Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

...or should I wait to trip over a used DTX2 module? (I'm not in a 
screamin hurry).

I bought a used RS-80 rack for spare parts - now I have all this 
extra tubing! I've max'd out my 9/10 inputs with an extra cymbal/tom, 
I WANT MORE, MORE!

Do the benefits outweigh the cost difference? Should I consider a 
module from a diff. mftr, Alesis, et al?

...discuss amongst yourselves.

Thnx in Adv ~ Steve

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Skirby56" <skirby@i...> wrote:
> ...or should I wait to trip over a used DTX2 module? (I'm not in a 
> screamin hurry).

Hi Steve,

It depends on what you want from the module. If you covet a three-
trigger gum-rubber snare, then the II is your ticket, and the 
XpressI, which I assume is your primary module, could fill in any 
gaps. If you're satisfied with the sounds/technology of the I, 
howver, you could get a MIDI trigger device for extra inputs. The 
Roland TMC-6 is a current model; discontinued models also exist on 
the used market, though with decreasing regularity. I own a 
MIDIkiti, which has served me well for a long time. Since I don't 
have any stereo triggers (piezo plus FSR rim), I'm not sacrificing 
anything technical. But you should remember that crosstalk becomes 
complicated on a rack that houses triggers connected to different 
devices. The problems are not insurmountable, but they may require 
at least some re-positioning or some elementary DIY dampening. 

> Do the benefits outweigh the cost difference? Should I consider a 
> module from a diff. mftr, Alesis, et al?

I don't see the electronic benefits of the II outweighing its price 
increase over the I--as a second module. But that's a personal 
matter. I do think, however, that a fairly current, and pricey, 
second module to be used only for extra triggers may be overkill, 
anyway Unless you plan on adding the equivalent of another kit or 
two to your arrangement, you'll be paying for more than what you 
need. Oldguydrummer's array of three DTXpressIIs, however, 
constitutes the rare exception. See his photos. 

A discontinued, or otherwise phased out high-quality unit from 
another manufacturer seems like a viable option to me, but, again, 
if you end up not liking the sounds (as Stephen did not like his 
Alessis DM5), you'll be wasting your cash or time. I can't see how 
you could go wrong with something like a Roland TD5 or XpressI, 
except in the overkill department. Know your needs and what you're 
getting to meet them.

One more thing: With Summer NAMM in its second day, the possibility 
of new offerings from Yamaha looms large. You might want to wait and 
see what fate has in store for you. A new module might be more 
enticing than a combo, providing that price doesn't get in the way. 
I have a few things of my own lying around--an XPressI for one-- 
that may become expendable if I decide to buy a new Xtreme-type 
brain. If I don't report anything within the next few weeks, remind 
me about it if you're still in the market.

Ed