Which electronic kit?

[nruntsch]

I've been drumming for quite a few years, but since I went off to college a few years ago I have not had a set. I'm looking into finally getting an electronic kit and have it narrowed down to a few options.

1. Roland TD-9S. I like that this has the nice td-9 module and has a lot of good features. While it does have the rubber tom pads, I think I'd be willing to sacrifice that and could easily upgrade to some pdx-6 pads. One concern I do have is the noise the rubber pads make. Are they very loud when you hit them? I live in an apartment.

2. Roland TD-4SX. Although the module isn't as nice, this has all mesh pads. Is it worth it just for the better pads?

3. Alesis DM10 Studio or Pro. While this is less expensive than either Roland (the studio at least), I am wondering whether or not it is close to the same quality. I like that it uses real heads, but are they very loud? Also, do the Surge cymbals work well? I like that you can load new kits via USB, but Roland has such a good reputation.

So far I'm leaning toward the TD-9S. Any thoughts or experience with any of these?

[thebeagle]

Personally, I'd be looking at Traps. IIRC they're mesh-heads throughout, and whilst the sound module might not be the best, a/ you can upgrade that later should you feel the need, and b/ the feel of their stuff (IMO) blows cheaper Yamaha/Roland stuff out of the water.

Nice guys to deal with too; although since Traps stuff seems to go for comparative peanuts secondhand you might not even have to deal with 'em. The drummer in my last band got one for less than £200, absolute BARGAIN.

[Jazzy_Jefferson]

If it were me, I would get the TD9 Much nicer sounding kit, and with electronic kits, you want a decent module and sound, otherwise, its gonna sound cheap! Which isnt good.

Electronic kits, do NOT feel or play like an acoustic, whether its the top end TD-20 with full mesh heads, or the entry level Alesis kit with rubber pads. So, I would say, get what feels best for you, but there is no better option over the other.

I used to be into the mesh head kits, but following some messing about with a DTXtremeIII, I prefer rubber pads now

[drumming5454]

Roland all the way my man.

The TD-9 module is an awesome bit of kit. Check out the Roland website at: www.roland.co.uk and when you have selected the drums, you can then view the videos of Craig Blundell or Johnny Rab and see just how good these kits really are.

At the end of the day it matters not what pads you use as the cymbals (even the roland ones) make more noise than the pads, whether they be rubber or mesh, as the cheaper kits tend to use the CY-5 or 6, which is more plastic than rubber.

Whilst I also agree that the DTXtreme III is a very capable piece of kit, I feel (from what you've said) that this is a little more than you currently want to spend.

[Danny1969]

There's another way you could go, which is a cheap Roland TD3 triggering something like Addictive drummer. I was asked to put this kind of system together for a drummer who liked the V-drums but didn't like the built in samples, even in the TD12. After a bit of mucking about we got the system up and running using the following :

Roland TD3 kit - midi out into laptop running Reaper with Addictive drummer. Audio interface is a Presonus Inspire 1394. The latency is really low, much like triggering another midi device. IMHO the drum sounds are much better than the roland samples. I'm using the same system now on my TD3 kit, I like the way you can turn up the room mics, tune the drums, adjust the compressors and generally tweak everything. There is a tint amount of latency but only about the same amount as you get on a big stage when your 10 metres or so from your amp. I'm a crap drummer and I can live with it.

[Jazzy_Jefferson]

There's another way you could go, which is a cheap Roland TD3 triggering something like Addictive drummer. I was asked to put this kind of system together for a drummer who liked the V-drums but didn't like the built in samples, even in the TD12. After a bit of mucking about we got the system up and running using the following :

Roland TD3 kit - midi out into laptop running Reaper with Addictive drummer. Audio interface is a Presonus Inspire 1394. The latency is really low, much like triggering another midi device. IMHO the drum sounds are much better than the roland samples. I'm using the same system now on my TD3 kit, I like the way you can turn up the room mics, tune the drums, adjust the compressors and generally tweak everything. There is a tint amount of latency but only about the same amount as you get on a big stage when your 10 metres or so from your amp. I'm a crap drummer and I can live with it.

Bit of a pain in the arse though? Im surprised he didnt find a single sound in the TD12 that he didnt like given the infinite adjustments you can do to each sound. I was quite impressed, although I think the later yamaha kits are sounding better these days.