9 Tips For Playing Edrums Live

[@cueriux]

Tip #10: Remember to have some fun! Crowd will pickup on it and fun is contagious.

[@65Drums]

Yes!!

[@Smurf431]

I played pro level for 40+ years, and in that whole time I only forgot one thing......my floor tom......at home....and the gig was 280 miles from that one way.....not bragging, but I have used a checklist since day ONE of playing out. Don't be macho, just do it! LOL! Also, in my trap case I use to carry 2 spares of everything, and not just for myself. You will not believe how many guitarist & bassist do NOT carry spare strings, straps, cables, picks......it is amazing to me. I carried extra full sets of strings, picks in my wallet, and a complete electronic tool kit in the car / trap case. And speaking of spares, bring spare food....really....granola bars & raisins can, at times, save you when you just feel run down after a load out / load in the day of the show. Candy & pop might give you a temp boost, but keep it as natural as possible for a full-gig boost. Keep up the great work!

[@65Drums]

Thanks man :) Wow now THATS preparation!

[@philtempler5515]

Nice video and commentary. I have used edrums (and acoustic drums) of various type for over 30+ years in all kinds of venues; clubs, theaters, outdoor festivals, studios, large concert halls etc. and all the things you mentioned are good tips. I would however say that for the most part sound stage engineers are a bit skiddish when they see that you are bringing an Ekit. It is always good to provide them with a tech rider specifically describing your setup. I agree that a direct box (especially multi channel) is also very helpful as they will want separate outs from your unit. For smaller venues especially where your are playing at a high volume and there is no sound engineer or large FOS system, you want to make sure that you have the right sound system with plenty of headroom and EQ options as you want to maintain clarity in your sound at the high volumes which isn't always easy to maintain. I also agree with the in-ear suggestion as the monitors may not be sufficient. I would like to see a commentary on cases for Edrums which are hard to come by, especially hard shell cases.

[@kennyzail6224]

Excellent tips! I played full-time for 15 years and learned the hard way. (Where's the nearest music store) A suggestion: The things you are most likely to forget or break, have spares in a bag, AWAYS in the SUV/van. Cords break, stix break, you left that direct box at last night's gig....etc. Great job!!

[@tkelly830]

I get a notification for Justin's vids, I hit like button before even watching the video lol 😎 Keep them coming man, your my main source for everything e-drums \m/

[@65Drums]

You rock man! Thanks, it really helps my channel

[@tkelly830]

65 Drums Glad to help man.

[@tkelly830]

On a different note lol, any word on the Strike kit from Alesis? At this rate we wont hear it till NAMM 17 lol.

[@65Drums]

Nothing. Last thing I saw was the other week. Some drum magazine visited Alesis to check the 'progress' of the strike module. They took a picture of everyone standing next to it. No sounds. Just another picture.

[@dawson70]

Lots of really good advice, and thank you for making this video! Forgetting the rug is brutal. I want to comment on monitoring. If someone is new to e-drums it's easy to overlook this part. I use a Simmons DA200S that I've had for about 10 years now, and with its multiple inputs I'm able to run my drum module into it as well as a PA monitor input. Counting on a venue to have your monitor levels covered can really be a mistake. I have separate volumes for each as well as tone control for the overall sound. It's the only part of my original Roland kit that I still own, and I wouldn't want to play without it.

[@faoyagtm8165]

you saved me with the tip for the direct box

[@NativeIntelligenceCheckMyDJmix]

Im still learning/practicing/mastering drums at home with Roland Electronic but when I'm ready to gig out in the future i have a $6000 Tama rebuild ready to rumble. Still this video gave me so much insight I had no idea about should i ever choose to bring E-drums to a gig, thanks. I originally had the acoustic first but couldn t even concentrate on learning cause they were so awesome and loud...e drums and headphones have been a saving grace for learning.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I think getting a GOOD drum rug can be a huge advantage. Also GET A FLUFFY ONE! It doesn't have to be super shag carpet, but a thicker, more padded one can help a ton. How many rooms have you played in that are too lively? All of them, right? That fluffy rug will help right at the source. You know those rugs that look kinda like a Casino Floor? Those are the best in my opinion. Edit: I should mention this is more important for acoustic kits. I realize this is an E drum video.

[@dimetilldeath]

Great tips .Ive done over 200 gigs with my roland kit and never used a direct box ,always used the 6mill outs left and right into the mixer ,there is no degradation of the sound or not that I can notice .Also never used in ear monitors as personally I have never needed them and have two dedicated 15' foldbacks . I think its important to hear each other instrument just as well ,each to their own I geuss .Thanks for the video

[@65Drums]

Thanks man! Oh I never block out the other people in the back, I'll have one earbud in, or whatever. Its just a safeguard in case something goes wrong. I don't want to lug around a drum amp.

[@codynaler6644]

Excellent advice. This video should be included with the purchase of any "beginner - intermediate" e-drum kits. Cymbal level, eq, and reverb levels have done a lot to ruin the reputation of e-drum sound quality. Thanks for pointing all of this out in such a concise manner.

[@65Drums]

+Cody Naler thanks man!

[@DaleSchiro]

Lots of good points. Thank you!

[@nonexistenttt3023]

I need a compilation of every time he says “you’re hitting it with a stick.”

[@BellasDogumentary]

Hi Justin. Big fan of your channel. Thanks for the great videos. Now that it's 2021, what are your thoughts on whether to plug your electric drums directly into the PA or whether to play via a drum amp?

[@rudolphkotze7951]

Fantastic video, thanks

[@MiNiKi71]

Thanks for the tips. Ive got a big corporate gig tomorrow. First time I'm going to try the electronics (TD12 with Roland triggers on Pearl Rhythm Traveller). Venue has 32 channel soundboard and some (hopefully) decent speakers/monitors. Was going to channel snare and kick out of DIR1 and DIR2. I've also had to tweak the trigger settings for each input. The suggested ones from Roland are a little unrealistic IMO. PS Also taking the acoustic kit just in case!

[@65Drums]

Hey let me know how it turns out! The backup is a good idea, every time I go anywhere, I always plan for the worst. But I'm sure your setup will work fine.

[@MiNiKi71]

In the end, I put my faith in tech. Didn't take the acoustics. Worked out fine, although didn't really get enough time for setup and soundcheck. Also, had a slight problem with triggering on snare (RT30HR) even though I did this day before. Maybe a change of venue means you always need to revisit? Tweaked the trigger settings at the break, but do you know what, I'd go back to the PD105 next time.

[@ministrydrummer]

Those Rhythm Travelers are awesome aren't they? I love mine. I use them with mesh heads, ddrum triggers and an Alesis module.

[@spamspasm8183]

Do you have tips for using edrums in a small bar/restaurant? I notice the sharp sound of a stick hitting electronic cymbals are really audible and I can hear them over the sound of the rest of band and the PA, especially with quiet bands. A video for setting up e-drums in very small (20-40 people) venue would be super helpful. Thanks in advance.

[@mikosoft]

DI box actually converts signal levels from line level (output of the drum module) to microphone level (what the console expects)

[@Dominion28]

Often 1/4" jack cables are unbalanced, converting to a balanced XLR line helps to prevent interference over multicore runs :)

[@shapirm]

I traveled 3 hours to a gig and forgot the 18v dc power supply for my td25.... nobody around town had one to sell but a local music store graciously lent me the adapter to a td11 which thankfully was the same xD

[@lucianoorlievsky5164]

Hi Justin, I have a bit of hearing loss and was discouraged to use headphones. What do you think about playing electronic drums through professional studio nearfield monitors -say, the Yamahas Hs series or alike-? Is this a viable option? Thanks for your valuable input, and great content BTW!

[@MarvPido]

Hey Justin! I just subbed man. Great videos. On the 9:00 mark, you mentioned triggering ezdrummer off your laptop during live gigs using a direct box. I've been scouring the web trying to find any solution to that little problem of mine (on how to ever do it live or is it even possible). Thanks to you, you just gave me an idea! Question though, what is that cable you plugged in on the PCDI box with one end going to the laptop headphone jack and the other to the PCDI. It seems the end that goes to the PCDI had two jacks? Thanks and keep it up!

[@65Drums]

My PCI box has an RCA connection, so that's probably what I'd use with my current gear. Or I'd buy a Radial USB-Pro

[@Crucifer]

I have a question that I'm having difficulty finding an answer to. I play drums for my church worship band. We just purchased the Roland TD-50K set. I've had a TD-10 since it first came out. I want to use EZDrummer 2 with the TD-50 live. I have a Windows 10 HP laptop, M-Box interface, EZDrummer 2 software and the TD-50. Currently we run the TD-50 straight to the soundboard. What is the best way, using the least amount of cables and equipment to be able to play the Roland TD-50 live using the EZDrummer 2 sounds and expansion packs I have? Thank you!

[@thanosklf]

I have one question... I have Roland TD17 and i bought a DI box so i can make this connection when i play live : mono output-->DI-->console Is there a problem with that or the best solution is to connect the stereo output from my module with 2 cables to the DI and then 2 cables going to the console?

[@kennethgibson5728]

you mention not forgetting the DirectBox and a couple of other essentials. I would simply add not to forget the gig itself since this amounts to forgetting those items PLUS the floor tom, snare drum and several other kit components.

[@65Drums]

hahaha well you're not wrong

[@IansDrumsandBass]

I turn the ambience off completely in most venues, it makes the overall sound of the band muddy, also, I take the treble down quite a bit - the headphones need a bit more treble, but most PA s don't. Also, never turn up the bass to bring out the bass drum, turn the rest of the kit down instead. Never add eq to compensate, rather take away from the other end of the sound spectrum. Your edrums should be as flat as possible and still sound good.

[@pause9071]

Hi Justin, I got a question about the direct box, I got an audio interface that already have an XLR main out (L R), so I wonder, it is really necessary to use a direct box or I just can avoid it and use the XLR main out for the same purpose?

[@Devon523]

Question, I'm not super well versed in Edrums but learning a lot lately as I've had to use my e-kit for band practice. My question is, on my module there are spots for mix in/mix out. Is it possible to run the mix from from the Board into my module so that I can play with headphones and hear the band and myself at the same time? Normally, I plug my 1/4" into the headphone jack, then to the direct box and then into the board. Can I set it up differently to get the mix into my module?

[@Sprenklefish]

Hey Justin! Putting together a live ekit. I have a question about velocity. Can you use velocity to change a sound? For example, can I put a piezo on a cymbal and play it like a ride cymbal and get that sound, but crash it hard and get a crash sound? Or does there have to be two triggers on the same cymbal for that to work?

[@cresshead]

so you don't have a drum amp(or keyboard amp/personal monitor- your own kit) on stage? just rely on PA monitors and or your own headphones?

[@65Drums]

I don't really want to lug around a drum amp personally, but that is absolutely an option

[@ave3360]

Hi, thanks for the tips. I'm having some problems with the sound of my drums when I'm live, I'm using the Roland TD 25kv and when I play at home with my headphones, it sounds awesome, I have the bass to 0 and Treble a little higher, but when I use it live, it sounds like garbage both in my amplifier and in the whole room, I need to crank up the Bass to almost a max so that the kick pad would be even hearable. The "sound man" tells me to turn the bass down but it then sounds so bad. We couldnt figure anything out on how to handle this. Can you give me any tips regarding this? Should I possibly try to use the setting for a "stage" or something? I am using the "studio" all the time. Thanks.

[@pgale]

Some great tips especially for a newie like me

[@65Drums]

Thanks man!

[@TrummJohan]

Hi Justin, I deputized a couple of days ago on a smaller event with about 100 people. I used my Roland-15 module and it sounded very good without a direct box, contrary to what you recommended above. Why do you mean that it should'nt work fine without a direct box?

[@65Drums]

Not all cable snakes have quarter inch inputs, so depending on what stage you find yourself on, you might not be able to connect to the soundboard, that is all I mean :)

[@TrummJohan]

Thank's Justin for clarifying.

[@HereIsmarcus]

Thanks Justin. Can you recommend a DI box that'll do the job ? ( just to get a ballpark price )

[@Dominion28]

a really good choice is a Klark Teknik DN200. It's a sturdy box and gives you the choice of 1/4", XLR or stereo phono inputs to a stereo balanced XLR feed. Don't feel pressured to provide your own however, if you advance your gig and let the tech know you'll be bringing electronic drums they should have either a stereo DI or two mono DI boxes available for you.

[@gxbchiro]

I assume you are using a Passive DI Box with the drum module, I am correct? Do you send stereo or mono. If you send mono do you pan all your instruments all the way to one side, either Right or Left, or do you just pan all to center and just use L-Mono output to connect to the DI Box. I assume if sending stereo you would need 2 DI Boxes or a 2 channel one.

[@alessandrobenedetti6369]

Cosa ne pensi di E drum tourthec TT 22 M?

[@synthhero1347]

I knew i shoulda just stuck with my acoustic kit hahaha

[@NilsVergeer]

Do you still need a Direct Box when using the Alesis Strike pro individual outs, with jack to XLR adapter cables that go to the stage Snake? (It would mean buying up to 8 Direct boxes?)

[@65Drums]

+Nils Vergeer you don't have to, but it's useful

[@alainpatry]

Inexpensive rugs that are stylish and perfect size at IKEA!

[@65Drums]

100% good info

[@cikguarsyad2127]

hi. i have a yamaha DD75. can i just connect it to the PA system without drum amplifier to play gigs?

[@Dominion28]

The straight answer is yes. The reason being that an audio console has the facility to accept both line and mic level signals with both XLR and 1/4" inputs. We convert the signal to an XLR line to provide a balanced (3 core) line, which helps to prevent interference over long cable runs. If your module has a stereo XLR output, it is likely balanced, and can then be sent straight up a multicore, although an engineer may prefer to stick you through a stereo DI or two mono DIs to provide a PAD (dampener) on your input. If you only have 1/4" outputs, they could be balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS). Either way you'll likely wind up in a stereo DI or two mono DIs as multicore runs are generally all balanced XLR lines, as opposed to a mix of XLR and TRS. Don't feel you need to provide your own DI box(es) though - if you advance your gig and let the venue know you're bringing electronic drums then the tech can have DIs there for you. If you have a preference for a particular (perhaps higher quality) DI, then you can invest in one yourself. I can recommend Radial and Klark Teknik options. Hope that's useful (if 5 months after you posted). - a live audio tech and drummer

[@veltri8134]

Hey Justin You Should make a Video Tips for Beginner Drummers this would really help me thanks Justin if you end up doing it! :D

[@65Drums]

+VeltriDrummer I'll keep it in mind, thanks :)

[@WestonWrathSimmons]

Hey man I have a question hopefully you can help me out. Playing live I use a td11, run ezdrummer2. My USB going into my laptop from my module triggers the samples and it carries the sound back into the module. I run a 1/4inch to a male XLR (special cable) from the mono output on the module, straight into the snake. Now I use this cable to avoid a DI box. But my last few gigs there has been a buzz and the sound guys complain about it. I’ve avoided DI boxes because if I use a regular 1/4inch into whatever di box they provide, it KILLS my volume bad. It makes me so quiet even if I crank everything and if I’m up all the way on the front of house board. I don’t know if I need a DI box that has another volume knob or what. Hopefully I gave enough insight. Thanks man.

[@matthewuzzle]

So you don’t use an audio interface to get your ezdrummer sounds to the snake?

[@WestonWrathSimmons]

Matthew Uzzle nope. Set the td11 as the audio output, and the mono out comes out of my td11 module

[@matthewuzzle]

Weston Simmons Hmm we use the direct outs on our td30, wonder if it would work for that as well

[@jamisbillson4872]

Great video mate...by the way. Thank you

[@65Drums]

Thanks man!

[@Jeff034]

Good stuff!

[@65Drums]

Thanks!

[@sebastianmonterorivera55]

What should i do when i play drums and sing too

[@65Drums]

+Sebastián Montero Rivera you can use a mic

[@sebastianmonterorivera55]

65 Drums but happen to me is that sometimes you can heard the hit of the sticks throught the amp and my voice at the same time , not just my voice

[@Utik0ne]

Ahahahahahahahahahayayayayay the forget part is actually hilarious!

[@2002drumsonly]

Brought an extra drum module. The module ceased working thus the spare came in handy.

[@thiagoj.7900]

As a good ADHD I would forget the drums, or forget I have a gig to go... so.. that’s fine.

[@ourfragrancejourney3911]

Do you have a link to your direct box?

[@65Drums]

+GooogleMan here's the link to the one I have. It's a bit over-kill though www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/pcDI?adpos=1o1&creative=54989263441&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&product_id=pcDI&gclid=CJ3v46-_4dMCFUobaQodqncHkg

[@ourfragrancejourney3911]

Thanks

[@ourfragrancejourney3911]

Just found this one for $20 in your opinion how cheap is too cheap. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KUA8G6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494287820&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pcdi&dpPl=1&dpID=414veu%2B2FtL&ref=plSrch

[@65Drums]

+GooogleMan I can't click on the link sorry :/

[@daleedelmann3274]

Which would you recommend to get the job done? Would a $30 passive work?

[@shuvamstech4089]

I did the same 😉 like Tim Kelly. ... hit the Thumbs Up before watching the video. ...

[@65Drums]

Thanks man! It really helps

[@jamisbillson4872]

Point 2 about loud cymbals...NIN drummer (lovely chap) uses massive cymbals. I have been thinking for ages that this just steals the space of the other instruments. It's "wishy washy" and smudges the song. Why do drummers not get this?

[@65Drums]

Because we LOVE LOVE LOVE cymbals. And we assume everyone loves them too. Darn producers always turning them down. But really, it took me forever to come to my senses. Its like trying to tell the guitar player to turn down his tube amp. Or that his distortion is too thick.

[@Bobby_Uterus]

Turn up on IEM's/monitors if you need more volume. Turning up volume to FOH is a sure way to piss off the sound man and make his mixing job that much more difficult. just don't.

[@ElectronicCity715]

Theres some really nice tips in this video but I agree. Turning up into foh is unprofessional and inconsiderate. That advice isn’t good. An e-drum player should try when possible to bring their own powered wedge and run their kit into that for personal drum foldback. (Or use headphones) For a pro sounding mix, Vocals in foh will sit several db above other instruments in almost all live band scenarios.

[@gregwilliams2764]

Pcdi, check!

[@Zam_Muan]

thanks. Really helpful... : )

[@65Drums]

+Zam Muan glad it was helpful :)

[@telomce8813]

TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!!

[@65Drums]

+hicchan !!!