Drum triggers questions

[oedipus_complex]

I'm just being introduced to the concept of drum triggers, so I want to get my head straight on how to use them before I think about investing any money:

Okay, so firstly I could setup a kit and position my drum triggers over each drum. Do the triggers work (well) on cymbals too?
Secondly I'd send the output of the triggers to a pre or any kind of interface to get them back into Pro Tools.
But then what? How do I convert the recorded tracks into midi data to be able to trigger a software drum machine or sampler? Do you need a certain piece of software to do this or have I got it all wrong? I understand you can get a box (like the Roland TMC6) to externally convert drum trigger signal into midi, but I don't really need that, I'd rather have the computer do it

Thanks
Anthony

[albee1952]

You will need to run the triggers into a trigger to midi interface unless you plan to use sound replacer, in which case you can record them to tracks. Cymbals will not work and are best recorded with live mics. If you are going for midi tracks to drive a midi drum sound source, you might as well go with pads which will keep leakage into cymbal mics to a minimum. If you have a decent kit, I would be tempted to just keep it tuned and miced up well. I use a Roland TD10 expanded module with a pad kit. Keep in mind if you record a midi track to drive a drum module, that you may need to nudge the midi track (ALT-H) ahead 1600 samples to make up for midi latency(not ProTools fault). Alesis DM4 and DM5 modules will do what you need and are pretty cheap to buy used. I think the new Roland modules have better sounds though. The expansion card for the TD10 made a HUGE improvement in sounds.

[oedipus_complex]

Sound Replacer looks like it'd do the trick, but it's far to expensive for what it is and its pretty poor that you can only use 3 samples at adjustable threshold level. For that price I'd expect 20 or so.

Drums pads eh? If I were after say 3 toms, a snare and a kick, what brand/model pads would you recommend?

[TULL]

Save yourself some money and make your own.

Most all drum triggers are made with piezo elements which can be bought cheep at Radio shack.

I have used a Alesis D4 and D5's in the past I have also bought Triggers and made my own, there is always a trial and error with any trigger setup to get them set just right (adjusting Sensitivity)

but for the cost of one commercial trigger, you can make 3-4 or maybe even more of your own.

[albee1952]

Best bang for the buck is probably Pintech, but there are lots of Roland pads on ebay. I use a PD120 for the snare and PD9's for toms.

[TULL]

I am not talking Pads, I talking Acoustic drum triggers, and the best bang is to make your own

as far as pads go, I don't think you can beat the feel of Vdrums

[albee1952]

Agreed on the V-Drums. My home made triggers were never quite consistent enough so I gave up and went with a Roland kit.

[Aussie169]

I've been looking with interest at these guys from ddrum.
Anybody tried them or heard anything?

[TULL]

I just checked this site out, Interesting concept, but I think there site needs more detialed Pics before I would buy, couldn't find any data on US distributors or retial locations.

I would also be interested to know if anyone has tried them.

[Aussie169]

I would say that any ddrum seller would sell them.

This is the Tdrum page from the Australian importer.
http://www.ibisman.com.au/Tdrum.html