Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

I just got a used DTXpress for $650, and I am considering returning 
it for a new Hart Dyanmics PRODIGY / Alesis DM5 kit from Musicians 
Friend ($699).  

Has anyone compared these?  The pads look a bit nicer, but the module 
doesn't seem to be as nice (not nearly as many drum kits, no audio 
input)

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Randy" <randy@d...> wrote:
> I just got a used DTXpress for $650, and I am considering returning 
> it for a new Hart Dyanmics PRODIGY / Alesis DM5 kit from Musicians 
> Friend ($699).  
> 
> Has anyone compared these?  The pads look a bit nicer, but the 
module 
> doesn't seem to be as nice (not nearly as many drum kits, no audio 
> input)

Randy,

We've been talking about the Alesis DM5 quite a bit lately, and I 
think that it's safe to say that most of us view it as a great second 
module but a bit thin as a first one, especially in light of what the 
Xpress package gives you. With the Yamaha, you get the benefit of 
stereo triggers, a much better approximation of a fully variable hat 
(if not the whole thing; the Alesis module and Hart controller offer 
no more than open and closed), an aux. input (which can be used as a 
simple mixer in a pinch), the sequencer, and a few other user-
friendly features, which, in the end, may or may not interest you. As 
a beginning drummer, however, you may well find the groove check et 
al. valuable to have. If you want more information specifically on 
the Alesis, search the archives under DM5.

As for physical configuration, I'll assume that you have the RS60a 
rack that came with the DTXpressI, mk 2. I would imagine that it held 
no advantage over the Hart. The gum-rubber hi hat pad is probably 
similar, too. The Prodigy's kick pad may be better than the Yamaha 
KP60. But that's where I'd stop. You'll notice that the Hart's drum 
triggers are all single zone (no rims); nor are they to be confused 
with the Acupad triggers that come with even the bottom end of Hart's 
more serious line. They are basically practice pads with a few Hart 
alterations (like the Kontrol Screen heads)and an embedded piezo. The 
cymbals are not Hart's higher-end ECS ones either. They resemble the 
Pintech TC series, which is nowhere as good as Yamaha's entry level. 
The upgrade path would be no simpler for the Hart set, and, chances 
are, you'd want to take it sooner. 

If you had the DTXpressII used, I'd say no contest: Yamaha wins by a 
knockout. But even a used DTXpressI in fair condition has more to 
offer. It is simply a more serious piece of equipment. As much as I 
respect Hart products, when used with Roland or Alesis electronics, 
here's one strong vote for the DTXpress. Anyone else think of 
anything?

Ed

> Has anyone compared these?  The pads look a bit nicer, but the module 
> doesn't seem to be as nice (not nearly as many drum kits, no audio 
> input)

I can't comment on the pads but I just upgraded to a DTXpress module  from a Alesis D4 and did own the DM-5 for about 4 months.  You 
are correct in assuming the modules are drastically different. You will have quadruple the fun with the Xpress's sequencer, songs , click 
track  and editing capabilities. 
One thing I would like to add to Ed's excellent comparison is the very limited 'tunig function' on the DM-5.  It's only up 3 semi tones  and 4 
semitones down.  For instance you can't get the Gong sound by bringing the cymbal pitch down 2 octaves. 
Also you won't find a user group for the DM-5 as informative as this DTXpress group.  Which is something  to  consider  if you are new to 
edrums. 

Jun

Thanks for all of the input, guys.  

I think my issue is the the DTX pads.  I just don't like them.  I can 
get the Hart padset/rack for $400 - can the DTX module be found for 
$250-ish?  

Also - would the module work well with the Hart padset?

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Randy" <randy@d...> wrote:
can the DTX module be found for 
> $250-ish?  
> 
> Also - would the module work well with the Hart padset?

The XpressIv.2 was selling for under $200 months ago. You won't find 
the XpressII for that kind of money. There's no guarantee that the 
Prodigy pads would work well with the Xpress module. Other Hart 
equipment doesn't.

Ed

I have been very lucky about avoiding rubber pads completely.  A drummer that normally plays acoustic drums will have to adjust to 
rubber pads.  They will force him/her to not hit as hard  which reduces the dynamic range of ones performance.  Mesh head drums, on 
the other hand, will enable an acoustic drummer to play very close to what he / she is used to.  Eventually you will probalbly want a mesh 
head snare if not a complete mesh head set.  But I am abviously biased.  There are many sites offering DIY Edrums.  A 12" Mesh head 
drums  can be made for about  $65.

> can the DTX module be found for 
> $250-ish?  

Yes, I got my DTXpress for $230 off of Ebay.   I believe the DTX is a little cheaper.
> Also - would the module work well with the Hart padset?

Yamaha has made it very difficult to interface with pads from other companies.  All Yamaha pads have a 250k input sensitiviy pot inside 
the pad itself.  The DTXpress module can not reduce the output of non-Yamaha pads  enough to give you optimum performance. This 
means a soft to medium hit on the pad will produce maximun velocity which allows for absolutely no dynamics.  So if you are mixing 
different pads with Yamaha modules you will have to do minor surgery.  If you've ever fixed cables, you can do the mod and the DIY 
project.

Jun