Alesis DM5 manual Tips on Triggering from Acoustic Drums, Output Sensitivity, Mounting

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External Triggering: Chapter 6

TIPS ON TRIGGERING FROM ACOUSTIC DRUMS

When triggering from an acoustic drum, that is using a contact pick up (transducer) mounted to the head or shell, the same general set-up procedures and parameter principles of triggering from pads apply. However, due to extreme head vibrations and resonance of acoustic drums, keeping the “factors” under control is considerably more difficult. These tips should help you in eliminating potential problems.

There are several things to consider when purchasing transducers (triggers), and when mounting them to your drums.

OUTPUT SENSITIVITY

The difference in output levels between transducers is considerable. While a really “hot” trigger might work great on the snare, it may not work as well on a bass drum. For example, a high sensitivity trigger will detect the softer “grace” notes on a snare drum and provide the best tracking in a tight pressed roll. On a bass drum however, because that same trigger is so sensitive, it may be overdriven due to the sheer velocity of each impact from the beater on the head. Overdriving the trigger can allow it to detect every slight vibration as you hit the bass drum. This results in double triggering and contributes to cross talk problems. It can also reduce the life of the trigger itself.

When considering trigger output sensitivity towards applications, generally these tips will apply.

➀Use “hotter” triggers for shell mounting. Sensitive triggers can detect signals through the shell more accurately than others.

➁For direct head mounting use less sensitive triggers. When possible use a trigger that contains a built-in sensitivity adjustment. There are several types available.

MOUNTING

One of the most important aspects of triggering is mounting. For any trigger to work properly it must be correctly mounted to the drum. Always use some type of a foam tape, and make certain the trigger is firmly mounted with little or no movement. In addition to forming a solid foundation for the trigger, the foam tape also acts as a shock absorber which helps to deter double triggering. Most of the trigger manufacturers supply several pieces of mounting tape with their trigger products. It is also very important to be certain that no part of the trigger wire, which connects the trigger to the audio jack, is touching or resting on any part of the drum or rim. This wire is sensitive enough to trigger signals from the drum vibrations which would then cause double triggering.

TRIGGER PLACEMENT

Placement is another very important part of triggering performance, but unfortunately there is no right or wrong set of rules. It simply takes a lot of experimentation to arrive at the correct combination for the type and size of drum, and the drum kit configuration you are using. These tips will help you get started with a step in the right direction.

DM5 Reference Manual

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Contents Alesis DM5 HOW to USE this Manual IntroductionDM5 Reference Manual Contents Midi Functions Appendix a TROUBLE-SHOOTINGMidi Implementation Chart External TriggeringUnpacking and Inspection Setting UPAC Power Hookup ChapterAbout Audio Cables Basic Audio HookupMidi Hookup To turn on the Midi Thru parameterExternal Triggers Hookup Playing the Demo Sequence Powering UPYour First Session With the DM5 Auditioning Internal Programs WHAT’S a Drum SET?Playing the DM5 Selecting the Midi ChannelChoosing Voices in a Drum SET Recalling the Factory Drum Sets Storing AN Edited Drum SETNaming a Drum SET Connections Midi OUT/THRU ModeTo turn on Midi Thru Mode To set the Root Note Example 1 Using a Midi KeyboardTo set the Midi Channel Example 2 Using a Midi Sequencer Local Mode To turn the Local Control offExample 3 Using TWO or More DM5 Modules To turn the Midi Overflow Mode onExternal Triggers To setup the external triggers Crosstalk To Set the Crosstalk valueTo set the Decay value To set the Noise valueFootswitch Hookup To set the Footswitch ModeVoice OverviewBasic and Definitions Random VoicesDM5 Polyphony Midi Note RangeAbout the User Interface Reading the DisplayMULTI-PAGE Functions Function ButtonsButtons Store Button Drum Note SelectionEditing Parameter Values Preview ButtonFunction Buttons TuneMIX OutputOutput Options Group Drum SETEXT Trig Midi Copying a NOTE’S Parameters to AnotherMidi Functions Drum SET Root NoteMidi Channel Program Change Enable Local ControlControllers Enable To edit the Program Change table Program Change TableSaving Data VIA Midi Receiving Data from Another Midi Device To back upExternal Triggering OverviewAbout Trigger Parameters Page Example Trigger Selection Velocity Curve Trigger Note AssignmentGain Method One Method Two Crosstalk Noise Footswitch ModeDecay Understanding HI HAT Pedal Mode Output Sensitivity Trigger PlacementTips on Triggering from Acoustic Drums MountingFor head mounting If you play with a fairly tight batter head, try thisIf you play with a looser head, try this For shell mountingLarge Toms Mounting Hardware and ConfigurationMuffling External Triggering DM5 Reference Manual MAINTENANCE/SERVICE TROUBLE-SHOOTINGTROUBLE-SHOOTING Index RE-INITIALIZINGRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis MaintenanceObtaining Repair Service Customers in the USA
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