Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Hi, I'm no expert but I just started using two DTXpress modules, 
with extra cymbal & drum pads. Very cool. I also have an Alesis DM 
Pro that I'll put into the mix. Real cool!
I also had the idea that I wanted MORE pads and MORE sounds...I'm 
just greedy that way:)
I'm taking the two stereo outputs from each module into my mixer 
which then take the mixers stereo output into my DAW. I'd think that 
multiple modules and a mixer would be the simplest option...?

I was looking at those trigger to midi devices, but then you'd need 
a sound device of any sort (drum machine, keyboard etc...)for the 
converted midi to play the sounds. I guess it all depend if you 
already have some sound source devices, then buy a cheaper 
trigger/midi converter. Personally, I'd get the 2nd module. You can 
buy one used for less.

I've experimented a while back and took the midi out from my 
DTXpresss module into my Roland R-5 drum machine and my Alesis QS7 
keyboard and had my drum kit play those sound sources, works great.

Btw, I think the #10 is the Bell? Eh, just unplug it and find out.

I've read here about users doing creative hook-ups with a single 
module and getting more trigger inputs by pluging and splitting, but 
I don't know much about hoe to do that. As said, I'd just buy 
another module, and I did!

I've played with electronics for some years, but this Do-It-Youself 
thing is often for the fun of it. Sometimes you can save money, but 
I don't have much time anymore for my electronics hobby, so I prefer 
to just buy what I need. You can buy a 'used' DTXpress module little 
money. I've seen the DTXpress I's for over $100.00 and just bought a 
used DTXpress III for under $300.00 my DM Pro used was about $300 or 
so and have 16 trigger inputs!

Good luck to you, Steve

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "bparker0701" <bparker0701@y...> 
wrote:
> 
> I'm considering further expansion of my DTXpress II kit.  I've 
added 
> Pintech Dingbats on channels 9/10.  I'm considering a Zenbal 
cymbal 
> on ch6 with removal of Ch10 (bell...or is that Ch9?) for the 
second 
> voice of the cymbal.  
> 
> Now, I'd like to add more pads.  But how?  It was suggested to use 
a 
> second brain.  This would be fine, since my amp has a second input 
> that I can mix directly.  I use the headphone jack in my amp 
anyways 
> while playing at home.  On stage, it comes out one place anyways 
> (mono, don't have second amp).
> 
> It was also suggested to use a Trigger to MIDI converter, like a 
> Roland TMC-6.  How?  I fully understand MIDI, but don't know what 
> the DTXpress II brain will do with the trigger inputs other than 
to 
> play a TONE.  I want a VOICE!!!  I guess, I can connect my laptop 
up 
> to the MIDI like I normally do for upload/download of kits and try 
> to have the software play a tone (note number).  Maybe the voice 
> will come out?  I'd like snares and other voices too.  Am I 
limited 
> to just the GM voices?  How else to connect this source?
> 
> I've found plans to build my own brain, but it's really a trigger 
to 
> MIDI converter.  I'm an electronics engineer, so it should be easy 
> for me to do, but don't know if it's worth the effort.  ALTHOUGH, 
> drums are always worth the effort.  I have to watch my funds right 
> now, so $210 for a TMC-6 is out of the question right now as 
a "just 
> to try" device.
> 
> Any helpful tips?
> 
> Bill (wanting more DRUMS!!!)