Hi!
> Hello everyone, I'm new to the group and Simmons. I had used a Tama
> Techstar kit back in the 80's because I couldn't afford Simmons at
> that time. I recently purchased an sds8 set that "looks" in near
> perfect condition.
<snip>
> Third, when using the pads with an Alesis Dm-5 module (with the
> velocity set at max) it is necessary to use the butt end of the stick
> to get consistent triggering between the four pads. I'm using 5A's
> with moderate force. I use an overhand grip and this produces quite
> a stinging sensation on the palm of my snare hand (stick
> reverberation) unless I really keep a tight grip. Is there a more
> sensitive replacement trigger available?
Back when the MTM was introduced, I was at a Simmons clinic (hosted by Reek Havoc who was a Simmons rep at the time), and in talking to him, I have this fuzzy memory of him saying that the SDS8 pads put out a much lower signal than other pads (SDSV, SDS7). I think there is a resistor along with the transducer and you can cut the resistor out of the signal path and get a hotter signal. This was one reason why the SDS8 pads used 1/4" phone plugs instead of XLR's (cost obviously being another big reason). You wouldn't inadvertently hook up SDS8 pads to an SDSV or SDS7.
I've never checked this, but you might check the Alesis manual for what kind of trigger voltage it is looking for and then hook up a voltmeter to a pad and see what kind of voltage it generates.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]