Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Rob" <robarrie2003@y...> wrote:
> Aloha, 
> Hey, do any of you have a mesh surface snare? I was thinking about 
> doing something like that, maybe bigger than 8 1/2 ya know? Would 
it 
> make a differece in sound? or does it matter because the module 
> handles that. Not that I don't enjoy the one on my dtx II but just 
> wondering because of more surface area.

Rob,

I used an entire mesh kit with a DTXpressI for quite some time. The 
Pintech ConcertCasts and/or the AX14s, 10" and 14" respectively, are 
common with the Yamaha modules. The DTXpress doesn't have a 
particular trigger setting for meshes; I treated mine as though they 
were triggered acoustics in pad type and and flipped up the DIP 
sensitivity switches on the back of the module. It's only fair to say 
that some people have had their quarrels with this setup, since the 
Pintech pads tend to run hot, sacrificing dynamic range on the softer 
end. One of the remedies is to insert a 200k pot between pad output 
and module input--or to use something like Guyatone cables, which 
have their own pot--to cut the signal a little so that only the 
hardest hits register maximum gain. Hart meshes may have the opposite 
problem with Yamaha electronics, tending toward a weak response. 
Roland rims may do the same. You shouldn't buy either without 
investigating further, since you can't fix this particular problem 
without altering the design of the pads. Modules by other companies 
often have dedicated sensitivity adjustments that can handle these 
problems more effectively. If Yamaha becomes more receptive to 
suggestions from this group, I'd definitely make a pitch for a 
sensitivity knob on the face of the module.

Of course another solution to the real-estate problem would be to buy 
a larger size rubber pad, like the Pintech SE's which are 10". 
Stewart uses at least one.  Roland's may work as well. The pads made 
by Sherpa, a Canadian company, look like an interesting alternative 
as well, at least from a distance. The company is supposed to be 
sending me its snare soon for a review. If so, the plan is to let OGD 
give it a whirl as well with the DTXpressII module. Stay tuned. Run a 
Google and check out the snare on their website; it has some 
intriguing features.

I'm by no means trying to dissuade you from the mesh option. I've 
been happy using Pintech meshes for a long time, with both my 
DTXpress and ddrum modules. They are easy on the hands/arms, as well 
as on the eyes and ears. Highly recommended.

Ed