External Triggering: Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

EXTERNAL TRIGGERING

OVERVIEW

External triggering has three main uses:

•Driving DM5 sounds from electronic drum pads. Some electronic drum pads provide MIDI triggers when hit; these can feed directly into the DM5’s MIDI input. Other pads generate analog triggers, which can interface with the trigger inputs.

•Using contact transducers (triggers) mounted on acoustic drums to trigger sounds from the DM5. These transducers can be plugged directly into the DM5 trigger input, which will convert the trigger's signal to MIDI information.

•Drum substitution. If the drum sounds on a tape are poorly recorded, and the sounds to be substituted are on different tracks (or sufficiently far apart in pitch that equalization can help separate the sounds), these drum sounds can trigger the high-fidelity drum sounds inside the DM5.

All of these applications present certain challenges. With electronic drum pads, “crosstalk” from one drum hit can leak into another drum pad and trigger it accidentally. Acoustic drum pickups are much more finicky than electronic pads. They are subject to extraneous Noise pickup, varying gain, and system Noise, all of which make reliable triggering difficult.

The DM5 includes five editable parameters that let you electronically tailor the DM5 trigger inputs to the characteristics of your drum transducers. It may take considerable experimentation to achieve reliable triggering…then again, it may not. At some point, you’ll hit on the right combination of transducer placement and DM5 parameter values necessary for proper triggering.

The external trigger function contains six pages of parameters. When you first press the Ext Trig button, it calls up the first page. Pressing the Ext Trig button again calls the second page, a third time calls the third page, and so on. You can also use the

[] and [] buttons to go from one page to another by “cursoring past” the parameters on the current page. For more details, see page 26.

For the remainder of this chapter, we’ll assume you know how to select the appropriate page.

DM5 Reference Manual

39

Page 39 Page 41
Page 40
Image 40
Alesis DM5 manual External Triggering, Overview
Page 39 Page 41

DM5 specifications

The Alesis DM5 is a renowned drum machine and percussion synthesizer that has garnered acclaim for its versatile features and high-quality sound. Embracing both the beginner and professional musician, the DM5 serves as an ideal platform for creating drum tracks, enhancing live performances, and adding depth to music productions.

At the heart of the DM5 is its comprehensive sound engine, which boasts a library of over 1,000 pre-recorded samples. These samples encompass a diverse range of instruments, from acoustic drums to electronic beats, allowing users to explore various music genres seamlessly. The DM5 features 25 of the most popular drum and percussion sounds that can be played via a MIDI controller or the built-in pads. This wide selection provides musicians with the flexibility to craft unique rhythms and textures.

An essential aspect of the DM5 is its user-friendly interface. The backlit LCD screen enables easy navigation through the vast array of features and settings. Users can quickly select sounds, adjust parameters, and create grooves with intuitive controls. The built-in sequencer is another standout feature, allowing musicians to record and edit patterns with precision. It supports up to 99 preset songs, enabling easy recall of favorite patterns for live gigs.

The DM5 also includes MIDI capabilities, facilitating seamless integration with other music production equipment. Users can connect external MIDI devices, triggering sounds directly from their keyboards or controllers. This interconnectedness promotes a fluid workflow in studio and live environments.

Furthermore, the DM5 offers a variety of built-in effects, such as delay and reverb, which enhance the overall sound. These effects provide additional depth and richness to drum tracks, ensuring that the final output remains polished and dynamic. The unit also supports audio outputs for connecting to mixers or amplifiers, making it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances.

In summary, the Alesis DM5 stands out as a powerful drum machine and percussion synthesizer. With its extensive sound library, user-friendly interface, integrated sequencer, MIDI capabilities, and built-in effects, it provides musicians with the tools to create and perform with ease. Whether in a home studio or on stage, the DM5 remains a versatile choice for anyone looking to explore the world of drum programming and music production.
Top Page Image Contents