three
ZOURMAN
www.zourman.com
or visit our resellers
D R U M S Drum-tec (Germany), Jobeky (UK)
or Electronic Drum Center (US)
CONVERSION KITS KIT ALTERNATIVES
Electrify any kit
Convertible Percussions
allows you to convert any kit
in just a few minutes
for less than $50 per drum.
Easy to install - no soldering.
Visit us at
convertiblepercussions.com
Or search for us on Ebay
and YouTube
gearGuide
CONVERSION KITS TRAINING
Easy e-Conversion
Stealth Drums turns acoustic cymbals
and drums into responsive triggers which
bring out the best of most modules.
Carefully built components shipped with
easy-to-follow instructions for the perfect
e-cymbal or drum that looks and plays
like the real thing.
Optimised for Roland, mimicPRO, 2box
and other modules with customised plug
and play presets.
And free, live, personalised support.
It doesn’t get any easier.
Visit us online today
www.stealthdrums.com
GOING
MESH HEADS MARKETING
GOING
GONE
ONLY A FEW LEFT
Hart Dynamics has stopped trading and
its famed mesh heads, made by Aquarian,
are fast disappearing.
Your ad here
This is your last chance to grab these
quality heads in Australia.
for less than $200
CLICK HERE


Digitaldrummer August 2018

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Digitaldrummer August 2018

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

digitalDrummer_aug_2018.

qxp_Layout 3 24/7/18 9:04 am Page 1

Edition 35 • August 2018 US$10

CREDITS THERE’S NO COMPARISON between the e-drum market

digitalDrummer August 2018

A few surprises at NAMM

Head2Head: Prism versions

Just add triggers

Profile: Malcolm Holmes

How I use e-drums

Big talent for small detail

Allan Leibowitz visited Stockholm to

XLN Audio co-founder Lars Erlandsson

The first incarnation of Addictive

DW 5000 Pedal 2018 (Digital Drummer).indd 1 3/28/18 3:07 PM

training functions and access video

digitalDrummer, August 2018 13

digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 15

Overall The bottom line: I salute Medeli for going

Roland has retired its TD-11 kit, adding a new

THE NEW ROLAND TD-17 kits are high-

digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 21

The module the flagship TD-50, inheriting its sound engine

for example, you can perform a fill and then In action

digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 23

seven included play-along songs on the

DIY DRUM TRIGGERS KTR-7 E-KICK IMPROVE YOUR 2BOX KIT

DRUM MICROPHONES T-RIGG TRIGGER BAR RIM SILENCER

E-CYMBALS BEYERDYNAMIC DT-770 M CONES

Reflective Response (2 ply)

digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 29

Simulation Series (3 ply)

Before you pull

Round-up of past tests

!"#$! %&'("! %)*! +,'-".)"/")! 0"1,23$4!

digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 31

They may not be designed as an e-drum

E-DRUMMERS TEND TO look at tool. This, of course, is essential for a good

the Roland RT-30s tested by someone

Our greatest hits

Over the years, digitalDrummer has reviewed scores

Everything you need - just a click away.

When Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark made its

digitalDrummer: Let’s start at the very

dD: When did you realise that this was

dD: Can you run through your gigging journey

dD: When did you first encounter electronic

“ Sensory Percussion is a game changer that will

– digitalDRUMMER (August 2017)

How I use e-drums

for small detail

Eye for detail: Barbacena’s 1:10

digitalDRUMMER, August 2018 45

Click to watch the video

E-drum educator Raul Vargas this month

Mexican drummer Raul Vargas recently joined the Berklee

Click to watch the video

floor tom, 4 x PDX-100 toms, KD-A22 on 22”

Pearl THMP Throne Thumper

PA : BOSE L1 Module II with B2 Module

Mixer: Soundcraft Signature 12

Hi-hat conversion module

Zourman converts you drumming life to perfect: