Using a Drum Pad with Synth Module

[Phyl]

I have a Roland XV5050 synth module which has plenty of good drum sounds, the problem is I don't like composing drum parts using a MIDI keyboard.

I've seen drum pad units (4-8 pads) and wondered if I could use one to trigger my synth module. Is anyone doing this?

I'm looking for a unit with only a triggering capability, I don't need it to have it's own internal library of sounds since my synth module has plenty. I've seen units by Yamaha and Boss, any others I should be looking at? Being able to play the unit with hands or sticks would be a plus.

Thanks

 

[mikeh]

There are several units you can use to trigger your module. It simply requires a MIDI cable coming out of the triggering device (controller) and into your sound module.

Most multi pad controllers come with built in sounds. Two companies that still make controllers (with no on board sounds are Hart and DrumKat).

Depending on how much you want to spend - you could pick up one of the consumer (re: home use) table top units by Yamaha or Casio which can be had in the $100 - $200 range.

The main thing to look for is MIDI out ability and the levels of velocity (meaning it can tell how hard you hit) which is the same thing as a touch sensitive keyboard.

Some devices transmit no velocity (no matter how hard you hit - it sends out only one level) and others have ranges (as low as 7 as many as 127) - the more levels the better the controller will respond to how hard or how soft you hit it.

 

[Phyl]

Thanks Mikeh.

Do these units allow you to change the assignment for each of the pads? For instance, on one song I might want to assign kick, snare, toms and cymbals to the pads, on another song I may want to assign maracas, shakers, etc.

I'll do a search on the Hart and DrumKat units. I've seen the Yamaha and ROland units and they look okay.

 

[mikeh]

Most pads allow you to assign a specific MIDI note number to each pad - you then assign the sound you want to the MIDI note (within your module) - or if you use standard General MIDI note assignment you follow the standard notes (ie: kick is 36, snare is 38, etc.)