Digital hi-hat and other goodies
It’s been four and a half years since Roland launched the TD-50 module with its redundant USB input.
Well, that USB slot is no longer just...
This pad’s OK(to)
Allan Leibowitz tested an Octapad look-alike to see if it’s also a sound-alike.
Multipads are coming of age, with the range growing rapidly,...
New amps from Simmons
Simmons is rolling out three new amps, building on the success of the DA200s and the follow-up DA2012B.
The new flagship DA2112 is a high-powered...
Electronics power women’s show
Electronic percussion is playing a key role in a new theatrical presentation which makes its world debut in Melbourne, Australia in April.
Drummer...
Toontrack releases Gospel EZX
Toontrack has released its 48th EZX expansion pack, the Gospel EZX.
Recorded by Grammy Award-winning engineer/producer/mixer Danny Duncan...
Buy online, but take care
The global pandemic has seen e-commerce go through the roof, and the e-drum market has certainly been shaken up as more products become available through...
Low price, big sound
The Chinese continue to shake up the in-ear market with another budget offering that punches way above its weight.
E-drummers around the world...
An air of dexterity
Air-drumming is the butt of many jokes, but anyone who has tried playing any of the new generation of drumless kits will tell you it’s not as easy as...
E-drums shine at Super Bowl LV
While most eyes were on The Weeknd during the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, drummers would have been struck with a bit of déjà vu from last year’s Brian...
Akai adds plugins
With the growing popularity of beat making and finger drumming, Akai has introduced DrumSynth, the new drum plugin instrument that “brings the power...
New samples, presets
The holiday season has brought some new sample and preset offerings.
Spring, Echo, Distort
The latest pack is the first full, boutique...
Scientists probe drumming skills
Drummers often think of themselves as athletes, and research at an Australian university is examining how skills are developed, according to Dr. Job...
Yamaha returns to e-drums
Yamaha has added a new e-drum line built around a new module, the DTX6.
Improving on the success of the DTX502 Series, the DTX6 series includes...
Big Sur warning
E-drummers using Apple Macs are advised not to update to Big Sur MacOS.
Among those urging customers to hold off from updating is Steven Slate...
E-drum pioneer Peter Hart remembered
digitalDrummer was saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Hart, founder of Hart Dynamics.
Hart died earlier this year in Pensacola, Florida,...
Kallee Bernish-Good How I use e-drums
Kallee Bernish-Good won the Beatmaking category (under 18 years) in the recent Hit Like A Girl contest.
I’ve been producing music since I...
Octapad gets a makeover
Roland’s workhorse SPD-20 has been updated, with the Octapad SPD-20 PRO offering more responsive playability, additional sounds and functions, and an...
Roland adds TD-07
Roland has upped the ante for entry-level kits with its new TD-07KV kit, released today.
The new kit features mesh pads and a new Bluetooth-enabled...
Roland adds wireless MIDI products
Roland has released two new add-ons to “bring the convenience of wireless MIDI to modern music creators”.
The WM-1 Wireless MIDI Adaptor and...
Sampling tool for Mac users
There are currently two modules which can import multi-layer samples – the 2box DrumIt Five (and its Di3 sibling) and the Alesis Strike.
The...
Rubow publishes e-drum book
German e-drum innovator Oli Rubow, profiled in digitalDrummer in 2010, has published a book titled Echo Drums, focusing on the use of stomp boxes.
New amp from Alesis
Alesis has added a new high-power amp to its range.
The Strike Amp 8 comes with a more compact form factor than the current Strike Amp 12,...
Striking additions
One of the selling points of the Alesis Strike module is the ability to load your own samples, with the company even providing a tool to create multi-layer...
Monster kit makes it to TV
Anthony Nalli shared his e-drums with digitalDrummer in November 2017, but now he’s showing them off to a global television audience. Here’s how it came...
Marking 40 years of the 808
Roland used “808 Day” (August 8th) to mark the 40th anniversary of its iconic TR-808 drum machine.
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer was one...
ATV plans new strategy for US, Australia
Japanese drum maker ATV Corporation is considering its distribution options in the United States and Australia, after the collapse of its independent...
Tech helps online teaching
Drum educator David Stanoch is turning to technology to overcome the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 lock-down.Since 2018, I have taught primarily...
The Iso Files: Ben Todd (Cirque du Soleil)
Where you are in isolation: Currently, I’m in my home town of Adelaide, Australia. Prior to that, I was working with Cirque du Soleil in Los Angeles.
The Iso Files: Joe Clegg (Ellie Goulding)
Where you are in isolation: I’m in a place called Colne, which is a small town in the county of Lancashire, in the North West of England.
What...
The Iso Files: Tim Powles (The Church)
Where you are in isolation: Inner-west Sydney, Australia – within walking distance to the river, in my own home - and above my own studio.
What...
The Iso Files: Shane Russell (Twelve Foot Ninja)
Where you are in isolation: At home in Berwick, Melbourne, Australia.
What projects you are working on: A couple of mini projects with my...
A tale of three multipads
digitalDrummer has reported on the Kickstarter campaign by Argentinian e-drum company dbdrums for its first multipad product, the nPad.
The...
KAT’s new module
Alternate Mode has launched a new module to replace the Kurzweil-supplied gigKAT sound engine. The gigKAT is primarily aimed at the company’s tuned percussion...
The Iso Files: Steven Wolf (David Bowie, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Beyoncé)
digitaldDrummer speaks to Steven Wolf (David Bowie, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Beyoncé) about music in isolation.
Where you are in isolation:...
The Iso Files: John Mahon (Elton John Band)
digitaldDrummer speaks to John Mahon (Elton John band) about isolation ...
Where you are in isolation: I am in Los Angeles, just north of...
Rack off
William Donohue was drawn to the acoustic-like look of his Alesis Strike Pro kit, but not the rack.
I had always played traditional acoustic...
Whitten adds depth and colour
Former Paul McCartney and Dire Straits touring drummer Chris Whitten has released a pack of 30 all-new, original kits for Roland’s TM-6 Pro trigger module.
Steinberg offers drum creator
German audio software company Steinberg has released a new drum-creation tool, Backbone.
The virtual instrument plug-in is compatible with...
RIP Jerry Jman Langenfeld
Jerry ‘Jman’ Langenfeld passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 16.
Jman was known to electronic drummers worldwide both for his online...
Combo bag benefits e-drummers
The days when a drummer could get by with a few sticks and a spare cymbal felt are long gone. In this electronic age, it’s not unusual to have to include...
GEWA G9 hits stores
GEWA Drums’ first e-drum offering, the Drum Workstation G9, has arrived in stores in Europe.
The drum kit was first shown at Musikmesse Frankfurt...
inMusic buys BFD
inMusic, the owner of Alesis and other music technology brands including Akai Professional, Alto Professional, Denon, M-Audio and Marantz Professional,...
No e-drums shortage - yet
US e-drum suppliers seem to have avoided the shortages seen in other industries in the wake of China’s slow-down.
A large proportion of e-drum...
Schack’s isolation tips
digitalDrummer Hall of Famer Michael Schack has been self-isolating to avoid COVID-19. Usually an extremely busy gigging drummer, he now finds himself...
New KAT kit
KAT Percussion has introduced a new electronic drum kit, the KT-200.
Stepping away from its long-standing design look of grey cymbals, white...
E-drummer vies for honours
A 57-year-old e-drummer is among the entrants in the new Drumset 40+ category of the Hit Like a Girl Contest.
Vanessa Smith from Longwood,...
On track for drumlessness
Need to remove the drum track? We try two more software solutions which claim to do just that.
One of the most common uses of e-drums is play-alongs...
Cracking the NFUZD code
There are some good deals around on NFUZD pads after the e-drum range was put on ice a few years back. But how do you connect them to a ‘regular’ module?
Some debut for VAD!
Roland’s new VAD506 acoustic-style kit got enormous global exposure just a fortnight after its launch, when it formed part of Brian Frasier-Moore’s drum...
Sal D’Amato: How I Use E-drums
Whether it’s playing live or for recordings, Sal D’Amato finds uses for electronic drums.I have been drumming in the San Francisco Bay Area since arriving...
Roland electrifies Taiko
They did it with the cajon, now Roland has turned to a traditional Japanese percussion instrument, launching the TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion,...
Are triggers cheating?
Drummer and educator Aaron Edgar defends the use of triggers.We all know that person who won’t hesitate to proudly announce that “triggers are cheating”,...
Toontrack releases new EZX expansion
Toontrack has released the Kicks & Snares EZX, a new expansion for EZdrummer 2 and Superior Drummer 3 featuring a large selection of kicks, snare and...
Big news from Roland’s NAMM preview
The world’s biggest e-drum maker has not launched new products at NAMM for some time, but this year, Roland has come out with both barrels blazing at...
New Schack pack
Roland artist, producer and drum DJ Michael Schack has released a sample pack for the Roland TD-17.
The 17 Michael Schack TD-17 Artist Kits...
USB vs MIDI
With modern modules, there’s a temptation to simply use the included USB hub to link to your computer. But Mario DeCiutiis warns that’s not always the...
How VSTs work
We see lots of questions about VSTs and it’s clear there’s quite a bit of confusion about this technology.
So, here is a quick guide to VSTs...
Using e-drums live
No matter what kit you’re using, a few basic rules will ensure you sound good live, as Allan Leibowitz reports.
Sound restrictions, quick...
Sticking it to ‘em
Back in 2011, I was trying to get hold of Carbostick, the maker of carbon fibre drumsticks, for the first digitalDrummer round-up of sticks for e-drummers.
Alesis boosts Strike kit
Alesis has released a new Special Edition version of its Strike Pro kit.
One of the key enhancements is the inclusion of a 20-inch kick drum.
How I use e-drums
Australian percussionist Maarten Stenakur relies on electronics for variety and sound control.
I am a drummer and music producer from Victoria,...
Yamaha EAD10 gets an update
Yamaha is offering a free firmware update for the EAD10 electronic acoustic drum module, adding new creative functionality and customisable settings...
Strike Multipad gets an update
The Alesis Strike MultiPad, reviewed in the November 2019 digitalDrummer, has just received a feature update.
The v1.2 update is the second...
New Simmons flagship
Is this what the Simmons SD2000 should have been?
Simmons has just released a new “top-tier performance kit for the advanced drummer”, the...
E-drums show off in Manchester
Electronic percussion was well represented at the UK Drum Show which ran at the Manchester Centre exhibition complex in late September, as Allan Leibowitz...
Simmons shakes it up
When I heard that Simmons was launching a 2000 w drum amp, I presumed that we were about to see a new chapter in e-drum amplification. The Guitar Center-owned...
MOre to DO
It’s rare to see the launch of a brand new drum VST these days, so we were keen to get our hands on the MODO DRUM offering from IK Multimedia (best known...
Soundbrenner attracts $1 million
Soundbrenner has reached $1 million in pre-orders for its second product, Soundbrenner Core, surpassing its Indiegogo goal by over 1,000%.
The...
SPD in the bag
The Roland SPD range is probably the most ubiquitous trigger pad on the market, used by electronic and acoustic drummers alike, and regularly seen at...
So much bang for your buck
There’s been a lot of hype about low-cost Chinese in-ear brand KZ, so digitalDrummer checked out the ZS10-PRO model.
The KZ ZS10-PRO in-ears...
How we use e-drums
Hailing from Perth, Australia, Feels – comprising Elise Reitze-Swensen and Rosie Taylor – started as a duo in 2016. Blending unique percussion elements...
Simmons adds grunt to amp range
The battle for e-drum monitor supremacy has just hotted up with Simmons releasing a 2,000 w powerhouse.
Simmons claims all that Class-D bi-amped...
FSR pads get second zone
Alternate Mode’s FSR trigger range has had an update, resulting in more versatility and easier connections.
Alternate Mode (AM) and Aquarian...
Yamaha adds monitor system
Yamaha has launched the MS45DR electronic drum monitor system, consisting of two compact satellite speakers and a subwoofer.
Touted for home...
New showroom pushes the boundaries
German e-drum supplier drum-tec has raised the stakes with its upgraded facility outside Hannover in Germany, believed to be the biggest dedicated e-drum...
More TD-17 options
What is it about the TD-17 that has brought out a bunch of custom sound offerings?
The latest customer producer of TD-17 kits is edrumkits.com,...
Top female talent recognised
Raylinne Garcia from the USA and Aletta Dina from the UK have been named winners in the Technology category of the 2019 Hit Like A Girl drumming contest...
Jonathan Barber: How I use e-drums
New York City-based Jonathan Barber, voted up-and-coming drummer of 2018, uses electronics to open doors musically.
Right now, I am starting...
Book highlights e-drum capabilities
In this day of Facebook groups, YouTube videos and free online magazines, it is surprising to see a new hard copy book about electronic percussion, but...
Simmons amps get Bluetooth
Simmons has updated its DA50 and DA200S drum combo amplifiers with the addition of Bluetooth connectivity.
The new DA50B and DA200SB allow...
Another mallet offering
Digital mallet instruments used to be a rarity, but as Norman Weinberg reports, there is now another option.
I’VE BEEN AT this for a pretty...
A true multi-pad
Is it a drum pad, a keyboard or a video controller? As Allan Leibowitz reports, the Sensel Morph is all of those – and more.
INCREASINGLY,...
Andy Selway: How I Use E-drums
I’ve been a member of electronic/metal/industrial band KMFDM for about 16 years. Strangely enough, for such a heavily electronic-influenced band, I have...
Giving the TD-17 added appeal
The options for after-market sound enhancements have increased with drum-tec selling stand-alone sound packs for Roland modules. digitalDrummer checked...
Add Bluetooth to your module
When Roland launched its TD-17 module, one ofthe notable innovations was the inclusion of Bluetooth. This means you can play backing tracks wirelessly...
ATV launches new EXS line
ATV has launched a new entry-level drum range, powered by a new module, the xD3.
Based on the aD5, the xD3 sound module features real samples,...
Muzzio makes NAMM debut
With around 2,000 exhibitors and 2 million square feet of exhibition area, digitalDrummer can be excused for missing a new entrant at this year’s NAMM...
New meets old
The growth of hybrid drumming (the parallel use of electronic and acoustic elements) means that acoustic drummers continue to search for quick, cheap...
More cowbell
According to popular drumming thinking, you can never have enough cowbell. To help achieve that, Ryan Cheney shares his e-cowbell build.
Converting...
Slate’s evolution
It’s been five years since the release of Steven Slate Drums 4 – and in that time, we have seen huge leaps forward among its competitors. So there has...
New Alesis multi-pad launched
It looks like the venerable SPD-X/Octapad lines finally have real competition (besides the ageing Yamaha DTX M12), with the Alesis Strike MultiPad electronic...
A heads-up for set lists
Gigging drummers have a lot on their plate – set lists, song notes or even sheet music. And unlike other musicians who can hide notes at their feet on...
Ravish Momin: How I use E-drums
Ravish Momin is an Indian-born drummer, percussionist, electronic music producer and educator who has worked with musicians ranging from Shakira to Maurice...
SSD5 released
Steven Slate Drums has released SSD5, featuring a dozen new kits as well as enhanced versions of the kits from the previous SSD4 packs.
The...
Aerodrums adds 3D app
Virtual drumming programme Aerodrums has launched a virtual reality add-on to its unique air drumming percussion instrument. The 3D/VR feature is a free...
Simmons adds mini-monitor
Simmons has introduced the new DA25 Electronic Drum Amplifier. This portable 25 watt amp joins the DA50 and DA200S in Simmons' line of electronic drum...
Roland boosts TD-1
Roland will add a new entry-level kit, the TD-1DMK.
Where the current TD-1 kit is a compact kit with rubber pads, the TD-1DMK is built around...
Trigger happy
Hybrid is more than hype, and Allan Leibowitz compares some easy to use, affordable options.
Stand-alone triggers, already loaded with samples,...
ddt hits the spot
A recent offering from Germany’s ddt ups the ante in the e-snare stakes and Allan Leibowitz tried it out with some current modules.The snare is probably...
Tool almost removes drums
Drumless tracks are much sought-after by all drummers, especially e-drummers who are able to drum along to them and create that perfect mix in the module....
How I Use E-drums
Ryan Halsey uses electronics to recreate recorded sounds in live performances.I started drumming at the age of 14 and spent most of the early years of...
Porter & Davies launches ‘budget’ shaker
Porter & Davies has launched a new version of its tactile monitoring system. The BC-X is a scaled-back version of their highly sought-after BC2 and BC...
August 2018 Edition contents list
6 E-drum Vikings
Allan Leibowitz visited Stockholm to catch up with some e-drum innovators.
10 A few surprises at NAMM
Yamaha updates entry-level kits
Yamaha has revealed its new DTX402 series electronic drum kits – an update from the DTX400 series.
Both kits are powered by the new DTX402...
Alesis updates Nitro
Alesis has used the Summer NAMM show to launch a new Nitro Mesh kit. The Nitro is an eight-piece kit (five drums, three cymbals) with mesh heads on all...
Pearl adds KMI products
Pearl Corporation is strengthening relations with Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI), developer of the malletSTATION launched earlier this year.
Just add triggers
E-drummers tend to look at everything out there as a potential trigger device, and a couple of readers approached me a while back saying they had discovered...
PMC takes to the road
The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) will take drumming promotion to the streets again this US summer, calling on retailers to get behind the Vans...
Roland adds TD-17 series
Roland has launched the TD-17 series, a mid-range offering boasting a new module, snare pad, kick trigger and hi-hat set-up.
There are three...
Pearl/Korg line announced
Pearl will debut a new electronic drum collaboration with Korg at the Summer NAMM Show in June.
The e/MERGE line is an all-new offering, built...
Review: BFD Crush expansion pack
American drum maker Crush has no modesty when it comes to describing its mid-range Sublime AXM Series as “truly a work of playable art”.
The...
Ben Ellingworth: How I use e-drums
Australian award-winning drummer Ben Ellingworth adds colour with electronics.
I have just wrapped up a tour around Australia with UK legends...
E-drums reach kids in need
digitalDrummer has previously reported on the use of e-drums to combat bullying, but in Mexico, the instruments are helping a broad range of vulnerable...
Adapter optimises CYs for 2box
A new adapter allows Roland cymbals to be used with a 2box module, and digitalDrummer put it to the test.
Last year, Zourman Drums solved...
Taking MIDI to the next level
A new generation of instruments is changing the nature of MIDI and opening the doors to more expressiveness.
Three years ago, a group of music...
Powering the box
In recent years, the cajon has been transformed from an acoustic box to an electronic instrument. So how can you bring your cajon into the electronic...
BFD adds Crush pack
Fxpansion has released a Crush expansion pack for BFD3, BFD2 and BFD Eco that captures a an AXM drum kit. Tuned and processed to sound “loud and proud...
Roland adds monitors
Roland has introduced the PM-100 and PM-200 Personal Monitors, two new amplification systems designed for use with V-Drums electronic percussion products....
Mixing with the best
Monitoring e-drums is sometimes a challenge, particularly when you’re performing live. Roger Whitsett shares his tried and tested solution.
Analogue solutions to e-challenges
Electronic drummers tend to look for hi-tech solutions where sometimes a simple mechanical device is the best answer. This month, Allan Leibowitz looks...
2box starts production
Sweden’s 2box has announced the start of production of the long-awaited DrumIt Three module.
The e-drum maker used its Facebook page to announce...
Meshing about
digitalDrummer has probably tested more meshheads than anyone else and Allan Leibowitz takes a moment to reflect on what he’s learned in the process.
It looks like a drum, but …
Born out of a Kickstarter, the BopPad is now a reality. Allan Leibowitz checked it out.
I first saw the BopPad at NAMM a couple of years ago....
Yamaha launches hybrid solution
Yamaha has launched the EAD10 acoustic/electronic drum module which transforms acoustic drum kits into a powerful digital/electronic hybrid with sampled...
Tyler Zarzeka: How I Use E-drums
Touring with Noah Cyrus, Tyler Zarzeka uses electronics to blend recorded sounds with his acoustic drums.
I've spent the last 10 years learning...
SPD-SX gets a makeover 1
Roland has released an enhanced version of the popular SPD-SX Sampling Pad. The SPD-SX Special Edition offers all the functionality of the standard SPD-SX...
10 things to love about SD3
This month’s release of Superior Drummer 3 may be a bit overdue, but was certainly worth the wait. Here are some of the features which make this VST...
What do you look for in e-drums?
digitalDrummer and Gibraltar hardware recently conducted a survey into the use of e-drums and here are some of the key findings:
Volume control...
E-drummers feature in photo book
E-drummers are among the musicians featured in From The Riser: A Drummer’s Perspective II, a coffee-table book by photographer and drummer David Phillips.
Wireless triggers reach funding goal
A new wireless, app-based trigger system has reached its Kickstarter goal in just 25 hours.
Specdrums are app-connected rings that detect...
Superior Drummer 3 is coming
Toontrack has announced that Superior Drummer 3 will be released worldwide on September 12, 2017.
Building on the legacy of its predecessor,...
Mackie Thumps get makeover
Mackie’s Thump Series Powered Loudspeakers, commonly used by e-drummers, have undergone an upgrade and range extension.
The new 13000W Thump...
How I Use E-drums (Jeremy Furstenfeld )
Blue October drummer Jeremy Furstenfeld uses electronic percussion to expand his playing palette.
I have been the drummer for the multi-platinum...
FXpansion adds BFD pack
FXpansion has released a new expansion pack for BFD3, BFD Vintage Recording Techniques.
The sample pack uses a variety of vintage microphone...
2box is a survivor
When the 2box kit was launched, some questioned its build quality and the ruggedness of the system. So, five years after purchasing a kit, Jan van Vugt...
The ‘original’ Simmons returns
The battle for control of the Simmons name is over, with Dave Simmons, founder of the original Simmons drum brand, now working with Guitar Center, the...
mimic Pro shipping begins
Pearl’s new mimic Pro drum module has begun shipping, with units dispatched to retailers in North America.
A company statement says due to...
Feel the beat – literally
While many modules have built-in metronomes, these aren’t always easy to use. Nor is a click track necessarily the best approach for all drummers.
Roland rocks the boats
Roland Corporation U.S. will be supporting Carnival Cruise Line’sonboard entertainment across its 25-ship fleet.
Roland will provide Carnival’s...
Debuts down under
The debut Sydney Drum and Percussion Show, supported by digitalDrummer, was well-timed for product debuts, offering Roland its first opportunity to show...
Alesis updates DM10 kit
Six years after its launch, Alesis has again updated its DM10 line, with a new DM10 MKII Pro Kit.
Alesis is dubbing the kit “a premium 10-piece...
Akai adds MPC expansion pack
Akai has released a new MPC Expansion pack from legendary producer Tim Kelley.
Tim Kelley Presents Vol. 1 contains over 1.9 GB of radio-ready...
Roland adds percussion pads
Roland has released a new product line for the hybrid market. The SPD::ONE series consists of four single-zone percussion pads that can be played with...
How I use e-drums
Tom Wheeler is a Bristol, UK-based drummer/producer currently working with Dr Meaker, Paragon and Laurent John. He explains how e-drums have helped unleash...
Alesis Strike starts shipping
Alesis has started filling back-orders and placing kits in retail stores as it ramps up manufacture of its Strike Pro electronic drum kit, as Allan Leibowitz...
Not drumless, but still useful
The quest for drumless tracks led digitalDrummer to a software solution with lots of promise.
SOMETIMES, YOU SET out to find something and...
Use your USB
It wasn’t easy to get early modules to communicate with computers, but as Henry Yates explains, USB has changed all of that.
Let’s face it:...