YAMAHA DD55 7 Pad General MIDI Digital Drum System Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a drummer in a 5-piece band that plays 2 or 3 times a month. I recently had the opportunity to try out the DD55 and was very impressed. Though I'm not ready to show up at a gig without my conventional set, the DD55 would be great for practicing with headphones or for taking to a rehearsal when I don't want to lug my set. It has a nice feel to it, the sound is good, there are lots of options, and it's just plain fun. And it doesn't cost an arm and a leg like some of the electronic drums do.

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This drum set by Yamaha is no mere toy; it marks a transition to a more professional and versatile digital-drumming instrument. It has stereo-sampled voices, a bass boost system and digital processing that gives it an irresistible, thundering beat. The addition of the adjustable pad sensitivity also allows you to pound out a spicy rhythm with your hands.

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USB Roll Up Drum Kit for Free Play or Learning Game Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the Dream Cheeky USB drum kit. Buyers must be prepared for one quirk: the product stinks. Literally. It smells similar to a tire store but worse. If you're going to give this as a gift, I suggest removing it from the box to air it out before passing on.
The software is easy to install, starts up quickly, and is somewhat easy to use. I wish it had a mode like guitar-hero for practice. (At least, I haven't found such a mode.) It comes with various loops and beats and has graphics reminiscent of GH.
The pad itself is small and sensitive to hands as well as drumsticks. I bought this for my young son, but I think even an adult player would find it useful/fun.

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Install the software, plug in the drum pad, and you're ready to rock out in free play mode or with the learning mode, similar to popular play-along music video games! Features 6 playing pads, 6 drum samples, 48 rhythm patterns, 8 special effects, 8 bass drum loops, and adjustable tempo from 40-208 beats. Powered via USB port, no extra cables or power supply needed.Minimum system requirements:- Available USB port- Windows XP, Vista, or 7- 256 MB RAM- 200 MB available hard disk space- CD drive- 1.5 GHz or faster processor (Pentium 3 or equivalent)

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Alesis iMultiMix 16 USB 16-channel Compact Mixer with USB Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had this set for about a year now and can't say enough good things about them. When I tell my friends how much they cost, they are in disbelief! What a bargain. There is a good variety of sounds and plenty of room to make your own kits. This set could easily sell for the double the price it currently goes for.

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Part of a new class of iPod mixers pioneered by Alesis, the compact Alesis iMultiMix 16 USB mixer features a Universal Dock for iPod that enables recording directly to any Apple iPod Classic, 5th generation (video) and 2nd or 3rd generation iPod nano. The mobile recording mixer has iPod transport controls and a control wheel built into the surface for complete control of the iPod while it is docked in the mixer.
Great for recording live recordings of any performance, home studios, stages, podcasts, and houses of worship, the iMultiMix 16 USB offers eight analog inputs, 100 digital, 28-bit effects, phantom power and two switchable mic/line/guitar inputs. Integrated USB audio output enables you to move your recordings to a Mac or PC without special drivers or complicated set-ups. Steinberg Cubase LE 4 and Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition recording software are included so no additional programs are needed for professional recording.
The iMultiMix 16 USB can also playback music from the iPod, and mix your live performance instantly with the iPod. This makes the iMultiMix 16 USB perfect for using the iPod as a backing track for solo or band performances, while mixing sound sources all in one compact, convenient place.
Key Features
Integrated recording to iPod (5th Generation, 6th and 7th Generation Classic) and iPod nano (2nd through 4th Generation)
Eight high-gain mic/line preamped inputs (XLR and 1/4-inch balanced)
48V phantom power
Limiter eliminates clipping on recordings
16-bit, 44.1 kHz recording to computer or iPod
Two guitar mic/line inputs
Aux sends and returns
100 onboard, 28-bit digital effects: reverb, chorus, flange, delay
Three-band EQ on each channel with high/low shelving and midband pass/reject
Steinberg Cubase LE 4 and Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition recording software included

Specifications
Mic In Sensitivity Range: -60dBu to -10dBu nominal, +5dBu maximum
Line In Sensitivity Range: -40dBu to -+10dBu nominal, +25dBu maximum
Mic/Line Gain Range: +10 to +60dB
High-Pass Filter: 75Hz, 18dB/octave
High Shelving: 12kHz, +/- 15dB
Mid Bandpass/Band Reject: 2.5 kHz, +/- 15dB
Low Shelving: 80Hz, +/- 15dB
Aux Send A & B Gain Range: -∞ to +10dB
Aux Return A Gain Range: -∞ to +15dB
Effects Level/Aux Return B Gain Range: -∞ to +15dB
Channel Level Gain Range: -∞ to +10dB
Main Mix, Ctrl Room Gain Range: -∞ to +10dB
1/4-inch Inputs: Stereo Aux Return Level -- +4dBu nominal, +20dBu maximum
RCA Inputs: Tape In Level -- -10dBV nominal, +5dBV maximum
1/4-inch Outputs: Main Mix, Ctrl Room, Aux 3/4, Ext Aux Send Level: +4dBu nominal, +20dBu maximum
Headphone Output: 75 ohm output impedance >105mW into 75 ohms, >40mW into 600ohms
RCA Outputs: Tape Out Level -10dBV nominal, +5dBV maximum
iPod Recording:
iQuality: 44.1kHz, 16-bit stereo at 1411kbps
iRecording Time: 30 GB: 2 hours, 55 minutes; 60 GB: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Dimensions: 13 x 19 x 3.25 inches (WxLxH)
Weight: 15 pounds (with adapter); 12 pounds (without adapter)
Minimum system requirements: Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit) or Vista (32-bit); Mac OS X

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ION Audio Discover Drums MKII Tabletop Electronic Drums Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the ION electronic drums for my 9 year old son. He loves to play the drums and I wanted something that would help him learned how to play various types of beats. The drums are very easy to use. You can slow down or speed up the beats. He absolutely love these drums. As a parent I love this gift because it's one of the few toys he received that requires no involvement from me.

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Learn to play the drums with DISCOVER DRUMS 2.This tabletop drum set has great sounds you can play on the four drum pads. You get 10 different drum sets for all kinds of musical styles. You can rock out loud with DISCOVER DRUMS 2\'s speaker system or plug in your favorite headphones and practice quietly. Built-in learning features including a follow-the-lights exercise make it easy – even if you\'ve never played before you\'ll be making beats in no time. DISCOVER DRUMS 2 also has 49 patterns you can play along with for fun music making.Drumsticks come in the box, so you\'ll be ready to rock!Learn to play the drums with DISCOVER DRUMS 2.

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Roland HD-1 V-Drums Lite Electronic Drums Review

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(More customer reviews)This kit is near-to-perfect for someone who finds their acoustic kit has become too loud, too big, too difficult to transport, and too time-consuming to set up.
If you are looking for something that is small with a small footprint that is light, portable, and that sounds good, this kit will fill the bill. I haven't been able to put the sticks down (geeze, now I know why I got away from playing for 15 years - it's as additive as crack cocaine).
The other reviews voice criticism and they are justified, depending on what you are looking for. Unlike the higher-end kits, you cannot select individual drums. The drums for any of the pre-programed ten kits, and the volume of those individual drums are "global," meaning you can turn the whole kit up or down, but not adjust the tune or volume of one drum vs. another.
The voices are sampled and really sound incredible, but if I could "have it my way," I would have the snare be a bit more sensitive (you can set the sensitivity, but again, it's "global" for all the drums in the kit), and would make the snare and cymbal louder in relation to the toms and kick.
The peddle system is ingenious, and works well. It took a little while to find a the sweet spot to allow me to do "Banham doubles," and it still is not as easy to do as it is with a true peddle, but it's close.
The other thing that I have seen on the more expensive kits that the HD1 does not have is the ability to be able to choke out cymbals with your hand.
If these thing are important to you, you might want to look at a more expensive kit. But those kits are bigger, heavier, and more time-consuming to set up. If the reason you wanted is primarily for portability (the greatest kit in the world that you won't take to friends' house to jam with will do you no good, right?) - or what this thing is, for how tiny it is, and for what it weighs (32 lbs), you can't beat it with a stick - well, actually you can, and I have been, a lot.
More information: Kit 1 has a nice acoustic sound, like a kit in an intimate setting. Kit 1A is a "jazz kit," the snare sound of which I like the best. The crash is a bit more splashy, and the ride sounds like it has rivets. The hat is really crisp and clean. The second tom becomes a cross-stick on a rim. Kit 2 sounds just like drums in a big empty hall. Kit 2A sounds the same as 2, but the hat peddle becomes a second kick (open hat) and the second tom become a cowbell. Kit 3 is a snare, crash, ride, hat, and three "island drums." Kit 3A is a snare, crash, ride, hat, and three percussion instruments of some kind or another. Forget about Kits 4 & 5 and their Alternates, unless you like Devo and dance music from the 80s.

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A New All-In-One Drum Kit for the MassesRoland\'s V-Drums are the most popular electronic drums in the world, but not everyone has the room or budget for a full V-Drums kit. Introducing the new Roland HD-1. It's forged from the same technology as its predecessors, but it's much simpler to use. It\'s also incredibly quiet, thanks to the newly designed kick beater, cushioned tom pads, and snare head. The HD-1 is also conveniently compact and stylish — perfect for every home, school, studio, etc. — and it's priced for the masses. Most of the HD-1\'s components are mounted on one stand for easy setup and transport, and for a clean look. Just take it out of the box and play.

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ION IED12 PRO SESSION Electronic Drum Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I searched a long time before deciding to buy this particular drum set. I am a beginning drummer who Has an Acoustic set at Church. I wanted to practice at home but tearing down and lugging an acoustic set of drums home and back every weeek was not going to fly. (and I'm sure my neighbor would not appreciate the loud sound of the drums) So I searched and searched and searched online and at the local music store (who wanted $900 bucks for a similar set) and I made the decision on this one because of the price mainly. I was skeptical at first and kept my receipt and all parts handy just in case i needed to return this and......
The product is great. There are no problems with the wiring or foot pedals or anything. It does not have a "cheap" feeling to it either. physically speaking, it looks like a 500 or even 600 dollar equipment. The only thing that takes it down a notch for me is that you miss having a separate ride pad and crash pad. (they only give you one choice, either a ride or a crash) but fortunately you can buy a separate crash/ride cymbal and install it into the main brain. another disappointment is that it seems that you cannot add a splash cymbal pad if you wanted to. (oh well you can't have it all for this price)
When i practice, i do so in my living room which is not very large. My wife stated that it sounds as if i am striking phone books with drumsticks when i practice with the headphones on. This is a major plus because I have neighbors and i do not want to disturb them with my drumming nor do I want to announce to the neighborhood that I have a drum set in my house. (break-ins) It comes with a port where you can plug in speakers and play out loud also if need be. The variety of sounds are also fun too. I have not ventured deep into what the brain can do but so far I am far form being unimpressed
Even though the price is lower than other drum sets which can cost you 600-1500 and up. This one is not cheaply built. All of the parts and arms and body of the drum set is stable. My curious cats have already tipped it over, but no broken parts or anything like that. Overall I believe that if you are a beginning drummer like myself, this is the perfect low cost quiet set for you.

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Rock solid, hard-rocking drums.
The rock solid, heavy-duty electronic Pro Session drum set from Ion Audio (model IED12) is ready to stand up to the pounding drummers can exact on their gear. With a rugged rack (stand) and adjustable hardware, you'll have no problem setting it up the way you like to play.
Click here for a larger image.

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Alesis DM6 Kit Performance Electronic Drumset Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had my Alesis DM6 drumset up and running for a couple days and I must say I am pleasantly surprised. Up until now any electronic drumset in the $500 range was nothing more than a toy. Because I know that Alesis knows how to make great electronic drumsets I was hoping that their experience making higher end kits would trickle down to this brand new DM6 line. It did. This drumset is fabulous when you consider the price point and, in fact, has no real competition that I could find.
Pros:
- Everything is included. I've looked at a lot of drumsets and many don't include everything you need like bass drum pedals and more. This has everything you need to play right our of the box, even a pair of drum sticks. OK, a couple things not included you will need and that's a set of headphones and a throne (chair) to sit on.
- Sturdy, well made components. The natural rubber drum heads are quiet but have a very good feel and rebound to them. The rubber cymbals are not as quiet as the drum heads but do what they are supposed to do very nicely. All metal hi-hat and bass pedals. Wide diameter aluminum frame rails and compoents.
- Very realistic sounding drum samples.
- Dual zone snare. You can make the snare sound like a rimshot when you hit the rim. Or program it for a cowbell when you play "Don't Fear the Reaper". Or make it sound like any of the other drum sounds included.
- Ability to interface with your computer via USB. This opens up a world of options including MIDI and recording your performances on your favorite recording software. I don't know of any sub $500 kit of this quality that does that.
- MY FAVORITE THING is I just plug in my iPod into the DM6 module and I can play right along to my favorite songs.
- You can buy an ION Drum Rocker module (I was able to get one on eBay, not sold by Alesis) and use this kit for your Rockband drumset. You'll need 8 new cables too, so while there is extra expense, it's possible
Cons:
- Some kits, including mine, were delivered with firmware that was less than perfect. I, and others I have heard, would sometimes have problems with the snare drum triggering properly. I had to hit it harder than I thought I should to get it to trigger. A quick and easy firmware update totally fixed this problem but I know some people have problems updating thgings like this.
The Botton Line:
- Everything I've said in this review is under the caviat, "...for the price." If you are new to drumming this would be a great first set. But if you are and experienced drummer on a tight budget you will not be disappointed as long as you aren't expecting the DM6 to be a Roland Pro high end drum kit. The bottom line is this is the best $500 (street price) electronic drumset ever made.


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An excellent choice in electronic drum sets for price-conscious drummers and aspiring players, this Alesis DM6 Kit combines the compact DM6 drum-sound module with an electronic drum set with extremely realistic playing surfaces and rugged rack system. The DM6 drum module features a completely new sound-set with 108 quality drum, cymbal, and percussion instruments as well as a sequencer with play-along tracks, metronome, recorder, mix-in jack for playing along with your iPod, and more.

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