How to set up an electronic drum kit?
Setting up your electronic drum kit can be a daunting task. It can seem like there are a million different pieces and parts, and it’s hard to know where to start. In this article, we will walk you through the process of setting up your kit, step-by-step. We will also provide some tips on how to make the process easier.
To start, there are a few things you need to do. They include;
Assembling the drum rack
You should be aware that assembling drum racks may be a little intimidating. However, if you understand what exactly needs to be done, you should be able to do it without any problems. The first thing you need to do is to identify all of the parts that are needed to assemble the rack. Once you have all of the necessary parts, you can begin to assemble the rack.
-Start by attaching the legs to the base of the rack. Make sure that the legs are securely attached to the base.
-Next, you will need to attach the arms to the legs. Again, make sure that the arms are securely attached to the legs.
-Then, you will need to attach the pads to the arms. Make sure that the pads are securely attached to the arms.
How to mount electronic drum pads?
The process of mounting electronic drum pads is relatively simple. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
-First, you need to identify where you want to mount the pads. It is important to choose a location that is comfortable for you.
-Next, you need to attach the pads to the mount. Make sure that the pads are securely attached to the mount.
-Next, you need to connect the pads to the sound module. Make sure that the pads are securely connected to the sound module.
If you are dealing with cymbal pads, here is what you need to do;
-To begin with, install a drum rack clamp and proceed to tighten it using a wing nut.
-Next, take the L-rod and insert it into the clamp. Make sure that the L-rod is securely inserted into the clamp.
-Now, take the cymbal pad and insert it onto the L-rod. Make sure that the cymbal pad is securely inserted onto the L-rod.
-In addition, tighten the L-rod using a wing nut. Make sure that the L-rod is securely tightened.
Connect the pads to the module
Though some modules use multiple cables, most modules will use a single cable that is connected to all of the pads. To connect the pads to the module;
-First, you need to identify where you want to mount the module. It is important to choose a location that is comfortable for you.
-Next, you need to connect the module to the power supply. Make sure that the module is securely connected to the power supply.
-Now, you need to connect the pads to the module. Make sure that the pads are securely connected to the module.
-In addition to that, you need to turn on the module. To do that, simply press the power button.
-Finally, you need to calibrate the module. To do that, simply follow the instructions that are provided in the manual.
Change the drum pad settings
The moment you have set the cymbal and the drum, what you need to do next is adjust the pad settings. Contrary to acoustic drums, electronic drums require you to set the sound that is produced by each pad.
-First, you need to identify the pads that you want to adjust. This helps in isolating the pads that you are working on.
-Next, you need to identify the sound that you want to produce. Doing this helps you in choosing the right sound.
-Now, you need to adjust the sensitivity of the pads. This helps in setting how sensitive the pads are to your touch.
-After that, you need to adjust the threshold. This helps in setting how much force is required to produce a sound.
-Something else you need to do is adjust the dynamics. This helps in setting how loud or soft the sound is. You will notice that some pads have dynamics control while others do not.
-There are also some additional settings you need to set to get the best out of your electronic drum. You will need to use the manufacturer’s manual to understand some of them. They include;
Sensitivity. By altering the sensitivity, the pad will be more or less responsive to your touch.
Threshold. The threshold is the amount of force required to produce a sound.
Dynamics. The dynamics control how loud or soft the sound is. You will notice that some pads have dynamics control while others do not.
Velocity Curve. The velocity curve alters the relationship between how hard you hit the pad and how loud the sound is.
Pad Type. The pad typesetting changes the sound that is produced when you hit the pad.
Hi-hat splash. The moment you connect a Hi-hat controller to the module, you will be able to set the sound it produces when you splash it.
Crosstalk (x-talk). Altering the crosstalk setting will help in reducing the bleed from other pads.
Once you are done with the part that involves the technical settings of the electronic drum kit, you should shift your focus to the following areas;
The height of the hardware
You need to adjust the height of the hardware to ensure that it is comfortable for you. The best way to do this is by sitting down and then making the adjustments.
When sitting on a stool, the drums should be at a height that is comfortable for you. The snare drum should be at a height that allows you to hit it in the middle. The tom drums should be at a height that allows you to hit them in the center.
Alter the height of the snare to ensure that it is comfortable for you to play. The tom drums should also be at a comfortable height for you to play.
Conclusion
As you can see, setting up an electronic drum kit is not rocket science. However, it is important to take your time and follow the instructions that are provided in the manual. In addition to that, you should also make sure that you are comfortable with the settings before you start playing.