Pearl ePro Live (with Alesis DM10 module)

[Hellfire]

Well you can see the new Pearl ePro Live on Pearl's website (http://www.pearldrum.com/epro-preview.html). Their new module is called the R.E.D. Box but, it looks to be a rebranded Alesis DM10. Take a look for yourself.

http://www.alesis.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/21/535121f3809981bee6d8e9c89cad0aef/medium/dm10_module_front_med.jpg

http://edrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=321&stc=1&d=1263265079

[Scorch Whammin]

Very promising kit!...looks great and sounds good from what I can tell from the video...thanks for posting this Phil!

[Pink Led Rush]

Thanks for posting looks like it's going to be awesome! When will it be available? And will you be able to buy the internals or buy that drum head and do your own A to E with those pads?

[alviswesley]

It's shinnyer than the DM-10 with all that chrome. I think the DM-10 looks better though. Those heads look nice. Again like the new Yamaha heads time will tell how well they work and last. I like the idea of loading the VST kits to the module. The kit in the video souded great. Phil, Do you know how much poloyphony the DM-10 has so I don't have to search for it? This is the key IMO to how well the vst kits will work especially for larger trigger setups. I can't use the extra inputs on my DTXIII with the OW kits because of the limited 64 note poly.

[Hellfire]

It's shinnyer than the DM-10 with all that chrome. I think the DM-10 looks better though. Those heads look nice. Again like the new Yamaha heads time will tell how well they work and last. I like the idea of loading the VST kits to the module. The kit in the video souded great. Phil, Do you know how much poloyphony the DM-10 has so I don't have to search for it? This is the key IMO to how well the vst kits will work especially for larger trigger setups. I can't use the extra inputs on my DTXIII with the OW kits because of the limited 64 note poly.
Sorry, the DM10 in only 64 note poly. The DM10 is really a budget module. Good for people like me who don't have a lot of money.:)

[alviswesley]

Thanks, Phil. 64 ain't bad at all. Beats the heck out of 32. haha. I'm just dreaming of 128 or 256 that's all.

[JohnDiFrancesco]

That looks pretty amazing. The ability to switch between acoustic and electronic is a huge bonus, though I'm not sure how often I would do that.

If that is a DM10 brain, that's a little disappointing, since the Yamaha DTXT3 brain costs as much as the entire DM10 kit. Maybe they've upgraded the internals but kept the interface? Then again, maybe that keeps the price down, though the real drum aspect can't be cheap.

The big question, of course, is the bottom line. How much?

[Pink Led Rush]

Got another question, what about the loudness of the brass cymbals? Will they be loud anyway.

[CaTaPulT]

Thanks for the post Phil.
Good find! :)
I love this kit, looks great cause it's real drums, now the question will be how real to Mylar will the new heads feel since everyone and their dog in the industry claims real drum feel no matter what the surface is. The other concern will be how quiet is the kit room noise wise, they would have to have dampened those brass cymbals pretty good for those to be quiet.
I'm hoping this kit is as good as they make it out to be, Good luck Pearl and welcome to the eDrum world.
I'm kind of Biased, Pearl was my favorite drum company back in the 70's, I had a gloss black Pearl Wood/Fiberglass kit and loved it. If I still had that kit today, I think I could dub myself as "Captain Jack and the Black Pearl" LOL :D

Alvis, I'm not sure where I read this, it maybe on DTXperience forums but the problem with the Xtreme III is not the 64 voice polyphony, it's more with the way it was implemented by Yamaha, if I remember right, the message is kind of technical and way above my head but explains why the Ocean Way kits cut out when doing fast stuff on them, this may be another Yamaha boner (KP-125 was the other).
Yamaha under Bob Terry's direction is starting to look more like a money grabbing entity instead of quality and value for the money, something Yamaha's been known for. Time will tell, but my guess is they're about to start loosing loyal customers.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[CaTaPulT]

I found the post I was referring to in my previous message.
I'm pasting it here.......


DavePolich: Re: Sonic Reality Drum Masters DTX Studio Kits 5-P

The 2nd 5-pack of Sonic Reality drumkits has been finished and sent to Sonic Reality. It is up to them to post them for sale and download. Hopefully, that will happen before the end of this month, but I'm not speaking for Sonic Reality.

The coming firmware update "may" fix the dropouts..no way to tell until the firmware is released to us and we can test it. As the person responsible for programming these kits, I can tell you that the difficulty is with the DTX engine itself and the way it handles polyphony. That's why each kit in the 5-packs, as well the Ocean Way set, comes in three "flavors" with the last one being just single layers for each pad.

The factory kits are programmed using a proprietary system that allows for multi-samples to be placed on one MIDI note and the engine "figures out" how to interpolate the velocity crossfades. That option is not available for anyone creating kits that use new external samples (including me).

I'm not a busy drummer, I'm a keyboard player who started out on drums and can play basic Ringo beats. I can't play madly enough to get the dropouts to happen even with the OW or DrumMasters multi-layer kits. But I can understand how it is happening with users who are much better drummers than I am.

Now unless Yamaha is willing to share this specialty software/system to create these kits as described above, then I can see Yamaha suffering the fate of old school Radio Shack, only Radio Shack components work with Radio Shack stuff, that's the old way of thinking and the only one that suffers from it is the customers, C'mon Yamaha, wake up! :(
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[alviswesley]

Aww Jack, There ain't nothin wrong with the KP-125. I mean sure the shell is made from cheap man made fiberboard and the lugs and rim from plastic. And yes, you might need to take it apart after the warranty runs out and repair the parts inside yourself, but what do what do expect from a $400.00 kick pad.....errr.... nevermind.
I hope Dave is right that the update "MAY" fix it. Even he's not sure. Though i'll believe it when I see it. :)

[CaTaPulT]

Aww Jack, There ain't nothin wrong with the KP-125. I mean sure the shell made from cheap manmade fiberboard and the lugs and rim from plastic. And yes, you might need to take it apart after the warranty runs out and repair the parts inside yourself, but what do what do expect from a $400.00 kick pad.....errr.... nevermind.
I hope Dave is right that the update "MAY" fix it. Even he's not sure. Though i'll believe it when I see it. :)

Hi Alvis.
I just wrote a nasty post at the DTX place regarding this.
My guess is this is something that cannot to fixed with a firmware update, my guess is if it can be, any existing user kit my be rendered useless, not to mention that all the internal kits in the module (preset kits and layered sound) might have to be redone to use the new way of mapping multiple samples per midi note.
I hope I'm dead wrong.
Otherwise, the only way DTX owners will see external great sounding kits is if Yamaha releases the proprietary software/system so others can use it to make kits for sale or freebies or going the VST route, I didn't buy a drum module to do the VST thing, I don't want the headaches.
I hope Yamaha realizes they are hurting their customers by doing this.
Roland has Vex packs, well, at this rate, the guys working on Yamaha stuff will probably give up on it so Yamaha will have as before ..... Sweet F... All and so will we.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Scorch Whammin]

Roland has Vex packs, well, at this rate, the guys working on Yamaha stuff will probably give up on it so Yamaha will have as before ..... Sweet F... All and so will we.

Just so we're clear here...vex aren't anywhere near VST type sounds...they're nice tweaked sounds..but not VST quality nor are they as good sounding as the OWD sounds that the III has....let's wait and see if the firmware addresses the cut-outs...what's funny (as in strange) is that some members @ dtxperience are saying they don't have this problem...hmm?...don't quite understand that.:)...anyways, I like the look of the new pearl e-kit and hope it does well:)

[CaTaPulT]

Just so we're clear here...vex aren't anywhere near VST type sounds...they're nice tweaked sounds..but not VST quality nor are they as good sounding as the OWD sounds that the III has....let's wait and see if the firmware addresses the cut-outs...what's funny (as in strange) is that some members @ dtxperience are saying they don't have this problem...hmm?...don't quite understand that.:)...anyways, I like the look of the new pearl e-kit and hope it does well:)

Agreed Scott, Vex packs are not samples but module tweaks, some are quite good, my point is at least Roland has that, Yamaha might not have anything in the form of 3rd party sound packs if these guys are all wasting their time to try and make it work and can't when Yamaha holds the key to making it work but won't share the key.
The DTXtreme IIs was supposed to have similar packs, acording to the DTXperience site, these sound packs were "Coming Soon" but never showed up, that was on the old site for years.
What I'm afraid to see, is these guys/companies working on their own version of making great sounding kits for the Xtreme III and new DTX-900 may give up on it due to restrictions they cannot overcome by standard means other than having access to the secret software/system that Yamaha uses. Proprietary has never been good for anyone in the past, surely not in today's day and age. That would be a shame since I'm sure these people are putting in a LOT of time trying to get this to work.
I've not tried the Ocean Way kits since I heard about the dropouts and figured it was something they might have been doing wrong. I guess maybe they are doing things right, Yamaha's doing things wrong.
As for the Firmware update fixing this, I hope it does, but I doubt it.
For those who are not having the problem with the Ocean Way Drums free kit, maybe they just have some setting set differently than everyone else, that's one of the good thing but also a curse when wanting to share user kits, all the settings that can muck everything up?
I hope you are right and they can fix this, if not, maybe time to share their lil trade secret and allow the guys/companies access to the way Yamaha manages to program their internal kits to work on their module.
Sorry to say, I'm loosing faith in Yamaha at a rapid rate lately. :(
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Alpine]

Well you can see the new Pearl ePro Live on Pearl's website (http://www.pearldrum.com/epro-preview.html). Their new module is called the R.E.D. Box but, it looks to be a rebranded Alesis DM10. Take a look for yourself.

http://www.alesis.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/21/535121f3809981bee6d8e9c89cad0aef/medium/dm10_module_front_med.jpg

http://edrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=321&stc=1&d=1263265079 I will be interesting to hear if someone from Alesis drops by the Pearl booth at NAMM with a DM10 to compare modules side by side.

http://www.pearldrum.com/epro-preview.html

[CaTaPulT]

Agreed Alpine.
I'm curious as to what the price will be, I bet it's not gonna be cheap, real full sized wood shells, and the new strange looking trigger heads, maybe that's why they went with a Alesis (or look a like) module, to try and keep the cost somewhat down. I'm not saying the new Alesis module is not a good one but it is inexpensive as compared to some of the competition.
Very much looking forward to seeing more about this Pearl kit.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Alpine]

Agreed Alpine.
I'm curious as to what the price will be, I bet it's not gonna be cheap, real full sized wood shells, and the new strange looking trigger heads, maybe that's why they went with a Alesis (or look a like) module, to try and keep the cost somewhat down. I'm not saying the new Alesis module is not a good one but it is inexpensive as compared to some of the competition.
Very much looking forward to seeing more about this Pearl kit.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<< .
Well After watching the Pearl Epro video http://www.pearldrum.com/epro-preview.html it's great the unit has 128 MB of internal RAM (although 256 or higher would be much better perhaps that can be expanded). The "Memory switch" function is a fantastic idea! Allowing users to preview, download, & replace the entire memory with drumkits created by sound partners like Toontrack, BFD, Sonic Reality, Ocen Way Drums, Steven Slate Drums, & Virtual Drum Line is a brilliant idea. Also being able to switch from electronic to acoustic is the best of both worlds.

[Alpine]

.
Well After watching the Pearl Epro video http://www.pearldrum.com/epro-preview.html it's great the unit has 128 MB of internal RAM (although 256 or higher would be much better perhaps that can be expanded). The "Memory switch" function is a fantastic idea! Allowing users to preview, download, & replace the entire memory with drumkits created by sound partners like Toontrack, BFD, Sonic Reality, Ocen Way Drums, Steven Slate Drums, & Virtual Drum Line is a brilliant idea. Also being able to switch from electronic to acoustic is the best of both worlds. re the replacing the entire memory function, I'm told this takes a LOOOOONNGG time to execute.

The catalog states:
4. Using a Mac Drag and drop the Lush kit onto the r.e.d.BOX icon which loads in 20 minutes. (Separate instructions required for PC)...

[CaTaPulT]

For it to take 20 minutes, that must be a mess load of samples, that's is a very long time.
Time will tell, I know from external USB hard disk to internal hard disk on my computer, it doesn't take anywhere near that long but then again, the module may have to process the samples and sort them per settings of possible code embedded into the samples or kit files, that's probably where the long time comes in.
Still looking forward to seeing this kit in action and reviews from people who will be buying it. I also wonder how well it will work with other modules, Roland, Yamaha, and so on. Just the looks of the kit have me drooling, it actually looks like a real drum kit. Something where regular eDrums leave me high and dry.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Alpine]

For it to take 20 minutes, that must be a mess load of samples, that's is a very long time.
Time will tell, I know from external USB hard disk to internal hard disk on my computer, it doesn't take anywhere near that long but then again, the module may have to process the samples and sort them per settings of possible code embedded into the samples or kit files, that's probably where the long time comes in.
Still looking forward to seeing this kit in action and reviews from people who will be buying it. I also wonder how well it will work with other modules, Roland, Yamaha, and so on. Just the looks of the kit have me drooling, it actually looks like a real drum kit. Something where regular eDrums leave me high and dry.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<< It is a real drum kit, you can use it as an ekit or acoustic just by swaping the heads, cool idea!

[ChromeBoy]

Glad to see another player on the e-drum scene. Competition is a good thing.
As far as being able to switch easily from a triggered head (or pad) to an acoustic head, Drumlord's recent thread shows that this is already possible using Yamaha TP100 and TP 120 pads, as long as your toms have 6 lugs.
http://edrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=924
I guess the question is whether or not you can safely add a Yammy pad onto the shell without potentially damaging the bearing edge.

[Drumlord]

I saw this this morning and thought, "oh, this is going to hurt my wallet". It is an awesome looking electronic drumset. I think Pearl is going for acoustic drummers who have avoided edrums because they look "little" or "like toys". You could put this kit on a stage and 90% of the audience wouldn't even realize it was electronic. Thus, E-Pro Live. It isn't really intended for the home enthusiast. I suspect, though, that they are going to come out with a more Alesis-like version (based on the rubber cymbals alternative they show in the video). I think that would be good, too.

I am really looking forward to hearing more on this kit, especially a price. I agree competition, especially from a big name like Pearl, is a great thing. The fact that we're seeing more modules that use VST like sounds in a stand alone unit tells me this is the future of edrums. I personally don't want to haul around a laptop or other extra equipment if I don't have to.

Like several others here, I have many questions about compatibility (I have a TD-20 and a DTXtreme III and would be interested if they'll work). But, mostly, my interest is related to the price.

To answer your question, ChromeBoy, I would doubt that the Yamaha pads (TP100/120) would do any harm to the bearing edge of a drum. Everything that touches the drum is rubber.

[dauzman]

Glad to see more options for Edrummers. Welcome Pearl to the marketplace... Sure wish there was more innovation then triggering drum heads that go on acoustic drums. We already have seen the DM10 and the surge cymbals. All you DIY guys have been making acoustic looking electronic drums for years much cheaper.

[Hellfire]

Glad to see more options for Edrummers. Welcome Pearl to the marketplace... Sure wish there was more innovation then triggering drum heads that go on acoustic drums. We already have seen the DM10 and the surge cymbals. All you DIY guys have been making acoustic looking electronic drums for years much cheaper.
I too think it is great to see more competition. I do agree with Dan that this really isn't all that innovative but at the same time this will be the first Big name company to offer this type of electronic kit.

Now, bring on the new Dauz kits with DITI...:D

[Guinness]

Great vid! That Tightkit aftermarket sounded sweet! The kit itself is sweet.

So, I suppose for expandibility, one could add another DM10 module as they did with the R.E.D. box. (which, btw, looks sweet, compared to the DM10).

For space reasons, I wouldn't want the Pearl kit, but it would be nice. Maybe I can talk the Mrs into selling this place, and buying a new house with a Studio. :)

Funny... during the vid, I all of a sudden heard Phil say "In this hellfire electronic drum systems video..." I'm like "What? Why is phil on the Pearl video?" then I realized I was loading the head change out vid and it started to play during the pearl demo. LOL

[CaTaPulT]

I just looked at that video again since something caught my eye the first time I saw it yesterday and was bugging me so I had another look.
Take a look towards the end of the video, where they lift the eDrum head off the snare, pause it when it's at about a 45 degree angle as he's lifting it.
Notice there is no trigger bar in that drum, no basket, no foam, no piezzo, no nothing, it's just a regular once you see one you've seen them all Pearl snare drum.
Now look at the thickness of the eDrum head, holly cow, that thing looks to be fairly thick, looks like the whole part of the electronic drum trigger system is built into the drum head, now speculating here, being that thick, this thing could have a thin reflector plate, head and rim piezzo, trigger foam, and foam pad between head and lower end of the assembly.
If this is the case, this is genius since if sold separately, these heads can be used on any acoustic drum shell. I'm very much looking forward to hearing more about this new kit as details start trickling down when it starts getting displayed at NAMM starting Thursday. :)
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Alpine]

All you DIY guys have been making acoustic looking electronic drums for years much cheaper. I guess the difference with the epro is that it can be used either way. Cool idea!

[Alpine]

I just looked at that video again since something caught my eye the first time I saw it yesterday and was bugging me so I had another look.
Take a look towards the end of the video, where they lift the eDrum head off the snare, pause it when it's at about a 45 degree angle as he's lifting it.
Notice there is no trigger bar in that drum, no basket, no foam, no piezzo, no nothing, it's just a regular once you see one you've seen them all Pearl snare drum.
Now look at the thickness of the eDrum head, holly cow, that thing looks to be fairly thick, looks like the whole part of the electronic drum trigger system is built into the drum head, now speculating here, being that thick, this thing could have a thin reflector plate, head and rim piezzo, trigger foam, and foam pad between head and lower end of the assembly.
If this is the case, this is genius since if sold separately, these heads can be used on any acoustic drum shell. I'm very much looking forward to hearing more about this new kit as details start trickling down when it starts getting displayed at NAMM starting Thursday. :)
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<< Very interesting but I doubt Pearl would release something that you could use on anther brand of drums (but I hope they do) where & how does the 1/4 cable connect?

[Guinness]

they obviously had it all disconnected before the lifted the head off.

notice, no wires.

[dauzman]

I cant wait to see the price of this .... Phil I think one of your price comparison charts will be required. Knowing what the complete Alesis kit goes for which is the same brain a rack and Surge cymbals. How much Pearl is charging for a acoustic set with some pads that fit inside ???

[Scorch Whammin]

I cant wait to see the price of this .... Phil I think one of your price comparison charts will be required. Knowing what the complete Alesis kit goes for which is the same brain a rack and Surge cymbals. How much Pearl is charging for a acoustic set with some pads that fit inside ???

My guess is it will be somewhere between $2999-$3999...:)...(give or take a $1000..lol)

[Alpine]

I cant wait to see the price of this .... Phil I think one of your price comparison charts will be required. Knowing what the complete Alesis kit goes for which is the same brain a rack and Surge cymbals. How much Pearl is charging for a acoustic set with some pads that fit inside ??? Pearl does not have a technology wing. They have been sold this entire idea by another company - which means there is a middle man and higher costs.

[dauzman]

Hate to be a stick in the mud but looks like To much money ...To little innovative additions...Limited brain unit... Takes up to much space....Cymbals are to loud... IMO..

[dschrammie]

no dan, I don't think you're being a stick in the mud...I think you're dead on. There's no innovation in it...other than the whole "2 kits in one!" thing, which I don't personally see as that big of a deal at all. I guess to be fair, without knowing more about these heads, I can't say there's "no" innovation. So maybe they're trying to concentrate on just the drums & heads right now, but knowing that they need an entire kit offering they're settling on OEM equipment for the module and cymbals. It seems obvious to me that Pearl is seeing a much greater interest in electronic drums, is probably seeing more and more people going to look at the booths for Roland/Yamaha/Pintech/Alesis at the various trade shows, and simply wants a piece of the pie, and they're testing the waters for right now. They're seeing how much they can get of the market before dumping a lot of their own money on R&D.

There are a couple of things that really stuck out in the video for me. One, it's an 8 minute vid, yet there are no comments at all from the endorsers. Also, there's no mention at all of the acoustic noise of the pads...he talks a lot about the "feel", yet nothing about the noise. The module, well, that's been covered quite a bit by others...but it seems like they covered very little of what's on the top and that's about it. I understand that in a marketing vid they can't cover all the details, but not even mentioning the number of inputs? And no mention of anything special about the hi-hat? That means it's completely unspectacular. And finally, what's the deal with showing off a double bass kit, yet using a double pedal on one of the kicks? The other was just for show? LAME LAME LAME.

[Guinness]

...And finally, what's the deal with showing off a double bass kit, yet using a double pedal on one of the kicks? The other was just for show? LAME LAME LAME.

I noticed that too and wondered the same thing. :confused:

[Pink Led Rush]

And he was talking about expandability and there were two modules. How dumb is that? I'll have to see it and play it in person to make any judgments though. It looks awesome that's all I can say. More people in the edrum business the better. The prices will go down more as more companies join.

[Hellfire]

For those looking for a price, here you go:

Pearl E-Pro Hybrid Electronic Acoustic Drum Set with Brass Cymbals (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-E-Pro-Hybrid-Electronic-Acoustic-Drum-Set-with-Brass-Cymbals-712529-i1511877.gc)

[Scorch Whammin]

For those looking for a price, here you go:

Pearl E-Pro Hybrid Electronic Acoustic Drum Set with Brass Cymbals (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-E-Pro-Hybrid-Electronic-Acoustic-Drum-Set-with-Brass-Cymbals-712529-i1511877.gc)

Thanks Phill....I figured that it was going to be around that price...just based on what the alesis kit costs...I think Pearl will probably do quite well at that price point...as long as the kit proves reliable and not too loud (stick noise):)

[Drumlord]

Pearl isn't marketing this kit to people like us. We know who Smartrigger is, we know about the Alesis module. We know e-drum history. We know about the awesome alternatives to the kits in the local Guitar Center. They're marketing this kit to guys who want a great looking electronic drumset that is pretty much plug-n-play. They're going after acoustic drummers who are considering getting an e-drum kit but can't get past the look.

Personally I think this kit is a major step forward. Not because I think the tech is great but because a major manufacturer is putting out a kit that is going to turn the average a-drummer's head. It will make them look at e-drums differently. People hear what they see and they'll hear this kit and think it sounds great because it looks great.

I won't be buying one of these kits. Most of the people on this board won't. But, I'd be willing to bet Pearl will sell a ton of these. That's awesome!

[dauzman]

Very well said. It is hands down the most acoustic looking e kit available...

[dschrammie]

I agree with Dan, well said Drumlord. Gotta remind myself to see the "positive" in things. Though I don't necessarily take back anything I said, I can certainly see how this can be a good thing for the edrumming world. And who knows, maybe their TruTrac heads will turn out to be a good product that will work well with other modules and, assuming one could eventually purchase only a TruTrac head, DIY'ers will start incorporating it into their own custom sets.

[Pink Led Rush]

Price doesn't look all that bad, maybe a good way for me to DIY my crappy drums that I currently can't even do anything with. Only if they sell those pads though, and that they will work on other drums other than Pearl.

[ScutMonkey]

I agree with Dan, well said Drumlord. Gotta remind myself to see the "positive" in things. Though I don't necessarily take back anything I said, I can certainly see how this can be a good thing for the edrumming world. And who knows, maybe their TruTrac heads will turn out to be a good product that will work well with other modules and, assuming one could eventually purchase only a TruTrac head, DIY'ers will start incorporating it into their own custom sets.

Or maybe their module will provoke other manufacturers to start making their modules VST compatible.

[Drumlord]

From reading their website today, they will be selling the drums separately, but only with the shells. They'll be selling the cymbals separately, too. The only thing I don't like is that the rim on them is some kind of switch and are not velocity sensitive. That wouldn't be a big deal on the toms (at least for e) but seems like an issue for the snare.

I'll be curious how much the drums cost by themselves. I really like the finish. Considering that the kit was less expensive than I thought it would be, maybe the drums will be too.

[Pink Led Rush]

From reading their website today, they will be selling the drums separately, but only with the shells. They'll be selling the cymbals separately, too. The only thing I don't like is that the rim on them is some kind of switch and are not velocity sensitive. That wouldn't be a big deal on the toms (at least for e) but seems like an issue for the snare.

I'll be curious how much the drums cost by themselves. I really like the finish. Considering that the kit was less expensive than I thought it would be, maybe the drums will be too.

Well, let's just hope they sell the pads. When will all this stuff be in stores by the way?

[Alpine]

Pearl isn't marketing this kit to people like us. We know who Smartrigger is, we know about the Alesis module. We know e-drum history. We know about the awesome alternatives to the kits in the local Guitar Center. They're marketing this kit to guys who want a great looking electronic drumset that is pretty much plug-n-play. They're going after acoustic drummers who are considering getting an e-drum kit but can't get past the look.

Personally I think this kit is a major step forward. Not because I think the tech is great but because a major manufacturer is putting out a kit that is going to turn the average a-drummer's head. It will make them look at e-drums differently. People hear what they see and they'll hear this kit and think it sounds great because it looks great.

I won't be buying one of these kits. Most of the people on this board won't. But, I'd be willing to bet Pearl will sell a ton of these. That's awesome! Keep in mind that Pearl does not have people working on elctronics in a technology wing. They have bought this entire idea from another company - which means there is a middle man that results in higher costs and warranty issues.

[Alpine]

EPRO photos

[CaTaPulT]

Not all that long ago, Pearl had some kind of arrangement with Pintech, Pintech was selling a Acoustic conversion kit and the acoustic kit used was Pearl.
I believe Pintech called this kit "Acoustech".
It was a Pearl acoustic kit with Pintech edrum triggers, eCymbals and am not sure, maybe the Pintech EZ module.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[Alpine]

Word from everyone at NAMM is that ithe Pearl epro is not happening! Quoting Brundlefly at drummerworld.com
"Played them today. Overall, I think they may be the worst electronic kit I ever played. I also played the Alesis drums and they are in fact, the same. Same brain, same sounds, same hi-hat mechanism. And just like that kit, the hi-hat is almost unplayable and the dynamics are practically non-existent across the entire kit. I was very disappointed because the basic idea of having a convertible kit is great. Too bad they partnered up with Alesis and pushed out a half-assed product.

As it stands, I think the best use for Pearl's new e-kit is as a real kit that can be converted into a nearly silent practice kit. That, it does pretty well".

Products that are getting serious attention are:
The Roland Octapad SPD 30
The DITI from Alternate Mode
new Silicone Pads from Yamaha
2box with it's 4GB of memory
Korg wave drum

[Hellfire]

Word from everyone at NAMM is that ithe Pearl epro is not happening! Quoting Brundlefly at drummerworld.com
"Played them today. Overall, I think they may be the worst electronic kit I ever played. I also played the Alesis drums and they are in fact, the same. Same brain, same sounds, same hi-hat mechanism. And just like that kit, the hi-hat is almost unplayable and the dynamics are practically non-existent across the entire kit. I was very disappointed because the basic idea of having a convertible kit is great. Too bad they partnered up with Alesis and pushed out a half-assed product.

As it stands, I think the best use for Pearl's new e-kit is as a real kit that can be converted into a nearly silent practice kit. That, it does pretty well".

Products that are getting serious attention are:
The Roland Octapad SPD 30
The DITI from Alternate Mode
new Silicone Pads from Yamaha
2box with it's 4GB of memory
Korg wave drum
I use the Alesis DM10 and I don't have a problem with the hi-hat. If you are trying to compare it to other companies hi-hat controls, its maybe not as smooth, but it is a heck of a lot better than the other Alesis drum modules hi-hat controllers.;)

As far as like and dislike, I'm hearing both on the Pearl's. People either hate them, or like them. No in between. I do think it is odd that they went with rim switches which have no velocity. It makes no sense to do that because the Alesis DM10 can handle piezo/piezo input just fine. However, being that they are rim switches, I would bet they would work good with a Roland. Just a hunch.

[EDrum Pro]

My guess is it will be somewhere between $2999-$3999...:)...(give or take a $1000..lol)
The set is $3199.99 at Guitar Center a nice ton of money for an OEM partial drum set!!:eek:

[wbrs]

I'll be glad if it bombs at namm the module isn't going to cut it the single zone hat either. Better to die now so if they are going to try to do anything to improve it they can get started sooner. I'm sure they saw the interest in a set like that if it delivered. Man yamaha could have done it rite and stole the show.

[Alpine]

Looks to be the exact same product!

[Scorch Whammin]

I be glad if it bombs at namm the module isn't going to cut it the single zone hat ether. Better to die now so if they are going to try to do anything to improve it they can get started sooner. I'm sure they saw the interest in a set like that if it delivered. Man yamaha could have done it rite and stole the show.

Based on the initial reviews I've been reading on several sites (including v-drum) the Yamaha may have done just that! (i.e.,stole the show)....everything I've read so far...everyone really likes the new pads!:)

[Pink Led Rush]

I'm wondering how good this Pearl kit could work with maybe a td20 or yammie module, replacing hh with a vh11 or12 and probably leaving the cymbals

[Guinness]

what's wrong with the hi-hat. I'm not sure I follow. It's variable, yes?

[TAKnipe]

For those looking for a price, here you go:

Pearl E-Pro Hybrid Electronic Acoustic Drum Set with Brass Cymbals (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-E-Pro-Hybrid-Electronic-Acoustic-Drum-Set-with-Brass-Cymbals-712529-i1511877.gc)



$3199.00 for an 8 lug Bass Drum hmmmm not in my house, Notice in the video when he takes off the head, did anyone ever wonder what the drum shell material is made of? I am not wondering because I pretty much can figure it out after counting the Bass drum lugs and watching the video. I am interested in the module only and the feel of the triggering system other than that, its useless as an acoustic kit.

[Pink Led Rush]

what's wrong with the hi-hat. I'm not sure I follow. It's variable, yes?

1 zone

[vince153]

If the r.e.d.Box of Pearl really is a rebranded DM10, does anyone know if it is compatible with "Roland-aware" pads and cymbals such as Hart Dynamics or Pintech products?

Does the DM10/Epro 3-zones Ride work like the Roland one?

Thanks

[Hellfire]

If the r.e.d.Box of Pearl really is a rebranded DM10, does anyone know if it is compatible with "Roland-aware" pads and cymbals such as Hart Dynamics or Pintech products?

Does the DM10/Epro 3-zones Ride work like the Roland one?

Thanks
I don't know 100%. I do know that like Roland the Surge 3-zone ride requires two inputs to work. I think the Roland 3-zone ride is a switch/piezo/switch trigger type pad. The Surge is a switch/piezo/piezo type pad. So, I don't think they are 100% interchangeable but, I really don't know for sure.

[Pink Led Rush]

I don't know 100%. I do know that like Roland the Surge 3-zone ride requires two inputs to work. I think the Roland 3-zone ride is a switch/piezo/switch trigger type pad. The Surge is a switch/piezo/piezo type pad. So, I don't think they are 100% interchangeable but, I really don't know for sure.

That being said, could you use a Roland module with the pads and cymbals?

[EDrum Pro]

Well I just got a report from a main NAMM attendy that the Pearl EDrum Pro Kit SUCKS.The playing surface is like a plastic texture. But until i play it for myself it means nothing. it remind me of an Export kit with a over lay piece of burl on it to make it look high end just like the pacific line from DW they put on there PWD Burl kits. Its still not high end Keller shell made of NA Maple or Birch.

[vince153]

Did you finally try this kit?

[ghostman]

If this is the case, this is genius since if sold separately, these heads can be used on any acoustic drum shell. I'm very much looking forward to hearing more about this new kit as details start trickling down when it starts getting displayed at NAMM starting Thursday. :)
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

I agree - the drop-in heads is great - if Pearl sold those alone, they would would probably tap the market big time for acoustic owners!

[vince153]

I've seen a video taken at NAMM on Youtube this morning. This video shows the TruTrac heads. It uses a short 1/4" TRS stereo cable to connect the head to connector of the shell. That may probably mean that you can adapt theses heads on any drum set, you just have to mount a jack connector on the shell to reproduce the Pearl system.
The Pearl Epro Live web site FAQ says :
"Can I order just the Tru-Trac Heads or REDBOX?
Not at this time."

Maybe later...Wait and see...

NAMM Video showing Tru-Trac heads

BTW, I know someone who works for Pearl in Europe. He called me this weekend and he promised to call me as soon as he has got a demo kit. I hope I could try it.