Real Feel mesh heads + positional sensing

[Yellowjacket]

Just started setting up my a2e conversion with eDrumin 10, UFO eBridge triggers, and Drum-tec Real Feel mesh heads. I noticed that the underside ply of the Real Feel head is completely loose to the touch even when the head is as tightened as it should be.

I haven’t had much success on getting reliable positional sensing with my 14” metal snare in this set up. Should I assume the extreme looseness of the bottom ply of the head messes up the positional sensing function? Just surprised I haven’t heard about this as an issue in all the research I did before starting my conversion. Should I consider using two-ply heads instead, or is the looseness of the bottom ply of the Real Feel unrelated to my issues with positional sensing?

[Rob]

The real feel mesh definitely causes problems. Two ply is definitely the way to go.

[JohnM]

I recently completed an A2E build with centre-mounted head and rim piezos (R-Drums style) in a 12 inch wood shell snare. Positional sensing is working pretty good with a Jobeky 3-ply head. I'm getting distinct Centre/Off Centre/Edge sounds with SD3.

Like the Real Feel, the Jobeky 3-ply also has a loose lower layer. I've yet to try a 2-ply head.

Is there a specific make or model of 2-ply head you would recommend to optimise PS?

[Rob]

I'm pretty sure most 2 ply mesh heads out there are made by Remo.

[JohnM]

I'm pretty most of 2 ply mesh heads out there are made by Remo.

I've just ordered a Roland 2-ply head (MH2 PowerPly) so I can do a back to back PS comparison with the 3-ply I'm using at the moment.

I'll report back when I've tested it.

[AKA Wayne]

I use a reel feel head on my 14in snare. I think PS is pretty responsive but I've been meaning to switch it out and compare with a Roland two ply I have laying around. I'll try to get to it this weekend. If I do I'll report back.

[JohnM]

Reporting back with my 3-ply vs 2-ply Positional Sensing comparison...

Replaced a Jobeky 3-ply head with a 2-ply Roland MH2 PowerPly.
I thought PS was working reasonably well with the 3-ply, but it's on a different level with the MH2!!
Sensitivity to hit placement is vastly more accurate. 'Off centre' and 'Edge' articulations are uniform around the circumference of the head.

Rob's advice was absolutely right... if your drum or pad is designed to work with PS, 2-ply is the way to go.

The Roland MH2 PowerPly isn't cheap but for someone who's played acoustic drums for a looong time, it's totally worth it for the response and articulations I can now get from this electronic snare drum. Really pleased with the results!

Thanks for the info Rob and for implementing PS so well in the eDrumin10

[Rob]

Thanks for reporting back on this.

[dsteinschneider]

I'm interested in testing out the Roland MH2 PowerPly. Is this the right one?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ad-14-inch

[JohnM]

I'm interested in testing out the Roland MH2 PowerPly. Is this the right one?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ad-14-inch

Yes.