Gear

More drumless sticks

The “drumless” movement started by Aerodrums continues to grow with the launch of PocketDrum which consists of Bluetooth drumsticks that pair with a mobile phone. The solution from AeroBand was originally launched on Indiegogo in 2019, when it attracted over 5,000 backers, and then picked up another 4,000 when it relisted last year. The drumsticks pair to the AeroBand app via Bluetooth 4.0. The app features three modes for beginners learning the basics and pros honing their craft: tutorial, game and freeplay mode. The sticks can also be paired with GarageBand to play, record and share projects with the world. According to the manufacturers, the sticks have a 6ms latency, respond to velocity and provide the player with realistic haptic […]

Gear

Mandala V3 is close

Synesthesia Corporation has released details of an upcoming update to its multi-zone Mandala drum trigger. Production of the Mandala V3 will start soon with pricing under $499 and shipping expected in the second half of 2022. According to a company statement, the new model features an upgraded playing surface “to increase an already best-in-class dynamic range”. Synesthesia claims it has applied space program ingenuity to the hardware frame for stability, durability and mounting. Mandala V3 is a multi-trigger standard USB MIDI controller, but the new model gets a new five-pin MIDI output. It now includes presets optimised for popular audio software and a browser-based utility program for advanced output configuration. The V3 product was first flagged on Indiegogo in 2016, […]

Gear

ddrum offers $350 mesh kit

ddrum has set a new pricepoint for mesh head kits with its new E-Flex electronic drum set. Designed for drummers looking for an affordable and quiet practice kit with a small footprint, the ddrum E-Flex drum set features responsive mesh heads, Double Bass Mode and ddrum’s popular black and red aesthetic. E-Flex’s Double Bass Mode allows players to use the hi-hat controller as a second bass drum, which is perfect for players looking to master their double-bass patterns on a budget. In addition, the set has a dual-zone snare pad for realistic performance, 12 preset drum kits for a wide array of sounds, and an onboard electronic metronome. The kit includes three 6” mesh toms, a 6” dual-zone snare, three […]

Gear, Industry

Readers’ Choice Awards tally starts

Voting has now closed in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The winners will be announced in a couple of weeks, in the February edition of digitalDrummer. The survey responses have indicated a few subtle shifts in our reader base. For example, our audience is far more international than a year ago. For some time, North America has accounted for 55% of our audience, with the UK and Europe together accounting for 25%. This year, we have attracted far more readers in Europe (36%) and the UK (18.5%), with America and Canada dropping to just over 40%. We have also seen a surge of pro drummers among our readers – with professionals now accounting for almost 35%. Just under 60% of […]

Gear, Performance

Efnote features in winning soundtrack

Efnote’s new flagship kit, the Efnote 7, is featured in a new surf film by Peter Hamblin, called “Sweet Adventure”, which picked up both the “Best Soundtrack” and “Picture of the Year” awards at London’s Surf Film Festival 2021. The soundtrack is composed by Michael Bedard, Efnote’s US-based drum expert, who also appears playing the Efnote 7 drum kit in the opening scene at Hamblin’s request. (See image.) The Efnote 7 features full-size shells and cymbals along with real drum samples in the module.

Gear

GEWA releases G5 pad kit

GEWA has released a pad-based version of its G5 kit. Instead of full-size shells, the new G5 Studio 5 is available as a five-piece kit with a 12” dual-zone snare, two 10” tom pads, a 12” tom and a 10” kick pad. The cymbal array consists of two 14” crashes, an 18” ride, and a 14” hi-hat. All cymbals, including the hi-hat, offer three playing zones, are 360° playable and can be choked. The kit is powered by the GEWA G5 module, boasting more than 900 sounds. The move away from full-size shells has allowed GEWA to price its entry-level kit more competitively, with a recommended price of €2,890, about €1,000 cheaper than the G5 Pro BS set.

Industry

E-drums year in review

Allan Leibowitz reflects on the e-drum highlights of the past year. 2021 was a hectic year for electronic percussion, with a large quantity of new product and strong demand fuelled by stay-at-home music under COVID-19 restrictions. But while demand increased, manufacturers struggled with supply chain challenges, from materials shortages to rising transport costs and freight delays. COVID-19 also impacted heavily on music industry trade shows, the traditional launching ground for new products. The annual NAMM Show in the USA was held virtually in January, with little new product buzz among e-drum manufacturers. The event is due back next year, but moving to Anaheim in June, meaning that Summer NAMM has been scrapped. Organisers cancelled Musikmesse 2021, the European equivalent of […]

Performance

Roger Whitsett: How I use e-drums on stage

I’m the drummer for the Pizazz Band. We are a regional touring band. We play a variety of music. My band plays anywhere from 50 to 60 shows a year. We run a “quiet stage” with no amps, monitors, side fills or acoustic drums. We use a Behringer X-32 digital sound system for FOH and personal monitor mixes. Everyone has in-ear monitors and iPads to have their own personal monitor mix. In my band, I use a full electronic kit based on a Roland TD-50 module and low-volume acoustic hi-hats. This kit will be replaced with a Roland VAD 706 Gloss Cherry Finish Kit. I run seven direct outs to FOH. I run a left and right ¼” feed from […]

Gear

Vote for the best of the best

The digitalDrummer Readers’ Choice awards are presented each year to the top e-drum products and the people who make a difference in the industry. Readers are free to vote for their favourite new gear – not just to give the manufacturers a pat on the back, but to help fellow drummers make informed choices. You can also vote for the E-drum Retailer of the Year. Finally, cast your vote for E-drummer of the Year and nominate someone for our Hall of Fame accolade. Cast your vote here!

Industry

VAD706 honoured by Time

Current affairs magazine Time may not be the go-to authority on musical instruments, but its inclusion of Roland’s VAD706 in its Best Inventions of 2021 list is still very impressive. The magazine notes that Roland has “finally achieved its long-held goal” with the VAD706 V-Drums. “By encasing ultra-sensitive digital drum pads in full-size wooden and metal shells, Roland has created the first electronic kit with the look, tone, feel and response of an acoustic set—even if you’re playing with headphones on,” Time notes. The Roland kit is one of three products listed in the entertainment category, while other notable innovations of 2021 include COVID-19 vaccines, the latest Lenovo ThinkBook, Google Maps Live View and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip3.