Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Abdulmalek Hamsho" <aa_mm_hh@h...> 
wrote:
> Ddrum is perfect because:
> 
> 1- I have DDrum triggers on my mesh heads.

That's one good reason.

> 2- I had a look at its features, it's just you can do everything 
you want 
> with each dum sound.

Actually, you can't do much with each individual sound beyond pitch 
and volume, because the point is that each sound is self-contained by 
virtue of its multisampling. You don't tweak voices as you do on 
Yamaha and Roland equipment. Many of the samples have their own 
reverb/delay, but the dry sounds require outboard effects.

> 3- It has a built in memory, so I can add my favorites-drummers 
kits.

The memory is severely limited. When you have the factory sounds 
loaded, the number of kits--factory-set and programmable--is pretty 
large, though many of the defaults aren't particularly useful. But 
the mega samples, which are far superior, take up so much room that 
one or two kits are all that can fit. Plus, the inputs are not 
expandable. You cannot add a trigger to MIDI interface because of the 
ten-note MIDI brickwall. A lot of people would also like to see a 
memory setting for sensitivity. Clavia's analog knob is definitely 
the right idea, but you can't store different sensitivities for 
different pads, kits, or uses on each input.

> 4- In all of the reviews I've seen, whenever the DDrum module was 
mentioned, 
> people said that there's no competitor for this product.

I certainly won't argue that point. What it does--that is, provide 
realistic drum and percussion sounds in a simple interface--it does 
better than any other drum module. But the small kit size, limited 
memory, eccentric MIDI functionality, and awkward (though effective) 
cymbals are not points in its favor. The design is ten years old. 
Clavia's compression on the samples is good, but it is prone to 
audible distortion. As far as sheer computing power goes, the ddrum 
module is way out of date. The community of ddrum users has been 
awaiting ddrum5 for years now, and rumors have had it coming as early 
as yesterday and as late as a few years from now.

> But two problems which made me not to go for it:
> 
> 1- Only ten stereo inputs (not Dual).

Its multisampling design for each voice eliminates the need for 
stereo or dual inputs. The snare, however, is a dual input for rim 
and head.

> 2- Poor LCD display.

It never bothered me, because there's not much to see, but it could 
be bigger. 

> 3- It's not worth it's price yet.

If it isn't by now, it never will be. Clavia is a small, dedicated 
company. You are unlikely ever to see a budget ddrum module, or one 
that doesn't exude quality. It's worth its price.
 
> But what about Roland TD-10 (would it work perfectly with DDrum 
triggers and 
> DTXPress II pads)? How can I buy a DTXPress II module(module only)?

The Roland probably would work with the Yamaha pads, but to me it 
seems like overkill in that setting, even though the price has 
dropped because of the TD-20. The ddrum triggers don't work with 
everything because of how the XLR pins are set (the redshots, 
however, don't have XLRs); I certainly wouldn't buy the Roland to use 
with them unless you know for sure. If you're looking for a second 
module to complement your other Yamaha equipment, why not a DTXPUIII? 
If you can afford a ddrum or TD-10, you can certainly afford an 
Xpress module. If you want another II, Musicians Friend or ebay might 
be a source, but I'd ask Ed Morin at Drumbalaya.com. 

I'm by no means trying to dissuade you from the ddrum module. After 
all, I am a happy owner; as far as I'm concerned, nothing compares 
for sound. But you should know what you're getting. 

Ed