V-Drums testing, the results of our V-Drummers "debut". Options

[BigYinUK]

Hi all

Our drummer used his new Roland TD-9 setup last night for the first time and I thought I'd share our thoughts with you guys.

Initial impressions were that the sound was really, really excellent. I did have some doubts about an electronic kit but the quality of the samples on the TD-9 was spectacular. If anyone has one, the "Blast" kit was just the drum sound we've been after!

We didn't really have any issues playing along with him but we have worked with this guy for several years so we all know each others playing well.

The issues that I think will need addressing are as follows:

(1) Main band's foldback. We use 2 JBL ER-105s and 2 no-name units with 500W 12" drivers all powered by a TA2400 MK-X. The 12 inch units were a waste of time and couldn't cope at all with the kick drum (no surprises there). The JBLs seemed happy enough up to a point but the volume level on stage wasn't sufficient for me. One outcome from using an electronic kit that I was hoping for *was* a reduced level on stage but not to a point where my guitar solos don't work.

I guess I'm after suggestions as to how to improve this. I.e Do we replace the ERM-105s or upgrade their 15" drivers (rated at only 200W). I really need to save some money here as point (2) FOH - really needs addressing.

(2) FOH. The "kit" sounded fab through our Mackie SR1530s BUT this really pushed them to their limit. Fine for a small venue but they would be hopelessly inadequate for mid-larger venues as we had them clipping (red led on) at rehearsal so no headroom at all.

I'm going to Stage Electrics at some point to have a listen to some RCF gear. In the back of my mind I quite fancy TT22As with TTS18A subs but that's getting up to x6 what we spent on the Mackies. I'd have to wet hire the rig out to help pay for them.

(3) Drummer's own monitoring. Seems likely that he'll buy one of Roland's drum monitors. I'm quite happy with this as they are good. One worry was that we'd be in the same situation as with an accoustic kit. I.e High on-stage volumes. However, I think even with the 500w version its likely that we will achieve a slightly reduced SPL on stage. IEM is still an option but the drummer is concerned that (a) he won't like them and (b) they won't give him the sub-bass thump from the kick. IMO there is no point in buying cheapo IEMs, so it would have to be an Ultimate-Ears rig which is likely to cost 600-700 ukp so a big disappointment if he's not happy with the result.

Regards

This post has been edited by BigYinUK: 29 May 2008, 10:40 AM

[dunk_1984]

Anything to stop you adding 15" subs to your monitors, certainly for the drummer, even with IEM's with a 15" sub crossed over correctly under his stool, he'll get the kick still and hear the rest of the instruments through IEM's.

FOH, I may be wrong but I'm assuming you don't have subs which is probably where most of your headroom is being lost with them having to cope with the drums as well as the rest of the band, certainly if they are having to cope with kick as well.

[Ben Langfeld]

Regarding IEMs, why not hire some to try out? You won't get custom moulds, but you'll get a reasonable idea.

[Bobbsy]

IEMs, coupled with a "throne shaker" are a very common combination that suits most drummers--and sound ops!

Bob

[steve.pie]

As a v-drummer here's my 2p worth ........... based on me having a pair of 450's as my monitors , and we too have 1530's as FOH ............ we do corporate / functions / weddings ............
1 . if the drum monitoring is good quality the others shouldnt need it in their wedge
2. yep, sounds fab at FOH , but if you're clippng at rehearsal ....... you must be a damn loud band ?? ............. we rarely got near -5db on a Onyx 1620.
2a . The RCF TT is awesome / you get what you pay for .......... borrowed one of the new 25SMA wedges last week .......... it really flaps your trousers and you can turn it up till your eyes bulge !!!!!!
3. The Roland drum monitors are only any use for 'jazz' .... not recommended for anything else - no grunt in them. Try and borrow one before buying as you'll be disappointed in its performance.

Steve.

[BigYinUK]

Yep, we are a loud band Steve - Heavy Rock. The only band I've played in where I've had to notch the Marshall up from 50W to the 100W setting and it still pushes it.

TBH stood in front of the Mackies, I didn't think it was all that loud. Definitely not as loud as Geo playing his Tama not miked up. It was the kick that the Mackies didn't like.

I'm surprised that you critiscise the Roland amps. The one I heard had a sub and was really rather good (I thought).

I'd like to sway him towards the IEM solution personally....

I should be having that demo with SS soon

[steve.pie]

Sounds like you need a sub (or 2) under the 1530's ?....... assuming you were talking about the Roland PM3 / 10 / 30 for drum amps ? ........ PM30 = 100 watts from a 12" sub , and thats never going to reproduce what you need. Unfortunately you will rather enjoy the TT demo ......... be prepared to have cheque book ready !!!!

[Doug Siddons]

At my gig on saturday, the drummer in the last band had a v drum set up. From a rigging point of view ideal, all we had to do was get the acoustic drums off the stage and plug in his left and right send into the di's and up to me. Sent the lot back into his drum fill (an HZ Z500 full range cab powered by a 1000 watt as side amp) and all was cool.

Drummer ( a really nice chap) was happy and the band who were playing typical function/wedding material (Burn baby burn, Abba and Robbie Williams ect) were happy, the crowd, at the end of a days drinking, were very happy. My problem was I wanted to tweek the bass drum snare hat and cymbals individually but couldn't with only a stereo feed, frustrating as I was sober!!

Just my 2p's worth

[steve.pie]

Hey..... all us drummers are nice chaps !!!! It is possible - on some modules - to use all available outs ....... on my TD10 I can use all 8 outs, via my Behringer 8 way di and 1U mixer, giving 8 channels to FOH and I can still make my own monitor mix............. jubbly.

[drummerrhys]

IEMs, coupled with a "throne shaker" are a very common combination that suits most drummers--and sound ops!

Bob

what's a throne shaker? Sounds like fun!

[Shez]

what's a throne shaker? Sounds like fun!

Also known as a buttkicker. You can probably imagine how it works... Google will help if not.