Somehow you made a 25 minute video seem like a 5 minute vid! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your high quality, informative vids! Keep em coming bro !
Couldn't have asked for a better side by side comparison. Great sound quality, concise and useful explanations, and good quality video shots. Thanks for putting this together!
Great useful review! Got here from your reply to me in reddit/r/drums. I'm going for the Roland. I'm glad you mentioned looping and I expect I'll use my DITTO pedal instead of the SPD function.
WHAT AN EXCELLENT REVIEW!!!!!, not a lot of babbling, lots of info, clear, quickly presented... SO RARE and well done. A great benefit for me - as I prepare to upgrade my gear for a big upcoming tour.... Thanks SO MUCH from the Middle of NowHere, in a remote area of Canada
I was very surprised when, at the end, you mentioned that this was the first time that you've done this type of review. Head and shoulders above most of the stuff on YT. So much of it is full of irrelevant chatter, and low on thoughtful, informative insights... I'll check out some of your other postings when I have a mo....
@@willswitchcraft Great to hear! I'm planning on coming back to doing more videos (have a bunch of stuff planned w/ integrating Ableton / analog synths with drums), but haven't had a moment to get new stuff recorded / written. Comments like this encourage me to get back on it though, thanks a lot :)
@@DrumGearGeek yeah! I have a dtx 2 brain from one of their e kits, and I thought that the yamaha multi would've been a no brainer, but I'm VERY interested in the sampling. That would've been a very short trip, paired with almost immediate regret.
It's about time someone did a side by side comparison. I have done a load of tutorial videos on the DTX for my channel, The SPD-sx is next of the list. Great video.
The Yamaha DTX multi 12.. I think it's more versatile straight out of the box. The Roland requires a TON of sample creation or purchases, massive amounts of setting up. For some, that's a bonus. but the Yamaha, when it's hooked up to an iPad, is utterly monstrous and powerful. The layers, the round robin feature- for me, the Yamaha is definitely the way to go.
@@foolishness6261 Great news! I agree, it's a super powerful piece of gear. I have a few problems with specific implementation details, as mentioned in the video, but overall it's a super powerful tool, and some of the internal sounds (especially percussion) are top notch!
My only complaint is that you don't do enough videos. Honestly, you could break them up into shorter bits of informative tips for other geeks like me and I'd be a happy camper. This, as well as your previous one on the DTXM12 is awesome though. Now I want both the Roland and the Yamaha. (thanks a lot) Please, keep 'em coming!
Thanks Nelson -- I definitely am going to try and get more content coming out this year. It's been a bit hectic with my performing + "day job" recently, but hopefully 2018 is the year of Drum Gear Geek :D Thanks for the support!
Firstly I am not a drummer. I bought the DTX Multi to supplement my synthesizer set up. I'd heard it was a pain to set up and it is. If I don't use it for a few weeks, it's back to the manual. Nothing is just a two minute job. Not being able to loop on the fly is a trick missed. The lack of memory is a flaw. Don't get me wrong this is as you said a fantastic bit of kit, ask my neighbours two year old, he loves it as much as me. Thanks for making the video. I'll look forward to anymore you do on the DTX Multi.
Thanks for the comment! Are you generally using the onboard sounds, or are you using it as a general MIDI controller, triggering sounds from your own tone generators / boards?
Drum Gear Geek I do use the on board sounds but bought it to play my own samples, which range from trains, helicopters to people talking in fact anything that makes a noise. Cut them up, process them with effects, well do just about anything to them. I will look into doing more on the MIDI but worry how many hours the setting up will take.
Nice! If you're doing a lot with your own samples, the SPD-SX does have a bit of a leg up on the Yamaha, but the Yamaha can certainly handle it (with the obvious shortcoming of the limited sample memory). Another cool piece of gear for working with your own samples is the Roland SP-404SX -- it's similar to the SPD, but it's finger/tabletop based.
Product update. I went with the Alesis strike multipad after research on it. For the money it was a fantastic product for what it offers. Well I had it for about 47 days and it quit working. The sound started to cut in and out and then finally went. No sound through headphones or 1/4 outputs. So returned it and went with DTX multi 12 which is what I was originally gonna go for before Alesis came out with theirs. Will wait for Alesis to be out a few years to work out the bugs, so went with my first choice and am happy with it.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the Alesis -- their problem has always been durability. It's a shame to hear the new Strike pad hasn't fixed that. For the price their charging for that (comparable to either of these units), you should absolutely expect professional quality. Best of luck with the DTX Multi 12 -- it's a great pice of kit!
Thanks. Just wanted to let you know about my personal issue. With the strike. I do have to say they for the most part got it right as far as features. The sound quality is on par with the Yamaha. And much improved/updated features than the Roland spd sx. So I think once the bugs are worked out they will have the best product. Unless Yamaha comes out with an updated improved unit which I think would then put them on top. Even better than roland
Been gigging with the DTX for a year now and am seriously looking to trade in for the Roland. The IOS app seems a good idea but isn't all that when you're busy, easy to make a mistake. And the sample size is far too small for what i need. The DTX is a percussion tool and DAW controller. I need a sample and trigger toy.
Agreed with everything you've said -- especially about the iOS app. It's definitely a hack. I'm glad they're acknowledging the shortcomings (hopefully they'll be addressed on the next generation device), but using the iOS app is not practical for real gigging with it. The DTX multi 12 really is a powerful tool in an integrated setup (whether that's a DAW or a more complex MIDI arrangement), but the SPD-SX does seem to be a better fit for what most drummers need. Thanks for the comment!
True. I use my DTX for theater work (Timpani, Mallet, exotic percussion, etc) and it works infinitely better than my SPDX, which is more of a sampler, trigger. Both are amazing though.
Great review .. I always believed that you could never compare both products because, they are just two completely different animals, if you want a true sample pad your pick is the Roland SPD-SX, high performance in that specific area, but if you want a multipad, that has a large number of stock sounds, to support your drum kit, either it be extra drum sounds, electronics, or world percussion, ie. someone who’d need it for a pit/broadway type show, then your best bet is the Yamaha DTX Multi-12
Agreed! The DTXMulti 12 is also a super powerful MIDI controller -- I'm using it more and more as a combination MIDI keyboard / MIDI floor controller that you can hit with sticks. Thanks for the comment, hope the video was helpful!
I think having both would be great--they are really different. Perhaps a more relevant comparison would be the SPD-30 and the Multi 12. My opinion is that the Yamaha is a better value, especially since I already have the SPD-SX to use for sample playback, especially loops.
Thanks very much! :) Have been using the SPD-SX for over a year now, and was looking for something "better". Now I know the differences and flaws of both models! :)
I don't think this is possible, unfortunately -- there's a setting to switch between the "Sub Name" and "Level Meters" on the main display, but that's only when you're *not* in Kit Chain mode. I don't think you can show the level meters, because the kit chain is always showing you the name of the chain in that location.
I love this. This is one of the most informative videos on the DTX. Any chance of you doing a review with the iPad app for the Multi-12 using samples and kits?
Fantastic review!!! Opted for DTXM12 because of it. Yes, would love to see your review on the DTXM12 Touch App as well as integration with Ableton or Logic Pro DAWs. Thank you and keep up the great work!
We are using the DTX Multi 12 to control Ableton in a band and I'll tell you this - it's been a tough ride until we've reached some sort of an agreement with this device. Always wanted to get a comparison of these two players and after watching your video I am convinced that the Yamaha suits my play style and approach a bit more, though I wish it was easier to use. On the plus side - there is literally nothing it can't do: starts, stops and controls the playback in Ableton as well as it receives CC messages to alter the effects, the volume, anything you want. I've even figured out a way how to send multiple PC messages from a single clip in the DAW so when we play a song the user kits, layers and trigger config change accorgding to song position - no need for a footswitch here. Anyway, I've found your video very useful - let me know if we could maybe get in touch and discuss stuff :) Regards!
Thanks! I definitely agree with both of your points -- it's almost limitless what you can do with this tool, and it would be even better if it was easier to use :) I'm working on a second video that's going to cover more external control -- controlling Ableton, controlling a Drumbrute, etc. Sounds like you've done a bit of digging in that area too -- might hit you up with a rough cut before the final goes live!
In my case it comes to making it the control surface for our DAW - I guess after months of fiddling with this stuff we've reached a point at which it just works fine. We can assign pads to anything in the DAW and automate things in Ableton so the DTX's parameters change when songs progress, but as I said - it was painful to get where we are now and I know there's still lots to learn. For instance we still have issues with click syncing with triggering playback in Ableton (it just requires a riddiculous sequence of moves to get it right, and although it works, it is just not convenient).That's why I posted a comment under your video (not something I am used to) - I hope to get into this to the fullest and I have a feeling that you might help me with it :) Looking forward to watch next videos, but man, my head is full of questions now :)
Erick Torres thanks! I haven't done much with the iPad app, to be honest. I thought it had some neat ideas (the kit chain functionality, especially), but I found it wasn't really practical for me to use that as well (plus my iPad is already used for charts). :). Thanks!
I had the Multi12 and sold it due to such small internal memory. A the Menus… oh the menus! Yamaha makes it so complex.. that being said, the multi12 is an amazing one shot and percussion pad. The sequencer and multi layering functions are great and the sounds are great however the manual and information on multi layering an certain functions re non existant. I had to search RUclips for ages to find a Tutorial. I‘m thinking of getting the Roland spd Sx se to play backing tracks and you can use the Roland to trigger abelton or another Daw with no delay and whilst using the onboard effects. I have heard that there is an app to control the multi 12 but sold it before getting the chance to use it. I may get the spd 30 as well for the melodic side of things. Thanks for the great 👍 Video and the great review. Wish I had seen this back when I bought it at full retail. All the best and greets from Germany 👌👍😎
Glad to hear! Yeah, the base manual for the DTX M12 is pretty bad. It has all of the information, but it's REALLY hard to get anything out of it unless you read it cover-to-cover multiple times :) I'm a big fan of using either to control Ableton -- have fun with that!
If I connect a Roland PD-8 pad to the Roland SPD-SX, can I use the inner section of the pad for the Closed hi-hat and the outer rim for the Open hi-hat?
Great review. Looking forwards to that future DTX tutorial you mentioned in this video. I seriously just bought a multi 12 yesterday and any pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated. The iOS app sounds it would be very helpful. I have the app for the DTX 502 kit and I love it. Keep up the great work👍
Troy Howard thanks! I'm shooting a snare drum mic comparison tomorrow, but should be able to get to the advanced Multi12 review in the following week. Going to try and cover all four areas in one video: the M12 Touch iPad app, using a midi keyboard controller with the M12, controlling Ableton with the M12, and controlling external midi hardware with the M12.
Dude...! Thank you so very much for this video! EXCELLENT PRESENTATION,PACE,THOUGHT,+HONESTY! Could you PLEASE PLEASE do an in-depth review of/ on DRUMKAT TURBO 4.5 + TRAPKAT XL????
Wayne Everett hi! I’d love to, but a) I don’t have either of those units, and b) the only way I was able to do this type of review was from long-term usage of the pads. I know the Kat stuff is super powerful (it’s like the doubled-down version of the Yamaha stuff: even MORE feature rich, but also more convoluted UI). I used a MalletKat back in a WGI line I taught in the early 2000s, and even back then I found it ridiculously powerful (but also ridiculously fickle)
Great video. Really helpful. Looking forward for next videos DAW control etc. I have purchased DTX long time ago, and in the begining it was a device I had no idea how to use. Right now I am shocked how powerful it is. Just an idea, maybe some advance tutorial for IOS app touch12? Once again, great job!
Thank you! I'm working on a second, advanced DTX Multi video that will cover the iOS app, DAW control, external MIDI control with the DTX, and external control of the DTX tone generator (among some other things). I'll have it posted here (with a link from my instagram page instagram.com/drumgeargeek/)
Excellent (and thorough) review. The only question I have is whether the Roland is sensitive enough to be played with hands or fingers like the Yamaha is. I like the idea of a larger playing surface versus the tiny ones on the Roland HPD.
The SPD-SX is not as sensitive as the DTX Multi 12 (and definitely not as sensitive as the Handsonic), but it is usable by hands. You can get passable conga/djembe response from it (but no pressure control like in the Yamaha/Handsonic, so no things like closed slaps), I'd be less confident about tabla-/doumbek-style finger playing.
@@DrumGearGeek Okay, good to know. I'd tried one out in-store once, but didn't really have the time to menu-dive to change up the sensitivity and try it as a hand percussion module.
@@DrumGearGeek One more question while I think of it; would either of these support an expression pedal? For example, say I wanted to assign pitch bend (for talking drums, tympani, berimbau and the like) or a filter sweep or something... possible, or no?
@@paulbogan3400 The DTX Multi can accept an expression pedal in the "foot switch" in, which can be assigned to send MIDI CC messages. The SPD-SX doesn't accept an expression pedal.
Great video. Have been looking for a detailed comparison between these two. It still seems like the music instrument mfrs are lagging behind computer automation in a big way. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! I think they both have their strengths and weaknesses. I've been using purpose-built electronic drum hardware for 20 years now, and still would find it very difficult to justify bringing a computer out on the road (for my needs, at least).
Dude - love this video! Question: Which of these multipads would you look to for running Superior Drummer 3 for building drum tracks for demos? Which do you feel more appropriate, intuitive, and powerful for that particular type of function? Thanks!
Hi Aaron - the lack of a hi-hat pedal makes the SPD-SX pretty much unusable for this task. Based on that, I'd probably go with the DTX Multi 12. I haven't used Superior Drummer though -- does it have a MIDI learn function?
@@DrumGearGeek Hey there! I'm an audio engineer who works with Aaron, so this answer is for both of you I suppose.... SD3 has extensive setup options for multiple types of drum controllers -- Has presets ready to roll for MANY makes and models, including 6 different models in the DTX line. Also, it has MIDI learn, full remapping capabilities, in-depth tweaking of how it responds to the various hi-hat pedal positions.... it just goes on and on.
@@OakwoodSoundDesign Thanks for that! Assumed there would be maps already, but that's good to get confirmation. To be clear - the hi hat issue is a hardware one -- there's no input for a hi-hat pedal on the SPD-SX. Super frustrating! Are the DTX presets for the full kits only (e.g. DTX502, DTX900), or do they also have one for the DTX Multi12 multi-pad? Thanks so much for your expertise!
@@DrumGearGeek SD3 has the following in its Yamaha preset folder: DTXpress3, DTXplorer, DTX400, DTX502, DTX700, & DTX900. I appreciate the thanks, but I'm actually not so much the expert on E. Drum setup i'm afraid haha. Most of my experience with SD3 is in programming parts, tweaking the sounds, mixing, etc.
Hallo, thank you for great video! I have one question regarding changing the orders of the presets in Yamaha. For example, by standard factory settings the orders of presents is going like: 1. P001: PercMaster 2. P002: 80e Electro 3. P003: Sweet RnB 4. P004: Tabla Hand 5. P005: Conga Hand etc… So, let’s say I would like to have this order by clicking “-“ and “+” buttons to the right or to the left: 1. Sweet RnB 2. Conga Hand 3. Perc Master 4. 80s Electro 5. Tabla Hand May I kindly ask you to help me with step by step explanation how may I reach my goal? Thank you in advance!
This is only possible using the companion tablet application -- the device itself doesn't allow for re-ordering presets. You could copy those presets to user spots in the correct order, but that's a bit of a clunky solution.
Hi..love this video. Can you please do an in -depth review of ALTERNATEMODE DRUMKAT TURBO 4.5 and TRAPKAT MIDI CONTROLLER? Thanks...looking forward to seeing,hearing your review here soon
Hi Wayne -- unfortunately, I don't have any Alternate Mode gear, so I wouldn't be able to do an in-depth review like this on those pieces of gear. Thanks!
Great video as a band manager I am looking to purchase one of the two to add more electronic sounds when my band performs r&b and pop which would you prefer
While either would work for that kind of scenario, I generally use the SPD-SX live, because features like the setlist control and easier access to metronome come in handy for live work.
Depending on what you're using it for, it can be helpful. The biggest problems I've seen with sounds triggered from the app are: 1) slow loading times when switching from kit-to-kit, 2) laggy / missed triggers when playing fast parts using external sounds. What it's nice for is running backing tracks when you have some time between songs. Plus, the sounds are routed from the iPad audio output, which means that you can't use that for other things (e.g., a metronome app). You can run the iPad audio in through the "Aux In" on the DTX Multi, but when you do that, you lose the ability to add any of the DTX effects / EQ to the sounds. It's a creative solution to the problem from Yamaha, but it would have been a lot (a lot a LOT) better if they had just included a sensible amount of storage on the device to begin with.
@@DrumGearGeek That load time does seem to be pretty obnoxious, really wish they would at least upgrade the USB to 3.0 so you could just run from external storage without that lag. Seems like the yamaha would be best put to use in a studio setting, and the roland live imo Would you recommend the yamaha 4 years on?
@@a-nus For me, I use the DTX a lot more than the SPD-SX, just because of the flexibility. I'm not generally running a lot of long backing tracks anymore (and for the one band that I do, I use the SPD-SX). However, my usage is pretty atypical -- I generally don't even hook up the audio outputs of the DTXMulti12 -- I generally just use it as a drumstick-operated MIDI controller, controlling Ableton + various hardware synths with it. For that use case, the MIDI flexibility of the DTXM12 is super useful - being able to trigger 4-note chords, or sending MIDI PC + CC messages, plus multi-channel configuration messages being sent. For traditional hybrid setups where I'm triggering electric drum sounds, most of the time I've switched to using either a TM-6 or SPD-One, depending on the complexity of the setup.
An incredibly thorough study without the slightest bit of boredom! Your two DTX videos really helped inform my decision to buy one of my own. A few disappointing things, but should be ALMOST ideal for my peculiar purpose (the ultimate one-man-band). One thing you might want to amend: according to the manual, the Foot Switch input can also be programmed as an additional instrument trigger or HH controller. Two questions: 1) Do you know if a basic foot switch (like the FC5) can be used in the HH Control input? Pedal space is limited in my setup, and I would use it as an extra instrument trigger more often than an actual HH cutoff. 2) Might there be a way to 'hack' the cutoff capabilities of the HH Control input (or HH Control function on the Foot Switch input) to create the "all off" option that is lacking?
Thanks (again!) That's a great point -- I was only thinking of the footswitches on the two modules in terms of "utility" functions, but you can use the footswitch as another input on both, or as a (simple / binary) hi-hat controller on the DTX. For your first question: No, unfortunately the HH controller only accepts one of two Yamaha hi-hat controllers, the HH65 or the HH135 -- it's looking for a ranged controller, not a simple on-off. I double checked the manual and confirmed with my own FC5 (tried both the Yamaha FC5 and a Boss FS-6). Interestingly, you _can_ use a hi hat controller pedal in the footswitch jack (the opposite of what you're trying to do). You can use it as a trigger switch, or as a MIDI continuous controller pedal (cool!). For the second question, I haven't been able to figure out a way to make that work. I tried setting up a MIDI control change 120 (All Sound Off), but the DTX Multi only supports CC #s up to 95. Hrmm. I also tried using an AltGrp, but a) the alt group doesn't work if you set a pad to no sound (although you could potentially get around this by setting a sound, but just setting the volume to 0), and b) it also means that all of the other sounds will cancel each other out. No bueno. Sorry! Note that there _is_ the solution of "Shift + Exit" for all sounds off, there's just not an easy way to do it one-handed or "off console". Hope this helps!
Funny. Even before I saw your reply, I started to think of ways that an actual HH pedal might still be handy in this new version of my setup. And I may have found a spot to place it. Looks like I might be getting an HH65. One more question (for now): I've looked all over the manual, and can't find how you designate which pad or trigger will respond to the HH control in a particular kit.
On the DTX Multi, any/all pads can be controlled by the HH controller. Basically, set up your sounds using the layer function (in the "VCE1" setting page, the little A-D icons in the top right). Then in the KIT setting, decide how you want to switch between layers. This is set separately for each pad in each kit. Use the "LayerSwitch" setting (kit 7-1) to determine how to switch between layers. Set LayerSwitch to "hh", and the hi-hat pedal will switch between the A/B and C/D layers. (A+B when pedal is up, C+D when pedal is down). This is combined with the PlayingMode setting (MIDI1-1) to determine how the individual layers work. If PlayingMode is "stack", layers A and B will both be played simultaneously when the pedal is up, and C+D will both be played simultaneously when the pedal is down. If PlayingMode is "alternate" layers A+B will alternate when the pedal is up, and C+D will alternate when the pedal is down. This is generally what I use, with slight adjustments in pitch between the A+B samples (and C+D samples) to make the hi hat playing sound a little bit more realistic. This is also a great way to use separate "left hand" and "right hand" samples, if you have them. As an aside, I use this similar technique on drums that aren't being adjusted by the HH pedal too, only there I have 4 variations to cycle through. For samples with LH and RH variants, I'll use LH on layers A and C, and RH on layers B and D and alternate through the entire stack.
HI Miles -- the multi 12 basically can function as a standard MIDI controller -- note start and stop, program change message, and control change messages are all available. Is there something in particular you were interested in? For the quantization -- I've never actually used the DTX Multi 12's onboard sequencer. Frankly, I don't find it to be a very good sequencer :)
@@DrumGearGeek Well it's just that when I make a pattern and use quantization, and playback, the pattern sounds different than what I recorded. Do you know a way around this?
@@DrumGearGeek And also can you help me understand clocking with a daisy chain when I have multiple instruments that I want to sync for a track? I do hip hop and I have a sampler, midi keyboard, and the multi 12 and I want to use the keyboard to control melodic sounds and the multi 12 to control the drums locally on channel 10, and the sampler to use its own internal samples. But I want it all in time and in sync. Hopefully you can help me.
The new Alesis Strike Multipad has 32GB of storage which 6 GB has been taken from the onboard 7000 sounds featuring some from the flagship Strike. For only 700$. Take that, Roland.
Dude Guy Bro Man the Strike is pretty interesting, but it’s missing some of the functionality of the SPD-SX. It’s nowhere near as powerful as the DTX, but the interface (and obviously storage) is MUCH better.
Absolutely amazing review man. I was looking for that exact review. I'm leaning on the DTX at the moment based on price alongside what I need it for. I only plan on using the pad to sample certain drum sounds, use the click in my monitors, potentially manipulate some default sounds. I think, ideally, the sdsx is the better choice for me as I require it for more live sounds than anything. Could you maybe do a tutorial on how you would go about playing a live set with each of these as samplers? That would be amazing! Thanks
Thanks so much! I think either one will work for you -- the sounds on the DTX are great, and work really well for live and recorded performance. If the DTX had a bit more sample memory (okay, a LOT more sample memory), and had a KIT CHAIN function (seriously, this one is inexcusable -- my Yamaha METRONOME has a chain function) it would be just about perfect for me. I'm working on some more reviews for these now -- I like your idea about running through a live set -- will try and see if I can come up with something compelling. I have one other on the DTX right now, but it's pretty niche -- how to use the internal tone generator along with a keyboard to get two instruments in one: ruclips.net/video/HDs23f18OgY/видео.html More coming soon, hopefully! Thanks again! b
Oh yeah man I watched it straight after! Really interesting hack! I was actually interested to know whether these kinds of midi settings would be present on other devices such as digital synthesizers or whatever. I'm currently investigating whether my Roland JDXI would have the same kinds of midi settings so that I could use its samples but extend the key range to something bigger as I've an 88 key midi which I would love to use instead. Do you reckon the a similar hack may be available?
Thanks! I"m not sure if you'd be able to set up multiple voices on the JDXI -- analog synths generally don't have support for multiple MIDI channels, but that's a hybrid, so it _might_. However, it DEFINITELY should support regular MIDI in, so that you can plug in a keyboard and use it to control the master settings via that (in other words, it wouldn't be different sounds than the onboard keyboard, it would just duplicate those)
Hi Bill - I actually ended up selling my RC202 before I had a chance to dig into it -- I still haven't found my perfect drummer-centric looper yet, but I'm continuing to try different models.
That's true! The iPad app does add some functionally to the DTX Multi 12, but it's still a much more complicated set up than using something made for that functionality like the SPD-SX.
@@DrumGearGeek definitely, but probably easy once you get the hang of it. My idea is to use it for my backing tracks for a live show and for drum solo sections, and sometimes for production as well, and possibly live looping which I will need a looper for. Doing a full day of research lol, thanks for the video 🙏
Digiphex Electronics the SPD-SX doesn’t support a hihat pedal, so out of these two, only the DTX Multi 12 would work. The older Roland SPD-S (the grey one) has a hi hat input. But the newer one (black and red) does not. The Roland octapad also works, although I feel that the Yamaha really excels. There’s a great acoustic set that you can load separately from Yamaha’s site.
Yes, it sends standard MIDI messages (notes and/or CC) over USB or DIN. It doesn't send audio over USB, but you can connect via 1/4" out to your interface and record that way.
Hey great video!! Is it possible to connect a Roland BT-1 to the Multi 12 and use it as a simple open hi-hat? And I would also like to know if it is possible to connect a SPD One Kick to the Multi 12 and use it just as a simple kick drum?
Hi! You can connect the BT-1 to the Multi12, but it won't get the advanced rejection capabilities that it has on Roland products -- it'll just be treated as a regular piezo trigger. Should work fine if you have it on a separate stand / mount, but I wouldn't try using it attached to the rim of another drum -- it'll cause lots of misfires. You can connect the SPD One's audio output into the "Aux In" on the DTX M12 and have both sounds come out of the DTX M12 main output, but you can't use the SPD-One as a trigger. Hope that helps!
It really depends what you want to do with them. As I say in the video, they do very different things well. For most pop gigs, I find myself using the Roland SPD-SX, but for anything that's more complicated or relying on playing melodic parts from the drums, I'm using the DTX Multi12. If I could only own one, I'd go with the Multi12, because I need that advanced capability and I'm willing to sacrifice some of the usability and smart features of the Roland.
great review, but please can you tell us how they actually play? as in the feel and response of the pads. Dynamic range and sensitivity settings. Thanks
Hi Ritchie -- thanks for the comment! I find that feel and response is very personal -- the two pads feel so vastly different (and in the case of the DTX Multi 12, so unlike anything else out there) that I think you really need to play them for yourself to see which one will work best. I've had friends who have strongly preferred one over the other, but no consistent winner (i.e., some prefer the Yamaha, some prefer the Roland) -- however, it tends to be a STRONG preference. The people who like the Yamaha feel really prefer it over the Roland, and vice-versa. Except for me, that is :) I like the surfaces both, but keep in mind that I use mine for two different purposes. I think the Roland would probably be a bit "hard" for my preferences if I was playing full patterns on it, but for what I use it for (triggering tracks, loops, and dialogue clips), it works fine. Hope that helps!
Drum Gear Geek thanks.. nowhere near me has them on demo. id be using it mainly for inputing midi patterns in the studio. currently using DTXtreme 3. but its overkill as i end up using a single pad 90% of the time. so looking for something like this.
Great video. I am a hobbyist drummer and would like to add in electric sounds to play some of the songs where I can't get that from my acoustic. For example the way you make me feel by MJ. Do you have a recommendation from that point of view? I have a Yahama electric drum kit and find setting the sounds on it pretty easy like creating a custom kit for a song or style of music. I get the sense this Yamaha unit is not there yet. I don't want to geek out and do crazy stuff so basic looks and samples being played.
Thanks Glen! For that kind of playing, either device would work -- for the most part, it's only the complicate functions of the Yamaha kit that have some UX issues. Another option would be something like the SPD-One (if you only needed one sound at a time, for example a processed snare), or even the Alesis SamplePads. They're not built to the same quality, but if you don't need extreme durability or a lot of flexibility, those might work as well.
I don't think there's a significant difference between the two. They're both using mid-tier components for that part (plastic jacks, etc.), but they also both sound fine. They're both using samples, not any kind of COSM/processed sounds, so the difference in the actual playback of sounds is negligible.
no mention at all of how the sequencer works on the yamaha or screen shots of the editor app for the yamaha. note the roland doesn't have a sequencer. neither does the alesis sample pad pro btw.
Oh, there's definitely stuff I didn't cover. Like I said, this is more from a perspective of using these as performance tools. The sampler on the DTX is not something I'd ever use in a live performance. It's really just for practicing. The iPad app is intriguing, but not something that I personally use, so I don't feel like I can do the quality of video that I'd like -- I base my videos on my own professional experiences, not just feature rundowns. Hope that helps you understand why I chose to cover what I did. Thanks for the feedback!
your vid was pretty brilliant actually, i agree you can't cover everything without being over a hour long or more i think i got a better understanding now though and did not realise the 64 mb is user ram and you keep all the factory sounds...i thnk the yamaha is probably for me now
Thanks a lot!! It was the best informative video!! I was doubting between these two monsters and the NORD DRUM SP3. Did you tried this last one? I'm looking basically to play melodic percussion.
The Nord drum is quite a different tool -- it's not a sampler/rompler, it's a drum synth. So you don't use it to playback recorded sounds, it's used to generate analog drum sounds. Think of it like a TR-808 / TR-909 / Drumbrute, but with pads attached.
At times i don't feel like bringing my Traps A400 drum set with me because of the weight. I have a problem with My back and will like to have a easy to carry drum set with me that is sounding great. And at the same time when i do carry the drum set i will like to have an option to have triggers added it. and also get to have chimes cow bell and so forth. Am not in a position where i can test them myself so which will you recommend. I play For church Mainly. I must say i am Liking the DTX Multi 12.
Hi Dale -- for a minikit, I'd definitely recommend the Yamaha. The Roland is missing too many things to be used as a convincing mini kit (no hi hat pedal, for one main thing). Thanks!
Loved the review.. Always wanted to make my own samples in my PC.. since I dont use a laptop or a Tab.. n then load it onto a Pen drive. So memory is not a problem. Also wanted to use kit sounds on a pad.. same pad again since I cant afford 2 drum pads. Want to add it to my Acoustic drums and percussion set ups either for a Trio/Quarter set up - making it sound more fuller while used with a Cajon ( either full playing with loaded kit sounds on different pads or samples loops of kit grooves while playing with my other gear live )n some cymbals & During my set ups with electronic music as I perform with DJ's. Just 1 word Reply pls.. I'm getting torn between the SpD Sx n the Yamaha DTX multi 12 !!
Hi Alasdair -- for that usage, I'd recommend the SPD-SX. You can't play samples directly off a USB drive from either device, and the loading/importing takes a little bit of time. Additionally, because you can't play directly off of the USB drive, the meager storage on the DTX Multi 12 comes back into play, and any kind of loops / sequences will fill up the space very quickly. The SPD-SX standard version should have plenty of on-board space for you. The only caveat is the lack of a hi-hat pedal on the SPD-SX -- if you ever need to play a "mini kit" that includes pedal-controlled open/close hi-hat sounds, the Roland isn't able to do that. You'd need the Yamaha to cover that. One other option that _might_ work for you is to use a Roland SPD-One WAV to handle the loops and the DTX Multi-12 for the short percussive sounds. That combination would only be ~$100 more than the SPD-SX by itself.
@@DrumGearGeek I thank you for this detailed explanation. The picture is absolutely clear in my head. Sorry for the mixed minded question, I was the one confused as to how to take my set up forward. Ha 3 now completely settled with a Roland TD 4KP as its compact has a great brain and can be plugged into Abelton.. I'm amazed at the stuff Abelton can actually do since I can assign each pad n trigger it the way I want.. 😊 .
I'd love to, but I don't have access to the Alesis. The Alesis isn't nearly as powerful as the Yamaha w/r/t MIDI implementation and layering, but it's a much better interface (and obviously monumentally more storage).
Thanks for your response. Hopefully you can get one soon and do that comparison In the meantime. I have another question on sound comparison (if you have had a chance to listen to it). What in your opinion is the better sounding unit. If you had a choice would you go with the older reliable unit or the new and updated unit? Thanks again for your response
Finally!! An in depth, informative, insightful and honest review of the pros and cons to these bad boys. Can not thank you enough!!
Thanks so much for your comment, really appreciate it!
Somehow you made a 25 minute video seem like a 5 minute vid! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your high quality, informative vids! Keep em coming bro !
Thank you so much for that comment! I really try to keep it informative without dragging on forever. Thanks a lot!
This was an incredibly useful video
Thanks man! I try to go deep on things, glad you found some good info in here!
Whoops, responded from my personal account. Same response, though :)
Well I learned alot from the video, thanks again!
I want a Rolmaha spd-multi 12
Haha, if only! :)
With a Octapad layout!
Couldn't have asked for a better side by side comparison. Great sound quality, concise and useful explanations, and good quality video shots. Thanks for putting this together!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it useful!
very quality video man, surprised this is your first upload. keep em coming, definitely interested in the looper review.
Thank you! I've been a bit swamped recently, but have a few more videos coming up soon, I promise! :)
Wow dude, just wow!!!! Thanks for putting so much work to create this video, it was clear, great to see all their differences.
Thank you! Glad to hear it's helpful!
Well done comparison. I feel better in knowing the differences!
Thank you!
Great useful review! Got here from your reply to me in reddit/r/drums. I'm going for the Roland. I'm glad you mentioned looping and I expect I'll use my DITTO pedal instead of the SPD function.
Thanks so much!
WHAT AN EXCELLENT REVIEW!!!!!, not a lot of babbling, lots of info, clear, quickly presented... SO RARE and well done.
A great benefit for me - as I prepare to upgrade my gear for a big upcoming tour.... Thanks SO MUCH
from the Middle of NowHere, in a remote area of Canada
Thanks so much for the comment! Glad it helped!
I was very surprised when, at the end, you mentioned that this was the first time that you've done this type of review.
Head and shoulders above most of the stuff on YT. So much of it is full of irrelevant chatter, and low on thoughtful, informative insights...
I'll check out some of your other postings when I have a mo....
@@willswitchcraft Great to hear! I'm planning on coming back to doing more videos (have a bunch of stuff planned w/ integrating Ableton / analog synths with drums), but haven't had a moment to get new stuff recorded / written. Comments like this encourage me to get back on it though, thanks a lot :)
Bravo, just the breakdown I was looking for. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
@@DrumGearGeek yeah! I have a dtx 2 brain from one of their e kits, and I thought that the yamaha multi would've been a no brainer, but I'm VERY interested in the sampling. That would've been a very short trip, paired with almost immediate regret.
@@NoctisReitop2 Yup, for sampling I'd definitely look at the Roland. Good call!
It's about time someone did a side by side comparison. I have done a load of tutorial videos on the DTX for my channel, The SPD-sx is next of the list. Great video.
Thanks man! Digging your channel too!
bought one, largely based on your superb review. very happy. Thanks
Nice! Which one did you get?
The Yamaha DTX multi 12.. I think it's more versatile straight out of the box. The Roland requires a TON of sample creation or purchases, massive amounts of setting up. For some, that's a bonus. but the Yamaha, when it's hooked up to an iPad, is utterly monstrous and powerful. The layers, the round robin feature- for me, the Yamaha is definitely the way to go.
@@foolishness6261 Great news! I agree, it's a super powerful piece of gear. I have a few problems with specific implementation details, as mentioned in the video, but overall it's a super powerful tool, and some of the internal sounds (especially percussion) are top notch!
Best review of both devices! Helpfull as hell! Tomorrow is Yamaha DTX buying day! Thank you :)
Thank you! I think you'll really enjoy your purchase -- they're both GREAT pieces of gear!
My only complaint is that you don't do enough videos.
Honestly, you could break them up into shorter bits of informative tips for other geeks like me and I'd be a happy camper. This, as well as your previous one on the DTXM12 is awesome though.
Now I want both the Roland and the Yamaha. (thanks a lot)
Please, keep 'em coming!
Thanks Nelson -- I definitely am going to try and get more content coming out this year. It's been a bit hectic with my performing + "day job" recently, but hopefully 2018 is the year of Drum Gear Geek :D Thanks for the support!
This is a superb review. u cover all the key points with clarity and brevity.
Thank you so much! It really means a lot -- I just tried to make the type of video I wish I could find :). Glad that other people find it useful too!
Very informative, thank you! What I learned is that you best buy one of each, because they seem to complement each other quite well.
Haha! Thank you! :)
Firstly I am not a drummer. I bought the DTX Multi to supplement my synthesizer set up. I'd heard it was a pain to set up and it is. If I don't use it for a few weeks, it's back to the manual. Nothing is just a two minute job. Not being able to loop on the fly is a trick missed. The lack of memory is a flaw. Don't get me wrong this is as you said a fantastic bit of kit, ask my neighbours two year old, he loves it as much as me. Thanks for making the video. I'll look forward to anymore you do on the DTX Multi.
Thanks for the comment! Are you generally using the onboard sounds, or are you using it as a general MIDI controller, triggering sounds from your own tone generators / boards?
Drum Gear Geek I do use the on board sounds but bought it to play my own samples, which range from trains, helicopters to people talking in fact anything that makes a noise. Cut them up, process them with effects, well do just about anything to them. I will look into doing more on the MIDI but worry how many hours the setting up will take.
Nice! If you're doing a lot with your own samples, the SPD-SX does have a bit of a leg up on the Yamaha, but the Yamaha can certainly handle it (with the obvious shortcoming of the limited sample memory). Another cool piece of gear for working with your own samples is the Roland SP-404SX -- it's similar to the SPD, but it's finger/tabletop based.
Very good review. Thanks for putting so much time into this.
Thank you!
This is a great video and it contains so much useful information. This saves me a lot of searching around on the internet. Thank you!
Thanks so much! I'm glad it was useful!
Thank you, this video is helping me so much in my choice!
Product update. I went with the Alesis strike multipad after research on it. For the money it was a fantastic product for what it offers. Well I had it for about 47 days and it quit working. The sound started to cut in and out and then finally went. No sound through headphones or 1/4 outputs. So returned it and went with DTX multi 12 which is what I was originally gonna go for before Alesis came out with theirs. Will wait for Alesis to be out a few years to work out the bugs, so went with my first choice and am happy with it.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the Alesis -- their problem has always been durability. It's a shame to hear the new Strike pad hasn't fixed that. For the price their charging for that (comparable to either of these units), you should absolutely expect professional quality. Best of luck with the DTX Multi 12 -- it's a great pice of kit!
Thanks. Just wanted to let you know about my personal issue. With the strike. I do have to say they for the most part got it right as far as features. The sound quality is on par with the Yamaha. And much improved/updated features than the Roland spd sx. So I think once the bugs are worked out they will have the best product. Unless Yamaha comes out with an updated improved unit which I think would then put them on top. Even better than roland
Been gigging with the DTX for a year now and am seriously looking to trade in for the Roland. The IOS app seems a good idea but isn't all that when you're busy, easy to make a mistake. And the sample size is far too small for what i need. The DTX is a percussion tool and DAW controller. I need a sample and trigger toy.
Agreed with everything you've said -- especially about the iOS app. It's definitely a hack. I'm glad they're acknowledging the shortcomings (hopefully they'll be addressed on the next generation device), but using the iOS app is not practical for real gigging with it. The DTX multi 12 really is a powerful tool in an integrated setup (whether that's a DAW or a more complex MIDI arrangement), but the SPD-SX does seem to be a better fit for what most drummers need. Thanks for the comment!
True. I use my DTX for theater work (Timpani, Mallet, exotic percussion, etc) and it works infinitely better than my SPDX, which is more of a sampler, trigger. Both are amazing though.
Thank you for the extensive review! Helped me a lot :)
Glad to hear! Thanks for the comment!
Really interesting. Thanks for the review and the you demo’d the differences
Thanks so much!
Dude way to go on a crafted video. I didn't want it to end.
Thank you!
Thanks a lot guys! I learn everything i needed to know about both device, very helpfull...
Fabrice Zuchowicz thank you! I'm glad this was helpful!
Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure which to buy. This video was too helpful.
Thanks, glad it helped!
Darn your explanation is so good that now I want them both :) tanx a ton
So glad to hear!
Fine job on this vid! This is exactly the stuff that anyone shopping for one of these wants to know.
Thanks so much!
Great review .. I always believed that you could never compare both products because, they are just two completely different animals, if you want a true sample pad your pick is the Roland SPD-SX, high performance in that specific area, but if you want a multipad, that has a large number of stock sounds, to support your drum kit, either it be extra drum sounds, electronics, or world percussion, ie. someone who’d need it for a pit/broadway type show, then your best bet is the Yamaha DTX Multi-12
Agreed! The DTXMulti 12 is also a super powerful MIDI controller -- I'm using it more and more as a combination MIDI keyboard / MIDI floor controller that you can hit with sticks. Thanks for the comment, hope the video was helpful!
I think having both would be great--they are really different. Perhaps a more relevant comparison would be the SPD-30 and the Multi 12. My opinion is that the Yamaha is a better value, especially since I already have the SPD-SX to use for sample playback, especially loops.
Thank you so much for this very thorough review! This is really helpful.
I'm so glad this was helpful! Thank you for letting me know!
Thanks very much! :) Have been using the SPD-SX for over a year now, and was looking for something "better". Now I know the differences and flaws of both models! :)
How can I activate the level-meter when in kit-chain-mode? My german handbook did not help in that regard (or I did not get it^^)...
you're very welcome! let me know if you have any specific questions!
I don't think this is possible, unfortunately -- there's a setting to switch between the "Sub Name" and "Level Meters" on the main display, but that's only when you're *not* in Kit Chain mode. I don't think you can show the level meters, because the kit chain is always showing you the name of the chain in that location.
Thanks for the quick info! ;) :)
I love this. This is one of the most informative videos on the DTX. Any chance of you doing a review with the iPad app for the Multi-12 using samples and kits?
Also look forward to your review with the Ableton DAW with the Multi-12. We are just now starting to use Ableton with the DTX for live applications.
I'll definitely take a look -- I haven't done a whole lot with the Multi 12 Touch app, but I'll try and put something together. and thanks!
That would certainly change the game with working with it. As you can do everything on the app very easily...
Fantastic review!!! Opted for DTXM12 because of it. Yes, would love to see your review on the DTXM12 Touch App as well as integration with Ableton or Logic Pro DAWs. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks! I'm really glad to hear that it's useful. I'm finally settled into my new place, so going to try to start resuming making videos soon.
Awesome info, I’m also interested in the Boss looper, thanks and keep those vids coming !
Thank you! It's been a bit hectic here, but hopefully some new content coming soon!
Excellent Review! Congrats!!!
We are using the DTX Multi 12 to control Ableton in a band and I'll tell you this - it's been a tough ride until we've reached some sort of an agreement with this device. Always wanted to get a comparison of these two players and after watching your video I am convinced that the Yamaha suits my play style and approach a bit more, though I wish it was easier to use. On the plus side - there is literally nothing it can't do: starts, stops and controls the playback in Ableton as well as it receives CC messages to alter the effects, the volume, anything you want. I've even figured out a way how to send multiple PC messages from a single clip in the DAW so when we play a song the user kits, layers and trigger config change accorgding to song position - no need for a footswitch here. Anyway, I've found your video very useful - let me know if we could maybe get in touch and discuss stuff :) Regards!
Thanks! I definitely agree with both of your points -- it's almost limitless what you can do with this tool, and it would be even better if it was easier to use :) I'm working on a second video that's going to cover more external control -- controlling Ableton, controlling a Drumbrute, etc. Sounds like you've done a bit of digging in that area too -- might hit you up with a rough cut before the final goes live!
In my case it comes to making it the control surface for our DAW - I guess after months of fiddling with this stuff we've reached a point at which it just works fine. We can assign pads to anything in the DAW and automate things in Ableton so the DTX's parameters change when songs progress, but as I said - it was painful to get where we are now and I know there's still lots to learn. For instance we still have issues with click syncing with triggering playback in Ableton (it just requires a riddiculous sequence of moves to get it right, and although it works, it is just not convenient).That's why I posted a comment under your video (not something I am used to) - I hope to get into this to the fullest and I have a feeling that you might help me with it :) Looking forward to watch next videos, but man, my head is full of questions now :)
Oh man YOU should post videos describing what YOU do. Sounds like you def know ya way around the DTX man!
Hi if you read this I am curious about what you mean re: the click syncing. Thanks for the great info
great compare / review! excellent detail.
Nice indepth & informative. And nice socks by the way :)
Good review. I think the facts that the Yamaha has an iPad app may be a selling point.
Erick Torres thanks! I haven't done much with the iPad app, to be honest. I thought it had some neat ideas (the kit chain functionality, especially), but I found it wasn't really practical for me to use that as well (plus my iPad is already used for charts). :). Thanks!
I had the Multi12 and sold it due to such small internal memory. A the Menus… oh the menus! Yamaha makes it so complex.. that being said, the multi12 is an amazing one shot and percussion pad. The sequencer and multi layering functions are great and the sounds are great however the manual and information on multi layering an certain functions re non existant. I had to search RUclips for ages to find a Tutorial. I‘m thinking of getting the Roland spd Sx se to play backing tracks and you can use the Roland to trigger abelton or another Daw with no delay and whilst using the onboard effects. I have heard that there is an app to control the multi 12 but sold it before getting the chance to use it. I may get the spd 30 as well for the melodic side of things. Thanks for the great 👍 Video and the great review. Wish I had seen this back when I bought it at full retail. All the best and greets from Germany 👌👍😎
Glad to hear! Yeah, the base manual for the DTX M12 is pretty bad. It has all of the information, but it's REALLY hard to get anything out of it unless you read it cover-to-cover multiple times :) I'm a big fan of using either to control Ableton -- have fun with that!
@@DrumGearGeek Thanks 🙏🏻 Just got to get the €900 together for the spd sx se with case and stand. The Cover band will freak when i get it 😎👍🏻🥁
If I connect a Roland PD-8 pad to the Roland SPD-SX, can I use the inner section of the pad for the Closed hi-hat and the outer rim for the Open hi-hat?
Yes, that should work -- just set it up as a dual zone trigger and assign sounds accordingly.
Great review. Looking forwards to that future DTX tutorial you mentioned in this video. I seriously just bought a multi 12 yesterday and any pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated. The iOS app sounds it would be very helpful. I have the app for the DTX 502 kit and I love it. Keep up the great work👍
Troy Howard thanks! I'm shooting a snare drum mic comparison tomorrow, but should be able to get to the advanced Multi12 review in the following week. Going to try and cover all four areas in one video: the M12 Touch iPad app, using a midi keyboard controller with the M12, controlling Ableton with the M12, and controlling external midi hardware with the M12.
Very useful review! Good job...
thank you so very much for this. very helpful
DrumRoody thank you! Glad to help!
Dude...! Thank you so very much for this video! EXCELLENT PRESENTATION,PACE,THOUGHT,+HONESTY! Could you PLEASE PLEASE do an in-depth review of/ on DRUMKAT TURBO 4.5 + TRAPKAT XL????
Wayne Everett hi! I’d love to, but a) I don’t have either of those units, and b) the only way I was able to do this type of review was from long-term usage of the pads. I know the Kat stuff is super powerful (it’s like the doubled-down version of the Yamaha stuff: even MORE feature rich, but also more convoluted UI). I used a MalletKat back in a WGI line I taught in the early 2000s, and even back then I found it ridiculously powerful (but also ridiculously fickle)
Great video. Really helpful. Looking forward for next videos DAW control etc. I have purchased DTX long time ago, and in the begining it was a device I had no idea how to use. Right now I am shocked how powerful it is. Just an idea, maybe some advance tutorial for IOS app touch12? Once again, great job!
Thank you! I'm working on a second, advanced DTX Multi video that will cover the iOS app, DAW control, external MIDI control with the DTX, and external control of the DTX tone generator (among some other things). I'll have it posted here (with a link from my instagram page instagram.com/drumgeargeek/)
Awesome vid in informing my purchase! Thanks man!
Thanks!
right on! glad this is out!
Thank you!
Excelent video! Thanks a lot for your work!
Thank you!
Absolutely excellent video!!
Thank you!
Superb review! Thanks
Thanks so much!
Great video, very helpful, thanks!
Thanks dude! Great help!
Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate it!
Thank you so much for this review. Amazing.
Thank you!
great review 👍👍👍
Thank you!
Excellent (and thorough) review. The only question I have is whether the Roland is sensitive enough to be played with hands or fingers like the Yamaha is. I like the idea of a larger playing surface versus the tiny ones on the Roland HPD.
The SPD-SX is not as sensitive as the DTX Multi 12 (and definitely not as sensitive as the Handsonic), but it is usable by hands. You can get passable conga/djembe response from it (but no pressure control like in the Yamaha/Handsonic, so no things like closed slaps), I'd be less confident about tabla-/doumbek-style finger playing.
@@DrumGearGeek Okay, good to know. I'd tried one out in-store once, but didn't really have the time to menu-dive to change up the sensitivity and try it as a hand percussion module.
@@DrumGearGeek One more question while I think of it; would either of these support an expression pedal? For example, say I wanted to assign pitch bend (for talking drums, tympani, berimbau and the like) or a filter sweep or something... possible, or no?
@@paulbogan3400 The DTX Multi can accept an expression pedal in the "foot switch" in, which can be assigned to send MIDI CC messages. The SPD-SX doesn't accept an expression pedal.
@@DrumGearGeek thank you!
u should write a book or at least a make a youtube on how to review things. u r awesome. GREAT review and comparison video
Thank you so much! That really means a lot!
: ) thank you for the review!
Great video. Have been looking for a detailed comparison between these two. It still seems like the music instrument mfrs are lagging behind computer automation in a big way. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! I think they both have their strengths and weaknesses. I've been using purpose-built electronic drum hardware for 20 years now, and still would find it very difficult to justify bringing a computer out on the road (for my needs, at least).
Great video!
Thank you!
Dude - love this video! Question: Which of these multipads would you look to for running Superior Drummer 3 for building drum tracks for demos? Which do you feel more appropriate, intuitive, and powerful for that particular type of function? Thanks!
Hi Aaron - the lack of a hi-hat pedal makes the SPD-SX pretty much unusable for this task. Based on that, I'd probably go with the DTX Multi 12. I haven't used Superior Drummer though -- does it have a MIDI learn function?
@@DrumGearGeek Hey there! I'm an audio engineer who works with Aaron, so this answer is for both of you I suppose.... SD3 has extensive setup options for multiple types of drum controllers -- Has presets ready to roll for MANY makes and models, including 6 different models in the DTX line. Also, it has MIDI learn, full remapping capabilities, in-depth tweaking of how it responds to the various hi-hat pedal positions.... it just goes on and on.
@@OakwoodSoundDesign Thanks for that! Assumed there would be maps already, but that's good to get confirmation. To be clear - the hi hat issue is a hardware one -- there's no input for a hi-hat pedal on the SPD-SX. Super frustrating! Are the DTX presets for the full kits only (e.g. DTX502, DTX900), or do they also have one for the DTX Multi12 multi-pad? Thanks so much for your expertise!
@@DrumGearGeek SD3 has the following in its Yamaha preset folder: DTXpress3, DTXplorer, DTX400, DTX502, DTX700, & DTX900. I appreciate the thanks, but I'm actually not so much the expert on E. Drum setup i'm afraid haha. Most of my experience with SD3 is in programming parts, tweaking the sounds, mixing, etc.
@@DrumGearGeek Addictive Drums 2 does have Midi Learn , Very coo program to check out ..
Great video ! Thanks !
Thank you!
Hallo, thank you for great video! I have one question regarding changing the orders of the presets in Yamaha.
For example, by standard factory settings the orders of presents is going like:
1. P001: PercMaster
2. P002: 80e Electro
3. P003: Sweet RnB
4. P004: Tabla Hand
5. P005: Conga Hand etc…
So, let’s say I would like to have this order by clicking “-“ and “+” buttons to the right or to the left:
1. Sweet RnB
2. Conga Hand
3. Perc Master
4. 80s Electro
5. Tabla Hand
May I kindly ask you to help me with step by step explanation how may I reach my goal?
Thank you in advance!
This is only possible using the companion tablet application -- the device itself doesn't allow for re-ordering presets. You could copy those presets to user spots in the correct order, but that's a bit of a clunky solution.
Thumbs up for the twin peaks sample!
Thanks! One of my bands performs exclusively David Lynch music -- delsilencio.net ruclips.net/video/znzLo8TLvm0/видео.html
The Roland SPD SX seems better for my musical application. Thanks for the great video.
Glad to hear it was helpful! Thanks for the update -- let me know what you think about the SPD-SX!
Hi..love this video. Can you please do an in -depth review of ALTERNATEMODE DRUMKAT TURBO 4.5 and TRAPKAT MIDI CONTROLLER? Thanks...looking forward to seeing,hearing your review here soon
Hi Wayne -- unfortunately, I don't have any Alternate Mode gear, so I wouldn't be able to do an in-depth review like this on those pieces of gear. Thanks!
Thank you kindly ❤
Helpful overview.
very useful video
great job
Thank you!
Could you pls do a Roland VS Alesis Strike multipad? Thanksssss
I'd love to, but I don't have one of the Alesis pads (and honestly probably won't be getting one any time soon)
@@DrumGearGeek that says enough
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Great video as a band manager I am looking to purchase one of the two to add more electronic sounds when my band performs r&b and pop which would you prefer
While either would work for that kind of scenario, I generally use the SPD-SX live, because features like the setlist control and easier access to metronome come in handy for live work.
I wonder if using the app would solve the sample storage issue on the yamaha?
Depending on what you're using it for, it can be helpful. The biggest problems I've seen with sounds triggered from the app are: 1) slow loading times when switching from kit-to-kit, 2) laggy / missed triggers when playing fast parts using external sounds. What it's nice for is running backing tracks when you have some time between songs. Plus, the sounds are routed from the iPad audio output, which means that you can't use that for other things (e.g., a metronome app). You can run the iPad audio in through the "Aux In" on the DTX Multi, but when you do that, you lose the ability to add any of the DTX effects / EQ to the sounds. It's a creative solution to the problem from Yamaha, but it would have been a lot (a lot a LOT) better if they had just included a sensible amount of storage on the device to begin with.
@@DrumGearGeek That load time does seem to be pretty obnoxious, really wish they would at least upgrade the USB to 3.0 so you could just run from external storage without that lag.
Seems like the yamaha would be best put to use in a studio setting, and the roland live imo
Would you recommend the yamaha 4 years on?
@@a-nus For me, I use the DTX a lot more than the SPD-SX, just because of the flexibility. I'm not generally running a lot of long backing tracks anymore (and for the one band that I do, I use the SPD-SX). However, my usage is pretty atypical -- I generally don't even hook up the audio outputs of the DTXMulti12 -- I generally just use it as a drumstick-operated MIDI controller, controlling Ableton + various hardware synths with it. For that use case, the MIDI flexibility of the DTXM12 is super useful - being able to trigger 4-note chords, or sending MIDI PC + CC messages, plus multi-channel configuration messages being sent. For traditional hybrid setups where I'm triggering electric drum sounds, most of the time I've switched to using either a TM-6 or SPD-One, depending on the complexity of the setup.
Thanks for the breakdown. I think I need the spdsx
An incredibly thorough study without the slightest bit of boredom! Your two DTX videos really helped inform my decision to buy one of my own. A few disappointing things, but should be ALMOST ideal for my peculiar purpose (the ultimate one-man-band). One thing you might want to amend: according to the manual, the Foot Switch input can also be programmed as an additional instrument trigger or HH controller.
Two questions: 1) Do you know if a basic foot switch (like the FC5) can be used in the HH Control input? Pedal space is limited in my setup, and I would use it as an extra instrument trigger more often than an actual HH cutoff.
2) Might there be a way to 'hack' the cutoff capabilities of the HH Control input (or HH Control function on the Foot Switch input) to create the "all off" option that is lacking?
Thanks (again!) That's a great point -- I was only thinking of the footswitches on the two modules in terms of "utility" functions, but you can use the footswitch as another input on both, or as a (simple / binary) hi-hat controller on the DTX. For your first question: No, unfortunately the HH controller only accepts one of two Yamaha hi-hat controllers, the HH65 or the HH135 -- it's looking for a ranged controller, not a simple on-off. I double checked the manual and confirmed with my own FC5 (tried both the Yamaha FC5 and a Boss FS-6). Interestingly, you _can_ use a hi hat controller pedal in the footswitch jack (the opposite of what you're trying to do). You can use it as a trigger switch, or as a MIDI continuous controller pedal (cool!). For the second question, I haven't been able to figure out a way to make that work. I tried setting up a MIDI control change 120 (All Sound Off), but the DTX Multi only supports CC #s up to 95. Hrmm. I also tried using an AltGrp, but a) the alt group doesn't work if you set a pad to no sound (although you could potentially get around this by setting a sound, but just setting the volume to 0), and b) it also means that all of the other sounds will cancel each other out. No bueno. Sorry! Note that there _is_ the solution of "Shift + Exit" for all sounds off, there's just not an easy way to do it one-handed or "off console". Hope this helps!
Funny. Even before I saw your reply, I started to think of ways that an actual HH pedal might still be handy in this new version of my setup. And I may have found a spot to place it. Looks like I might be getting an HH65. One more question (for now): I've looked all over the manual, and can't find how you designate which pad or trigger will respond to the HH control in a particular kit.
On the DTX Multi, any/all pads can be controlled by the HH controller. Basically, set up your sounds using the layer function (in the "VCE1" setting page, the little A-D icons in the top right). Then in the KIT setting, decide how you want to switch between layers. This is set separately for each pad in each kit. Use the "LayerSwitch" setting (kit 7-1) to determine how to switch between layers. Set LayerSwitch to "hh", and the hi-hat pedal will switch between the A/B and C/D layers. (A+B when pedal is up, C+D when pedal is down). This is combined with the PlayingMode setting (MIDI1-1) to determine how the individual layers work. If PlayingMode is "stack", layers A and B will both be played simultaneously when the pedal is up, and C+D will both be played simultaneously when the pedal is down. If PlayingMode is "alternate" layers A+B will alternate when the pedal is up, and C+D will alternate when the pedal is down. This is generally what I use, with slight adjustments in pitch between the A+B samples (and C+D samples) to make the hi hat playing sound a little bit more realistic. This is also a great way to use separate "left hand" and "right hand" samples, if you have them. As an aside, I use this similar technique on drums that aren't being adjusted by the HH pedal too, only there I have 4 variations to cycle through. For samples with LH and RH variants, I'll use LH on layers A and C, and RH on layers B and D and alternate through the entire stack.
Thanks
thank you so much, you're a freaking genius
Thank you! :D
Fantastic very helpful thanks.
Thanks!
Could you please make a video on the multi 12s midi capabilities as a whole and mastering the quantization of patterns
HI Miles -- the multi 12 basically can function as a standard MIDI controller -- note start and stop, program change message, and control change messages are all available. Is there something in particular you were interested in? For the quantization -- I've never actually used the DTX Multi 12's onboard sequencer. Frankly, I don't find it to be a very good sequencer :)
@@DrumGearGeek Well it's just that when I make a pattern and use quantization, and playback, the pattern sounds different than what I recorded. Do you know a way around this?
@@DrumGearGeek And also can you help me understand clocking with a daisy chain when I have multiple instruments that I want to sync for a track? I do hip hop and I have a sampler, midi keyboard, and the multi 12 and I want to use the keyboard to control melodic sounds and the multi 12 to control the drums locally on channel 10, and the sampler to use its own internal samples. But I want it all in time and in sync. Hopefully you can help me.
@@DrumGearGeek I also understand the multi 12 doesn't have a midi thru.
@@DrumGearGeek Btw I'm using a multitrack recorder to record all this.
The new Alesis Strike Multipad has 32GB of storage which 6 GB has been taken from the onboard 7000 sounds featuring some from the flagship Strike. For only 700$. Take that, Roland.
Dude Guy Bro Man the Strike is pretty interesting, but it’s missing some of the functionality of the SPD-SX. It’s nowhere near as powerful as the DTX, but the interface (and obviously storage) is MUCH better.
Absolutely amazing review man. I was looking for that exact review. I'm leaning on the DTX at the moment based on price alongside what I need it for. I only plan on using the pad to sample certain drum sounds, use the click in my monitors, potentially manipulate some default sounds. I think, ideally, the sdsx is the better choice for me as I require it for more live sounds than anything. Could you maybe do a tutorial on how you would go about playing a live set with each of these as samplers? That would be amazing! Thanks
Thanks so much! I think either one will work for you -- the sounds on the DTX are great, and work really well for live and recorded performance. If the DTX had a bit more sample memory (okay, a LOT more sample memory), and had a KIT CHAIN function (seriously, this one is inexcusable -- my Yamaha METRONOME has a chain function) it would be just about perfect for me. I'm working on some more reviews for these now -- I like your idea about running through a live set -- will try and see if I can come up with something compelling. I have one other on the DTX right now, but it's pretty niche -- how to use the internal tone generator along with a keyboard to get two instruments in one: ruclips.net/video/HDs23f18OgY/видео.html More coming soon, hopefully! Thanks again! b
Oh yeah man I watched it straight after! Really interesting hack! I was actually interested to know whether these kinds of midi settings would be present on other devices such as digital synthesizers or whatever. I'm currently investigating whether my Roland JDXI would have the same kinds of midi settings so that I could use its samples but extend the key range to something bigger as I've an 88 key midi which I would love to use instead. Do you reckon the a similar hack may be available?
Thanks! I"m not sure if you'd be able to set up multiple voices on the JDXI -- analog synths generally don't have support for multiple MIDI channels, but that's a hybrid, so it _might_. However, it DEFINITELY should support regular MIDI in, so that you can plug in a keyboard and use it to control the master settings via that (in other words, it wouldn't be different sounds than the onboard keyboard, it would just duplicate those)
Super helpful. Subscribed.
Thank you!
Great video...... I usually don’t make comments on RUclips videos but this one it’s really helpful if you know the subject
Thanks so much!
Please do a video on how a drummer can use Boss RC 202 loop station.
Hi Bill - I actually ended up selling my RC202 before I had a chance to dig into it -- I still haven't found my perfect drummer-centric looper yet, but I'm continuing to try different models.
Long samples are possible if you connect iPad app to it
That's true! The iPad app does add some functionally to the DTX Multi 12, but it's still a much more complicated set up than using something made for that functionality like the SPD-SX.
@@DrumGearGeek definitely, but probably easy once you get the hang of it. My idea is to use it for my backing tracks for a live show and for drum solo sections, and sometimes for production as well, and possibly live looping which I will need a looper for. Doing a full day of research lol, thanks for the video 🙏
Which is best for learning drums in a small space using bass and hi hat pedals?
Digiphex Electronics the SPD-SX doesn’t support a hihat pedal, so out of these two, only the DTX Multi 12 would work. The older Roland SPD-S (the grey one) has a hi hat input. But the newer one (black and red) does not. The Roland octapad also works, although I feel that the Yamaha really excels. There’s a great acoustic set that you can load separately from Yamaha’s site.
Does Yamaha DTX work as a midi controller & can I record onboard sounds into a DAW?
Yes, it sends standard MIDI messages (notes and/or CC) over USB or DIN. It doesn't send audio over USB, but you can connect via 1/4" out to your interface and record that way.
Hey great video!! Is it possible to connect a Roland BT-1 to the Multi 12 and use it as a simple open hi-hat?
And I would also like to know if it is possible to connect a SPD One Kick to the Multi 12 and use it just as a simple kick drum?
Hi! You can connect the BT-1 to the Multi12, but it won't get the advanced rejection capabilities that it has on Roland products -- it'll just be treated as a regular piezo trigger. Should work fine if you have it on a separate stand / mount, but I wouldn't try using it attached to the rim of another drum -- it'll cause lots of misfires. You can connect the SPD One's audio output into the "Aux In" on the DTX M12 and have both sounds come out of the DTX M12 main output, but you can't use the SPD-One as a trigger. Hope that helps!
Thanks a lot!!! @@DrumGearGeek
Super explanation brother
Thank you!
Being a professional which one do you suggest?
It really depends what you want to do with them. As I say in the video, they do very different things well. For most pop gigs, I find myself using the Roland SPD-SX, but for anything that's more complicated or relying on playing melodic parts from the drums, I'm using the DTX Multi12. If I could only own one, I'd go with the Multi12, because I need that advanced capability and I'm willing to sacrifice some of the usability and smart features of the Roland.
great review, but please can you tell us how they actually play? as in the feel and response of the pads. Dynamic range and sensitivity settings. Thanks
Hi Ritchie -- thanks for the comment! I find that feel and response is very personal -- the two pads feel so vastly different (and in the case of the DTX Multi 12, so unlike anything else out there) that I think you really need to play them for yourself to see which one will work best. I've had friends who have strongly preferred one over the other, but no consistent winner (i.e., some prefer the Yamaha, some prefer the Roland) -- however, it tends to be a STRONG preference. The people who like the Yamaha feel really prefer it over the Roland, and vice-versa. Except for me, that is :) I like the surfaces both, but keep in mind that I use mine for two different purposes. I think the Roland would probably be a bit "hard" for my preferences if I was playing full patterns on it, but for what I use it for (triggering tracks, loops, and dialogue clips), it works fine. Hope that helps!
Drum Gear Geek thanks.. nowhere near me has them on demo.
id be using it mainly for inputing midi patterns in the studio.
currently using DTXtreme 3. but its overkill as i end up using a single pad 90% of the time. so looking for something like this.
Great video. I am a hobbyist drummer and would like to add in electric sounds to play some of the songs where I can't get that from my acoustic. For example the way you make me feel by MJ. Do you have a recommendation from that point of view? I have a Yahama electric drum kit and find setting the sounds on it pretty easy like creating a custom kit for a song or style of music. I get the sense this Yamaha unit is not there yet. I don't want to geek out and do crazy stuff so basic looks and samples being played.
Thanks Glen! For that kind of playing, either device would work -- for the most part, it's only the complicate functions of the Yamaha kit that have some UX issues. Another option would be something like the SPD-One (if you only needed one sound at a time, for example a processed snare), or even the Alesis SamplePads. They're not built to the same quality, but if you don't need extreme durability or a lot of flexibility, those might work as well.
@DrumGearGeek Thanks for great video, can u pls tell me or anyone is there diferences in output sound quality?
I don't think there's a significant difference between the two. They're both using mid-tier components for that part (plastic jacks, etc.), but they also both sound fine. They're both using samples, not any kind of COSM/processed sounds, so the difference in the actual playback of sounds is negligible.
Thank u very much for asnwer and for your time
@@DrumGearGeek
no mention at all of how the sequencer works on the yamaha or screen shots of the editor app for the yamaha.
note the roland doesn't have a sequencer. neither does the alesis sample pad pro btw.
Oh, there's definitely stuff I didn't cover. Like I said, this is more from a perspective of using these as performance tools. The sampler on the DTX is not something I'd ever use in a live performance. It's really just for practicing. The iPad app is intriguing, but not something that I personally use, so I don't feel like I can do the quality of video that I'd like -- I base my videos on my own professional experiences, not just feature rundowns. Hope that helps you understand why I chose to cover what I did. Thanks for the feedback!
your vid was pretty brilliant actually, i agree you can't cover everything without being over a hour long or more
i think i got a better understanding now though and did not realise the 64 mb is user ram and you keep all the factory sounds...i thnk the yamaha is probably for me now
Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful! Good luck with the Yamaha!
is the spd worth buying on late 2018? I want to make the investment but a bit afraid of a new model coming out in two years or less
Thanks a lot!! It was the best informative video!! I was doubting between these two monsters and the NORD DRUM SP3. Did you tried this last one? I'm looking basically to play melodic percussion.
The Nord drum is quite a different tool -- it's not a sampler/rompler, it's a drum synth. So you don't use it to playback recorded sounds, it's used to generate analog drum sounds. Think of it like a TR-808 / TR-909 / Drumbrute, but with pads attached.
At times i don't feel like bringing my Traps A400 drum set with me because of the weight. I have a problem with My back and will like to have a easy to carry drum set with me that is sounding great. And at the same time when i do carry the drum set i will like to have an option to have triggers added it. and also get to have chimes cow bell and so forth. Am not in a position where i can test them myself so which will you recommend. I play For church Mainly. I must say i am Liking the DTX Multi 12.
Hi Dale -- for a minikit, I'd definitely recommend the Yamaha. The Roland is missing too many things to be used as a convincing mini kit (no hi hat pedal, for one main thing). Thanks!
thanks Drum Gear Geek.
thanks Drum Gear Geek.
Loved the review.. Always wanted to make my own samples in my PC.. since I dont use a laptop or a Tab.. n then load it onto a Pen drive. So memory is not a problem. Also wanted to use kit sounds on a pad.. same pad again since I cant afford 2 drum pads.
Want to add it to my Acoustic drums and percussion set ups either for a Trio/Quarter set up - making it sound more fuller while used with a Cajon ( either full playing with loaded kit sounds on different pads or samples loops of kit grooves while playing with my other gear live )n some cymbals
& During my set ups with electronic music as I perform with DJ's.
Just 1 word Reply pls.. I'm getting torn between the SpD Sx n the Yamaha DTX multi 12 !!
Hi Alasdair -- for that usage, I'd recommend the SPD-SX. You can't play samples directly off a USB drive from either device, and the loading/importing takes a little bit of time. Additionally, because you can't play directly off of the USB drive, the meager storage on the DTX Multi 12 comes back into play, and any kind of loops / sequences will fill up the space very quickly. The SPD-SX standard version should have plenty of on-board space for you. The only caveat is the lack of a hi-hat pedal on the SPD-SX -- if you ever need to play a "mini kit" that includes pedal-controlled open/close hi-hat sounds, the Roland isn't able to do that. You'd need the Yamaha to cover that. One other option that _might_ work for you is to use a Roland SPD-One WAV to handle the loops and the DTX Multi-12 for the short percussive sounds. That combination would only be ~$100 more than the SPD-SX by itself.
@@DrumGearGeek I thank you for this detailed explanation. The picture is absolutely clear in my head. Sorry for the mixed minded question, I was the one confused as to how to take my set up forward. Ha 3 now completely settled with a Roland TD 4KP as its compact has a great brain and can be plugged into Abelton.. I'm amazed at the stuff Abelton can actually do since I can assign each pad n trigger it the way I want.. 😊 .
@@correlejo Sounds great! Glad you were able to find a solution that works for you!
Can you do side by side comparison with the Yamaha and the new alesis strike multipad? I am deciding between the two.
I'd love to, but I don't have access to the Alesis. The Alesis isn't nearly as powerful as the Yamaha w/r/t MIDI implementation and layering, but it's a much better interface (and obviously monumentally more storage).
Thanks for your response. Hopefully you can get one soon and do that comparison In the meantime. I have another question on sound comparison (if you have had a chance to listen to it). What in your opinion is the better sounding unit. If you had a choice would you go with the older reliable unit or the new and updated unit? Thanks again for your response