External Triggering: Chapter 6

LARGE TOMS 14"-18"

In most cases shell mounting will work the best. However, you might experiment with head mounting and find great results.

Firmly mount the trigger to the shell so that it is approximately one inch from the batter rim.

Placement of the trigger should be near the side you sit, within a lug or two of where your stick would hit if you played a rimshot.

Use a mid to high sensitivity setting if the trigger has an adjustment.

Note: In most cases when shell mounting triggers, internal permanent mounting will provide the best results. This permanent form of mounting allows the trigger to be more firmly attached to the shell, which tends to improve the performance. However, when using this technique it is usually necessary to install an audio jack into the drum shell to connect the audio cable to the trigger.

MUFFLING

Another important part of triggering from acoustic drums is the degree of muffling you apply to your drums. The amount a head vibrates when it is struck is what causes most of the problems related to triggering from an acoustic drum. Often most drummers don't want to put a lot of tape or muffling on their heads, but the degree of improvement it makes may be well worth at least a little sacrifice. A slight amount of muffling can make a huge improvement in any triggering unit’s ability to properly track your playing.

MOUNTING HARDWARE AND CONFIGURATION

The quality and sturdiness of your hardware will make a big difference in eliminating potential problems. When you use unsteady hardware, it is an open invitation to crosstalk problems. Toms that are mounted on the bass drum, and drums which share a stand with other instruments such as cymbals, are areas where you should be sure your hardware and mountings are solid and sturdy. Always check to be certain that none of your stands or drums are leaning up against, or touching any other drums or piece of hardware. To sum it up, the more heavy-duty your hardware is, the better.

DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis DM5 manual Muffling, Mounting Hardware and Configuration, Large Toms

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.