NAMM Report #3: Electronic Percussion

Originally posted on DrumChattr.com on January 16, 2011.

One of the most interesting electronic percussion products that was announced at NAMM 2011 was the inHEAD acoustic/electronic hybrid drumhead by Miditronix and Aquarian Drumheads. The drum head allows the drummer “the ability to have the best of both worlds- great sounding acoustic drums and the power and the control that comes with triggering electronic drum sound modules.” Miditronix.com says, “You play your drums your way; no sacrificing your technique or adjusting your playing style to accommodate the unnatural feel of an electronic practice pad. The inHEAD let’s you play YOUR acoustic drums and access YOUR electronic drum module with no unwanted crosstalk, double triggering or loss of low end sensitivity.” Not only can you trigger a sound module, but you can reinforce your sound with using microphones. And the best part about the product is that it is a DRUMHEAD and not a rubber surface. I am excited to see and hear the possibilities that this drum head can offer.

Alesis and Roland had a strong showing at the NAMM show. Alesis introduced three new and updated drum kits:

1) DM8 Pro Kit
“Perfect. It’s a word that’s thrown around a lot these days. But with the DM8 Pro Kit, you might just find it. The Alesis development team painstakingly examined all aspects of what makes a kit the best possible choice – all with the goal of creating the perfect electronic drumset.”

2) DM8 USB Kit
“Compact, quiet, quick to set up, with true, natural sound, the DM8 USB Kit brings Alesis quality to drummers and studios. Whether you need quiet practice, tracking quickly into software, or fast on-stage setup, the DM8 USB Kit is an ideal choice. The DM8 USB Kit is quiet, compact, and ready to rock with amazing sounds.”

3) DM10 Studio Kit Update
“The DM10 Studio Kit is professional, six-piece electronic drum set with natural-feeling RealHead drum pads, low-noise DMPad Cymbals, the groundbreaking DM10 drum module, and a compact, flexible StageRack.”

And Roland introduced two new drum kits:

1) TD-9KX2/TD-9K2
“Roland’s popular V-Tour series gets upgraded with a newly designed Kick Pad and V-Cymbals, and an enhanced TD-9 sound module, to improve the total playability of the drum set. Play any style of music with the diverse range of sounds onboard, and drum along your favorite MP3/WAV songs via USB key.”

2) TD-4KX2/TD-4K2
“The most affordable V-Compact series from the V-Drums family is also undergoing new upgrades and refinements with a new Kick Pad and V-Cymbals. With its improved playability, the new kits help you maximize your performance and practice time. Get better faster with the built-in Coach and Quick Rec/Play function.”

I didn’t get a chance to play any of these kits, but I am interested to hear from our audience to hear what you thought. Leave you thoughts and comments in the Chattr Section.