MegaDrum Module with Mesh Heads. Work?

[dougdude9]

Hello all,
I'm seriously considering purchasing a prebuilt MegaDrum module from Dimitri because I have the need for more than 10 inputs my trigger I/O offers. I read somewhere that anytime you use the mesh heads with one of the MegaDrum modules, the signal is too hot for the module and you can't turn it down enough in the megadrum settings. First, is this true? Second, is there something about resistors you can put in the line to cut it a bit and is there any drawback to doing so.

I guess I'm looking for some input for those that actually have a megadrum module and similar setup. I have a conversion kit using pearl mesh heads (still looking for something better available in the US) and ddrum pro triggers. The setup works great with the alesis trigger IO, but I'm not so sure it will work well with a megadrum.

Any input anyone has would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Doug

[dmitri]

viewtopic.php?p=11911#p11911

No drawbacks apart from that you have to make the voltage divider. Tested with PD-125X and Drumtec.
I've been using 10" Pintech snare for long time without a voltage divider at all.
And technically, linking mesh heads to "hot pads" is wrong. Other types of pads may be too "hot", e.g. a naked piezo is definitely too "hot", and mesh head pads may be "cool" enough (as my Pintech snare).

[rockdude]

I'm using my DIY A to E converted drums with MegaDrum and it's working very good. All of them have Drumtec design meshheads. I've put voltage dividers on all of them, but I had to do that with my Alesis Trigger IO too. Go for it!

[dougdude9]

Can you explain what these voltage dividers are?

Dimitri - Are you still building them for people? I'm very seriously considering a 32 input one, but I'm curious what the import tax will be here in the US. I remember getting some mesh heads from some place in Germany. For starters the shipping was outrageous and then a month or 2 later UPS sent me some bill for over 100 dollars... it was crazy.

Anyway, I'm just trying to iron things out before I decide to spend the money.

Thanks,
Doug

[rockdude]

Can you explain what these voltage dividers are?

It's basically a potentiometer to control the piezo output signal. Here's the way I've done it (A 100k pot is a bit overkill but it works fine for me):

[dougdude9]

That's all way above my head!

Is it a for sure thing I will need this voltage stuff to use a megadrum with mesh heads?

[rockdude]

That's all way above my head!

Is it a for sure thing I will need this voltage stuff to use a megadrum with mesh heads?

No it's not for sure. If you're not using any voltage dividers with your Alesis Trigger IO, chances are that you don't have to use any with MegaDrum either. I have both MegaDrum and Alesis Trigger IO and they are equally sensitive from what I've experienced.

Another good thing to consider is the ability to daisy chain MegaDrum with other Trigger IO modules. I'm daisy-chaining my Alesis Trigger IO with my MegaDrum. Very easy to do. Just plug connect a midi cable from Alesis Trigger IO Midi Out to MegaDrums Midi in and you're able to use all the input from MegaDrum and Alesis Trigger IO at the same time.

[dougdude9]

Good deal!... thanks! Sounds like I just may have to try it then. Now I just need to talk to Dimitri and hopefully he can give me a good price

Thanks again,
Doug

[jman 31]

Smaller piezos help with hot triggers also. No voltage divider needed. Try a 20 or 25mm for starters.

[dmitri]

Good deal!... thanks! Sounds like I just may have to try it then. Now I just need to talk to Dimitri and hopefully he can give me a good price

It's in viewtopic.php?f=3&t=745