WATCH AND LEARN

The Yamaha DT50S Dual Zone Snare Drum Triggers are a fantasatic addition to your EAD10, Mult12, and any DTX Sound Modules. 
Use this trigger to expand and go beyond the standard sound capabilities possible! 

==> Larnell Lewis Plays Yamaha Triggers

Jordan explains the features and benefits of DTX Pads.

Setting up a Microphone, Guitar, Bass, Mixer or other A/D INPUT

How to setup the A/D INPUT:  A/D is short for Analog-to-Digital. We will use a microphone for our example but you could substitute a guitar, a bass, hand-held playback device, your band's mixer or virtually any kind of audio device. These are analog signals and we are going to convert their audio to digital signals inside the MOXF6/MOXF8. In some setups you will be able to route this signal through the powerful effect processors.

Some bands always play the same set every night.  But what do you do when you’ve setup a series of user kits for a specific setlist and your band leader or musical director informs you that tonight’s setlist is completely different from the one you have pre-programmed in your DTX module to step through?  Depending on the DTX model you are using, you have several ways to reorganize the order of your user kits.

For the DTX700 and DTX-MULTI 12 there is an “Exchange Kit” job function in the KIT modes, so with a pencil, paper and new setlist in hand, it is a fairly simple process to move

the kits around to wherever they need to be for the new order setlist.  It is a good idea to SAVE your data to a USB device before making any changes (as well as afterward) in case your band goes back to the old setlist again or switches between the two different versions.



For the DTX900 module, there is a CHAIN mode, that allows you to re-order up to 64 different “steps”.  A step can be a Kit, Song, or tempo/time signature.  You can have 64 different chains, so you can accommodate up to 64 different setlists.  Make sure to STORE your chain to one of these locations before turning off the power to the module!

With more and more of today’s music being produced in the computer, many studios use some type of virtual drum or percussion instruments, often controlled by an electronic drum kit like the DTXdrums by Yamaha.  With some systems, the issue of latency (a delay between the time you hit the pad and when you hear the sound) can be a problem, especially when dealing with a timing-critical instrument like the drums. 

To avoid this, record a midi and audio track while listening to the built-in sounds directly from the DTX module.  The timing is immediate, and the midi data generated will be precisely what the drummer intended.   The session will go smoother, and the producer gets an audio track to use until they can replace the sounds later on.

In a previous article I discussed triggering loops using HOLD mode so that you can start/stop a loop voice with each alternating strike of a single pad.  But what if you want to use a different pad with a different loop voice to stop the first one?  The answer is to take the pad out of hold mode and assign each loop voice to the same ALTERNATE GROUP. 

When two or more voices are assigned to the same alternate group - only the most recently played voice will sound, and the earlier voice will be silenced.  This not only works with loop voices, any voice can be assigned to work this way.  As a matter of fact, any kit that features open and closed hi-hat voices uses the alternate group function.  It is perfectly acceptable to setup dedicated “kill-switch” pads that feature non-looping voices to stop currently sounding loop voices in the same alternate group. 

The alternate group function is in all DTX trigger modules and the DTX-MULTI 12. 

DTX Live:  SETLISTS  Some bands always play the same set every night.  But what do you do when you’ve setup a series of user kits for a specific setlist and your band leader or musical director informs you that tonight’s setlist is completely different from the one you have pre-programmed in your DTX module to step through?  Depending on the DTX model you are using, you have several ways to reorganize the order of your user kits.

For the DTX700 and DTX-MULTI 12 there is an “Exchange Kit” job function in the KIT modes, so with a pencil, paper and new setlist in hand, it is a fairly simple process to move the kits around to wherever they need to be for the new order setlist.  It is a

good idea to SAVE your data to a USB device before making any changes (as well as afterward) in case your band goes back to the old setlist again or switches between the two different versions.

For the DTX900 module, there is a CHAIN mode, that allows you to re-order up to 64 different “steps”.  A step can be a Kit, Song, or tempo/time signature.  You can have 64 different chains, so you can accommodate up to 64 different setlists.  Make sure to STORE your chain to one of these locations before turning off the power to the module!



DTX Studio: LAYERING SOUNDS  Layering sounds is a way to fatten up your back beat, deepen the sound of your kick, or simply add spice to any of your kit pieces.  The ability to layer, or stack, any sound on any pad is available with the STACK function of the DTX700, DTX900 and DTX-MULTI 12.

To layer a voice in the DTX500, you don’t need a special mode, but you must first turn on the “B” layer on the KIT2 screen.  Do this by highlighting the letter “A” in the upper right corner and rotating the jog-dial.  Once you have selected the desired voice for layer B you can set the volume, pan position, tuning, etc to whatever value you like.  Try some of these suggestions when setting up layers on DTXdrums:

BIG BEAT - Layer 2 different snares; one for attack and one for extra “fatness”.

SUB-KICK - Layer a T8 kick under your favorite bass drum sound for extra low end.

JINGLE TOM - Layer a tamourine voice with your floor tom; great for beach music.

80’s HAIR BAND - Try layering a reverse snare under your kick, and a reverse kick under your snare.  Set each reverse voice to the same alternate group and increase the reverb on the “normal” voices.  Stroke!

Stay tuned for more artist news and tricks and tips coming next issue.  Happy Drumming!

      

Amplifying drums (electronic or acoustic) is quite different from bass, guitar and vocals in that drums have more “attack transients” (audio-speak for fast and loud sounds) and they also have a “wide frequency response” (tech-talk for the lows of bass drums, mid-range of toms and snare, and highs from cymbals).  

This year, at the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, Yamaha unveiled the new DXR and DXS series of loudspeakers.  These new powered speakers can handle any audio application, but they have some particular features that make them a great choice for drummers to amplify their DTX electronic drums - or acoustic drums when using microphones and a mixer. 

Here’s why these new, affordable speakers are so good for drummers:

*  FIR-X tuning (DXR series) - This technology provides a smooth frequency response (full sound) to the speakers with no phase interference (thin sound) that can be caused when the woofer and tweeter cross-over.  You don’t have to do anything - its built right in.

*  D-CONTOUR (DXR series) - This stands for Dynamic-Contour and it is a multi-band compressor that is simple to use.  It controls the level of each frequency range according to the application and human hearing characteristics so that you get the same full sound at any volume level.  There are two settings: one for MONITOR and one for MAINS.  Super easy.

*  D-XSUB (DXS series) - This provides the DXS series of sub-woofers with a BOOST mode enhancer (for punchy bass) or XTENDED-LF mode for added low frequency response (deeper bass).  Both are great for DTXdrums, or any of today’s modern music.

*  DSP-controlled Protection System (DXR and DXS series) -  This protection functionality promotes optimal performance of each component and optimum reliability without distortion even in challenging environments.  Dare we say, “Drummer proof?”

Check out the new DXR and DXS series of powered loudspeakers on the web:

http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/global/en/products/speakers/dxr/index.jsp

CubaseAI is included in the DTX-MULTI 12, DTX700, and DTX900, and by installing the free system extension you can use the buttons on the front panel to remotely control the software from buttons on the front panel.  Download the software for your DTX device here:

 

http://download.yamaha.com/top/

 

Did you know there are “patch name scripts” available for the DTX-MULTI 12, DTX700 and DTX900?  A patch name script is a way for you to select DTX kits and melodic sounds quickly and conveniently from a drop-down menu within the Cubase track inspector.  You can find the patch name scripts for these DTX instruments plus instructions on how to install them here:

 

 

- Link to attached zip file - “DTX PATCHNAME SCRIPTS JAN2012.zip”

 

 

DTX HYBRID: TRIGGER TIP: 

When using triggers on your acoustic drums it is important for the drum head to remain in contact with the sensor as the membrane vibrates after a strike.  If you prefer to tune your top head with a loose feel, the head might move off and on the sensor, causing false triggers after your strokes.

 

To solve this you need to either apply more pressure from the sensor onto the head, or place some material on the head just under the trigger so that contact is not lost as the head vibrates.  Some acoustic drum triggers have adjustable sensors that allow you to adjust the sensor for more or less pressure on the head.  Whatever your case, try to keep contact between the head and the sensor so that the extra vibrations of the head aren’t triggered as separate hits.

Why Electronic Drums?

By Jim Haler, Yamaha Drums Product Manager
As a long time drummer, I’ve had a deep love for drums since I was a child. When I began playing, there was no such thing as an electronic drum, and the VCR hadn’t even been invented yet. I began gigging in the early 70’s; mostly playing what was on the radio, what would later become “Classic Rock”.

Procedures for resetting your DTX module back to the factory settings and how to disable Auto-Power Off.

Yamaha’s flagship acoustic drum set; the PHX series was painstakingly sampled with set of Zildjian A Custom cymbals to bring you the quintessential acoustic-electronic drum sound.  This extra content is available from Yamaha MusicSoft as a free download for DTX900 and DTX700 Series kits.

The “Natural Jazz” extra content kit is available for free to registered DTX700 and DTX900 users and is Yamaha’s take on the1960’s Bebop sound. It starts by using a vintage maple kit with a copper snare and dark cymbals. The expressive toms (10” tom, 12” tom and

The “Metal Kit” extra content kit is available for free for registered DTX700 and DTX900 users and is comprised of an aggressively processed birch kit that will buzz saw through the wall of distorted guitars in today’s modern metal music.

APPS MAKE IT FUN AND EASY!
Do less menu diving, and more playing! Yamaha now offers free apps for the DTX-MULTI 12, DXT502, EAD10, and the DTX402 series of electronic drums and other DTX related products!

The DTX700 "Pop Rock" content kit is available for free for registered users and is comprised of a hyped and compressed maple kit that is meant to sonically cut through the world of modern rock.

After downloading the Rec'N'Share app from the app store, here is what you need to connect your EAD10 to your iOS device:

• USB type A to type B cable
• Apple camera connection kit(various models exist, options listed below)




1-Connect the type B end into the USB to Host port found on the back of the module



2-Connect the type A end to the camera connection kit
3- Connect the lightning end to the iOS device

Using the Rec 'N' Share app:

The Rec 'N' Share app captures your video and audio performance



1-To begin recording, press the start recording tab



2-Select the camera direction preferred
3-Once your performance is finished, click the record button again to stop the recording

Performing With a Song

1-Click on the No music tab



Choose from the following:
2- iTunes Music
3- Local songs


After a song is loaded, the app will automatically generate a tempo map
1-Press the A+B function to loop a section of a song
2-Speed up or slow down any song with the tempo fader


1-Mix the drum volume
2-Mix the song volume
3-Name and Save your performance inside the Rec 'N' Share App


1-Play back your perfromace
2-Delete your performance
3-Edit the length of your performance. "You can still trim your video after sending it to your phone."
4-Send your performance to a desired location

Download the FREE Rec 'N' Share App on your iOS Device from the App store and use in conjuction with the DTX402 Series and the EAD10 to record and capture both the audio and video footage of your performance, then share it online with the world! ==> Rec 'N' Share quick tips!

TECHNOLOGY

In 2009, after years of research and development, and working closely with our acoustic drum artists, Yamaha introduced a revolutionary new drum pad with a Textured Silicone (TCS) head - the DTX-PAD.  The DTX-PAD feels like no other drum pad, yet it feels remarkably close to acoustic drums. With technology that allows us to consistently make TCS heads with a snare feel or with a tom feel, Yamaha DTX-PADS blur the lines between drums and technology.

PASSION

Just ask anyone who plays a Yamaha drum (or any of our instruments) and they’ll tell you.  From vintage kits of the living legends to the modern sets of today’s rising stars, Yamaha drums have been made and played with passion since 1967.  From around the world, Yamaha drum artists span across all musical genres, and some of our biggest name drum artists helped define the history of contemporary drumming as we know it.  Our passion for drummers and drumming continues with the DTX900 series of electronic drums.

SOUND

At Yamaha, the sound and the ability to express yourself musically are the two most important things that go into every instrument we make.  For this reason, the DTX900 series utilizes Xpanded Articulation technology from our flagship series of synthesizer - the MOTIF.  This technology involves using lots of samples (digital recordings of actual instruments) to recreate a single instrument voice.  In the DTX900 series, Xpanded Articulation makes the drum and cymbal voices sound more natural with subtle variations for each stroke.  When matched with the feel of our DTX-PADS and three-zone cymbals you will be able to express your musical groove without skipping a beat.  

MUSIC

At Yamaha, music is at the heart of what we do, and with all the technology involved in today’s music-making processes, the DTX900 series is a logical and versatile choice for making your musical dreams a reality.  The module is is packed with a wide variety of natural and processed drum kits, our “groove check” and rhythm gate” training modes, and a set of highly musical play-along songs.  The quietness and feel of the pads, the ability to sample and layer your own drum sounds, and USB computer connectivity are all there to serve you whether you play live, in the practice room or in the recording studio.

TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE

Kenny Aronoff, Teddy Campbell, Gorden Campbell, Cora-Coleman Dunham, Ray Luzier, Paul Leim, John Majon, and Tony Verderosa.  These are just a few of the many artists for whom the Yamaha DTX-PAD is the pad-of-choice when their career demands it.  While that’s an accomplishment that we’re very proud of, we’re even more pleased by the response from drummers of all levels who play the DTX-PADS and tell us they love how they feel.  We do what we do to bring KANDO to people just like you.