Think of a drum module as the engine to an electronic drum set. Without it you can't go anywhere. The question is- how big of an engine do you need?
I have a thing for Porsche Boxsters, so I thought it would be fun to mount a Boxster engine to Roland Pro-V kit for a visual illustration.
The Boxster "S" model has a V6 engine that is rated around 260 horsepower. Not the strongest power plant around but mounted in the proper car, it can be a lot of fun.
This engine provides better than average performance, but it isn't a muscle car. This perfect for me. Relating this to a drum module- are you looking for entry level, better than average, or a muscle machine?
To guide you in the decision process, let's start by laying out what a drum module does...
The Function of a Drum Module
A drum module should correctly be called a trigger module, because its job is to receive electrical impulses from triggers located on the drum pads and electronic cymbals.
If the incoming impulse is strong enough to be registered as a strike, the module will use a built-in synthesizer (yes, like on a keyboard) to play the voice pre-assigned for that channel.
The voice is then sent out to an audio source like headphones or some type of monitor system.
Plug It In
If you feel some anxiety when looking at all the plug-ins on the back of drum module- RELAX. Each hole is only intended to receive a cable comeing from a certain part of the kit (i.e. snare, bass, cymbal)
Having dedicated channels brings about some good news and some bad news:
Bad News: You can be limited on the number of cymbals and drums that you have on your set. For example, if you have three plugs for toms then you can only have a 5-piece kit. This isn't a big problem for most people but the limitation on cymbals CAN be frustrating.
Good News: For each "pre-assigned" drum part, you have a TON of voice to choose from and modify to your liking. For instance, there may 30 different snare sounds. You may find one you like, but the pitch may not be high enough. The module will allow you to tweak it and save the new sound for later!
Speaking of plugs, you may notice some odd looking plug-ins on the back of the module that says MIDI "IN" and "OUT/THRU". If you're not familiar with MIDI, read on...
MIDI Stands for What?
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Virtually all drum modules have this feature, so it isn't a "selling point" to be concerned with. But it deserves an honorable mention.
MIDI is a digital language used by various electronic devices such as keyboards, sound moduules, sequencers, and of course electronic drums. With MIDI, short messages are sent to and from each device, communicating information such as notes, volume, dynamics, length of patterns, and so on. Note that audio IS NOT used, only digital information (like computers use).
Why should you care about MIDI? Because it expands your ability to create music. For example, you can assign a channel of you drum module to talk with a sequencer (which holds pre-recorded voices, rhythms, etc.)
If you hit the trigger pad, it tells the sequencer to send the pre-recorded information over to a sound module (not drum module- they're diffferent) which then sends it out to a monitor for listening.
The pre-recorded MIDI data could be the sound of a cow bell playing every other beat for four measures and then stops. This is like adding a third arm or leg. Imagine the possibilities. :-)
Features of a Drum Module
When comparing drum modules, you should pay attention to include: the number of trigger inputs, the number of drum and percussion sounds, if it has a variable hi hat function, a metronome, and the ability to use more than one kit.
Let's take a quick look at each of these:
- Trigger Inputs- As mentioned before, the size of your kit is limited by the number of trigger inputs. More is better- enough said.
- Drum and Percussion Sounds- For each channel you'll get an assigned number of voices that are added by the manufacturer. You want a good library to choose from, but remember that you can "tweak" the factory settings to your own liking. Important but not crucial.
- Variable Hi Hat- This feature allows you to create a realistic opening and closing effect of the hi hat when playing. All modules except the Alesis DM5 have this feature, so don't be too concerned with it.
- Metronome- Click tracks are crucial for keeping ourselves in time. If you're practicing with headphones on, how are you supposed to hear a metronome? Easy when it's built it. A click speed and pattern can be set to your desire. Roland and Yamaha modules have a metronome, Alesis and Ddrum don't.
- Multiple Kit Capability- It would be a VERY BAD THING if you bought a module that isn't fully compatible with your kit. Roland and Yamaha match a module to each of their electric drum sets, but Hart Dyamics and Pintech require you to use other companies' drum modules. Check compatiblity BEFORE buying!
Drum Module Choices
There are four companies that dominate the drum module market. They are Roland, Alesis, Yamaha, and Ddrum. Here's a look at each..
SIDE NOTE: The drum module prices given in the text and table below include company Suggested Retail Prices (SRP). They CAN be bought for less. But for the sake of comparison, these are good values to use.
Roland
Roland has the largest selection and range of prices in the group. Their cheapest model (TMC-6 about $295) is a trigger-to-MIDI converter. What does that mean? It bacially makes this a relay station between the drum triggers on your kit to a sound module.
Roland's TD-3 starts the line-up of drum models with a price of about $345 and the price climbs from there to around $2,095 for the TD-20 model.
Each of the modules include a sequencer except for the TD-3 (remember the extra leg/arm?) The TD-8 and TD-20 use Roland's COSM-based technology. COSM stands for "Composite Object Sound Modeling" which shapes audio by applying the sonic attibutes of popular or classic instruments to achieve a more realistic sound.
COSM also allows you to program a host of things including: the drum type, drum shell material, drum depth, drum head type, drum tuning, mic type, and even mic placement on your "virtual" drum.
Alesis
The Alesis company is something of a giant in the music industry. They're involved with everything from sound processors to synthesizers (keyboards) to monitors. So these guys know a thing or two about sound and the digital world. They are known for making quality products that are easy to use.
The Alesis DM-5 drum module is a great entry level for ease of use and price. Whether you're putting together a pre-built kit, crafting a "home-made" one, or triggering an acoustic set, the DM-5 is a great module for cracking into the world of electronic drums.
Yamaha
The Yamaha name has been around for a very long time. This is the same company that makes recreational vehicles, various types of electronics, and a large selection of musical instruments.
As for Yamaha's drum modules, there are two models to choose from.
The DTXP III
is found on Yamaha's DTXPRESS electronic drum sets. It is comparable to Roland's TD-6V.
The DTXTIIS is used on Yamaha's DTXTREME drum kit and is comparable to Roland's TD-8 module.
To see a list of features for each model, check out the table below.
Ddrum
Clavia is the company, Ddrum is the trade name. They have one electronic drum set and one module. Clavia has been around since 1983- so they've been on the scene from the beginning of electronic drum technology.
Ddrum's latest drum module is the DDR4SE. The voices are based on true sampled sounds and therefore have the best "unaltered" drum kit selections of the group. In addition, the DDR4SE's trigger response and and handling of impluses is considered the fastest of the group.
The table below provides the basics on what you can expect from Ddrum's module and others presented here.
