Alesis DM-5 Drum Module

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Gear_Junky

Gear_Junky

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I just ordered the DM 5 and a bunch of triggers to trigger my Pearl Rhythm Traveler (I'll be using its mesh-heads for silent results, a-la V-Drums). I also bought Pintech cymbals and hi-hat triggers, which look like real hi-hats and use the regular hat stand.

This is my first time using triggering or any electronic percussion and I know DM 5 is "low-end" gear. My main goal is to practice w/o disturbing the neighbors and hopefully easy recording. I have 2 other good drumsets for live playing. I'm wondering if the module can do the same thing as drum machines - program and store "songs", beats, etc. I might sell my Boss Dr. 660 to offset this purchase.

I'm also wondering if using a regular trigger on mesh-head bass drum is going to work well or if I should get a "kick-pad".

I'd be interested in hearing from owners of DM 5. Thanks.
 
Uh-oh. Bad news...

No, the DM5 does not have any built in song-sequencing ability (other than the built-in, fixed demo loop). It is really pretty minimal in that department: the footswitch just steps up through the drum set patches incrementally.

You don't have the ability to chain drum sets for mid-song changes unless you just want to increment up the set order: 1-2-3-4, as opposed to the 1-2-1-3 or whatever arbitrary chaining order you can do with other modules.

Better hang onto your sequencer...
 
Well, I never even thought of changing sounds mid-song. I don't care for that. It's easier to just add pads or triggers for additional sounds. As to programming, it still may not justify keeping the drum-machine. The whole idea of recording live drums is to record a live drummer. Besides, I never really got around to programming a whole song, IMHO it takes more time and patience then to actually learn to drum it, and the results are hardly worth it. I'm not looking to perform over a programmed beat.

I do suppose that the module has metronome capabilities?

Thanks for your reply.
 
Unfortunately, no. It simply plays sounds according to either the trigger inputs or the MIDI input (or the single fixed internal music-store demo loop). No metronome, no click, no sequencer, no automated patch changes...
 
Got it! Like it, the sounds and all, but I get a lot of double-triggering. Sure, I can adjust the parameters, but then real rolls are not possible. I guess I'll just have to live with that. Maybe there are suggestions or maybe I need to experiment more with the "decay", x-talk and velocity curves and such.
 
Keep at it- you definitely can get decent triggering from the unit, but it will take a little time. Also, if you are double-triggering on a mesh head drum, you may need to play with the exact trigger location, and with the head tension. You may find that you need to run the head tighter than you are used to, in order to control double-trigger problems. Low head tension can be a double trigger nightmare...
 
Thanks, Skippy, I was kinda suspecting that it's material-related. I have tightened the snare head more than toms, but maybe I'll tighten even more. I don't suppose I can overtighten mesh. What do you have to say about trigger positioning? Closer to the edge or to the center? What about shell-mounting, would that work with mesh?
 
Gear_Junky said:
Got it! Like it, the sounds and all, but I get a lot of double-triggering. Sure, I can adjust the parameters, but then real rolls are not possible. I guess I'll just have to live with that. Maybe there are suggestions or maybe I need to experiment more with the "decay", x-talk and velocity curves and such.
Click to expand...

What kind of Triggers are you using on it?
Hart types, or top of the line ddrum? That's going to make a big difference as well.


Tim
 
Sorry, Gear, can't help you- I use Hart pads, and have no experince with setting up essentially acoustic-drum triggers on mesh heads. I know it can be done, but I haven't done it. You might want to go look around the E-drum sites, like http://www.vdrums.com, and look for setup tips.

Having said that: I suspect that you'll end up needing to attach them to the head near the rim, because otheriwsie you'll probably clobber them... (;-)
 
Thanks, guys. I've been using Pintech triggers.

I'm considering returning all the triggers and the module and selling my Pearl Rhythm Traveler set and then later getting like a $1000 Yamaha drumset (electronic) when I move into an apartment.

I just had my first drumlesson and these triggers just won't do. I need to practice my rolls.
 
Gear_Junky said:
Thanks, guys. I've been using Pintech triggers.

I'm considering returning all the triggers and the module and selling my Pearl Rhythm Traveler set and then later getting like a $1000 Yamaha drumset (electronic) when I move into an apartment.

I just had my first drumlesson and these triggers just won't do. I need to practice my rolls.
Click to expand...

The reason I asked is I know several guys doing what you are wanting to do -but they said that had to use ddrum triggers (which will run you about $270 for the 5-piece set.(1 snare trigger, 1 Kick trigger, and 3 tom triggers)
They are using the Rhythm Traveler's with Mesh heads, and a DM5.

Let me see if I can get one of the guys to E-mail you!
His setup looks killer.

Tim
 
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