Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Frank,

The Roland RMP-1 is basically a mini version of kits like the 
DTXPress. But, unlike the more elaborate versions, it is made to be a 
self-contained unit, giving someone with not much space or 
opportunity an easy way to practice drum rudiments on the fly. It has 
a couple of inputs that will accept pads from Roland's e-drum line 
(which is very good), but from what I can tell, it does not have an 
output for connection to another module; it is itself intended to 
serve as a limited module. Again, unlike the big-boy modules, it 
doesn't appear to be a MIDI device, MIDI being another route that a 
pad could take to an electronic destination. These factors rule out 
its use as an addition to the Xpress kit. We can discuss MIDI later.

The drum pad itself appears to be based on Roland's mesh head design, 
meant to simulate the feel of an acoustic drum. Many people with the 
Xpress and other gum-rubber kits eventually upgrade to this type of 
playing surface, especially for their snare, though not always by a 
long shot. My suggestion would be either to hold onto the RMP-1 for 
those times when playing the Xpress isn't possible or practical or, 
if you deem it expendable, to sell it and buy a Pintech or Roland 
mesh head pad to use with the Xpress.

That's my take. I seem to remember someone else asking about a 
similar situation (was it Stewart?) and me suggesting the same thing. 
It may be possible to detach the RMP-1, if the pad has a piezo 
trigger inside, add an output, and use it with the Xpress, but I 
don't recommend DIY in this case. You may end up killing the unit and 
getting neither further use nor financial compensation from it.

Ed