Korg Wavedrum

Start with a real drum head that responds naturally to brushes, sticks, mallets, or even your bare hands. Add in a sensitive acoustic transducer, advanced DSP synthesis, and hundreds of superior samples. The result is the astounding Korg Wavedrum. Delivering accurate and imaginative sounds from around the globe, Wavedrum creates an interactive, organic, and spellbinding playing experience that no trigger-based system can match. The affordable 2nd generation Korg WAVEDRUM is sonically richer, more sensitive, and packed with enough power and expression to create its own musical legend. The WAVEDRUM's wide dynamic range mimics that of an acoustic drum. WAVEDRUM responds perfectly to your action, from subtly nuanced tapping and stroking to aggressive, repetitive strikes.The original Korg WAVEDRUM amazed the world back in 1994. This legendary musical instrument was instantly famous for its innovative design, performance possibilities, and unique sounds. Now the Korg WAVEDRUM's broad variety of sonic offerings ranges from traditional acoustic percussion instruments to new and unique percussive sounds. With WAVEDRUM, instruments that normally require special techniques to play, such as the tabla, or conga, can be played with ease. In addition, WAVEDRUM establishes its own way of playing, granting you unparalleled levels of expression, full of originality and depth. Compact and lightweight in design, Korg WAVEDRUM is ideal in all performance situations—from casual playing through to a full-on recording session or a live concert performance.Totally unique sounds and innovative ways to play open the door to new musical journeys. The Korg WAVEDRUM delivers inspiration and satisfaction to creative percussionists seeking new realms of expressiveness and sounds. Moving beyond traditional drum and percussion sounds, WAVEDRUM also provides totally new and unique sounds that are not available in the real world, and offers new ways of playing to achieve new levels of musical expression. With a Korg WAVEDRUM, you can change the pitch randomly with each hit, or play melodic phrases by choosing a musical scale and applying pressure to the head. Traditional hand-drum techniques, such as adding pitch and tonal changes to a strike by pressing the head, were previously unobtainable on an electronic instrument. Korg WAVEDRUM processes and responds to these intimate performance gestures as no other percussion instrument can. These same techniques provide a wealth of performance possibilities. For example, WAVEDRUM can produce sitar and tambura sounds at the same time. You can produce tanpura sounds alone by hitting the head, adding the sitar sounds by applying pressure to the head before hitting it. Applying further pressure can change the pitch of the sitar continuously within the selected scale. These and other performance characteristics are unique to the Korg WAVEDRUM.Multiple sensors and playing techniques deliver previously unimaginable expressiveness

Rating:
I’ve been scouring the internet for information on this cool electronic drum. It’s a very cool, interactive drum that can stand alone or be used in conjunction with any acoustic or electric drum kit. Play it with your hands, sticks, brushes…however you want. What’s cool is that the sound triggering goes beyond the head itself. The entire top surface can be interacted with. Cool drum…kind of pricey, however.

Alesis DM10 Studio Drum Kit Review

The professional DM10 Studio Kit 6-piece electronic drum set supplies natural-feeling RealHead drum pads. The Alesis DM10 kit also includes low-noise-emitting DMPad Cymbals, the groundbreaking DM10 drum module, and a compact, flexible four post stage rack.

DM10 Module
You will notice the DM10 module’s outstanding sound quality, immediately. This drum-sound module contains true drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds, created from real samples of classic studio drums and prized cymbals. Drummers will find some of the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands including: a huge arsenal of top-producers’ go-to snare drums; real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals; and a choice selection of classic drum machine and electronic percussion sounds which have fueled the biggest hit records.

The drummer’s discerning ears will notice that each of the Alesis DM10 module’s sounds are actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in, so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre—not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation–an Alesis exclusive.

The Drummer can play the Alesis DM10 electronic drum kit with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rim shots, rim clicks, and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. For example, a hi-hat’s sound depends on a number of factors—how open or closed the pedal is, how hard it is struck, and many other variables. The result: 40 different sounds, plus foot chick and heel splash.

The DM10 Studio Kit’s sound module not only has an awesome collection of sounds onboard, it is also the world’s first drum-sound module that enables the drummer to load new sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This means that your sounds will always stay fresh, current, and cutting edge.

The demanding drummer can also use the Alesis DM10 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface for performing and tracking with software drum modules such as BFD, Toontrack, and Reason, among others. For practice, you can play along with the tracks in the DM10′s internal sequencer, mix in an MP3 player, and play along.

The Alesis DM10 module has 12 trigger inputs, perfect for creating custom configurations. The DM10′s top-panel mixer gives the drummer easy access to creating custom mixes.

Alesis Realhead Drum Pads
The DM10 Studio Kit features Alesis’ acoustic-feeling RealHead pads in 10″ and 8″ sizes. The dual-zone pads feature real mylar drumheads and real triple-flanged counterhoops for the feel you demand. The snare and tom pads are dual-zone enabled, which allows you to perform rimshots, rim clicks, or assign other sounds such as wind-chimes, cymbals, gongs and cowbells on the tom rims.

RealHead snare and tom pads ared mounted on standard 10.5mm L-rods with low-slip, knurled mounting surfaces.

You can use virtually any single or double kick pedal with the RealHead Kick Pad (kick pedal is sold separately), or split the DM10′s kick input with a Y-cable and connect an optional second kick pad for the pedal feel you prefer.

Alesis DMPad Cymbals and boom stands
The DM10 Studio Kit includes a set of four low-noise Alesis DMPad cymbals. The electronic drum set includes 1 DMPad hi-hat cymbal, 2 DMPad crash cymbals, and a 3-zone DMPad ride cymbal. DMPad cymbals provide a rubberized playing surface for a great balance between natural cymbal feel and low stick-on-pad sound. The ride and crash cymbal feature large choke triggers on the undersides for superior, accurate cymbal control. The DMPad ride also features multi-zone triggering on the bell, face, and edge. The DMPad hi-hat cymbal and RealHat pedal give you continuously variable control from wide open to tightly closed. Cymbals are mounted on awesome boom stands for tons of mounting possibilities.

Alesis four post stage rack-new for 2011!
Alesis equips the DM10 Studio Kit with an awesome, black aluminum four post stage rack. The stage rack is fully adjustable and large enough to easily accommodate adding on additional pads, yet takes up a fraction of the space of an acoustic kit so it’s perfect for studios and rehearsal spaces. It employs standard 1-1/2″ tubing for compatibility with virtually all drum manufacturers’ rack hardware.

The Alesis DM10 Electronic Studio Drum Set Features:

* DM10 high-definition drum module with 12 trigger inputs and mixer
* RealHead 10″ snare and four 8″ toms; dual-zone drum pads with real mylar heads
* DMPad cymbals: hi-hat, two crashes, and triple-zone ride
* Black aluminum StageRack
* Premium sound library of uncompressed samples from real drums and cymbals
* Dynamic Articulation changes sounds’ timbre along with dynamics for realism
* Sound-set loading and use with software drum modules, both via USB
* Play along and record yourself with the sequencer function
* Mix input for practicing with CD and MP3 players

Includes:
* 1 DM10 drum module
* 4 RealHead 8″ dual-zone drum pads
* 1 RealHead 10″ dual-zone drum pad
* 1 RealHead kick pad
* 1 DMPad 12″ hi-hat cymbal
* 1 DMPad 12″ crash cymbals
* 1 DMPad 14″ ride cymbal
* 1 StageRack with mounting clamps and arms
* 1 RealHat pedal continuously variable hi-hat control pedal
* 1 set of interconnection cables
* Boom cymbal stands

This fabulous electronic drum kit gives you more drums, more cymbals, more sounds, more flexibility, and more value to power your creativity.

Rating:
This is one beautiful electronic drum set at a beautiful price. I personally own the 2010 version and love it and I’m thoroughly impressed with this drum kit. I put in a lot research looking at different sets from different manufactures, etc and this kit just fit the bill perfectly. I’m still amazed at the price for such a high quality electronic drum kit that includes adjustable drum heads, a great module, hardware and more…Finally, an electronic drum set that comes stock with more than just the standard, 5-piece set up with only two cymbals on top…The DM10 module is a sophisticated drum brain that delivers plenty of choices and allows the drummer full flexibility. And, being able to load new kits and sounds through 3rd party programs like Toontrack EZ Drummer and Addictive Drums is one of the most impressive features that allows the player endless possibilities and quality, professional, fully adjustable sound sets. This definitely needs to be checked out by all.

One thing…If you pick this kit up, make the investment and get some good studio-quality headphones…It’s night and day difference when listing through pro equipment and picks up every hit, tap, ghost note, thumping bass, etc. These are what I use and absolutely love them:
Audio-Technica Studio Monitor Headphones.

Also, if you really want to turn this into a pro-level recording machine, check out my review on coupling this set with Superior Drummer 2.0 and Addictive Drums…They turn this drum kit into a recording beast.

Paiste PST 5 Rock Set 14/16/20 Cymbal Review

14″ Rock hi-hats, 16″ Rock crash, 20″ Rock ride.

Rock Hats

Very energetic, cutting, and defined with good overall responsive feel. Fairly wide range, clean mix with a nice layer of warmth.

Rock Crash

Bright, full, energetic. Medium range with a fairly clean mix. Heavy, explosive feel. Massive crash with cutting power and projection. Well suited for higher volume musical settings.

Rock Ride

Bright, full, cutting. Clear and focused. Medium range and strong mix. Glassy ping over constant, massive wash.

The PST 5 cymbals are affordable cymbals with never-before-possible sound quality and pro-level looks. Paiste employs modern, hi-tech production techniques that transfer the spirit and essence of 70 years of hand-manufacturing into premium-quality, musical cymbals.

For the manufacture of PST 5 cymbals, Paiste uses the same high-grade bronze alloy as in its professional class.

Paiste PST 5 Rock Set 14/16/20 Features:

* 14″ Rock hats
* 16″ Rock crash
* 20″ Rock ride

This is Paiste quality and tradition made affordable for more drummers.

20″ Paiste PST 5 Ride Cymbal video:

Rating:
Great cymbal pack from Paiste geared towards the drummer who needs to get a full set up at a cheaper price. Paiste makes awesome cymbals. Gets great reviews from people who have bought them. If you’re looking for pro sound…this is not the set up, however, if you need something at a very reasonable price, this may be the set up for you.

Pacific Drums Maple Snare with Wood Hoops

The Pacific Drums by DW Maple Snare with Wood Hoops features an all-maple shell with maple hoops and chromeplated brass tube lugs. 14″ x 5-1/2″.

Rating:
Super cool maple snare drum with maple wooden hoops. Quality construction from the makers of DW and it’s at a great price. The lines almost look vintage with the tube-style lugs. Great for all types of music genres including Jazz and rock. Definitely a cool maple shell snare drum to check out.

Cympad Optimizer: Standard 40mm size for use on top or bottom side of cymbal bell.

Cympad Moderator: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90mm sizes for sound adjustment. Used on bottom side of cymbal bell.

Cympad Optimizer: Hi-hat application.

Cympads – Cympad Optimizer and Cympad Moderator cymbal pads

Some product description from Cympad’s website:

Cympad optimizes your cymbal sound!
CYMPAD is an incredible, affordable and easy to use system for optimizing the sound and performance of virtually all cymbal sizes, types and brands. Cympad is specially designed and made from premium-grade cellular foam to simply and effectively protect your cymbals and control your sound. When using Cympad, traditional felts are replaced. Cympads are Available in six popular sizes and recommended for any drumming style or situation.

A sound investment
* Cympad’s exclusive design enhances and controls cymbal sound.
* Isolates cymbal vibration from the cymbal stand
* Reduces both volume and unwanted overtones
* Moderates sustain and increases articulation

Small size, big difference
Available in incremental sizes, Cympad is versatile and adjustable— providing a spectrum of dampening effects (from open to optimum) without tape, gum or adhesive pads in a wide range of rehearsal, recording and performance applications.

* Live Sound (Concerts, Clubs, Casuals)
* Home and Studio Recording
* Band Rehearsal and Individual Practice
* Teaching Studios

Foam is better than felt
Cympad foam cymbal washers have been carefully developed to outperform and outlast conventional felt washers while offering drummers a host of advantages.

* Conforms to cymbal shape and size
* Extends cymbal life and prevents breakage
* Outlasts standard felt washers
* Consistent size, thickness and density

More and more of the today’s top professional drummers rely on Cympad. So, if you want your cymbals to perform at their peak, just remember that behind every great sounding cymbal there’s a Cympad.

Application:
There are various Cympad sizes available and each optimize your cymbal sound:
* The Cympad Moderator (50, 60, 70, 80, 90mm) with dampening effect is mounted on the bottom side of the cymbal cup to control sound.
* The Cympad Optimizer (40mm) is used like a traditional cymbal washer

Rating:
I have to say, these are great…and they work. I’ve replaced all of the felt washers on my personal drum set with these. Here’s my personal application and how Cympads have helped: My favorite genre of drum playing is Jazz. I keep time with a Sabian HHX evolution 20″ ride cymbal and have always felt the cymbal has a little too much “punch” and emits louder, long washing overtones when you get into a fast swing pattern. Don’t get me wrong, I love this cymbal, but have always wanted to tone it down a bit while playing fast patterns and cut out some of the wash…Basically make it a little “drier” in sound. Cympads have fit the bill. I put some of these bad boys on, played around with the different sizes to get just the right sound and…viola, instant dry….There’s a wide variety of sizes of Cympads to get just the right sound out of your cymbals. It’s like finally having adjustability for your cymbals…How they work: The “Cympad Moderators” normally go on the under side of the bell and basically act as an “adjusting” pad–they come in various sizes. The “Cympad Optimizer” is a standard 40mm pad that normally goes on the top of the cymbal bell (Basically used like a standard pad. Can be used on top and bottom). However, I’ve been trying both in various places to get just the right sound I want. The various combinations make it easy to set up, test and play around with. They even have a hi-hat kit as well. Definitely worth giving some a try.