Which Hardware Module Do You Prefer?

[Axe_Grinder]

I realize that there are more options. I'm just looking at the major contenders. Curious of everyones preferences for dedicated hardware modules.


Thanks

[ghostman]

I will comment.. since I haven't actually owned either, but want to buy yammie.. maybe I should vote. But, I should think that a vote should come from a side-by-side comparison. don't you?

[Axe_Grinder]

Not really... It was a matter of preference, not comparison. It wasn't geared as a debate. For example, if I said the midi functionality of the Yamaha was terrible compared to the Roland. For that matter if it was stated that the Rolands lack of ability to sample compared to the Yamaha....

That would be a debate or maybe justifying of a side by side comparison.

This was just geared at asking which you prefer, what you own, maybe you have never even touched a Roland but you know you like your Yammie...... Not why.


Hope that helps :)

[DrumMan]

I prefer the Yamaha Motif(any,reg,xs,etc..)for the simple reason of not only outstanding sound quality,but more polyphony than any other hardware(or software I know of at this time,please enlighten me if there is)-currently,most manufacturers only offer 128 note polyphony,with the Motif,adding a plugin module like a plg160-dr,and it gives you 32 ADDITIONAL notes of polyphony,a total of 150 note polyphony.Very important when doing fast,complex multiple percussion movements,and wanting as full of a sound as possible,without earlier notes getting cut-off.
Just my opinion,
peace-
DrumMan

[CaTaPulT]

Agreed DrumMan.
I could never figure out why these drum module manufacturers are so hellbent on 64 voice poly, when Yamaha was asking for our wish list a few years ago (possibly for the Xtreme III) one of the highest brought up feature was "at least 128 voice polyphony", that part went on deaf ears, some of the other features suggested did make it to the Xtreme III.
I can't say I understand the electronics involved in going from 64 poly to 128 poly, is it that expensive or complicated to achieve?
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[TAKnipe]

The poll was closed before I could vote, that just plain sucks :( lol

Oh well

Loving Yamaha equipment but going to be adding the Roland SPD30 to my gear list asap.

[Axe_Grinder]

The poll was closed before I could vote, that just plain sucks :( lol

Oh well


This poll is from 2008. You did vote.

[TAKnipe]

ROFL, I saw that after I posted

[CharlyG]

I didn't but would have voted Yammie. Price/performance FTW

[EDrum Pro]

I prefer the Yamaha Motif(any,reg,xs,etc..)for the simple reason of not only outstanding sound quality,but more polyphony than any other hardware(or software I know of at this time,please enlighten me if there is)-currently,most manufacturers only offer 128 note polyphony,with the Motif,adding a plugin module like a plg150-dr,and it gives you 32 ADDITIONAL notes of polyphony,a total of 150 note polyphony.Very important when doing fast,complex multiple percussion movements,and wanting as full of a sound as possible,without earlier notes getting cut-off.
Just my opinion,
peace-
DrumManPolyphony means nothing to drums!! you would need 20 arms to use up 64 voices no matter how fast you play!! double bass 6 rack toms and 5 floor toms. You got 2 of each you can only play so much live. If you were using the hardware in a sequencer program, where voices were important then yes. But depending on how much music is being played at the same time with the one sound source. Last voice allocation will keep you always one step ahead of any sequencer. Unless your Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater playing Orchestrations for a symphony orchestra that's 67 instruments!!Another thing is the drum channels are fixed at Midi Channel 10 when using it as a multi timbrel module.

[CharlyG]

It seems to me that those 6 layers you can "add" to each voice/trigger take up polyphony. This is in the Yamaha. I don't know if the Rolands do the same thing.

Just an educated guess tho.

[CaTaPulT]

Agreed.
Once you start layering voices, it doesn't seem to take too long to run out of Poly and some stuff gets dropped.
As mentioned by CharlyG, this is on Yamaha modules, maybe Yamaha just has a poor way of implementing polyphony. I do remember when I had my DTXtreme IIs kit that while playing to internal songs, if doing a cymbal swell, sometimes the internal music would get cut off if I reached the poly limit.
Maybe this is invalid when using VST's, but then I wouldn't know since I've never used VST's.
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<

[DrumMan]

polyphony-means nothing? If so,then why do cymbal swells get chopped off when doing intricate snare work,adding continuing bass drum work??-I am confused considering your obvious knowledge-polyphony,is as important to a drummer as a keyboard player.Also,if you use your sound module as a sequencer,while playing,the need is also obvious.The problem is drummers have been told/made to feel like 32-64 is all you need.Listen to the motif-listen to the muse receptor-is it possible some drummers,after years of playing acoustics,cannot tell the difference.Your post sounded to me(IMO)like someone who would champion lesser choices for the"dumbed-down drummer".Again,considering your experience-your post seemed lacking in reference,and quantifying.If you are one of those who is satisfied with less polyphony-dont try to convince others to accept"less"as you may be willing to do.What sound module/soft synth do you prefer?I don't recall that being answered in your post,rather,you went off topic and personally attacked my staying focused on the original post question-

So, again, what do you use, and why?And please tell us why less is more?-less,is just that-LESS-which is ok,if thats what you are willing to accept.
Look at the pictures in show us your baby-see what I play-? I use the trapkat,and added controllers to the same ,fullest extent of their capabilities.
But,if less is ok with you,thats cool.Just dont try and sell me smaller capabilbities-because some people can,and will do with"LESS".

Peace, no flame starting, just INFORMED, and measured response,
not "accept less opinions"-please, Really, I mean-seriously??

DrumMan

[CharlyG]

FWIW- I accomplished a very nice cymbal swell on my kit! (very first attempt, I could never get it quite right on my 'real" kit!)

[BobbyMck2]

Multiple layered sounds on multiple pads..... you have no idea how easy it is to run out of 64 notes. The fact the Yamaha has a built in sequencer just aggravates the problem further. Not to mention using midi percussion tracks along with your live playing

[DrumMan]

My freind,
I must digress-cymbal decay is SADLY lacking,below 128 note polyphony,sorry,no awards for your ears here:)(all in fun,but serious on polyphony) I also play a rather extensive acoustic kit,in addition to my 32 pad digital rig.Mostly progressive rock/fusion,so doing multple cymbal hits,and playing hi-speed,you (I) can still hear well at age 51,the 64 note dtxpress3,or Roland td-20-cuts off.Sorry,I can hear it with my meyers near field monitors,or my seinhauser headphones,so now what?If we,as drummers(E) accept "less"(which is just that=less,is never MORE)then we have pulled the benchmark down,not up.And yes,I do play often various sequences through my Motif(160 note polyphony with the plg-150DR installed),it is like this analogy-the overhead of a power/preamplifier,that has a wider frequency range than human hearing is capable of.The sound is never"compressed",or squashed.
polyphony(notes sounding at the same time)is the same.When I play different samples(cymbals mostly,but others apply per your own sound module choice) I can tell when there is "cutoff".
I will grant you that MOST drummers, cannot hear even 60-14khz,so hearing decay from a sample does become irrelavent at that point.
Good topic,interesting to hear other drummers ears weigh in on the subject of polyphony-it IS important,if it was;nt-would'nt soft/synth,and the big manufaturers of edrum soft/hardware-say this number(32 or 64) is all DRUMMERS need?
hmmm... think about it--please.
Peace-
DrumMan

Trapkat by Alternate Mode player

[DrumMan]

I must diss-agree-so do most soft synth manufacturers.You accounted for 11 drums in your post,what about cymbals/substain?The more overhead you have(this also applies to audio&horsepower,but we'll save it for later:)
the more"realism"a well trained ear can hear,especially ears that have beyond nasty MP3 squashed sounds.
Drummers deserve as much,if not more than keyboard players.
and I'm sorry-32&64 note modules-lack.
If not,why do you suppose newer hardware(yamaha motif)and soft-synth developers/manufacturers have upped it?
please explain,this conversation/topic got a full ride on the alternate forum.
Other's feel free to weigh in.
peace,
DrumMan

[WildWes]

I'd rather not weigh in. I'm completely happy with the sounds of my outdated modules to satisfy my hobby of playing edrums. Damn my worthless ears to not be tortured for the search of the perfect drum sound.