Electronic Drums
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
Electronic drums are all the rage nowadays, but how do they work, and what’s currently available?
Basics first. In the case of an electronic drum, an electronic waveform generator, or sampler, generates the sound, as opposed to a traditional drum, in which the sound is generated by acoustic vibration.
In a bit more detail, you strike an electronic drum pad and within the embedded piezoelectric transducer (or as its also known, a resistor which is force sensitive) a voltage change is triggered, which transmits a signal to a drum brain, which translates the strike into a digital waveform, which provides the appropriate sound.
Very clever, although you don’t have to know all that to be able to appreciate the sound of a good electronic drum kit.
Now, as to whether they are better than an acoustic set, then like many things, this can come down to a very subjective opinion. It’s true that with the early versions, they were unloved by many and derided by a number of the famous rock and roll drummer stars who wouldn’t be parted from their favourite acoustic drum kits.
But, with the vast improvements in electronic drum kit technology, it is now claimed that the two bits of drum kit, acoustic and electronic, are virtually indistinguishable from each other and that many bands now rely on the latter to provide the sound they feel is right.
And they are equipped with all the accepted gizmos, including a number of cymbals, a kick, dual-control snare, three to four toms and a hi-hat.
One of the biggest advantages for professional musicians, composers and amateur players alike, is that with the electronic drum kits, they can be switched instantly to a number of music genres, including rock and roll, jazz, or ballad.
And there are a whole range of electronic drum kits available on the market, from Yamaha professional kits topping out at more than £4,000, to entry level kits at £75.
So lets have quick look at some competitively priced electronic drum kits.
Firstly, the ION iEDO5 USB Electronic Drum Kit and Software consists of an adjustable drum rack, which is easy to assemble, transport and store. It has velocity-sensitive true drum feel and response, and advanced sample-playback for high quality audio. And it’s powered via the USB. Comes complete with PC-based tutorial programme, application software and music. And all that for around £75.
Next up is the Yamaha DD65 Digital Drum, which, for around £150, packs quite a punch. It boasts 50 preset drum kits plus three custom kits, with 230 GM compatible voices, plus 20 drum phrases. Two foot switches are included, and the kick drum switch is touch-sensitive. It is USB MDID and General MIDI (GM) compatible.
Going up a few notches to just over £400 is the Yamaha
DTXEplorer 5-piece Electronic Drum kit, which features modelling tone module with 214 drum and percussion sounds. It boasts 32 preset kits, plus nine user locations. It also has a built-in metronome and Groove Check practice aid.
So, there you are. If you fancy playing along with your favourite AC/DC tracks, or composing a drum-solo of your own, then an affordable electronic drum kit could be just for you.
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