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View Full Version : rim/head triggering question

Silky7483
08-28-2005, 01:47 AM
Hey everyone.

I've been pricing parts and whatnot. FIguring out whats easiest to work with and cheapest. I was dreading doing the snare with the 1/4" stereo jack, because that means more expensive cables, and searching for an input to begin with(RadioShack doesn't seem to carry stereo jacks...only mono).

Then it hit me at work today.
Would I be able to use one of these cords...
http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/detail/blk/EC.BLK.AV2060006.JPG
attached to two separate RCA inputs and piezos...one under the cone and one on the rim...to connect to the same jack?

Is that how it works? Would that work? I know I'll need a 1/4" adapter, but beyond that, is it feasible?
Neo666
08-28-2005, 01:54 AM
seems like it would work. piezos are in fact a "mono" device. also, depending on your module, you might be able to prduce a pretty sweet rim shot
Silky7483
08-28-2005, 02:17 AM
I gave it a quick try with some piezos I had sitting around and it didn't seem to work. I think its just that my D4 doesnt understand what Im trying to do.

Can anyone tell me if the D4 understands stereo plugs and triggers for rimshots? My guess is that I have to just use two inputs for the snare.
JLee
08-28-2005, 03:02 AM
Sorry, I just don't know that much about the module, but for a DMPro, that is exactly what you would do. On my snare, I have a spring loaded adjustable bridge with a foam cone in the center to trigger off the head. I have a second piezo mounted on the shell, just below the rim, for rim shots (or whatever other effect I would want). The two connect to just one 1/4" stereo jack. (Two separate live terminals, one common ground).
Silky7483
08-28-2005, 06:11 AM
How hard was it for you to fine tune the responsiveness of the cone/head? What is the spring mounted bridge doing for you that a regular one wasn't?
JLee
08-28-2005, 12:34 PM
Fine tuning is a work in progress. The tuning for responsiveness comes from a variety of factors - just how tight against the mesh head the cone is, the settings on the module, and probably even variations in the sensitivity of the piezos themselves.

The advantage of the spring load bridge is simply being able to quickly adjust one of those variables. I can reach under the shell and turn the nuts on the bridge to bring the cone tighter to the head, or further away. The springs actually keep the bridge from jumping when the head is struck, and I think they might also help keep the overall drum a little more velocity sensitive, though I might be imagining that.