digitalDrummer has been following drumbeam from its experimental phase through its Kickstarter progress. Now that production units are shipping, we managed to get our hands on a full version to see (and hear) what this intriguing new instrument can do.
First, let’s clarify what the drumbeam is and who it’s for. In the developers’ words, “drumbeam is a compact MIDI controller that features a wide position and force-sensitive interface.” It is, essentially, a sophisticated trigger solution designed to drive VSTs or drum modules, allowing drummers to add up to 10 new, expressive sounds to their existing setups.
What’s in the Box
The package is minimalist, reflecting its German engineering origins:
- The drumbeam unit itself: a slim metal bar with a silicone playing strip and LED arrays on the front and back.
- A USB-C cable for power and MIDI over USB.
- A mounting clamp/bracket for attaching to standard drum hardware.
- A downloadable quick-start guide and the control program.
Setting Up
The drumbeam is remarkably compact (58x3x5cm) and lightweight (just over 800 g). The aluminium housing and high-grade silicone pad are a tribute to minimalist, quality German engineering. Mounting onto a cymbal stand or drum rack is sturdy and straightforward.
Connectivity is flexible. You can use the USB-C to connect to a computer for power and MIDI, or use the TRS MIDI in/out to hook into a drum module or MIDI interface. The unit requires USB-C for power in all scenarios and the package includes a generous 3 m cable. It also features a Trigger In port, ideally for a Roland-style trigger. Note that the developers opted for a 3.5 mm jack rather than the standard 6.35 mm, so you may need an adapter cable.
With only simple left/right physical buttons and no display, all configuration is done via a web-based interface. By connecting to the unit’s internal WiFi and navigating to drumbeam.local, you can define everything in real time.
The first step is to allocate trigger zones. You can opt for a single zone across the entire length or divide it into a maximum of 10 zones, adjusting the size and spacing of each. For each zone, you can define the MIDI note, velocity curve, colour, and brightness. These custom configurations can be saved as presets.
In Action
I primarily tested with drum VSTs. Since there are no preset MIDI maps for this new product, mapping the eight-zone configuration I opted for was the first task. This was intuitive using the online editor.
The playing surface, being silicone-based, offers a playable feel and decent rebound, distinct from rubber pads or mesh. The adjustable LED illumination is a practical feature that aids in playing accuracy, especially when using ten narrow zones.
For an e-drummer, the drumbeam shines as an auxiliary trigger array. Instead of adding bulky multipads or multiple single trigger bars, this one unit efficiently adds multiple new sounds – typically three to four, depending on your playing accuracy.
The positional and gesture-sensing capabilities are powerful, but only for advanced MIDI users skilled in software like Ableton. Most drummers using it simply for extra kit pieces will stick to the basic one-note-per-zone mapping.
It’s important to remember the drumbeam is not a sound source. It only sends MIDI. You need a computer with a VST or a module that accepts MIDI note inputs. This shouldn’t be a problem for mid- to high-end modules, but it won’t work with entry-level modules that lack MIDI ports or USB-MIDI capability.
The biggest attraction, the “beam” part, is its visual impact. The audience-facing RGB LED array is fully editable, allowing for customised colour and effects. It’s an excellent visual showpiece for the stage.
Overall
The drumbeam is extremely responsive – even to hand playing, and the playing experience is totally customisable, with global and per-zone editing options.
In the right hands – i.e. someone skilled in Ableton, the drumbeam is an impressive, expressive stand-alone instrument.
For most of our audience, however, it is probably going to end up as an aux trigger array – albeit a highly editable one. But without some deep MIDI knowledge, you’re not going to get the benefit of much of the additional functionality like positional sensing, pitch blending, sustain or muting.
As a single-unit auxiliary trigger array, its value proposition is strong. Retailing for a touch over $500 or €429, it’s comparable to the cost of just two high-end trigger bars. The fact that it can replace multiple components and offers a simple one-cable solution makes the economics stack up.
drumbeam is an exciting, forward-thinking device. For drummers who love to experiment, want expressive MIDI control, or want a unique visual element, it’s a compelling choice. While it may not yet replace conventional pads for those seeking “set-and-forget” simplicity, it’s one of the most interesting e-drum devices to watch and try.