Drum Triggers?

fragile_funk · Post by **fragile_funk** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:49 pm

I am wondering if anyone here uses or has used triggers for recording drums. I need some general info on how to set this up, what equipment is needed, etc. or maybe a good recommendation for a website that explains how it works. I appreciate any help!

Thanks!
-Ian

Sankofa · Post by **Sankofa** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:56 pm

This site was cool: http://members.cox.net/ampage/triggers.htm

fragile_funk · Post by **fragile_funk** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:04 pm

That's sounds like a cool project, but for now I'm looking to trigger acoustic drums...mainly the bass drum and maybe snare. I thought about getting a ddrum Pro triggers, but don't know if there is a better option out there. I also need a good suggestion for a drum module and how the actual recording is done with them, whether through MIDI or actual audio. Thanks for the input!

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:07 pm

Call Tim at Jam Crib. He used a whole Ddrum kit for a while, currently has a zyndrum he uses with an Alesis drum module, and would probably have some helpful info for you.

Al Quandt · Post by **Al Quandt** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:31 pm

The drum module is the most important part. You need to look at the outs. My module only had stereo outs which made it impossible to mix in a recording, and sound guys always hated me when I played them live.

FYI I am selling my pads if you are interested in going that route. I have a 5 piece with 2 kick triggers you just need the module

natewright · Post by **natewright** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 12:02 pm

I have used triggers for recording drums. My advice is to not use a module at all for recording. I run the triggers straight into my pre's. The piezo elements in triggers will record into a standard XLR or 1/4" preamp with dynamics and transients intact. I then use samples of my choice in my recording program by using a replacement plug in (drumagog or aptrigga). My preferred method in using triggers in a recording scenario is to sample the player's own kit and then augment their tracks with their own samples, if necessary. I don't have a large enough selection of nice mikes to mike a full kit at one time, so I like to make sure I utilize what I do have to get the best drum tones and sample those. I then use all my mikes I do have (the nice ones and the "OK" ones) to get the best tone in tracking. Then, I plug in the samples I recorded with my best equipment and it works great.

I use DDrum Pro triggers and you can find some nice samples online and/or get DFH and use those samples. If you don't have money for triggers, but you have enough mics, you could use them to record your drums. As long as you get good enough isolation on each mike, you could use a plug-in sound replacer and they'd be fine.

You could, however, use a module and record in MIDI and then put in your samples that way. Alesis makes some decent modules for a low price, but you can't record each trigger independently, it's all mixed to stereo (this is where it's MIDI functions would come in handy).

fragile_funk · Post by **fragile_funk** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:03 pm

Thanks for the tips! I have pretty good drum mics and can record a full set with them. I was looking to use triggers mainly for the bass drum to get a consistent sound on fast double bass parts. I'll try it the way you suggested and see what I can do. The Judgement CD sounds great, so I'm sure it will work!

natewright · Post by **natewright** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:32 pm

To me, when using mics with the intent to trigger, isolation is key. For bass drum tracks, I'd put the mic inside the bass drum and get as much beater attack as possible, so get that mic right up close to where the beaters strike the head. Granted, you probably won't get a great tone that you could blend, but it would serve as a nice trigger-only signal and be way cheaper than buying triggers since you already have the mics.

Judgement is recording now and I'm relying less on samples and more on miking technique. Once you get above a certain tempo, though, I like to blend samples in to add definition. This is especially apparent when you don't have a big budget studio and access to nice equipment, haha.

Where are you recording? if you need someone to mix and/or master, hit me up! I'm pretty reasonable and I'd love to do some work on your material.

Also, when are we going to play a show together!?!?!?!?!

fragile_funk · Post by **fragile_funk** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:14 pm

We'd love to play a show with you guys anytime. Let me know what dates you have open and we will hook something up! Thanks for the recording tips! Get ahold of me through PM or on Myspace about mixing and mastering stuff. I'd definitely be interested in getting your help!

http://www.myspace.com/slaytheorcs

-Ian