Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "rich171167" <rph171167@n...> wrote:
> I am new to this machine and would be grateful if someone could 
take 
> the time to answer a very basic question. I am trying to connect to 
> my PC so that I can play thr drums through the PC speakers and also 
> play songs through the DTxpress 2 and headphones. I could not 
obtain 
> a to-host wire and was advised at Maplins to use MIDI In/Out at the 
> back of the drums going to the games port (Yellow) on either sound 
> card or Motherboard. I am using XP. I have no clue how to achieve 
> these simple goals to get me going.

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the group. I'd recommend the Xpress MIDI connection rather 
than "To Host" as well, unless you don't have joystick/MIDI 
capability on your computer now and don't want to get it. But be 
forewarned that MIDI is easier to use. A MIDI, or To Host, connection 
would allow you to record your DTXpress on recording studio software 
(a sequencer) or send MIDI information from your computer into the 
DTXpress module so that you can record/play along with it. Using 
software that you can download from dtxpressions.com, MIDI will also 
allow you to store and access kits from our PC, either your own or 
those of other DTXpress users. But remember that MIDI and audio 
capability are two different balls of wax. To play your DTXpress 
through your computer speakers, you only need an audio input (not 
MIDI) and enough amplification to get some sound. But this strategy 
will not pay dividends. The DTXpress is much too powerful for such an 
arrangement. If you check the group's archive under "amp" etc., 
you'll get an idea of what is needed. In the absence of separate 
amplification, you will be much better served listening to yourself 
through headphones and mixing a CD/MP3 source through the aux input 
on the front of the module. I'll assume that you might still be 
interested in MIDI, however, and give you a primer.

Your computer may not have a dedicated sound card--an optional flat 
device that slides and locks into place inside the computer to be 
accessed on the back. If not, the sound capability for your speakers 
was built into the computer's main electronic guts; this technique is 
usually limited, especially when it comes to MIDI. Take a look at the 
back of your computer to see where the speakers are hooked up. If 
that area also has a fifteen-pin connector nearby on the same plane, 
then you've got a usable card, with the software--called a driver--
already installed, which should allow you to connect a MIDI device 
like the DTXpress module. What you'd need next is a MIDI adaptor for 
that joystick port, which consists of a complementary connection for 
the fifteen-pins and two extensions with five-pin connectors at the 
other end, corresponding to MIDI in and MIDI out on the DTXpress. 

If this is all still confusing, check the documentation that came 
with your computer. It may say something like "onboard sound," which 
means no detachable card, or "Soundblaster," "SB Live," or 
Soundblaster-compatible card. You can also check under "audio" in 
the "Audio and Sound Devices" section of the XP control panel for 
similar evidence of a card. 

If you have no card, you'll have to buy one. The SB, or Soundblaster, 
series of cards are the popular industry standard. They're not 
necessarily the best cards for serious home studios, but they'll get 
you in the door for MIDI applications and may be all that you'll ever 
need. You can get one for $50 or less--driver and other software 
included--in any computer or office supply store; you should also get 
the adaptor for it that I mentioned above. OEM versions of SB Live 
are available at web stores for $20 or so, but you'll have to 
download the driver from the Soundblaster site, and you won't get any 
instructions/documentation.

Let's start there. You can return with any further questions. 
Unfortunately, computer technology is not my strong suit. Other 
members are much more conversant about the hardware and software 
issues. But hopefully what I've said will give you enough information 
to ask questions that other members may be able to answer better. 

Welcome to the group,
Ed