Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "SKWatson" <skwatson@b...> wrote:
> Just lucked into a new DTXtreme pad set (birch shell real head 
> pads).  I'm now wondering if anyone here can/would like compare and 
> contrast their experience with these pads vs the DTXpressII(which 
> I've only had for a month and love).  Also, does anyone have 
> experience in using these pads with the DTXpress module...

That's a nice bit of luck. There's some disparity between the Xtreme 
pads and Xpress module. You'll suffer in the number of inputs/ 
outputs, which break down on the Xtreme as 16/8, as opposed to 10/2. 
If memory serves, the Xtreme toms are dual-zone, like the snare, 
making the number of inputs even more critical. The input sensitivity 
settings for the Xpress, which come under the heading of "pad type" 
in the trigger menu, may not have a perfect match for the Xtreme 
heads (more on them below). The Xpress module won't get you the 
positional sensing on the snare (and a few of the other perks that 
its now deceased big brother had--like muffling), but, if truth be 
told, the DTXTU was getting old in the tooth and ready to be retired, 
and it is in seriously short supply these days on the used market. 
You may have trouble resisting the new Yamaha module when it comes 
out, though other modules available now would be able to provide moe 
commensurate with the Xtreme kit than the DTXpress can.  Plus, the 
rack built for the Xtreme is not interchangeable with the one that 
comes with the Xpress. It's bigger, more stable (steel rather than 
aluminum), and requires different mounts; the snare sits on a 
traditional stand. 

On the matter of how well the respective heads approximate the 
acoustic experience, it's no contest. For all intents and purposes, 
the Xtreme pads ARE acoustic drums, right down to the mylar heads. 
Mesh heads are a Roland invention to which Yamaha was not privy. As a 
result, the Yamaha mylars are noisier than the gum rubber of the 
Xpress II. You can convert them to mesh, but, at the very least, you 
will need a foam insert. Contact Yamaha, which apparently doesn't act 
quickly on this matter anymore, or check the archives at Yahoo's 
DTXreme group for detailed advice about the conversion. 

You scored some nice drums, but you may have a little work to do 
getting the most out of them.

Ed