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Step 3Drum Module
So now we have all the "nerves/sensors" for the drum set covered. Now the only non-DIY step, buying the drum module.
I'm sorry if I miseld you to think we would be building a module from scratch, or some other way to make sounds from the pads. I decided to buy a module as 170$ wasn't a huge deal if you look at other electronic sets prices, it was a worthwhile purchase for sure, and the only real big cost.
There are tons of modules out there for sale, most of them as far as I know function pretty much the same. Modules usually accept from 10-16 inputs which can be used for drums/cymbals/bass pedal. They have an assortment of sounds to program to each pad, and even the one I bought (Alesis D4) has very good adjustments for tuning the sensitivities of each pad (you could spend an hour per pad if you wanted). Modules can get pricey, and since I wasnt using professional pads, I just wanted the cheapest module, as many features might not have been available with the pads I built, rimshots etc. Though for a simple rim trigger I had at one point the rim of a frisbee with a piezo glued to it, mounted to the edge of my snare pad using the lugs that hold the metal rim on.
Once you have all that hooked together, the tuning begins. I basically tightened all the drum heads to my liking, and then went through each pad and changed settings on the module to give the pads the most dynamic output possible. This will differ with each drum module you buy so I cant give too much detail here without confusing people. I suggest searching around on google before you buy your drum module so you know what you're getting. There are forums where people have suggested which modules work best etc, this is your homework, do some research :-P
The Alesis D4 is perfect for my needs and also an entry level module, the more you spend, the more/better sounds, better hi hat features, you will get with a module. As far as connections the D4 gives me 2 sets of left and right 1/4" outputs (mono). There are people who have built their own midi triggers, basically a box with 1/4" inputs and midi output to take the signal from the pads and translate it for your computer. This way you set up the sounds on the computer itself, however then you need to haul a MIDI capable computer with you :-/.
Most of the time I use nice big headphones when I play, if you need to be heard, piping all the sound to one channel and into an amp is good, if you need stereo, 2 amps :-P.
I'm sorry if I miseld you to think we would be building a module from scratch, or some other way to make sounds from the pads. I decided to buy a module as 170$ wasn't a huge deal if you look at other electronic sets prices, it was a worthwhile purchase for sure, and the only real big cost.
There are tons of modules out there for sale, most of them as far as I know function pretty much the same. Modules usually accept from 10-16 inputs which can be used for drums/cymbals/bass pedal. They have an assortment of sounds to program to each pad, and even the one I bought (Alesis D4) has very good adjustments for tuning the sensitivities of each pad (you could spend an hour per pad if you wanted). Modules can get pricey, and since I wasnt using professional pads, I just wanted the cheapest module, as many features might not have been available with the pads I built, rimshots etc. Though for a simple rim trigger I had at one point the rim of a frisbee with a piezo glued to it, mounted to the edge of my snare pad using the lugs that hold the metal rim on.
Once you have all that hooked together, the tuning begins. I basically tightened all the drum heads to my liking, and then went through each pad and changed settings on the module to give the pads the most dynamic output possible. This will differ with each drum module you buy so I cant give too much detail here without confusing people. I suggest searching around on google before you buy your drum module so you know what you're getting. There are forums where people have suggested which modules work best etc, this is your homework, do some research :-P
The Alesis D4 is perfect for my needs and also an entry level module, the more you spend, the more/better sounds, better hi hat features, you will get with a module. As far as connections the D4 gives me 2 sets of left and right 1/4" outputs (mono). There are people who have built their own midi triggers, basically a box with 1/4" inputs and midi output to take the signal from the pads and translate it for your computer. This way you set up the sounds on the computer itself, however then you need to haul a MIDI capable computer with you :-/.
Most of the time I use nice big headphones when I play, if you need to be heard, piping all the sound to one channel and into an amp is good, if you need stereo, 2 amps :-P.
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Mar 5, 2009. 11:29 PMIvanovichhouse
says:
buy a drum module..men you break my heart.... :-P
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Apr 4, 2008. 8:28 AMtopazeyes
says:
you would still need to convert the signal to midi which would require the module. I've also seen the converters without any sounds. It just outputs the midi signal. then you can hook that up to the PC
Reply
Oct 5, 2006. 4:35 PMyurijm
says:
Any info about building midi triggers? 170$ is too much for me, lol Very nice project! :D
Reply
Mar 1, 2008. 6:02 PMmusicman44
says:
if you could figure out a rig to connect it to a computer, they have really good MIDI soft ware. you could also(though you wouldnt get louds and softs) jack a keyboard into a similar rig and assign the keys you used with fleximusic orchestra.
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