eDRUMin vs. MIDI Expression for (hi-hat CC/trigger + bass drum trigger) only

[Ghersic]

I use a pad controller (MPD218) to play Superior Drummer 3, however I'd like to use a hi-hat pedal controller to modulate CC and trigger the closed pedal and splash (likely Yamaha HH65). I'd also like to trigger the bass drum using another pedal (likely Yamaha KU100).

For these purposes, without much intent to replace the pad controller with a full eDrum set, would you all recommend purchasing the MIDI Expression or full eDRUMin module? For example, is hi-hat and bass drum pedal support more thorough or customizable with eDRUMin than they are for the general MIDI Expression module?

Thanks for the advice! Rob's work is great and really fills a void on the audio ... front!

[Ghersic]

For anyone reading this with a similar question, I did find the following thread:

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=528&p=2285&hilit=M ... sion#p2285

This states that the HH Control on the back is a MIDI Expression input, but that the eDRUMin software doesn't yet have as much customizability in that regard as the MIDI Expression software.

I'm wondering if I should buy an eDRUMin in anticipation of future updates making it better for HH control and bass drum triggering, or if it's better to just go with MIDI Expression?

[Rob]

Hi,

The first thing to point out is that MIDI Expression devices DO NOT support silent kick pedals such as the Yamaha KU100. For that kick pedal, your only option is the eDRUMin. In terms of the hihat functionality, the eDRUMin offers everything a MIDI Expression does.

There are many MIDI Expression features that I will likely never bring to eDRUMin because I want to keep it easy to use. But I am bring some in the next update and at the same time, I'm working on developing extra functionality for the pedal input on the eDRUMin that cater to the needs of drummers.

Regards,
Rob

[Ghersic]

Hi, Rob!

That's great, I will buy the eDRUMin then! Thank you for the heads up on the kick pedal support and future plans.

I've one other simple question. Often HH pedals like the Yamaha HH65 are advertised as offering "Full Open, Full Closed, Half Open, and Foot Splash". However, modern software like SD3 offer 6 variations of partially closed depending on the CC value. I'm assuming these with the eDRUMin offer all the variations since they're just sending MIDI CC levels, right?

If anyone has general suggestions for the best HH control and bass drum trigger pedals as well, I'm all ears!

[Mylo]

If anyone has general suggestions for the best HH control and bass drum trigger pedals as well, I'm all ears!

Not sure about “the best”... but I have the VH-11 controller that came with my Jobeky two-piece hi-hat and I’m getting all levels of openness out of SD3 from closed tight and closed all the way through open 1 to open 5 for both the bow and the edge. It works very well with the eDRUMin.

My kick is a A2E conversion with a single zone internally mounted trigger from Jobeky paired with my favorite kick pedal.

[jacko]

If anyone has general suggestions for the best HH control and bass drum trigger pedals as well, I'm all ears!

"best" is subjective

i can recommend the roland fd9 and kt10

both excellent pedals

[Ghersic]

i can recommend the roland fd9 and kt10

Those are the two I'm leaning towards as well! You use those both with the eDRUMin?

I've read solid reviews on the Roland pedals, whereas there are (slightly) mixed reviews on the Yamaha equivalents (e.g. KU100, HH65). The Yamaha ones are significantly cheaper, less than half the price, though. In particular, I've read that the Yamaha KU100 kick pedal falls a bit short with the velocity sensitivity, but maybe that's something that can be tuned on the eDRUMin side given how customizable he makes gains, etc. I know in his MIDI Expression tutorials Rob shows a Yamaha HH65 explicitly, and David "Fingers" Haynes uses one, so the HH65 can't be that bad ...

[jacko]

i’ve used both with the eDRUMin yes and both work fine. i have an hh65 but specifically bought it to use with my yamaha dtx12. the quality of the fd9 is miles above the hh65. the kt10 is a great bass drum solution for edrums

[perceval]

However, modern software like SD3 offer 6 variations of partially closed depending on the CC value. I'm assuming these with the eDRUMin offer all the variations since they're just sending MIDI CC levels, right?

Yes.

As far as pedals goes, it depends if you want a separate pedal cymbal setup, or a HH integrated stand.

Myself, I went with a stand I already had, and placed a FSR inside. eDRUMin recognizes it right away, and gives 1 to 127 easily cuttable with the new velocity curve added to the HH pedal.