Need help with DIY cymbal - added membrane switch for choke

[dsteinschneider]

I added a piezo to a Pintech practice cymbal (XT16). The piezo has been working very well connected to tip and sleeve. I bought a membrane switch from Myrk and connected the leads to sleeve and ring. I have no instructions so perhaps the above isn't the correct way to install such a membrane?

How do I configure the input (it's connected to Aux1) so the membrane works as a choke?

I tried setting the input as Dual (Yamaha 3 Zone). Once I did that the membrane is acting like a trigger and I'm not getting the piezo hit at all. I think that's what's happening because all I get are hits for the note number I assigned to the rim when tapping the bow.

Is choking an aftertouch type action?

I'm using Superior Drummer 2.

Thanks

[ignotus]

You have to set the type of the rim input to 'switch'. Then, set the rim threshold to 0 and raise it 1 by 1, squeezing the membrane switch every time until you see it sends an aftertouch message (it'll send a few for each squeeze). That's it.

[dsteinschneider]

Thank for the steps regarding the rim. It sounds like I should leave the Head/Bow settings as they were (Single Zone)?

[ignotus]

No, it has to be dual zone.

[dsteinschneider]

That worked right when I got to Threshold 3. Working great. Really appreciate your help Ignotus. I have to say this Pintech with the Polycase project box, goedrum piezo and myrk membrane is a really nice crash. They are really easy to build and I think they will hold up nicely.

[dsteinschneider]

I noticed on Myrk's ebay description page it said for trigger and choke the membrane should be mounted on top. I put it underneath so I'm not beating on it and so I don't have to drill a hole in the cymbal. It makes sense to put it underneath doesn't it?

[ignotus]

If you're just using it as a choke, it's better underneath, yeah. You might actually find it still works as a second zone there if the cymbal flexes enough when struck.

[dsteinschneider]

The cymbal chokes are working very well now - thanks for the help on setting that up!