Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "gorebeuzit" <optimax@t...> wrote:

> I just received my dtxpress last week, and also want extand cymbal 
> set up
> But how to plug into the dtxpress ? Need an add-on box ? which one ?
> Could I record the whole to my PC computer ?

It's big, basic questions like yours that have led us to work at 
producing a supplement to the DTXpress manual. Out of the box, the 
DTXpress comes with one free input, designated as 9/10, which is (as 
you might have guessed) actually two inputs in one (reminiscent of a 
certain breath mint). Via this one input, you can add two single-
sound pads (using a TRS cable splitter) or one dual-zone pad with two 
piezos (using either an insert cable or the same sort of splitter, 
depending on the pad). A dual-sound (stereo) pad, with a piezo and at 
least one rim switch,like one of the bow-edge cymbals that presumably 
came with your DTXpress, will only make the bow or main sound through 
9/10 no matter what you do. This type of pad gets two sounds only in 
inputs 1-8. 

Since the DTXpress has only limited expandability, many people use 
multiple modules, connected by a mixer, to make bigger kits (check 
out OGD's spectacular three-module configuration in the photos). 
Others add inputs with trigger to MIDI devices like Roland's TMC-6, 
which borrow sounds from a module through MIDI since they have none 
of their own.

As for "recording the whole to my PC," I'll let that question ride 
for a while, unless someone else has a simple take on it; it opens up 
too many cans of worms at this stage. 

Feel free to come back with specific questions. We can break down 
some of these confusing generalities if we proceed one step at a time.

Ed