Tag: Zendrum

Gear, Performance, Samples

Forget the beat and listen to the sounds

digitalDrummer checks whether a drum machine can be deployed as a module. The challenge We are seeing more and more MIDI controllers in the market – instruments like the trapKAT and Zendrum, as well as multipad offerings like the Avatar PD705. These devices need a sound source – or a better sound source than the stock version. Options to date have ranged from drum modules to VSTs, but both can be costly and complicated. At the same time, access to multi-layer drum samples is increasing, and with a couple of third-party tools out there, it’s possible to generate fantastic samples relatively cheaply and easily. Both Zendrum and Alternate Mode have offered dedicated sound modules for their instruments – the StompBlock […]

Gear

The missing wireless element

The rise of wireless solutions is seeing more Zendrummers cut their ties to the merge brick and go hands-free. Those with some forethought ordered the 9v battery option when they had their instrument built. This means they are able to power their Zendrum from a battery rather than being forced to use the merge brick. If you hadn’t chosen that option, powering the instrument could be tricky. Yes, there are DIY hacks to connect a battery to a MIDI cable, but Zendrum does not recommend this approach – on the contrary, there have been specific warnings against this. So, a not-so-new solution, the Chris de Haas Battery Box Adaptor, is again showing its worth. The adaptor was developed by de […]

DIY, Gear

Add backing tracks to the Stompblock

Zendrummers familiar with the Stompblock will agree with its developer that it’s a “simple, effective, and affordable pro quality sound player” which works totally plug and play with the percussion controller. For the uninitiated, the Stompblock is a small sample player which connects via MIDI to the Zendrum. It also powers the Zendrum, eliminating the need for the Merge Brick power adapter. Not only does the Stompblock come with an array of rich, high-quality samples, it can also import new sounds, with the companion software even able to extract samples from drum modules and VSTs. But if there’s one thing missing from the Stompblock, it’s play-along ability. You can’t plug in your phone or any other source of backing tracks […]

Gear

Upgraded Shifter for Zendrum

Zendrum Studio, the manufacturer of accessories for the Zendrum MIDI trigger instrument, has unveiled its latest offering, the ZDS Shifter Pro. Replacing the merge (power) brick, the standard Shifter also does away with the need for MIDI/USB converters. While the original Shifter included two footswitches which could send CC control messages to computers,  the Shifter Pro adds new features such as TRS jacks for attaching external triggers, expression and hi-hat pedals. According to its developer, the Shifter Pro combines five products in one, functioning as a USB MIDI device, a Zendrum power supply, three CC footswitches, a trigger interface capable of handling two dual-zone triggers or four mono triggers, and a MIDI filter, supporting up to 470 “shift” rules. Update: […]