Looking for a low cost brain

The Noof

Junior Member
I need a low cost drum brain. One that will except a variable input from a hi-hat pedal. I have everything else. I don’t have a lot to spend. Any recommendations, new or used. I don’t want a rinky dink unit. My drumming is for fun. I don’t plan on quitting my day job, or ever making out of the basement.
Thanks,
Brad
 
I've seen some Roland TD-10 V-Drum brains selling for as little as $350 on eBay - those are really good modules. I had an entire TD10 kit and had a lot of fun with it, the sounds are quite useable, even today.
 
I've seen some Roland TD-10 V-Drum brains selling for as little as $350 on eBay - those are really good modules. I had an entire TD10 kit and had a lot of fun with it, the sounds are quite useable, even today.

I love to have that, but it's way out of my price range.
 
I prefer to use a module to a VST, but a VST might the cheapest way to get a variable hi hat control, as long as you already own the computer.

If you don't take these particular drums out of the house it is a good option.
 
I prefer to use a module to a VST, but a VST might the cheapest way to get a variable hi hat control, as long as you already own the computer.

If you don't take these particular drums out of the house it is a good option.

I new to electronic drums. I not sure what you are talking about. What is a VST?
 
I prefer to use a module to a VST, but a VST might the cheapest way to get a variable hi hat control, as long as you already own the computer.

If you don't take these particular drums out of the house it is a good option.

Drums will not leave the house.
What do you mean already own the computer? Like a PC? What is a VST? the only modules I have is a Alesis DM5 and a DM6. they won't process a variable HH signal. Is there something I can add to make them work?
 
I noticed you've also been given some good advice on vdrums.com about suitable Roland and Yamaha modules for your DIY kit.
Their VST primer explains the basics for using a computer to generate drum sounds controlled by a drum trigger device.
Here's a link for some useful DIY info about Alesis modules: http://www.dmdrummer.com/index.php?board=8.0
 
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If you're on a budget below $200, I'd suggest saving a bit more and springing for something like a Pearl Redbox used (for about $350). In your price range at the moment, the only thing I've seen is the Ddrum module (DD1?), but I'm not too sure it has a variable hi-hat.

A VST is a virtual instrument, like Superior Drummer or BFD. It is hosted by a computer or a DAW, such as Cubase, Sonar or Samplitude. You can trigger sounds in a VST using midi signals from your drum brain.
 
Is CC the term I should use for variable input i.e. responds and sounds like an acoustic hi hat? I have decided to sell my DM4 and 5, and buy a new module. Does the DTX-502 have this?
Thanks,
Brad
 
Is CC the term I should use for variable input i.e. responds and sounds like an acoustic hi hat? I have decided to sell my DM4 and 5, and buy a new module. Does the DTX-502 have this?
Thanks,
Brad

The DTX502 module will send CC messages for a variable hi-hat sound (Closed to Open variations) through a Soft Synth such as BFD. But the internal kits to do not have this feature. The DTX700 and DTX900 module do have the variations in the internal hi-hat sounds.

Hope this helps,

DTX Product Specialist
 
The DTX502 module ... internal kits to do not have this feature.

I'm a little confused. I have a DTX562, and I'm pretty sure I get a range (at least more than 2) of different sounds from my hi-hat depending how open it is. Am I wrong or would I be getting something more or different if I used a VST or the DTX 700/900?
 
The DTX502 module will send CC messages for a variable hi-hat sound (Closed to Open variations) through a Soft Synth such as BFD. But the internal kits to do not have this feature. The DTX700 and DTX900 module do have the variations in the internal hi-hat sounds.

Hope this helps,

DTX Product Specialist

What do you mean by the, ’internal kits to do not have this feature’. Is the internal kit the same as the module?
 
I'm a little confused. I have a DTX562, and I'm pretty sure I get a range (at least more than 2) of different sounds from my hi-hat depending how open it is. Am I wrong or would I be getting something more or different if I used a VST or the DTX 700/900?

There is the Bow Open and Edge Open but the DTX700/DTX900 allow for you to pitch up the hi-hat to get more variation between the open/closed sound.
 
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