Increasing the Trigger Area of Cymbal Edge?

[thedrumdoctor]

I'm using a Roland CY-14C as my Hi-Hat cymbal with a Drone optical H/H controller and everything functions really well. My VST is Superior Drummer 3 and I have the latest software updates for my 4-input and 10-input interfaces.

The problem I'm trying to sort out, is the limitations of the edge triggering on the CY-14.

When I play H/H 'barks' or even just normal open/close notes, sometimes the dominant articulation comes from the bow area of the cymbal. I've messed with the edge threshold and I reckon I've got the max response from it. To me, it seems that there isn't enough 'trigger area' from the edge sensor on the CY-14. If the tip of the stick lands too far into the bow area, then the articulations picked up naturally trigger the gentler open/closed sounds from the bow articulations in SD3. If I want that 'full' sound you get from the edge open/close articulations, I really have to concentrate on pulling the stick away from the bow and hitting the 'sweet spot' from the edge trigger. There really doesn't seem to be much physical width in the area on a CY-14 where the trigger functions.

I'm guessing this is how the Roland CY-14 naturally transmits MIDI notes and I'm asking a cymbal manufactured as a crash to trigger as a H/H top cymbal. However, because the eDRUMin goes way beyond the parameters of standard module's MIDI capabilities, I'd be interested to hear your observations (Rob) on cymbals you may have tested which give a wider trigger area for edge articulations.

Thanks

Nick

[thedrumdoctor]

I believe I've sorted this!

I found the zone adjustments for the dual-zone pads in SD3 and fiddled them until the playing area became more realistic. It's still not perfect but it's a lot better.

There's always a point with edrums when you have to realise you've gone as far as possible and to be grateful!

[Rob]

That cymbal should be capable of positional sensing. You might be able to use that to turn hits closer to the edge into edge hits.

I personally find that carefully dialing in your velocity curve makes a huge difference.

[thedrumdoctor]

Yes, the independent velocity curves on the bow and edge certainly do help to equalise the articulation volume differences.