Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, Cüneyt <cu_lists@c...> wrote:
> Hi there,
> 
> Alhough I have some experience in acoustic drums (mostly banging) 
I'm
> a total newbie in this e-drums field, but not in computers. Now 
that I
> wanna practice again at home, I'm searching for a e-drums kit and
> stumbled across Yamaha. DTXreme2 looks very nice, and if I'm not
> wrong, it's relatively better equipped (comparing it to Roland TD8).

I'd agree that the DTXT2S trumps the TD-8 kit in features, though the 
TD-8 is an excellent MIDI module that's easier to use than the TD-10--
that is, if you like COSM. To my mind, ts sole "advantage" is its 
woven-head pads. I won't go into detail about why Yamaha gave up on 
its own version of mesh. Let's just say that patent problems are rife 
in that area. But many people like rubber better than the standard 
Roland mesh option, and the DTXT2S' rubber is not like your father's 
rubber pad.

> I understand I can program some songs with both (DTXpress & 
DTXtreme),
> and connect it to a PC via MIDI. What I couldn't figure out, 
however,
> in those endlessly boring marketing brochures is:
> 
> - Can I plug these kits to PC via USB or Firewire, as in MIDI?

The DTXtreme has a USB connection, but the DTXpress relies on 
straight MIDI in/out or a TO HOst cable (stick with MIDI).
 
> - In any case, has anyone practical experience on processing the
> output, say, applying reverb, etc. on the computer? Do I need a
> powerful PC to do it realtime? I see some ppl who have laptops 
beside
> their e-kits, is this what they do?

Each of the Yamaha modules contains its own effects capabilities. 
They aren't as well-honed as stand-alone units would be, but they are 
certainly convenient. For bread and butter sequencing on a PC, with a 
few extraneous effects, you don't need a killer, dedicated PC. Most 
such programs will be explicit about minimum conditions. However, the 
more demanding recording/processing is, the more exacting and 
intricate the equipment. Space, speed, and versatility come with a 
price. If you intend to work in realtime on your PC, latency is 
definitely an issue with most home PCs. You'll need advice about 
specifics soundcards and power requirements, at least.
 
> - Finally the biggest question: Can I replace and/or combine other
> sound modules and/or pads if I purchase, say, DTXreme2? In the 
future
> I want to be able to use additional pads, cymbals, and if needed, a
> better soundmodule and such.

Mixing/matching pads and electronics from diferent companies goes 
with the territory in this game. Sometimes compatibility questions 
obtrude, but rarely are they gamebreakers. The main question about 
the DTXT2S module in that regard is how well it can accommodate mesh 
pads. We don't have much data at the moment, though drumsonly plans 
to use Hart meshes with his, and I plan to use Pintech meshes with 
mine (which will be a second module in combination with my ddrum4). 
What better module than the DTXT2S do you think there is right now? 
Arguably, the TD-20, at about $1800, would qualify (but don't let the 
price fool you), or the ddrum4, with its great triggering and sound 
library, though its limited memory can get in the way. Sampling or 
sampling via computer or other hardware can bring higher quality but 
at a huge disadvantage in convenience. I'm willing to bet that the 
DTXT2S, or any other advanced module, will have enough juice to keep 
you occupied for some time to come.

The best way to combine sound modules is via a mixer, so that each 
can be used to its full capacity. Since the DTXpress kit size is more 
limited than that of the DTXtreme, its users are more likely to 
search out additional inputs more quickly (if they can afford to). 
But there are a few trigger-to-midi devices, without their own 
sounds, that allow a kit to expand inputs through the master module 
via MIDI without the expense of a whole new module. Some people buy a 
discontinued or used module to supplement what they have--often 
successfully on all fronts. One of our members is currently working 
on an affordable electronic unit that allows so-called "stereo" 
inputs to be split. Stay tuned. Hope some of this discussion helps.

Ed