With the release of the Alesis Trigger I/O, I started thinking of other ways to use this MIDI interface. Normally, you would connect the Alesis Trigger I/O to your computer and run a virtual drum synth software. (BFD lite comes with it) That’s cool and all, but I found that if you don’t have the latest and greatest hardware in your computer, using the synth software live can’t be done. (Too much signal lag) Then it hit me. Why not make a modular eDrum module? It has a MIDI out jack, so one could just connect your favorite MIDI synth. You could connect, say a, Boss/Roland DR-670
or maybe the new Alesis SR-18.
As time goes on, you might get tired of the sounds. You don’t have to buy a whole new eDrum module just a MIDI sound device. Now, I have not done this myself yet. I just don’t have the money right now, but lets take a look at the cost comparisons.
The total cost to achieve isn’t that bad when you look at the cost of a new eDrum module.
Alesis Trigger I/O = $149.99
Boss/Roland DR-670 = $279.99
Total = $429.98
Not bad when you consider a Roland TD-6V cost $499.99 new and I think the Boss/Roland DR-670 sounds better than a TD-6V. Now if you want to get a little crazy you could always match the Alesis Trigger I/O with the Boss/Roland DR-880. Lets look at that cost:
Alesis Trigger I/O = $149.99
Boss/Roland DR-880 = $499.99
Total = $649.98
Not bad when you consider a the new Roland TD-9 will still put you out $745.00. Now there are some drawbacks. For one, if you are a diehard Roland module fan you will not like not have the cosum functionality. The second drawback is, if you already use Roland mesh drum triggers, they tend not to work well with the Alesis Trigger I/O. I happen to be a DIY type guy, so my edrums can be easily modified to work with the Alesis Trigger I/O. This whole concept could be taken a lot further. One could use the Trigger I/O with a sampler like one of the Akai MPC series samplers.
With that said, I think that if you are a big DIY type person, you might want to explore these option.
2 users commented in " Make A Modular Module? "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackHi!
Having stumbled across your page a few weeks ago after discovering that one could actually MAKE (rather painlessly, I might add) their own pads, I began to search for used modules. Then I discovered the existence of the Alesis Trigger i/O. THEN, I came across this post! So… here is my question (and please keep in mind that my only knowledge is what I’ve gained from two weeks poking around on forums!).
I have a zoom streetboxx that I am quite happy with, as it makes the bombastic noises that I like in my music. However, sometimes I would like to flail my arms about wildly while still making the same sounds- this is why diy pads appeal to me so much.
The streetboxx has MIDI In, so would it be compatible with the setup I’m imagining here? The chain would obviously be PADS-Alesis TMI-streetboxx.
From the little information I’ve been able to find, it seems this might be totally doable, although your “firmware” report makes me wonder what sort of problems I could encounter (and not know how to fix them, thus spending $159 on an Alesis paperweight). I am pretty much computer and electronics illiterate, though confident that I can put together the pads!
Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated! I’m sorry this is so long, but I don’t have the e-vocabulary necessary to be succinct!
Thanks again!
Samm W.
You understand it correctly. What you laid out should work. You will have to make sure that the I/O and your zoom are on the same channel (which should be 10) I know the I/O defaults to 10 and I would bet the zoom does as well. You sound like you know your way around midi so I don’t think you will have a problem setting it up.
As for the firmware issue. I don’t think that is going to be a problem. The I/O work good the way it is. Most want a firmware update for more hi-hat control. I don’t know if that is something you will be needing.
I can tell you that I use a Trigger I/O and like it lot. I hope that helps.
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