What are triggers?

I was wondering if I could get some information on drum triggers. I am am not 100% sure sure of how they work, what they do, and what all they consist of as far as parts and amps and modules go....i play metal and i have noticed that a lot of metal drummers use them...ecspecialy on the dass drum.. Thanks
 
Triggers are a piezo device that detect input (i.e. hitting a drum) and convert it into MIDI information for further assimilation.
 
They are basically transducers that turn sound or motion into electrical impulses that can be modified, amplified etc. They are used in Metal a lot on the bass drum to produce an even sound even if the bass drum sound isn't played evenly. Did I use even enough?? Starter pistols at track meets have a transducer on the end of them to take the shot sound and start the electronic timing system.
 
ok, so to get an even,consistent sound on the bass drum i could use a trigger...Would it make sense to trigger just the bass drum, or should i trigger the toms also?...Because when I play very fast double bass, the sound will just start muffling together and forming an inconsistent sound. Will triggers fix this?
 
I don't have any experience playing with triggers, but I do have a ton of experience with not being able to hear/feel my bass drum playing.

You might want to see if playing with isolation headphones (which tend to remove a lot of the low end noise when you're playing loud or if you're playing with a band) or micing your bassdrum or the rest of your kit and playing with monitors (either in ear/headphones or through a PA).

Nowadays I practice with my kit miced up and listen to it with isolation headphones. I can hear what I'm doing so much better and it has made a world of difference in my playing... especially on the bass drum.

Not to mention using headphones/in-ears will most likely help prevent hearing loss over the long term.

Anyways, it's something you might want to check out or consider. Good luck!
 
O I see, so what all would i have to buy to mic up my bass drum?

First you have to undertstand that triggers don't work like mics; mics capture the sound of the drum but triggers only capture the vibration of the drum. Triggers, as explained elsewhere in this thread are Piezo transducers which communicate the vibration of the drum being stuck to a sound module, like an Alesis DM-5. The DM-5 has a preset sound asigned to that trigger. That pre-set, pre-selected sound in the DM-5 will be what is sent through the PA out to the speakers. So a trigger doesn't do the same thing as a mic.

To mic up your bass drum, you will need a mic, such as an AKG D112, a mic cable and sound board or mixer. From there, you will need a cable to each speaker and a speaker. And this is as simple as it gets! In the chain of sound reinforcement, you may need subs and a crossover for live reinforcement. You probably also want a good compressor/limiter and possibly a dedicated EQ.

To trigger you bass drum, you will need a trigger, a cable to go to the sound module from the trigger. From the module, you will need cabling to go to the sound board which will be connected to the pa for live sound.

The advantage of trigger is that there is no need for any outboard effects gear, save for reverb. Feedback is eliminated as they do not pick up sound from an instrument. Also, if you are playing different rooms every night, soundcheck tends to be a breeze since the sound module's sounds never change.

The drawback is that what is programmed into the module is what you are going to get. There will not be any subtlies of hitting the drum in different spots on a drum or even the shell. When the drum is struck, the predetermined sound is what you are going to get.


Mike

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i have done some research and have come to the conclusion that I am going to get triggers..i plan on triggering my bass drum and my snare drum. What are some reputable brands of triggers and modules?...Also, what kind of amp or speaker will I need ?

I REALLY appreciate yalls help!
 
ok, so to get an even,consistent sound on the bass drum i could use a trigger...Would it make sense to trigger just the bass drum, or should i trigger the toms also?...Because when I play very fast double bass, the sound will just start muffling together and forming an inconsistent sound. Will triggers fix this?

Trigger will make the volume consistent. If you are tapping on the bass drum they will still register as full hits. You still have to be able to play in time. If you can't lock in on am tempo or you are floating then it will still sound like it does on a regular drum. Just with full volume.

Axis trigger kits are great bass drums triggers, but they only work their pedals...I think. DDrum is pretty good too.
 
Trigger will make the volume consistent.
Actually, no. You can adjust the sensitivity of the trigger (which is really just adjusting the signal at the module) by adjusting the Threshold, Velocity Curve and other similiar settings at the module. The module is where ALL of the volume settings take place. The trigger's only function is to send a signal to the module, however weak or strong.

By far, the Ddrum triggers seem to work the best. The most commonly used are the Alesis modules (D4, DM5, DM Pro).




Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com
http://www.patentcoachmike.com
http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.facebook.com/mike.mccraw
 
Well im going to get a Roland amp.....If you can find the type or model I would need please post it because I have no idea what kind I need...
 
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