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!

