Dave Plumb from Manchester in the UK shows off his kit. Dave’s kit: Roland VAD 503 Roland TD-27 module ddrum DDTi interface Yamaha DTX Multi 12 DTXplorer module Additional drums: Three PD-85 toms; 8”, 12”, 14” A2E toms Additional cymbals: Lemon and Roland Dave’s story: I started playing the drums at 13 years old when I discovered prog rock. The bands I listened to and which influenced me were...
If there’s been one criticism of DWe Drums, it’s been the acoustic noise of the metal cymbals. Now, DW is addressing this by offering the kits paired with Roland’s V-Cymbal pads. At the heart of the new offering is Roland’s DrumLink system which brings wireless trigger support to Roland analogue cymbals, drum pads and triggers. When paired with the DWe DrumLink Wireless Hub, the WT-10 Wireless...
Toontrack is keeping them coming with the release of the Acoustic Songwriter EZX, a new expansion for EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3, featuring a broad selection of kits recorded by multi-award-winning producer/engineer/mixer Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) at the Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, TN. This release marks the 69th individual title in Toontrack’s massive...
Roland is descending on New Zealand, with a couple of events in Auckland. The Roland-fest kicks off on Thursday, 29 May, with a drum lab at the Backbeat Bar, 100 Karangahape Rd, at 6 pm. Hosted by V-Drums product manager Simon Ayton and Danny Boldiston, DW product manager, the session will highlight the latest Roland and DWe instruments. The presentation will cover how pros use electronics to get...
Another replacement screen option for Roland TD-12, TD-20 and TD-20X drum modules UK online e-drums supplier Love Drums is the latest to offer replacement screens for Roland TD-12 and TD-20 modules. Until recently, Love Drums, which sells used modules and drum pads as well as e-drumaccessories, was a reseller of the two replacement screen options which have been on themarket since 2021. As...
Alesis has expanded its Strata e-drum range with the launch of a new kit, the Strata Club kit. The new kit delivers on the increasing need for pro-quality sound in compact spaces with a plug-and-play experience that mirrors an acoustic set – all at an affordable price, according to Alesis. The Strata Club is a seven-piece kit based on the mid-range Core module, which sports a 7″...
To meet the growing demand for multi-sensor trigger systems, Germany’s R-Drums has launched its Chain Trigger internal side-mounted drum trigger. The Chain Trigger is a dual-zone trigger for mounting on the inside of the drum shell. It is attached to the shell using a lug, so no drilling is required. What is unique about the new system is that multiple Chain Triggers can be installed in a single...
BFD has released an update of its drum VST, just dropping BFD 3.5. The new version introduces an enhanced engine and “best-in-class features designed to push realism and sonic customisation even further”. There’s a redesigned workflow, a range of new kits, mix-ready presets and advanced modelling technology for tom resonance and cymbal swells. The new version also boasts a new mixer and sound...
US consumers face increased prices for e-drums, especially entry-level instruments, as President Donald Trump’s recent tariff moves take effect. Chinese imports were already taxed, and the new measures bring the impost to 20% of the value of the imported items. Experts like the US National Retail Federation point out that tariffs are a tax on imported goods and are paid for by the importer...
Musicians have more choice than ever among the plethora of finger drumming pad controllers. Producer and educator Robert Mathijs offers this advice. For me, pad sensitivity and responsiveness is everything. I hardly use any of the knobs or sliders or whatever else comes with the controller. I go for the pads and see if they respond well. I test in two ways: Playing a beat on the pads gives an...
About
By electronic drummers,
for electronic drummers.
FROM THE EDITOR
Electronic drums have come a long way since the 1970s and are now seen alongside their acoustic siblings on stages around the world. They also draw crowds at music trade shows and attract strong interest on the floors of music shops.
As an electronic drummer, technology enthusiast and professional writer, I know first-hand how hard it is to be taken seriously when your kit needs a powerpoint and amp. That’s why we launched digitalDrummer in 2010. I wanted to create a communication channel dedicated to this vibrant market and the musicians who are so enthused by the digital opportunities.
Because it is aimed at a niche audience of dedicated enthusiasts, digitalDrummer is able to explore drum technology in great detail, but it is written for drummers, not techno-geeks.
Please enjoy our content and subscribe to our monthly updates.
Allan Leibowitz
Join other digital drumming enthusiasts by subscribing
We have upgraded our website so that you can still find all of our previous resources and blog content in our Blog Archive.
Subscribe for new content, or enjoy some time scrolling through our stories, pictures and video from over 10 years of research via links below. And check our out social media to join the e-drums conversation.