Electronic Drum Controllers

Comparing the DrumKAT and TrapKAT to other drum controllers such as the Roland Octapad or SPD-6, SPD-8, SPD-11, SPD-20, SPD-S or PAD-5, or Alesis Performance Pad, Control Pad, or the consumer level Ion IED04, the KATs obviously have more pads to start. But what really sets them apart, and important to drummers is the pad configuration and ergonomics. The pads are set up to play like what you're used to playing to minimize transition challenges from acoustic drums, and the awkward obstacles of the 'reach-over' effect on a linear pad structure. Now what about the power these things have...


Visit: www.trapkat.com

TrapKAT, what's the hype? Who is it for, what does it do....the pros & cons.

Can a drum controller like this bring out the best in a performance, or become an expensive technical nightmare?

These are the questions I had 5 years ago. I had a home studio in a Craftsman style house. If you know these houses, you know I was lucky there was an extra room built-on to even have a 'studio'. Needless to say, space was a BIG factor. Being a drummer as well as multi-track recording with keyboards, I was looking for an electronic solution to the drum issue.

Is the world of drum controllers only for synth minded techies?
Although I had some experience in the world of synths, I was to find out I didn't need to know as much as I thought to pull off a great drum sound. As with anything, there is some learning if you've just spent your life behind a set of skins. So, I did my research. The 'big guys' offered too little(number of pads) for too much(size/ price) for my situation. My drum set was BIG(as in LOTS of drums), I couldn't see myself limited to so few pads. I can also be an extremely hard player at times. Is the TrapKAT up to it?

History of the TrapKAT
Originally released in 1986 three years after the conception of midi(Musical Instrument Digital Interface), the DrumKAT controller reigned over the electronic market for years as the most extensive design in percussion controllers. Its power has been witnessed around the world and is used by professionals such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Ricky Lawson(Phil Collins) and Steve Alexander(Duran Duran). In 1994 Alternate Mode released its biggest venture to date, the TrapKAT. With more playing surface and more than twice the pads, it was a drummers dream.

What does it do?
Being a midi controller, it does not have sounds on-board. This is why they call it a controller as it controls an external sound source(e.g. keyboard, drum machine, sound module, sampler, computer software) via midi. You aren't stuck with a certain brain as with a conventional electronic drum kit. For this reason, it is more vital now than ever to artistic music production, and, is THE only one of its kind for its uses. The possibilities it opens up, with 24 pads and a kick input(or double kick), it's a 25 piece drum set, adn, you pick the sounds!

A brief description of the TrapKAT:
Available in a variety of colours, the rubber playing surfaces feature True FSR(Force Sensitive Response) technology that measures pressure rather than vibration. With 10 large flat pads, 14 surrounding raised edge or "rim" pads and kick and hi-hat foot pedal inputs, up to 16 sounds can be triggered PER PAD, Velocity Switched, Layered or Alternated! 16 x 24=384 different sounds at your fingertips! The TrapKAT also features built-in percussive and melodic "grooves" which can be controlled from the playing surface. This feature can generate additional percussion parts or complete rhythm section grooves for practicing or performing. Each pad is totally adjustable to your own playing style with the ability to create velocity curves and ranges per pad. Other functions include multiple Hi-Hats per kit and a Breath Controller input. There is total midi control over up to 32 separate midi devices on 2 sound modules at the same time, including light boards. Also, there are many "user definable kits" on-board to fulfill the demands of an 'on-the-road' musician.

Why I chose the TrapKAT:

More Pads - The TrapKAT gives you more physical playing pads(24 + kick & variable H.H.) than any other electronic drum system, drum or keyboard controller, or sampler unit available today.

Less Space - A 25 piece drum set, in a box about the size of a kitchen sink. Imagine fitting your whole acoustic drum kit into the trunk of a compact car. Now the whole band can fit onstage at that hole-in-the-wall club you just can't seem to refuse playing.

Setup - How many shows were delayed waiting for a drummer to finish adjusting that rack tom or tuning the snare. Setup now takes seconds.

Performance - For this, playing is believing. No, it doesn't feel just like an acoustic drum, neither do the newly popular and expensive 'mesh' heads. The surface is rubber so it is much like a responsive practice pad. After a few minutes, I was not only confident with the kit, but I was playing licks I've never heard from my own hands. When setup correctly, you won't have to worry about 'false' or even 'missed' triggering. The pads also respond evenly over the entire surface of each pad. There is also nothing I have found that I can't do in the programming; it's all there! Dynamics, expression, versatility are all factors built into the design offering tons of fine-tune adjustments to make each kit 'feel' like what you're used to playing.

Personal Note: If you have ever played ANY other electronic kit in a store or elsewhere, you still haven't seen what is really possible with a drum controller like the TrapKAT.

Live - Sound check goes faster than ever. You can switch out the 'drum set' for each song. With the TrapKAT you are also not limited to the drum sounds in an electronic drum brain, you can play 'notes' on any instrument imaginable via midi. You are only limited by your sound source.

Noise - The baby will sleep better than ever and the neighbours will wonder if you quit. You can, and will want to practice more.

Studios - If space is a concern in your studio, where else can you get a 25 piece drum kit to fit into about a 41"W x 47"D(including the drummer) footprint. That's under a 4' square. If sound is a concern, note that most of all pop/rock/metal/country/R&B/easy listening etc. drum recordings you hear now are samples; the same samples you have access to in sound modules/cards and sample CD's and software all over the net. Imagine, master engineers in a big studio, with great equipment, spent a few days on their techniques just to get one great snare sample. This unit is a great way to play these samples live or in the studio, and you will always get that "exact" sound during different sessions.

Sequencing - This is one of the high points of this machine. Start your sequencer in recording mode, with or without a metronome, and play a 'live' drum track right along with the music. No more trying to do 'rolls' on a keyboard or sampler pad, or pounding out beats with your fingers. Now you can have separate, mixable tracks for each drum, and the ability to move and edit the midi notes/beats, and change their sounds to suit your song. The ability to do this instead of 'cutting & pasting' audio in a program such as Pro-Tools is worth its weight. Note: The TrapKAT does not have a sequencer on-board, you can only play into an external midi sequencer or computer sequencing program. It does however have a "grooves" function which can play a preset sequence through the midi outs for practicing or writing music along with.

Ergonomics - The pads are set up in the same pattern as an acoustic drum kit and are therefore easily acclimating. In fact since you don't have to reach as far, I find myself moving around the kit quicker and more efficiently. There's also something to be said about playing with sticks, as opposed to a finger controller.

Operation - Separate footswitch pedals available will allow you to trigger parameters via an on-board screen with the pads. Each screen has its own adjustable parameters. Hitting pads to increment numbers, 'double-clicking' a pedal sets the decrementing mode. The screens are and easy to use. There are plenty of setup features and each one is a different pad/pedal, so you won't find much menu scroll through.

Maintenance - No broken sticks or drum heads. They will not go out of tune, unless you tell them to.

Reliability - Durable steel frame, time-tested construction and parts, these controllers are built to take the beating you give them.

Customer Service - Alternate Mode is a reputable company, I can't say enough about this. The customer support I have received over the years is second to none. They will walk you through whatever problems you might face over the phone. They have a very quick repair turn-around(about two weeks or less in my experience). They also offer great website support and are continually polling customers to see what they can offer in new upgrades. Enough said?

Price - Priced the same as a low-end conventional electronic drum system, the TrapKAT retains its value as the top of the market. A middle-of-the-road acoustic kit will run you the same, and your stuck with one sound. A 'high-end' electronic kit will sell for upwards of $5,000 - $6,000 with half the drums.

Cons - Not everything can be all it's cracked up to be. Well, I'm having a hard time coming up with this section. There just aren't that many. The 'feel' did take a little getting used to at first, but became its strength in the end with the slight rolls and quick licks you can pull off. It may not look like a cool acoustic kit, but it will raise more eyebrows. You will need a midi sound source and headphones or sound system to play, however this could be to your advantage if you have the volume knob. You cannot play it with brushes, however, there are some great brush samples that will leave people wondering how you did that on an electric kit. It will respond to your hands, but may or may not be as much fun.

Who is it for?
-Studios that want to offer more, much more to their clients/ recordings.
-Drummers/ percussionist who are ready to expand, experiment, downsize or replace their setup.
-The guy who just bought a condo.

www.trapkat.com

Article by Matthew Burgher -KAT Fool
www.soundlegacyproductions.com

www.myspace.com/trapkat

The TrapKAT comes with a single footswitch, a video help desk CD-ROM, a manual, and an AC Adaptor. Alternate Mode also sells most everything else you'll need.

-Necessities-

Sounds source: A midi compatible keyboard, rack sound generator, drum machine, drum brain, or just a computer loaded with a sample software.

Amplification: Headphones or amplification system(e.g. home stereo, PA system, or instrument amplifier with proper connection cables)

Other:
- 5-pin midi cable
- TrapKAT stand
- Bass Drum controller pedal
- Hi-Hat controller pedal
- (2) ¼" instrument cables for Bass & H.H. pedals
- Drum throne(unless you prefer to stand...it can be done)
- Pair of sticks

Equipment Recommendations: Alternate Mode also sells most everything else you'll need, but these are what I recommend:

If you're going the non-computer rout, Roland and Akai sound modules and drum machines have great sounds. Roland especially has great customer service. I have used many of their drum machines and sound modules and so am well acquainted with their operation. The XV-3080 has great sounds and can be expanded with drum expansion sound cards. The Fantom XR is even better with its ability to sample! Also, the TD series from Roland is pretty nice and is set-up for drums. I'm not sold on the sounds yet though.

-Nice Extras-

Three additional footswitches to easily edit parameters, or just 1/4" switches found on the Alternate Mode website.

Roland drum sound cards for more great sounds!
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Visit the home:www.trapkat.com

And myspace: www.myspace.com/trapkat
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MORE REVIEWS: Here's an excellent 1995 release review from Sound on Sound