Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

RE: DTXpress III Special

Reference: 
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/
0,6373,CNTID%253D28269%2526CTID%253D214800,00.html

I have recently rekindled an old flame with drumming, and due to noise levels must 
consider electronic drums instead of acoustic.  After watching demo videos of Roland V12 
and the DTXpress III Special, there's  strong reason why I am considering Roland instead of 
Yamaha.  

I'm concerned about trigger sensitivity and other features of the kit (hidden wiring, sound 
features like snare buzz etc).  I discovered (accidentally) the yamaha-europe site that had 
a demo video by J. Snoek ( http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/
english_master/service/040_downloads/20_downloads_multimedia/
70_download_movies/index.php)

This demo seemed so cheesy that if I had to watch the Roland video again for inspiration. 
Why? First impressions. Mine was “what a cheesy sound” and “I hope this isn’t the video 
they’re using to try and sway people towards their products”.  Featuring the cheesiest/
chincy-sounding electronic drum sounds from 1983 would not have been my first choice 
of demo instruments. I was just floored to see this kit featured with unimpressive kit 
sounds (e.g. the 80’s Casio keyboard drum sounds).  But I was thinking, that’s ok, he’s 
going to demo the tracking next: barely.  After watching the video, you get the idea that 
one must attack vigorously the pads in order to get the triggers to sense a hit has been 
made.  Even when the drummer was playing “jazz”, he’s attacking the ride cymbal. My 
impression: "man, if that’s how hard you have to hit it to get it to respond, forget it." 

I thought I had discovered a good thing and thought I would save money by not going with 
Roland, but after this video I'm having severe doubts.  



Questions:
Can you add snare buzz to the toms? 
I've listened to the member samples, and unfortunately cannot say this helps clarify the 
concerns I have.   The voices seem to be "cut short" that is, for example, the wash/ring of 
the cymbal crashes don't sound quite right--same with the snare sounds.   Are there any 
jazz drummers who can post and example of this kit?