Deciding on 32 input DIY vs 56 input kit

[CCinBR200]

Newbie asking for help deciding on direction. I am trying to decide between buying the 644 chip and going completely DIY vs getting one of the kits and putting the finishing touches on it. First, money is not the constraint. I can afford either. My concerns are (in order):

1) I want to improve my hi-hat performance. I currently use Roland TD-6 to trigger Addictive Drums and the hi-hat function is very limited/frustrating. I have a VH-11 hi-hat trigger. Is there a big difference in the functionality between the 644 and STM32F205RCT6, especially hi-hat functionality?

2) Is the 644 likely to become obsolete (not supported by future firmware revisions? I tend to keep things a long time (e.g. TD-6) and don't want to be unable to move to newer software revisions soon.

3) I'm learning hobby electronics and think putting my own stuff together is fun. I've reviewed the process and think I could manage the full DIY myself (famous last words).

4) The 644 can only support 48 inputs. The STM32F205RCT6 supports 56 but 48 seems like plenty enough for me.

I like the idea of full DIY but don't want to lose (much) functionality if the STM32F205RCT6 is that much better . But sometimes the marginal improvement isn't really noticeable. Will I notice?

Any help is appreciated!!

Carlo

[airflamesred]

I can't be specific with the hi hat or support but I did feel a big difference in latency when moving to the ARM processor.

[dmitri]

1) I want to improve my hi-hat performance. I currently use Roland TD-6 to trigger Addictive Drums and the hi-hat function is very limited/frustrating. I have a VH-11 hi-hat trigger. Is there a big difference in the functionality between the 644 and STM32F205RCT6, especially hi-hat functionality?

Not at the moment.

2) Is the 644 likely to become obsolete (not supported by future firmware revisions? I tend to keep things a long time (e.g. TD-6) and don't want to be unable to move to newer software revisions soon.

Atmega644 has no room for improvements. I certainly will support it in terms of fixing bags if found but adding new functionality is almost impossible.

3) I'm learning hobby electronics and think putting my own stuff together is fun. I've reviewed the process and think I could manage the full DIY myself (famous last words).

I guess you will still have plenty of DIY fun even with kits and still have "latest-n-greatest".

[CCinBR200]

Thanks for both posts!! Kit it is! I'll PM you, DMitri.