Transforming my acoustic kit into electronic using edrumin 10

[javiercarrillo]

Hi folks,

I am assessing whether I can convert my acoustic kit into an electronic one using the eDRUMin 10 (which is out of stock as of July 15 but I'm hoping becomes available soon!).

I was planning to use the cheap DDRUM Red Triggers and hoping that, via the eDRUMIN, I can get dual-zone triggering. Has anybody tried that? And, how were your results? (does the mesh head I use influence this much?)

Otherwise, can anyone please recommend a (not so expensive) dual-zone trigger?

Thank you!

[javiercarrillo]

Additional info (since I think I did not clarify this):

I plan to replace the heads with mesh. I don't really plan to use it as an acoustic kit anymore (too much noise, the gf hates it!).

[perceval]

I used a kit no one wanted at the time, from Dixon.
Took off the heads, put in some mesh heads, and because any commercial solution was not readily available in my corner of the world, I just got piezo, some foam, L brackets screwed on lugs screws and jacks.

Even cheaper that $20 red shots, but there was some DIY tweaking that had to be done.

With the RedShots, you'd want to select side mounted triggers, and even their single zone will probably work fine as dual zone using the rim sense of the eDRUMin.

Then, you'll have to get cymbals too.
Have you decided on the VST you will use?

[javiercarrillo]

Thanks for the input, Perceval.

I am going to be using Addictive Drums 2 (which I've already been using with a very basic KAT KT1).

As you mention, I was thinking that the RedShots + Rim Sense should suffice. It'd be good to know if anyone can confirm that (how well that works). I also found this trigger set 2Box TriggerIt https://www.thomann.de/ie/2box_triggerit_triggerset.htm which, according to the Thomann folks, comes with dual zone triggers for the snares and toms.

About the cymbals, I am going with 2 (cheap) crashes from Thomann and I've been considering a ride by Lemon (there's another thread where Rob just got his delivered so I'm waiting to see what his feedback is on how it works with the eDRUMin).

The other question I have is hihat: I want to use a cheap 2-zone cymbal from Thomann but then I need some kind of controller I can attach to my hi-hat stand. I would like to get gradual from closed-to-open sounds. If I understood correctly, I need some kind of controller that sends MIDI CC. There's one called the "Goedrum" and also one made by Thomann (https://www.thomann.de/gb/millenium_mps ... roller.htm) but it's not clear to me if this will give me gradual closed-to-open or only closed/open or closed/half-open/open.

[Mylo]

Good hi-hat action will be a combination of pad/controller and the capabilities of your VST. Personally, I think your hi-hat experience will depend a lot on your VST and what it can handle. SD3 for example has 7 articulations from closed tight, closed to several levels of openness for all three areas of edge, bow and bell. It uses the CC info to decide what to play and can be very realistic.

I use the VH-11 knock off which is like the Goedrum and the drum-tec:

https://www.drum-tec.com/universal-hi-h ... lesis-etc.

This a good little controller. Just put it on your stand, add a cymbal pad and plug in both of them. Setup the controller and cymbal in eDRUMin to send the right notes and CC and have AD react appropriately.

The Millennium appears to need power which means another cable. Seems like a bunch of extra trouble to me.

[javiercarrillo]

Thanks for the info, Mylo.

What is the VH-11 knock-off you are using? (I tried the link you wrote but it took me to a 404 page). I'd be interested in knowing.

Thanks,
Javier

[Mylo]

Sorry about that link. I fixed it.

I actually use the controller that came with my Jobeky hi-hat. But these are the same thing. You can see the Jobeky one here. As you can see it looks very similar to the goedrum.

https://jobekydrums.co.uk/product/14-jo ... ontroller/

[Dadwrshpdrum]

Something to consider for your snare. You might want to consider getting a RT-30HR (dual zone trigger) or similar. That way you’ll have ability to do a rimshot. Edge sense will get you a rim zone, but not a rimshot. I haven’t done his myself using a clip on trigger, but I do have all of my Roland pads connected as dual zone pads. That way I get three articulations for each drum pad, head, rim and rimshot.

A couple more suggestions. Do some research on mesh heads. Not all mesh heads are equal and can cause triggering issues. I know 65drums on YouTube used the triggers you are considering and has tried out many different heads. Large drum heads with a not so great mesh head can cause problems. You could also check the vdrum forum.

Lastly and somewhat related. You may want to consider a Roland RT-30K for the kick. It’s a large head and the Roland products are known to be good.

Many times you can find a two pack RT-30HR and RT-30K.

[perceval]

if you are ok with AD2 handling of open and close hits, then fine.
Myself, I couldn't adjust well that in order to change the HH sound, you need to hit it again.

SD/EZD does its variable control thing, which means the HH sounds change just by moving the pedal up or down, no need for an extra hit.

As for the pedal, the ones linked above will work well, but again, when I started, these options were not available.
I just slapped a FSR sensor under the pedal on a piece of wood, and a bit of foam on top.
Had to play with foam thicknesses and density until I found it working as I liked.

$10 for the FSR was hard to beat!

I'd save money on the toms and just buy the single zone, then use rim sense in ED10. that way, you can also split the toms inputs into dual mono, giving you extra space for other stereo pads/cymbals.
Snare would benefit from a dual zone.

[Ratamacue]

I bought a set of Ludwig Breakbeats for the purpose of A2E. After messing with A2E for over a decade I am convinced that smaller diameter heads trigger more accurately. I have been pleased so far. I use Remo Silent Stroke heads (10", 13", 14",16") with DDRUM Red Shot triggers on the toms with the 14" Ludwig snare used as a 2nd floor tom. I find they work well. The Red Shot trigger for the 16" bass drum did NOT work well for me. It tended to move around on the head. I use the Roland RT-30K for my base drum now with good effect. It is not cheap though.

I use a Roland PD-120 for my snare. The snare is the centerpiece of your kit and articulation is key. I have consistently failed to convert acoustic snares to match the quality, accuracy, and responsiveness of the Roland product. Red Shot works just fine for my toms.

EDrumIn is a great product because you can dial in settings regardless of the head type you use. I use Silent Stroke heads but many people find them to be too "bouncy." For me they trigger consistently and are quieter than the 2 and 3 ply mesh heads out there. The thicker mesh heads to tend to feel more realistic under your stick though.

I am not interested in dual triggering functionality on my converted toms. It only takes me 2 E10 inputs for my 3 toms and kick. That leaves me 8 more inputs!! I also use a hosted E4!! With the luxury of so many inputs I find myself constantly adding cymbals and auxiliary pads. It's a sickness, really.