What are the Best Electronic Drum Modules for A2E conversion?

I get asked this all the time. What are the best electronic drum modules to buy for acoustic to electronic drum projects? Can you just use the Alesis Nitro/Surge module for A2E? 

Let's answer the second question first. No. 

Well, yes you can, but it won't be great. Alesis Nitros, or really ANY Alesis module will not make a good A2E module because of its lack of parameter adjustments which allow you to fine tune triggers. Your results with an Alesis module will likely be horrible to 'sort of okay'. That being said, avoid Alesis modules. 

Here's a list of modules I like and that I think make great A2E modules.

1. Roland TD-17 - The Roland TD-17 is a moderately priced module that has excellent built-in sounds, USB audio/midi, sample import, and is all around the best module you can get in its price range in my opinion. Personally, I would even place it above the TD-27 because of its price advantage, and I had better luck with configuring acoustic triggers with it. 
2. ATV XD3 - While not nearly as full featured as the TD-17, the ATV XD3 has extremely low latency and excellent onboard sounds. It is about half the price of the TD-17 as well. A wide variety of triggers will work with it as well. Even though there are little trigger adjustments (even less than Alesis!) it seems to do just fine with just about any trigger you connect to it. Simplicity is its strength!
3. Roland TD-8 - The Roland TD-8 is an older module, lacks USB, but has standard MIDI i/o. The sounds are a little dated, but also some of them are quite nice. It has 4 individual analog outputs, a ridiculous amount of onboard sounds ranging from acoustic, to percussion, and electronic. It also has man of Roland's V-Drum editing parameters such as shell depth, tension, head type and room ambience. (the TD-17 has all of these too). You can usually find them for under $400. It also features many individual inputs without using a cable snake. 
4. Roland TD-6 - BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! The TD-6 has the exact same sounds as the TD-8, but with less editing features and a smaller screen and less outputs. However, that being said, you can usually find the TD-6 for under $200 which makes it a great choice for A2E. It has a lot of inputs, and the onboard sounds are very decent. 
5. Roland TD-27 - If you're looking for a flagship module that isn't $3k, then the TD-27 is for you. While personally I do not like it as much as the TD-17, it does have advantages such as multitrack USB audio, more onboard sounds, and editing features. In addition to that, it is actually newer than Roland's official flagship module, the TD-50, which I think does not sound nearly as good as the TD-17 or TD-27. 

Based on this list, I encourage you to research all the specific features for each module to figure out which one is right for you. But I have personally tested all of the modules in this list with A2E projects, and all of them work very well. I hope this list helps!

The Paiste PST7 Light Hi Hats are the budget Giant Beat Hi Hats! PROOF!

I had been eyeing the PST7 Light Hats for some time now, and finally picked up a pair about a week ago. I have always loved the light and hissy white noise of the Giant Beat hi hats, but never could justify spending that much money ($400) on a pair of hi hats. 

I had a PST7 Light Ride in the past, and liked it, but didn't love it, but when I started hearing demos of the PST7 Light Hats, the first thing I thought of was Giant Beats! 

Don't believe me? Check out this link to a "Sound Room" on Paiste's website where I added the two 14" models. While not EXACTLY the same, they are very near 90% identical. The pitch is very close, and I think they must be around the same weight. My PST7s are 788g/1059g. Which is a very nice weight. 

I can honestly say that neither sound better than the other in my opinion based on those sound samples, With my eyes closed I would probably just think they are two different cuts of the same model hi hat. Also it should be noted that the person demoing the hats clearly hit them differently. The PST7s are bing hit with the shoulder of the stick on the edge of the hat most of the time, and the GB player is using the tip of the stick. 

The other day I took the PST7s to the studio and recorded them, and was blown away by them. They sound perfect to me. Great articulation with no harsh or weird overtones, and they have that cool 'white noise, hissyness' that I love so much about the Giant Beats! Check out the recording below! Pick up a pair of PST7 Light Hi Hats here! They're only $169 brand new!

Clone Hero Electronic Drum Mapping Key

 

This will help you select the correct pad while mapping your drums in Clone Hero. 

What is a DAW?

 

Digital Audio Workstations, or DAWs for short, are powerful tools that allow music producers and audio engineers to record, edit, mix, and master digital audio. They have become an essential part of the music production process, and with so many DAWs available on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one to use. In this blog post, we'll cover the basics of DAWs, their key features, and popular DAWs in the music industry.

What is a DAW?

A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a software application that is used to record, edit, and produce audio files. It provides a graphical user interface that allows you to manipulate audio files visually. A DAW can be used to record audio from microphones, electronic instruments, or digital audio sources, and then process and manipulate that audio to create a final mix.

Key Features of a DAW

DAWs come with a range of features that allow you to manipulate audio in various ways. Here are some of the key features you can expect to find in a DAW:

Audio recording: You can record audio directly into a DAW using a microphone, audio interface, or other audio input device.

MIDI sequencing: DAWs can be used to sequence MIDI notes and control virtual instruments or external synthesizers.

Audio editing: You can cut, splice, and manipulate audio files in a DAW, making it possible to remove unwanted noise, adjust the timing of audio, and create loops.

Mixing and mastering: DAWs come with a range of mixing tools that allow you to adjust levels, apply effects, and create a final mix. Mastering tools allow you to further refine the audio quality and prepare it for distribution.

Plugin support: DAWs can support a range of plugins, which can be used to add effects, virtual instruments, or other processing tools.

Popular DAWs in the Music Industry

Ableton Live: Ableton Live is a popular DAW used in electronic music production, but it's also used in other genres. It's known for its Session View, which allows you to trigger audio clips in a non-linear fashion.

Pro Tools: Pro Tools is a popular DAW used in professional audio recording and mixing. It's known for its advanced mixing and editing features and is often used in post-production and audio-for-film work.

Logic Pro: Logic Pro is a popular DAW used by many professional audio engineers and music producers. It's known for its easy-to-use interface and its built-in virtual instruments and plugins.

FL Studio: FL Studio is a popular DAW used in electronic music production, and it's known for its easy-to-use interface and built-in virtual instruments and effects.

Conclusion

DAWs have become an essential tool in music production and audio engineering. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, there's a DAW out there that can meet your needs. By understanding the key features of a DAW and exploring popular options, you can find the right DAW for your music production needs.

I asked AI to write a post on how to make drum covers, and this is what it wrote lol

 Drum covers are a great way to protect your drums and keep them in top condition. Not only do they prevent dust and debris from accumulating on your drumheads, but they also reduce the amount of wear and tear on your drums, ensuring they last longer and sound better. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in making your own drum covers.

Measure Your Drums: The first step in making drum covers is to measure your drums accurately. You will need to measure the diameter and depth of each drum to ensure that the covers fit properly. Make sure to measure the drums at the widest point and the deepest point to get an accurate measurement. Write down these measurements, so you have them handy when you start making the covers.

Choose Your Fabric: The next step is to choose the fabric for your drum covers. Look for a heavy-duty fabric that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. A common fabric used for drum covers is canvas, but you can also use vinyl or other heavy-duty fabrics. When selecting the fabric, keep in mind the color or pattern that you want for your covers, and choose a fabric that matches your desired aesthetic.

Cut the Fabric: Using the measurements you took of your drums, cut out pieces of fabric that will fit each drum. Make sure to add a couple of inches to the diameter and depth measurements, so the covers are slightly larger than the drums. This extra fabric will be used to create the hem that will hold the covers in place.

Hem the Edges: Once the fabric pieces are cut, fold over the edges and sew a hem to secure the edges in place. This hem will prevent the fabric from fraying and will ensure that the covers stay in place on your drums.

Attach the Covers: After the hems are complete, place the cover over your drum and secure it in place with Velcro strips or elastic bands. The Velcro strips or elastic bands should be sewn onto the cover and the drum, so they are permanent and won't come loose over time.

Repeat the Process: Repeat the process for each drum in your set. You can make covers for each drum in the same fabric or choose different fabrics for each drum, depending on your personal preference.

In conclusion, making your own drum covers is a fun and practical project that can help protect your drums and keep them in top condition. By following these simple steps, you can create covers that are customized to fit your drums and reflect your personal style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drummer, making your own drum covers is a great way to express your creativity and love for music.

Vintage Cymbals: The Timeless Sound of Music History

 If you're a drummer, you know that the cymbals you use can greatly impact the sound of your performance. In recent years, there's been a resurgence of interest in vintage cymbals, and for good reason. Not only do these classic instruments offer a unique sound, but they also hold a special place in music history.

So, what are vintage cymbals, and why are they so special? In simple terms, vintage cymbals are those that were made many years ago and have stood the test of time. These cymbals were crafted by hand, often using different techniques and materials than those used today. The result is a sound that is rich, warm, and full of character.

One of the things that makes vintage cymbals so unique is the process of aging. Over time, the metal in the cymbals undergoes a process of oxidation, which changes its molecular structure. This results in a change in the sound of the cymbal, giving it a warmer, more organic quality.

Vintage cymbals also offer a connection to the past. Many famous drummers have used vintage cymbals throughout their careers, and these instruments have been featured on countless recordings over the years. By using vintage cymbals, you're tapping into a rich musical heritage and making a connection with the great drummers of the past.

Of course, vintage cymbals aren't for everyone. They often have a lower pitch and a more complex tone than modern cymbals, which may not be suitable for all playing styles. Additionally, vintage cymbals can be difficult to find and can be expensive.

However, if you're a drummer who values the unique sound and historical significance of vintage cymbals, then these instruments are definitely worth considering. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, vintage cymbals offer a timeless sound that will add depth and character to your playing.

In conclusion, vintage cymbals are a special type of cymbal that offer a unique sound, rich musical heritage, and a connection to the past. Whether you're a drummer or just a music lover, vintage cymbals are a fascinating and important part of music history.

Save 15% off on Melodics drum learning app!

 

Get 15% off monthly or annual subscription fees for Melodics at https://melodics.grsm.io/alternativedrummer and use the code "AFFILIATE-JANFEB".

There is no better app for learning the drums! I personally use this with my students and it works wonders! I will keep this coupon updated, but if for some reason it is expired, comment below and let me know and I'll fix it!