Yamaha XP Pads (Silicon) Supported? Only TP Listed in Manual

[csnow]

I am using a TD50 but I want to go back to the Yamaha XP silicon pads for my toms. I used to own a DTX 950 and really like the 12" Yamaha silicon pads. I had someone test a Yamaha XP pad with their Roland module and the sensitivity was very limited with the velocity being either very low or very high with the Roland module using numerous different pad type settings. I just bought the eDRUMIn to evaluate it but I would like to use it with the Yamaha pads. Is there any reason why the XP pads are not listed as supported? The manual only lists the older Yamaha TP pads. Has anyone used the XP pads with Yamaha via the eDRUMin to Superior Drummer? If so, were you able to achieve all velocities from very low to 127? The Yamaha XP pads are pricey and these would be a special order so no returns. If anyone can share some feedback, I would be very appreciate.

Chris

[perceval]

I have a copy of a Yamaha pad here.

It's actually closer to the TP, as it is rubber, but shares the same wiring scheme.

The sensitivity of the silicon pad might be lower due to the material, but the eDRUMin app has quite the powerful gain slider, combined with the bezier curve adjustment of the dynamics, I'm pretty sur you'd be able to dial it in to your liking.

[Rob]

As perceval has already stated, I'm pretty sure every Yamaha pad made in the last 20 years will work just fine. A couple things to note, however. 1. The dial on some Yamaha pads won't do anything yet, but I do have experimental support for them and the plan is to allow the dial to change the note bank. 2. If you have a Yamaha pad that has a gain pot, don't turn it up too high. You'll want to keep it somewhere in the middle such that the eDRUMin uses a gain of about 3. That'll give you the best possible dynamics.

[csnow]

Excellent, thank you both.

[Pim]

Excellent, thank you both.

Hi Chris,

I've used both the XP120T and the XP100SD with the eDrumin. They both work fine, i.e. all 3 zones and also the velocity range.

One thing that I've noticed is that the dial knob reacts a little weird. Most of the time after a reboot, the third zone of the pad behaves like the second zone.
I have to turn the dial knob a little first so that the third zone sends a distinctive midi note. Afterwards, there are no problems whatsoever but it has to be done regularly after rebooting the computer.

Both Yamaha pads showed this behavior. But it's no big deal. Just hit the third zone before you start playing, check if it's the correct sound/midi note. If not, turn the knob. Done. Takes less than 10 seconds.

I'm pretty happy with the XP pads in combination with the eDrumin. I even ordered a second XP100.

Best regards,
Pim

Edit: Maybe I could also add that I used an XP80, too. Those pads don't have dial knob, all 3 zones always work just fine.

[Rob]

Hmm. Interesting report about the dial, Pim. I haven't noticed this on my end, but I haven't tested my Yamaha snare in quite a while. I'll look into it next week.

[csnow]

Excellent, thank you both.

Hi Chris,

I've used both the XP120T and the XP100SD with the eDrumin. They both work fine, i.e. all 3 zones and also the velocity range.

One thing that I've noticed is that the dial knob reacts a little weird. Most of the time after a reboot, the third zone of the pad behaves like the second zone.
I have to turn the dial knob a little first so that the third zone sends a distinctive midi note. Afterwards, there are no problems whatsoever but it has to be done regularly after rebooting the computer.

Both Yamaha pads showed this behavior. But it's no big deal. Just hit the third zone before you start playing, check if it's the correct sound/midi note. If not, turn the knob. Done. Takes less than 10 seconds.

I'm pretty happy with the XP pads in combination with the eDrumin. I even ordered a second XP100.

Best regards,
Pim

Edit: Maybe I could also add that I used an XP80, too. Those pads don't have dial knob, all 3 zones always work just fine.

Thanks Pim. Are you triggering this to Superior Drummer? Thanks for answering about the velocities. That was my primary concern of not being able to go from ghost notes to full 127 velocity. On the Roland module apparently they trigger, but pretty much flat at one velocity.

[Pim]

Thanks Pim. Are you triggering this to Superior Drummer? Thanks for answering about the velocities. That was my primary concern of not being able to go from ghost notes to full 127 velocity. On the Roland module apparently they trigger, but pretty much flat at one velocity.

Hi again,

I'm triggering SSD5 but it shouldn't matter, I checked the velocities inside the eDrumin software.

The only real difference I experienced to my mesh heads is the following: when I perform a test and just let the stick bounce loosely till the end, on all the Yamaha pads the last few tiny bounces don't get registered. They also don't get registered with the Yamaha module. With the mesh head even the tiniest bounce at the end triggers a sound.

But this is testing, when I actually play, there is no difference, all ghost notes (even the slightest) I play are registered, buzz rolls are no problems, you can actually check the velocities pretty easily within the eDrumin software because it's gives you a nice visual indication.

Like I mentioned, I enjoyed the triggering performance of the XP pads and bought another one, but if you have never played one of the silicone pads of Yamaha before, be aware that they do feel quite different to play (rebound-wise) compared to mesh heads.

Best regards,
Pim

[csnow]

Like I mentioned, I enjoyed the triggering performance of the XP pads and bought another one, but if you have never played one of the silicone pads of Yamaha before, be aware that they do feel quite different to play (rebound-wise) compared to mesh heads.

Best regards,
Pim

Right now I have DIY mesh with the Stealth ISM side mounted triggers but I still get some sporadic spikes in velocity even with the three sensors on the side. I absolutely love the Roland digital snare but I am not in love with my toms performance. I used to own a DTX 950 and really likes the XP pads. After reading other posts here, I am going follow Rob's suggestion and lower my triggers so they are barely touching. I also ordered one eDRUMin to see if the hot spot mitigation smooths things out. Its not bad, but I am looking for perfect. To me, the Yamaha XP pads triggered perfect all the time every time with Superior Drummer. The problem with the DTX was the pathetic hi hat performance in Superior but that was years ago back in the SD2 days. I sold it and essentially walked away from the hobby back then.

[csnow]

Good news and bad news. I went to order the pads and Yamaha is back ordered on the XP120Ts nationwide. The good news is that I lowered the triggers on my mesh heads and am getting consistent triggering.