Which drum module to buy?

[imanogre]

I've just begun researching drum modules for my hobby studio. Budget is less than $400, new or used. Doesn't need to be a drum machine with sequencer as I'll let my PC and Sonar do that. Just something with good all around sounds. Styles are rock, new age, instrumental, metal.. whatever moves me at the moment. At first I was leaning toward the Alesis DM-PRO but I read a few bad reviews elsewhere so now I need help. Also I've been away from recording for quite a while so I need guidance on how best to record using drum sound modules. Should I consider drum pad triggers like the Roland SPD 6 or 20? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Samplecraze]

I used to have a DM Pro and the SPD20 and quite liked the combo. If you're after the pads you could get an Akai MPD16 to use to trigger the drum sounds. The SPDs are nice as they are bigger and more suited for stick attacks. An eltarnative to all this could be to have a look at the Emu PX7, comes loaded to the brim with drum sounds and is expandable (Protean drums are nice), has the pads, has a great mod matrix and those Emu filters and is cheap.

 

[Leeking]

I was researching on drum modules a while when I wanted to improve my drum sound from my JV1010.

My conclusion was Zoom MRT3. cheap and great sound. You should check it out.

However, I finally opt for the soundfont route. And it has been great, great sounding drums and at no cost!

 

[ssscientist]

Question for imanogre...

. At first I was leaning toward the Alesis DM-PRO but I read a few bad reviews elsewhere so now I need help.

Just out of curiosity, did the bad reviews you read take issue with the sounds, the operating system or the hardware?

I have hands on experience only with the grandfather of the DM-PRO, the D4 (I think that's what it was called) and that seemed rock solid to me -- seems strange that Alesis would regress in any way...

If you read bad reviews it might be because the reviewers were trying to do something that you don't care about - like triggering replacement drum sounds from tape/hard drive in a studio setting.

I've seen used DM-PRO's in your price range and would suggest you give one an unbiased listen - you might find it's exactly what you need.

 

[Deen]

Hi,

I'm using the Sr-16 drum machine with a DM5. Both from Alesis.
No problems. I'm a rock guy. Just customized the factory kits and
made my own kit presets. A lot of the basic drum sounds are there,
like poppy snare, fat snares, low and high kicks, dry and cannon
toms etc. I've loaded some smokin midi drum sequences and it smokes.
Don't expect it to sound better than real drums, for sequenced drums it's
great.

Do check out the good drum soundfonts at Hammersound.
Gold drums by an Italian named Guido, is excellent. The
cymbals sound realistic enough. Better than the DM5's.
But the overall sound seems a bit lacking in clarity. But
perhaps with better gear you might have it sound better.

Hope this helps.

 

[imanogre]

The negative comments I've read have to do with the sounds/samples. Back when they first came out I had an HR-16 and found it to be very good for that price range in terms of sound quality and I've had much luck over the years with Alesis gear. I like the idea of multiple outs as I would like to experiment with tweaking drum sounds individually, so the DM-PRO appeals in that regard. I appreciate all advice so far and I'll keep doing my homework before making a decision.

 

[zazz]

i use the spd6 plus dmpro.....lay down the base pattern to the qy700 and then flam to my hearts content on another track...people think im using a live drummer....it sounds real..well they are real samples...only thing that lets it down are the crashes.