I want to buy one but first I'd like to know...

[Red]

Hi all, (first post)

I've gone through most of this web site and I'm on the verge of buying, I just need to confirm 2 things please.

Strictly hardware related.

Once I've built this device, is it REALLY as simple as pasting a Piezo capacitor onto a pad and then linking it to this system with a big jack or something? - All done with care and so on obviously - but what I mean is, there's no other converter or something that I will need is there? It's just this device, a couple of pads, and that's it? (once again - not talking about the software and PC side).

My second question is on speed and reliability.
I'm looking to use this for live performances so I really need to know from others out there that have built this... How many pads can play simultaneously without incident (loss / miss-hit / delay etc.)?
Let's say 3 snares were linked to the device and all 3 are drum rolled. Can it take it? Where does it start loosing the beat, so to say?

Many thanks.

[kwas]

Hi and welcome!

1. Yes it's (more or less) that simple!
2. How many hands do you have?

[jman 31]

Yes, at it's basic function it is that simple. There are things to be taken into consideration when building an entire drum set though. Things such as crosstalk, which is the vibration of another piezo than the one you actually struck causing another zone to trigger. There is a great DIY section HERE at vdrums.com that has lots of great ideas for cymbal and pad construction. You can, if you want though, just use double sided tape and stick piezos to a bunch of boards, set them on the table and commence to playing drums.

As far as rolls go, that is going to depend on how well you set up your megadrum functions, how good your triggers (piezo cymbals and pads) are, and how well everything is isolated. If all is working perfectly, I doubt you could outrun the electronics.

Jman

[Red]

Thanks, that's very helpful.

As for 3 snares...
I'm hoping to link about 3 kits to this device (3 drummers).

[jman 31]

Thanks, that's very helpful.

As for 3 snares...
I'm hoping to link about 3 kits to this device (3 drummers).

There is only a spot for one hi-hat. That's going to be the limiting factor in more than one drummer.