Hart Multipad or Roland SPD-6/SPD-20

[Phyl]

I posted a week ago asking about using drum pads to trigger sounds in my Roland sound module and got some good information. Thanks Mikeh!

I've been looking at the Hart Multipad and Roland's SPD-6 units but each choice seems to have it's drawbacks. The SPD-6 has a MIDI output but the those pads seem awfully small. The Hart Multipad pads are larger but the unit has drum trigger outputs instead of MIDI which means I need another piece of equipment to translate the drum trigger output to a MIDI signal.

Questions -

1- Has anyone else found the SPD-6 pads to be too small?

2 - What is the cheapest piece of hardware I could buy to convert the Hart Multipad trigger outputs to a MIDI signal?

3- Would something like the Alesis D4 do the job?

Thanks,

Phil

 

[jake-owa]

I use the SPD6 for a mixed kit, I find it a bit small but not unusable. In fact I'd say it's improved my accuracy a bit.

It's cool because you can play the kick drum with a momentary switch. I use the pad for snare and toms, with some real cymbals it's almost like playing a kit. It is fully editable but make sure you've got the manual for ANY changes in the programs. That's the only real bitch about it. If you need the manual let me know, I could scan it if you decide to pick it up.

 

[Phyl]

Thanks Jake.

 

[mikeh]

I don't think the SPD6 pads are too small for studio use. In a live setting with a kit it may be harder - but even then I don't think it would be too bad.

Roland makes a trigger to MIDI converter (can't remeber the model) which I think was in the $150 range and I believe it accepted 4 triggers.