3Way DIY Cymbal: 2 Zones with (simple Touch Switch) Choke

[ignotus]

I reckon the problem is the threshold. I also use the same method for choking and use to have the threshold at a low level (1 -3), but it would work fine for a period, then not work at all, then work again, would sometimes work better if I was barefoot... my theory was that it was too sensitive to the amount of static I had on me, though I'm no expert and that may be wildly missing the point.

It may seem counterintuitive, but try raising it to somewhere between 25 - 40, one at a time and checking as you go. Like with a regular two-sided switch, there seems to be a specific value that works just right. I think mine is at around 34 and it works perfect.

[alexmcintosh]

(Ignotus) thank you. It wasn't the threshold, but it got me thinking...

I found that the problem was not enough surface area. I needed to have two materials with plenty of surface area to connect with my hand/finger. Also, I need to have each material be conductive, and for my particular problem, free from lacquer/polyurethane.

I've attached a picture of my DIY 2 zone crash cymbal which works great. Below are the specifics for...
Hardware:
1.)Cymbal is 16" Wuhan Cymbal
..a.)Removed down to metal w/ Wrights Copper Cleaner
..b.)3 layers of Polyurethane applied, via spray can Home Depot.
2.)Cymbal is dampened.
..a.)Killer Red Tape (aka KRT) (part#723, www.speedpress.com)
..b.)PVC film 0.080" (part# 87875K37, McMaster-Carr)
3.) 2 Piezos (27mm, DigiKey) attached with KRT
4.) Remove Semi Circle of PVC 0.75" from edge
..a.) **Remove Polyurethane/laquer, (of now exposed Semi Circle) bottom of Cymbal. The metal must be exposed for conduction, all cymbals have a lacquer layer, I used steel wool to clean mine off
5.) Apply 0.75" wide strip of foil along the perimeter to cutout of Semi Circle
..a.)solder wire to foil
..b.)fasten foil with KRT
....i) Note: I used Aluminum Foil (some really thick industrial stuff I had)
..c.) connect a Wire to body of Cymbal & connect this to Ground (ie. Sleeve of TRS plug)
6.) I used a 3.5mm MULTI connector
..a.) Tip=Bow Piezo, Ring1= Bell Piezo, Ring2=Choke Wire, Sleeve=Ground/Plate of Piezo's & Body of Cymbal

Software/Firmware Settings (for reference):
1.) CrashB
..Curve=Log1Custom2
..Threshold=30 (Gain=0)
..HighLevel=400
..Retrigger Mask=8
..DynLevel=12, DynTime=24
..MinScan=40
..Type=Dual (ie. Dampened Note=0)
2.) CrashE
..Curve=LinearCustom1
..Threshold=30 (Gain=8)
..HighLevel=64
..Retrigger Mask=8
..DynLevel=12, DynTime=24
..MinScan=20
..Type=Switch