Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

> Mr Authority, or should I can you Sonic!  ;}
>
> Thanks!
>
> Hmmm...the external inputs to the Octapad can be assigned MIDI notes
> and channels ... could you hook up extra pads to those inputs to the
> Octapad and get more pads on your DTXpress Brain?
>
> New pad (TP65?)  ---> Octapad external input
> Octapad MIDI out ---> DTXpress MIDI in
>
> Just thinkin out loud...
>

Hi Rich,

You've hit the nail on the head, or should that be pad to the trigger -
whatever..

I'm using 3 of the external inputs of the Octapad;

1 - A Yamaha cymbol wedge (PCY65 possibliy?).
It's assinged to the same voice as the rim on my main (stereo) cymbol pad,
which as luck would have it, means I can still choke the cymbol by grabbing
the other pad.

2 - A Yamaha TP65 pad (it's a bit ropey - triggers okay, but there's little
dynamics) I'm using it as a china cymbal.

3 - Is the rim trigger if the DTXreme snare pad I purchased just before
Christmas.
I've set the Octapad to send the note for a sidestick sound, but have
velocity switched it so on max velocity it produces a rimshot.
With a bit of tweaking you get reasonable results, but I wouldn't trust it
in a live set-up, in a recording set-up fine, as I can edit the MIDI notes
later.
The DTX snare input is used on the main pad of the DTXreme snare, and it
triggers even if only the rim is hit. Again, I can edit the MIDI notes
later.

I've set various different sounds on the Octapads own pads, shakers, another
snare, tambourine, and so fourth, but I rarely play them.
I'm mostly using the Octapad to expand the DTX's inputs.

You have to remember the unit is fairly large, a separate trigger-to-MIDI
interface might be more suitable. It depends what's about on ebay, and on
the price your willing to pay. All I can say is, an Octapad will work, I
know, as I've done it. Roland & Yamaha working together in harmony, wish
they would do it more often.



Paul Preston
(aka the Sonic Energy Authority)