External Triggering: Chapter 6

interaction between the pads, and a high Noise floor setting would be selected to reject the high level of ambient Noise and vibration. In certain cases with crosstalk and Noise floor settings too high, softer hits might become rejected because the DM5 assumes that they are Noise.

Instead of compromising between the two parameters, there are two methods which can improve this scenario.

Method One:

➀First, attach an inexpensive contact transducer to the center of the drum stand and plug it into a DM5 input.

➁Next, go to Ext Trig page 1 and select the Velocity Curve setting of 0 (Unassigned) for this trigger.

➂Go to the next page and set the Xtalk, Decay and the Noise levels all to 00. This low level will allow the maximum amount of Noise and stand vibrations to be detected by the DM5.

➃Using the TRIG LEVEL meter (at the bottom of the display), adjust the level to select a “hotter” than usual Gain setting. Since in this case the gain is effected only by the stand vibrations, a very strong signal is needed to maximize the trigger's performance.

➄Now as the stage vibrates, or when other signals trigger the drum stand transducer, the suppression function will note this signal and determine that any softer signals coming from the other three pads must be crosstalk. Also, if the suppression function sees a soft signal from the three main pads but little or no signal from the drum stand transducer, it will assume that the pad signals are valid hits and trigger the DM5 sounds.

Method Two:

In severe cases, this is another way in which the Unassigned feature can be used. For this scenario lets use the bass as the reason the surrounding Noise level is making proper triggering difficult. Each time the bass player “pops” a string, the vibration triggers the tom 1 pad.

➀First, take a direct out from the bass amplifier, and plug it into an unused trigger input on the DM5.

➁Next, go to Ext Trig page 1 and select the Velocity Curve setting of 0 (Unassigned) for this trigger.

➂Go to page 2 and set the Xtalk, Decay and Noise levels all to 00. This low level will allow the maximum signal to be detected by the DM5.

➃Using the TRIG LEVEL bar graph meter, adjust the level according to the severity of the false triggering. If notes are constantly triggering, use a high gain. If only occasional, select a lower level.

➄Now when the DM5 receives a signal (from the tom 1 pad) which was generated by the string pop from the bass, not only will it compare this signal to the other drum pads, it will also compare it to the bass. In essence, the DM5 isolates the bass from the Noise floor and “thinks” the bass is a another drum pad. It will now treat it the same as any other pad and “filter” out the unwanted signals.

DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis DM5 manual Method One, Method Two
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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.
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