Alesis DM5 Pro

[Rogers-stuff]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the E-Drum scene. I am thinking of buying a set of e-drums and don't know witch way to turn. I presently play a Sonor Signature acustic kit from the early '80s. If you're not fimiliar with them let's just say they are very heavy. Due to some health problems I am unable to carry the heavy Siggies like I use to.

I have been looking at the Alesis DM5 Pro kit and I have found it very interesting due to a couple of reasons.

The price, At around $600.00 it is very appealing because I have a very limited budget

The pads with real heads, The only e-drums I have ever played are the Yamaha and the Alesis and the Alesis was better feeling to me. The Alesis modual was also expandable a little bit. I am not sure about the Yamaha.

The only major problem I have with budget e-drums is the lack of cymbal range. Does anyone here play a set of e-drums and use acustic cymbals. I play small venues and have considered this as an option.

Any imput you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.
Roger

[ghostman]

Welcome Roger!
I started eDrumming in the 90's and I played acoustic cymbals on stage with my e-kit. Now, I am re-emerging into the scene and the eCymbal technology is very impressive. I haven't sold my acoustic cymbals yet, but I have high hopes for the eCymbals. With dynamic hi-hat action, cymbal choking, and dual/triple zone technology, electronics have come a LONG way from when I started. Look around at some of the posts on the more spendy modules, and you'll see / hear some really neat stuff..

As far as the Alesis DM5, I actually chose to go with the Trigger IO, and the IO pro kit should be the same price, but will end up costing more. Why? You'll need a computer, and the BFD Lite software it comes with really should get upgraded to the full BFD product (the retail price of BFD2 is $400, I don't know what the upgrade price would be). But, the IO and BFD would give you more options in the long run than the DM5.

I also chose the IO because I already had edrums I was going to use, I wasn't buying a complete kit. I have purchased some eCymbals and am playing around with them. My experimentation is slow due to I am also remodeling the room my drums sit in. Anyway, I hope others will chime in and add their comments, I am still learning the new technology, too.

Also, check around on youtube, there are videos of most products now.

[OverLord]

I loved the DM5 module, but the cymbals are rather weak.
It is older technology and is starting to show it's age, but it still sounds decent and triggers well.
I wish I had never sold mine for a DMPro.

You will not get dual zones on anything but the snare. And I know nothing about the new pads, but it doesn seem to have a lot of bang for the buck.

[dschrammie]

Hey Roger, nice to meet you...well, kind of 'meet' you, I guess. ::)
Anyway, I agree with Ghost in that the technology of edrums has come REALLY far. I certainly have seen drummers use edrums w/acoustic cymbals, and on your budget that may be necessary. The main downfall that I see is with getting an even blend, particularly if the edrums are coming from PA speakers at the right/left of the band and the cymbals are coming from the drums. That may not be much of an issue if you have over head mics to pic up the cymbals, but then on the other had I'd be a little concerned about the mics picking up pad sound as well (typically edrums that use real heads instead of mesh heads can be a little loud, around the same amount of noise you'd get from the old Remo practice pads).
Of course, if you're able to part with them, you could always do what I did...sell and/or trade all of the acoustic stuff for edrums. :o There are many that do not agree with my decision to do that, but it was the best decision for me. The drums and cymbals had been sitting around not getting any use for a few years...switching to all electronics I now have the ability to play without driving the neighborhood crazy.
But back to you. I don't know a thing about the Alesis module...most people tend to use Roland or Yamaha modules. You'll find people have varying tastes from one manufacturer to another. One thing that seems pretty clear is that stock sounds tend to sound pretty unrealistic. People will do a lot of tweaking on their modules to try to get a more realistic sound. I don't know if the Alesis DM5 Pro has much tweak-ability or not. I have read a few things that indicate the DM5 Pro is a pretty good piece of equipment...but I'll leave that up to other more experienced folks.
I think the use of the Alesis I/O with a computer/software based drum sampler is a great idea and from what I understand the samples sound incredible. But my personal opinion is that this is really more geared toward the recording side of things. I think the use of a dedicated module is probably more appropriate for gigging...plus I wouldn't want to depend on a computer for a live situation!
You'll find that as you get into this, you're going to want to spend spend spend...why, because it's what happens. It's inevitable. You'll fight it for a while, but you will succumb in the end. ;D

I have several Roland pads for sale (PD-9s and PD-7s which are rubber pads), and a Remo Practice Pad kit (which uses the same rack that's on the DM5 Pro kit)...just in case you find a module alone, it may help to stay within your budget. But that's up to you, just trying to offer possibilities.

[Rogers-stuff]

I would like to thank everyone who has answered so far. I really appreciate your thoughts.

Another question I just thought of is, Is it better to run through the PA system or through an amp such as a keyboard amp? Keep in mind that I play smll rooms.

Have a great day,
Roger

[OverLord]

I think you would always want a small full-range amp, like a keboard amp or small self-powered PA speaker.
Unless you can guarantee you will always have proper monitoirs at gigs. Which you probab;y can't.
For small gigs, it will be all you need for you, the band members and the audience to hear. For larger gigs, it will provide a monitor for you and the band.