Hey, What does This Thing Do?

[JLee]

Well, I got one step closer to completion on the kit now that the Alesis DMPro arrived via Ebay. Looks to be in great condition, with just a couple of surface scratches on the bottom, and absolutely flawless everywhere else. The unit powers right up, though I suppose the real test will be once the triggers are actually connected.

For those who have this unit, or something similar, just a few questions.

1) For the trigger inputs marked 7/8 or 9/10, I am assuming that this means they are stereo, and one stereo jack, if properly connected will allow me to trigger both sounds from that input. Is that correct?

2) The back is marked Toms 1, 2 and 3, but I have three rack toms and one floor tom. Which input would you recommend using for the extra tom? There is one marked for auxilliary pedal, and one marked for percussion.

3) Any recommendations as to where I would look for the appropriate mounting hardware? I would like to keep this thing in as good condition as possible, which is not going to be easy if it can't be mounted on the Gibraltar rack I have.

Thanks

Jon Lee

[HiString]

Jon,

If you haven't got the manual, go to the Alesis site and check for a listing of downloadable documents, specifically for discontinued gear as I have a hazy recollection that it may be there.............not 100% sure. I would attempt to answer your questions but my responses would be based on my DM-5 manual.

Re mounting............most of the E-drum brains (ie: Roland, Yamaha, etc.,) have a special bracket screwed to the bottom of the brain case, unfortunately these brackets can't be purchased seperately. What I'm investigating, is using something like a cowbell bracket adapted to take a shelf big enough to support the DM-5, I haven't worked out all the details yet but it seems that it would work if designed correctly.

:cool:

[JLee]

Did a little more digging in the Fed X package and found the manual. That should answer a lot of questions. I have to assume that the DMPRo should easily be able to accommodate the four toms, snare, hi hat and 2 cymbals I have, since that really is not all that big a kit.

Might have to do the same thing - fabricate a bracket that will mount to the module. Otherwise, I could easily see this thing getting dinged up, which I certainly don't want happening.

[Chippy569]

you might be able to pull off the extra tom in the percussion position, or alternately have the floor and 2 rack toms be the "toms" and your smallest tom be the "percussion" mount (that way, if you wanted to, say, have a timbale sound outta your small tom randomly, it'd be uber easy to do).

your 7/8 and 9/10 would be for something along the lines of a snare/rim trigger or a cymbal/bell kind of trigger. however, with some Y-jacks, you could trigger 7 to be a tom and 8 to be a different drum or whatnot. for a Y-jack, you might want something like a 1/4"TRS male (plugs into the brain) to 2 1/4" female jacks (use more 1/4" to plug into the drums or whatnot).

I don't know how you edit the sounds in your brain, but that would be the fastest way that I can think of.

[skaman]

why not build a wooden cabinet? and mount the thing on there. i suppose that woudnt be very efficient for gigging though...

[JLee]

Chippy

Man, you know this e-stuff. I guess your generation is just a lot more conversant with technology.

Skaman

A wooden cabinet is not a bad idea. I don't really plan on gigging with the kit much, so it would not be impractical.

Thanks for the replies.

[rhjanes]

Well, I got one step closer to completion on the kit now that the Alesis DMPro arrived via Ebay. Looks to be in great condition, with just a couple of surface scratches on the bottom, and absolutely flawless everywhere else. The unit powers right up, though I suppose the real test will be once the triggers are actually connected.

For those who have this unit, or something similar, just a few questions.

1) For the trigger inputs marked 7/8 or 9/10, I am assuming that this means they are stereo, and one stereo jack, if properly connected will allow me to trigger both sounds from that input. Is that correct?

2) The back is marked Toms 1, 2 and 3, but I have three rack toms and one floor tom. Which input would you recommend using for the extra tom? There is one marked for auxilliary pedal, and one marked for percussion.

3) Any recommendations as to where I would look for the appropriate mounting hardware? I would like to keep this thing in as good condition as possible, which is not going to be easy if it can't be mounted on the Gibraltar rack I have.

Thanks

Jon Lee
1) yes, you can plug in a stereo cable as noted. Or, get a male/2 female that separates the tip-ring-sleeve. Works fine.
2) I connect the number 4 floor tom into the percussion plug. You will then need to edit the kits to change the voice from the Agogo to your floor tom. Not all floor toms in the Pro, have 3 (t1, t2, t3, t4) Some only t1,t2,t3. You can mess with tuning and make another tom sound.
3) contact Hart dynamics. they make a really neat bar that mounts the DM5 or Pro on a rack tube, which attaches to your down tube on your rack, placing the brain at your side. Cost is about $35 or 40. Suggest you cut some small brackets from metal from Home Lowes to reinforce the DMPro mounting ears. I've busted mine!!! Use the brackets stopped. it.

[JLee]

RHJanes

Thanks for the reply.

I think I can build some brackets for this fairly easily. And I can see where the ears of the module could break pretty readily.

[Chippy569]

Chippy

Man, you know this e-stuff. I guess your generation is just a lot more conversant with technology.

Skaman

A wooden cabinet is not a bad idea. I don't really plan on gigging with the kit much, so it would not be impractical.

Thanks for the replies.
actually no, it's just my best guess based on the 10 minutes i spent with a yamaha at a guitar center. BUT it's pretty basic wiring (which I actually love to do... man give me a blank studio and i'll do ALL the wiring for you for free 'cuz it's so fun!)