Mapex Pro M, vs Orion Orbitor

[songsj]

I had to lower my standards as far as what I can afford for a studio drum kit, What do you guys think of the Mapex Pro M series or the Mapex Orion Orbitor
which I guess is basically the Pro M kit in a different color? I do like the sound of Maple and need to get the most bang for the bucks, I have hardware and good cymbals so I'm down to replacing my low end kit.

Suggestions?

 

[tmix]

I have 2 Mapex kits.
I have a Mapex Pro M shallow shell kit (20" kick / 10-12-14 toms/ multiple snares) and the small budget kit Mapex Voyager (18" kick / 8-10-12 toms) they both are excellent in the studio. The smaller one stays set up in the booth for all folk / jazz country type mixes where there is not a lot of gonzo tom fills, the Pro M kit is my live kit but gets pulled into the studio when I need really big drum sounds.

If I had it to do over I'd still do it exactly the same way. I have reocrded a lot of drum kits and my kits sounds just as good if not better than any I have had in.

The tuning and heads make a lot more difference in what sounds good in the studio as long as the hardware is not buzzing and creaking.

Tom

 

[mikeh]

I own a Limited Addition Pro-M which at the time I bought it (about 4-5 years back) was the 1st Pro-M series with all Maple shells. It is a great sounding kit (Evans G2s for batter, G1s for resonant and an Emad on the kick) - and I have gotten a lot of compliments on the sound.

I also have a Voyager, which for a small shell $400 kit sounds very good (it records much bigger sounding than it is).

I don't spend much time in drum shops anymore (too much recording gear, keys & guitars to look at) - but a few years back when I worked in a drum shop, the Orion series was Mapex top of the line with all maple shells and solid hardware.

I think Mapex makes a good product that traditionally is very reasonably priced. I can't imagine how you would not be satisfied with a Pro M or an Orion.

 

[Rod Gervais]

I own an older (7 years) MApex Mars Pro kit - and I wouldn't sell it for anything - I love the kit - great sound.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy Mapex again........

 

[tmix]

I own a Limited Addition Pro-M which at the time I bought it (about 4-5 years back) was the 1st Pro-M series with all Maple shells. It is a great sounding kit (Evans G2s for batter, G1s for resonant and an Emad on the kick) - and I have gotten a lot of compliments on the sound.

I also have a Voyager, which for a small shell $400 kit sounds very good (it records much bigger sounding than it is).

Mikeh,
I have the exact same type head set up on my Pro M! I get lots of compliments on my sound (not necessarily my talent ; p) I love my Voyager for recording!

Tom

 

[mikeh]

tmix,

I like Evans product. I had a chance to tour the factory about 5 years ago - much more "technology" involved then most would guess.

I think the Voyager is a great value. When I bought mine, I compared it againt the Yamaha Hip Gig kits and the Sonar Jungle kit and I think the Voyager sounds as good if not better for 1/3 of the price.