Getting a DTXtreme III module -doing the right thing?

[Model76]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. :)

I am in the process of getting my first e-drum set, and I would like to get some input from you fine people.

I was originally planning on getting the Yamaha DTXpress IV module, mostly because of the groove check and rhythm gate functionality. These are appealing, as the main reason for getting the kit is for practicing. The second reason is that I want to start an electronic project with a good friend and bass player.
As it turns out, I will likely get some extra cash - enough to get the DTXtreme III, which seems like an excellent module!

The kit itself will be mostly Jokeky pads (http://www.jobekydrums.co.uk/), along with one or two Yamaha cymbals (PCY-155, PCY-135). The Jobeky pads are not compatible with Yamaha modules yet, but Colin, the main man at Jobeky, is working on that as we speak.
I am pretty much decided on what I want in that department (with a few exceptions), so I am mostly interested in comments on the module.

The alternative would of course be a Roland TD-20, but as I understand it, I would also need a TDW-20 Expansion Board to really benefit from it, bringing the cost up by quite a bit.

And I would miss out on the groove check and rhythm gate and sampler functionality, along with storage connectivity.

Then I would also have to modify the cymbals, or get some much more costly Roland ones.

All true so far?

So my question goes: Is there anyone present that does not think that these two (me and the DTXtreme) should join in (un)holy matrimony (or forever hold your peace)?

Or in other words, will I be missing out on anything, really, by not getting the Roland?

And one other thing: could the Yamaha PCY-135 be used as a dual- or even triple-zone hi hat pad?
Would it need modification to work well?

Thank you in advance!

[Axe_Grinder]

Well we could start another debate or I could just send you here. LOL

Go here: http://edrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=489

I prefer the TD-20 without the TDW-20exp. However, many here prefer the DTXtremeIII. It's really a matter of opinion. No one can tell you what you will like. I started out with the Yammi IIs. Then went to the TD-20 and was thrilled. A member here, lets not name any names. For anonymity sake will call him 'Jack and his wife Jill'

To make a long story shorter :)

"Jack, and his wife Jill' :) purchased the TD-20 after owning the IIs for some years. He hated it. He disliked it so much that he put a stick of dynamite in the back end of one of it's rack tubes.

Okay, in truth "Jack, and his wife Jill" just sold it. But the first bit sounded better. :D

[BobbyMck2]

Jack and Jill forgot the pill while out to fetch some water
Jack lay down on top of Jill and now the three of them have a house in brooklyn

[WildWes]

model76,

I say go with the Yamaha DTXtreme III over the TD-20 for the following reasons:

- I've never used my DTX III for sampling.
- I've never used my DTX III for midi.
- I've never used my DTX III with drum software.
- I've never owned or played on a Roland module/kit.

See, a totally unbiased and fair choice. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing021.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Bobby, you crack me up http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[Model76]

Yes, OK, I see... Pretty funny thread that one, Axe, although maybe not that productive.. :)

So let me rephrase: Does the Roland TD-20 have anything resembling the grove check and rhythm gate functions of the DTXtreme III? Anything meant for practicing?
If you don't know what I mean, see here under "DTXTREME III Click/Groove Check":
http://www.dtxperience.com/vidplayer/DTX_Player.html

I would also like to repeat this question for the experienced DTXtreme III users:
could the Yamaha PCY-135 be used as a dual- or even triple-zone hi hat pad?
Would it need modification to work well?

Thanks again!

[CaTaPulT]

Hi Model76.
First off, I do very much like my DTXtreme III module and I'm the Jack Axe was referring to about having a new TD-20 kit for a whole 3 weeks and sold it. :)
The problem I can see you having is with using the mesh head drums, Yamaha modules read a piezo signal for the main pad but expects a switch signal for the rims, mesh head and DIY drums are piezo for both the main pad and rim. Tom might have better insight on this since he is using mesh head pads with a DTXtreme III, I on the other hand gave up on mesh head and went pack to Yamaha rubber pads (100% compatibility for all zones).
As for using a PCY-135 as a hihat pad, yes it will work since the RHH135 hihat pad is very close to being a PCY-135 anyways. You will only have 2 zones however, the bow and edge and you will have to get a Yamaha friendly hihat controller (pedal), I would recommend staying with Yamaha for this too (for compatibility), the pedal controller being the HH-65.
As for light racks, take a look at the Yamaha racks, the aluminum racks are good and light and stronger than they look (See attachment for how much crap I got loaded onto my Yamaha rack parts), and now they have the new Hex rack, I don't know much about this beast but it is very heavy duty but I would imagine it's also much heavier and it's expensive. Yamaha uses one and a half inch tubing for it's aluminum racks and most gibraltar clamps will fit (I am using a few of these).
Good luck at finding what you are looking for to build your dream kit! :)
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Axe_Grinder]

Model,

No, the TD-20 doesn't have a groove check feature. Do you have the ability to play with both of the modules? E.g... Guitar Center.

If so, I would highly suggest it. I would even suggest bringing one of your pads with.

As jack said, you may have some issues with the piezo/switch configuration. Although based on your posts, you appear to be a pretty handy guy and could probably find a work around. (KRC)

Both modules basically have their strengths and weakness. I do tend to think that the TD-20 is overpriced. However, that didn't stop me from buying them. So are they?

The beauty of the TD-20 is in its simplicity. That does however come at some cost.

The DTXtremeIII is a fantastic module. The more I dive into it, the more I like it. There are only a couple things that really bother me about it. These are more on a personal uses issue, and not worth mentioning.

I also have an issue with my TD-20's that does warrant a mention. The midi is terrible! Programming it in step is a nightmare. Then I've never done that with the DTXtremeIII, so I can't say how it holds up.

When it comes to the DTXtremeIII, I have never seen a more confusing manual. Wait, yes I have! Years ago I had a Roland VS880EX and a Yamaha RY20. Those were a total joke. I love reading manuals. I'm usually very technical, so........................................

I don't know if any of this post is any use to you at all. All I can say is, like in my original post. You are the only one who can decide.

Personally, I would check them each out. If there isn’t a store near you like GC, maybe try an online dealer with a good return policy.


Hope this is of a little more use to you. :)

[WildWes]

Or.......Ron could send you his DTX III and TD-20 modules, so you could test drive both. Seems reasonable. :O

Or.......Visit the Roland site and ask them which one to buy and then visit the Yamaha site to ask them which one to buy. I'm sure each will give you an unbiased appraisal of each module.

Or.......As Jack mentioned, try to play each one and decide for yourself which has the options/sounds your looking for.

Good luck. WW

[ghostman]

Or.......Ron could send you his DTX III and TD-20 modules, so you could test drive both. Seems reasonable. :O

Or.......Visit the Roland site and ask them which one to buy and then visit the Yamaha site to ask them which one to buy. I'm sure each will give you an unbiased appraisal of each module.

Or.......As Jack mentioned, try to play each one and decide for yourself which has the options/sounds your looking for.

Good luck. WW

But Ron wouldn't send me his modules for me to test, so, that prolly is a no-go. if you are near him, use his house as a demo site. Otherwise, go to GC.

[Axe_Grinder]

But Ron wouldn't send me his modules for me to test, so, that prolly is a no-go.


Yeah, probably. :D Although, if he would be in the area he is more than welcome by the workshop to demo them out.

[Model76]

Thanks guys, this is really helpful!

Yeah, I did test out both modules at a local shop, but the Yamaha kit obviously wasn't set up right.. The cymbals were all loose, turning every which way, but the Roland kits were just fine. Almost like they didn't want to sell the Yamaha. Go figure.

Anyway, I was thinking about the Keith Raper as the Axe man mentioned, and if that is all that is needed to get the DTXtreme to play nice with the mesh heads, then I will definitely go for it. I was actually thinking about building it right into the drum, and ad a switch, so I could choose between Yamaha and Roland compatibility. That might be cool.

About the hi hat, I was originally thinking about using the RHH-135, but when I was trying the kits at the store, I thought it felt like the Yamaha was less smooth and had fewer degrees of "openedness", compared the the Roland VH-11/12. Then I saw that Jobeky makes a stand mountable controller that can be used with any cymbal pad I'd like. That is the reason for the PCY-135 question.
But CaTaPulT's mention of possible compatibility issues is making me reconsider. Could you please elaborate?

Also, have any of you had the same experience with the RHH-135 vs its Roland counterparts? I am thinking that maybe the poor setup job at the shop was to blame...

Anyway, I think I will go for the DTXtreme, and I have now found it at a good German internet store with a 30-day money back guarantee and 3 years warranty.

Oh, and if you're interested, you can see a nice looking Jobeky stand mounted kit here:
http://s627.photobucket.com/albums/tt352/gteps/Jobeky%20Drums/
Sexy, huh? :)

[CaTaPulT]

In all honesty, I like the RHH135 just as much as I liked the VH-12 when I had the TD-20 kit, the thing I like about the RHH135 better, it is quieter room noise wise, otherwise, the levels of open and close'ness of both hihats are quite good in my opinion. My guess is the store where you tried both kits didn't have the DTXtreme III setup properly, if the cymbals were turning, then they didn't bother putting in the stoppers thus doing a rush job putting that kit together. If you can find a decent Yamaha dealer/retailer with a DTXtreme III on display, properly setup, then it may be worth your while to give that a try.
I could be wrong here, but I believe that Yamaha pads are wired reversed from Roland pads for the Piezo, so your idea of having a switch to disable the Raper Circuit might not be that simple for compatibility between both Yamaha and Roland modules.
I've heard of someone a while back connecting a VH-11 to a DTXtreme IIs by using a stereo to mono cable and it worked, only problem is he only had one zone to play on.
What I meant by compatibility for the hihat controler is that some (maybe all) 3rd party controller pedals may not work, in example, Pintech, Hart, Roland, etc.
As for the hihat on the DTXtreme III, the module itself has adjustments for the level of openness/closeness and also to adjust the sensitivity of the footsplash, check out the DTXtreme III's owners manual for details.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Model76]

Oh, they had the stoppers in alright, but they were turning with the cymbals!
There used to be 2 big dealers with lots on display around here, but they have just merged and closed one shop a few weeks ago...

About the wiring, Colin from Jobeky mentioned something to that effect. Good thing you brought it up.

[TAKnipe]

:) Hi There, I guess its my time to put in my 2 cents. I own 2 DTXtreme 3's and I play Yamaha cymbals and mesh pads. On the snare I use a custom Pintech powered e shell from KnipeDrums (I have a side stick sound using the Pintech wiring). The mesh heads trigger beautifully with either a Roland type mesh pad or a Pintech version. If you search around here or other places you will find that the RHH135 is almost like the Roland VH-11 in terms of playability they are both great. I used to have a TD 20 but I wanted the sampling feature and I love practicing to midi songs and I find that overall the Yamaha modules have much better cymbal sounds (Yamaha's sounds are sampled) and the drum sounds are very nice also (especially if you love Yamaha acoustic drums)

My reasons for buying the DTXtreme 3:

Cymbals samples
Cymbal Prices
3 zone cymbals
expanding with TP65's pads give you 3 zone pads for extra inputs
Groove check
Midi songs
ability to use mesh pads
Note stacking and multi velocity sampling
programmable outs
midi recording and playback
Yamaha service and tech support
Yamaha has reasonable pricing and their xtra pads are reasonably priced.

Hands down it is the best module I have ever owned so far

If you want to see the Xtreme 3 with mesh, I think I did a 720p test video on vimeo and I think it is here on the site. Good Luck in your decision, Tom

Oh btw Welcome to EDF!!!! :)

[Scorch Whammin]

Or.......Ron could send you his DTX III and TD-20 modules, so you could test drive both. Seems reasonable. :O

Or.......Visit the Roland site and ask them which one to buy and then visit the Yamaha site to ask them which one to buy. I'm sure each will give you an unbiased appraisal of each module.

Or.......As Jack mentioned, try to play each one and decide for yourself which has the options/sounds your looking for.

Good luck. WW

Geez...all you guys are hopeless....be like me and buy mostly Yamaha pads and cymbals...and then buy a Roland module to run it all!!!!:D:D......BTW, Tom, Do you still have a DTXtreme III module for sale????...I've got some Roland pads and cymbals I want to trigger with it!!!!:)

[Axe_Grinder]

Geez...all you guys are hopeless....be like me and buy mostly Yamaha pads and cymbals...and then buy a Roland module to run it all!!!!:D:D


Hey!! You went with the Roland. Very Cool! How do you like it now that you have one?

[TAKnipe]

Geez...all you guys are hopeless....be like me and buy mostly Yamaha pads and cymbals...and then buy a Roland module to run it all!!!!:D:D......BTW, Tom, Do you still have a DTXtreme III module for sale????...I've got some Roland pads and cymbals I want to trigger with it!!!!:)

You know I want that drumkit so badly!!!!

I sold the extra module I had to a forum member. Dont ever sell that kit man, its going to be a collectors item somedays. Great to have you here at EDF 2.0. Tom :)

[Axe_Grinder]

You know I want that drumkit so badly!!!!

I sold the extra module I had to a forum member.


I'll fight you for the drumkit :D Hmmmmm, wonder who you sold it to - lol

[rs518]

This user post has been deleted.




Kindly introduce yourself and don't hijack someone's thread. This is also not the correct forum to sell your items. I see you have found that forum section though :S


Got etiquette?



Oh yes! I almost forgot. Welcome!!


-Axe-

[Model76]

Sorry for taking so long to answer here..

I would like to thank everyone for helping me to finally make up my mind on the TDXtreme III.
I ordered the module, and they should send it to me from Germany tomorrow. Yay! :D

And thank you TAKnipe, for welcoming me to the forum!

[Axe_Grinder]

Sorry for taking so long to answer here..

I would like to thank everyone for helping me to finally make up my mind on the TDXtreme III.
I ordered the module, and they should send it to me from Germany tomorrow. Yay! :D

And thank you TAKnipe, for welcoming me to the forum!


Congratulations! How long will shipping be? You have got to be jumping out of your skin. I'm sure you will love it. :)

[Model76]

I think shipping will be 2 or 3 days max, so if they sent it today it should be here Wednesday or Thursday. Wee! :D

I feel like a twelve-year-old who just got into ninjas - So exited that it almost feels like I am going to poop my pants!

Check this site to get in the mood: http://www.realultimatepower.net/


Edit: Oh, can I the coalition, even though I am getting a Yamaha? I want that lab coat!!

[Axe_Grinder]

:D That link was amusing.

As for the lab coat... sure, are you willing to use that soldering iron and screw driver? :D

...and don't poop your pants. It will stink :D