EFNOTE PRO Goes HARD On the Acoustic eDrums Trend

[@gregbennett6103]

I have a very simple theory about why some of the obvious and most common features are still missing from efnote’s offerings compared to other flagships. The developers at efnote spent 20+ years in R&D at Roland. Because of that, I’m sure Roland is watching Efnote more closely than any other manufacturer to make sure their code, or a derivative of it, doesn’t start showing up in efnote modules. Efnote is still a small company, and it wouldn’t take much for Roland to sue them out of existence for violating intellectual property rights. Therefore, everything Efnote comes up with has to be 100% original. If Efnote modules started looking, sounding, and processing too much like a Roland flagship, even if Efnote ultimately won their case, Roland could bury them in legal proceedings and mountains of attorney fees for years.

[@andreoproprio]

"If Efnote modules started looking, sounding, and processing too much like a Roland flagship"... I'd never buy that crap😁

[@BFedie518]

Wasn't Efnote started by a bunch of people who left ATV?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, but I believe that many of those ATV staff that formed EFNOTE originally left Roland to form ATV!

[@einarabelc5]

Bingo

[@davidking3699]

There is no level playing field when it comes to corporate profits...

[@ironblast5]

I really hate odd tom sizes it's frustrating they don't have a 12", 14", or 16" tom pad

[@RobDuggan]

I sold all my Roland gear to go in hard on Efnote. I play in bands that don't do electronic type music.... but also, unfortunately due to inner urban developments have placed heavy noise restrictions on some venues. I'm playing a pumped up 7 (effectively mine is now a 7X with an extra 16" crash, but in white) I love the sounds, it sounds amazing through the PA and my sound guy loves it. Plus it has excellent stage presence. I'm all for what they're doing, bring it on I say! Another awesome tool available at my disposal to play music on.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Awesome! Always great to hear from users. I'm glad you're enjoying using the 7 live and it seems like your situation is the exact market for them.

[@StefBelgium]

Same here. I had Roland before and moved to EFNote 5X with additional cymbals and drums. It sounds so great especially how I tuned the various sounds.

[@thexennialdrums]

EFNOTE 5 is working out great for the work I do both recording backing tracks and live drums for my cover band.

[@johnburkhalter3880]

I feel like ATV really dropped the ball with it's ATV link connection on the rear panel of the AD5. It was intended to do what EFnote are doing with their stage box. I think this is a brilliant concept for professional use.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, it's a real shame that ATV didn't end up realising their potential but it looks like all of those ideas have made it over to EFNOTE (I believe that the majority of the ATV development staff created EFNOTE, at least this is what I've heard). I think the stage box looks great too and the routing and monitoring capabilities look super useful. No need for an external mixer!

[@randalscandal1588]

ATV started this approach, then just sat there dead in the water doing nothing to advance it.

[@Flamamacue]

One of these manufacturers needs to pair up with a major VST producer like Toontrack and have a kit with good pads/cymbals, a really simple module that is designed purely for MIDI out that has an integrated & already running version of something like SD3 on a separate but built in NUC type setup with a small screen instead of a beefy expensive module. Kinda feels like that's where things are headed, and having used SD3 for a few years now I see no need to spend big on a really good e-kit for a better module. IMO VSTs are light years ahead of modules but i really like what EFNOTE are doing

[@StereoAnthony]

Totally agree. It certainly seems like that is the most logical step forward. I ditched my DTX 700 module for an Edrumin10 specifically for this reason. Toontracks sample libraries are light years beyond what modules can do in terms of realism and sound quality, so like you said, hopefully they will create a module like Mimic, but with higher end D/A convertors.

[@ArlindoCardoso]

Unfortunately, It’s too expensive for what they offer!

[@ChontosDrumLessons]

Hey Luke! I'm excited to watch this video! I knew you would release your take on it soon. Hope you are doing well, man, and keep up the great work!!

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Hey Jared! Thanks, hope you enjoyed it! Yeah man, doing well - just been deep into some kits for the last few weeks, alongside this video. Hope you are too!

[@482jpsquared]

@13:10 "...there's no compression built into my acoustic kit". I got a kick out of the video clip you included there.

[@ianhinrichsendrummer2113]

I wonder how long it'll be before acoustics go extinct. Edrums are taking over virtually everywhere.

[@justseaningaround]

So much cool stuff coming in e-drums. At this point though, I’m holding out to see what Roland/DW deliver with their wireless kit. Nothing worse than cleaning up a dozen or more beer soaked cables off the ground after a gig. Nope, no more of that please!

[@matenorth]

Conspiracy theory here, i think Roland paid big money to have those features removed to even out the competition,otherwise it doesn't make any sense. They care about live drummers and removed those features for their convenience lol. This type of thinking behind this design defeats the purpose of using an E kit live. Why should i use an overpriced E kit only to be able to send a dry sound to the engineer and not use a miced real kit which does the same job? This drum set would be great for smaller bands who dont have their own touring engineer and rely on random sound guys who dont care at all but they managed to mess up by removing tone carving features. Its crazy.😅

[@pelletmobile2]

Very interesting! ive watch Justin's video as well... with electronic drums everyone wants something different as you say. But i agree you cant take away pro features for the people that want that kind of thing, like yourself that dive into the module. I have have Td17 and still most of the functions i dont use or sometimes even understand how to use properly. But most people just want a good sounds straight out of the box no matter wether the kit is large or small, pro or mid range. I would say 70/80% of edrum users dont know how to use there modules to the full potential. For them this will be a good part of the market if they want to play live with it to. All the years ive played roland vdrums all ive seen is the these drums get better and better. I know roland are making there new flagship module soon, be good to see what they can pull out of the bag to get back some of the market they may lose. All looking good for the future of edrums 😊

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, I definitely come at things from the angle of a serial tweaker 😅 I agree, exciting times ahead!

[@o0m0j]

Hopefully they'll send you one for review!

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Fingers crossed!

[@sadul]

I always wonder why most drummers play like they want to kill their instrument. Just look at this video...

[@progression_decibel]

Great synopsis, Luke. I was at NAMM and had a chance to look up close and talk with Artesia about it - the one statement they kept making about this module/stage box and the development and programming of it was it is "PRO" level. True, there are a few "headscratcher" features they've implemented, left out, or backed out but when you put 2+2 together about the direction they want to take this particular setup, you kind of get it. Totally subjective to a degree though and can be disputed or accepted. At the end of the day, if I can manage to sell my ATV gear off I will replace it with the EFNOTE (module and cymbals). I will still hang on to my Roland digital gear, VAD shells, and TD-50X though. There's still some personal preference like build quality and feature set that I enjoy the EFNOTE doesn't quite deliver on.

[@matenorth]

Omg how much money have you spent on drums? 😢

[@randalscandal1588]

I tried it and I was super impressed. You do forget you're playing an ekit with the cymbals matching as well. The sounds were fantastic, especially the cymbals. The Efnote people are great as well. Really impressive.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it. I know a lot of people loved the ATV cymbal sounds so I'm glad that the EFNOTE ones are good too!

[@randalscandal1588]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop Efnote blows ATV away at this point. I hope you make it to a NAMM show, I'd love to meet you and shake your hand. Hey! Where's the new mimic pro sample packs? ;)

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I'm glad that they've improved upon their work with the EFNOTE kits then! Fingers crossed for next year's NAMM. They're coming, they just take a loooong time to edit and mix 😅

[@lorenzodegidio9991]

I've had my efnote pro for about a week now. I was worried about the lack of built in reverb but the built in samples actually have a ton of natural reverb and resonance. It sounds a lot better than I expected and I don't miss the reverb at all! It is a ridiculous step up from my 3x module.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Awesome, I'm glad you're happy with it! I remember that in one of the NAMM videos Michael Bedard was saying that many samples have been rerecorded with additional natural ambience, so it's good to hear that it translates to the user experience.

[@jamessullenriot]

Something like the reverb being removed is odd. I get why they did it and understand the explanation. But even with that, why not just add it and have it default turned off? It's literally some code they could have brought over from the software in their other modules. It's an odd decision that their highest end module doesn't have as much as the lower end ones? I agree though that of the hundreds of sounds that come with most modules, I don't use most of them and if I do, its because I bought a pre made kit like yours and you used them somehow. What I love about this kit and have had envy since this announcement as a Roland VAD 507 owner, the 3 zones on the hats and multiple cymbals. Roland really needs to step up its game on that. Actually .... I hope they delay it because I don't have money to upgrade at the moment, so yea, take your time Roland 😂

[@ChristopherWice]

I almost bought the 507 but after my local drum shop told me about EFNOTE PRO I did some digging. I love their vision and the fact that they make it to sound great right out of the box. Their sound quality comes up time and again in reviews. Now that the hardware is as good/or better then Roland it became easier to decide. Salesman offered me a deal on the 701 and I took it.

[@pedrofrom1984]

Really interesting review of that new kit, Luke. But definitely no sale for me if I can't use, for example, your great range of excellent kits. I use them on my TD50X with great enthusiasm (though little skill 😊).

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Thank you 🙏

[@baterizmo]

Looks promissing, but still...I don't see anyone throwing away their TD-50 in the near future

[@Rhythmic1]

I have to agree. This looks pretty cool but I'm not in a panic to sell my TD-50 just yet. It's still a very useful module with a lot of life left in it. The X upgrade is proof of Rolands intent to keep the TD-50 relevant and a money maker for a lot longer than people expected. What really got my attention though was the stage box as a separate but well integrated unit. That is a big deal for drummers and bands using IEM systems. Right now I'm getting ready to spend another $700 for a Behringer S16 Digital Stage Box to essentially do what this new Ef Note stage box does.

[@felipejotz7054]

Td50? Gone long time, Mimic beats them all hands down.

[@johndef5075]

None of these sets have been out long enough to compare to Roland reliability yet. Im playing decades old Roland stuff that still triggers perfectly. Will be interesting to see how it holds up.

[@andrums93]

Hi EDRUM WORKSHOP. I HAVE a question about This FNOTE. Should I upgrade to this kit only using it at home or should I wait a bit more save up and buy the new DW drums? I really dont like the fact there is no ambience and compression and all the cables that this kit has and that big box to carry around with it might get very uncomfortable .... let me know what you think of this .

[@Rhythmic1]

The stage box really got my attention. That could come in really handy. I have a Behringer X32 rack I bought for our IEM system but I've been debating whether or not I'm going to ante up another $700 for their S16 Digital Stage Box for this very purpose. As for the module I actually prefer dry sounds for the reason you pointed out but it seems like a bad management decision to not at least provide the option to add more effects and the ability to control microphone placement. What I want on stage is different than what want at home and I can't imagine it would be that difficult to offer simple plug and play functionality while still providing those options.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, taking extra hardware out of the equation with the stage box is a great move! Agreed that home and stage are entirely different prospects and I don't think they're wrong to target specific models for that use. Taking out options entirely is always something I have to examine, but I do see your point about the balance of simplicity versus features. Great input!

[@ironblast5]

​@@TheeDrumWorkshop most pros are not as concerned with simplicity and prefer having tools available to sound the absolute best even if that means it is Abit complicated so their argument of this being designed specifically for pros doesn't really hold up imho

[@Dyerdrummer]

Is EFnote gonna be good for a metal drummer? I love Justin at 65drums and he mentioned Efnote sounds in his opinion wouldnt be great for metal Thanks love the channel

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I totally get what Justin means and I'm inclined to agree, with the caveat - it depends on what you want as a metal drummer. I don't know how many "clicky" kicks there are on their modules, for example - that's a very common sound for metal. Same goes for a powerful room ambience - EFNOTE modules don't really have that. So if you want the kit to sound closer to "produced metal drums from an album" then they're probably not the best choice. On the flip side, if you want it to sound like a pretty natural kit regardless of the "final" sound of metal albums then it might fit what you want.

[@Dyerdrummer]

@TheeDrumWorkshop Thanks man! Overall I would consider myself a Thrash drummer more than anything so I love the idea of some "real" sounding kits haha 😄

[@66meikou]

Interesting review mate. Mike B knows his shit. I have the 3X (nib) which I'm going to give to my son for his birthday next week (if anyone is interested in a Yam DTXtreme IIs with lots of extra's, hit me up). I've been harping on for years about the idea of a separate module and then a plug in module with 16 inputs. The thing I don't like about the 3x is it's a proprietary cable. You can't add much more to the kit, so you're stuck. I'm going to see what happens with Efnote this year and I'll wait to see what my xmas bonus is this year.

[@dranici2229]

What an awesome channel, so much information!!! Im about to purchase my first e drum kit and im leaning towards the efnote 3x and its really useful to see some insight and your personal inputs on that matter! Very valuable, keep up the good work my guy🔥🔥

[@laddiemusic]

Their module seems to suffer from machine gunning

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Unfortunately I agree. Nice samples but a limited sample pool.

[@ironblast5]

Having reverb, individual eq, and compression available for at least your personal iem mix would be ideal and it helps for gigs you have a inexperienced sound guy at so you can have him just eq you flat and you dont sound like straight trash

[@jezusmylord]

I dont have enough kidneys for all the hobbies i have, damn.

[@johndef5075]

I dont understand the full size cymbals with the little toms and bass drum.

[@SimonCrackInsane1]

Where can I see the live performance in this video?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I've linked them both in the description, along with all of the other videos I referenced 😁 They're the "Versengold" ones.

[@SimonCrackInsane1]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop oh sorry thx

[@obijuan8466]

As far as the direct outs are concerned, it is far less of an issue that does not require adapters on many mixers. Many company's modules are TRS out, which are balanced, just a different connector. This means if your mixer has combo inputs, or you purchase TRS to XLR cables, this is a non-issue. No DI boxes required. I am using TRS to TRS into my Presonus StudioLive 32SX, and have zero issues. That not withstanding; I love this new box.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

If your mixer is nearby (for unbalanced outputs) or if you definitely have balanced outputs, sure! When I gigged my eDrums (TD-50), we had our desk on the stage with us and I plugged straight in with unbalanced master outputs. We could have used the balanced direct outputs for gigs that required them too. Not all modules do have balanced outputs, but most of the higher tier ones do. One other consideration with XLR to TRS cables is the potential for accidentally switching on the phantom power of the XLR input on the desk and blowing the module's output. If I remember correctly, the TD-50/X has protection for this but the Pearl Mimic Pro doesn't, so usually the recommendation is to still use a DI box to protect against this possibility. I don't know how likely or common such an outcome actually would be. (Edited as I misread the initial comment!)

[@steevidrums]

Love your new kit set up Luke!!! Another great video!

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Cheers Steve! I was fed up of struggling to find a match for that Tama wrap and it annoyed me every time I saw my kit on camera, so decided to treat myself to a vanity kit 😅 It's a cheap WHD one but it looks nice for the price. Also just received an 8", 10" and another 14" DRONE trigger for the extra drums. Feels great to play already but it'll be even better when they're in!

[@steevidrums]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop Can't wait until you showcase it in a video, and I mean not just a photo. I had to look close, WHD! Nice, shows you don't need to spend ££££ if you want a nice acoustic design e-kit!

[@tbip2001]

Really nice kit but the module doesn’t cut it.

[@KarmaPaym3ntPlan]

1:25 haha, indeeeeed

[@eDrumsInANutshell]

Yeah, in principle, that's right. I use those Alesis like mesh pads. Fine.

[@FEV369]

My main gripe with EFnote is their kits are so much closer to real, but their skins on their drums almost 100% make it pointless. How is there no a large collection of skins out of the box I dono.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I'm not sure what you mean? The mesh heads?

[@FEV369]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop The skins, the actual "wood" drums, they are all grey.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Oh, gotcha! Usually people refer to drum heads as skins and the wood as shells, so it had me a little confused. Apologies. Yeah, there's the grey sparkle one or the dark wood grain and that's it at the moment.

[@482jpsquared]

I agree with Luke. "...skins on their drums..." does point to the heads, not the shells.

[@bruceperkins2921]

can the on board sounds be layered?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Interestingly I haven't seen anything mentioned about this despite it being a feature on their other modules. Will have to wait and see what comes from hands-on tests!

[@robnykulaik7337]

Yea they look nice but any company that doesn't have prices for anything on the website worries me!! Also they have stores everywhere but Canada!!?? WTF!!

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I don't think that's anything to worry about. You won't find prices on Roland's website either. You need to go through to the dealers' sites in order to see prices. That's a pretty common thing when it comes to larger companies that don't sell directly to the customer themselves, instead using a distribution network and dealers. In terms of stores/locations, there aren't any stockists in the UK that I know of either. I think there might be a company that handles distribution in the UK but I can't find them on UK web stores, only Europe (which is a whole different thing nowadays). They're still a small company, hopefully give them some time and they'll have more distribution in place!

[@francisbeland8959]

I'm in Canada and I imported my EFNOTE 7 from the US. EFNOTE officially have a dealer in Canada but looking at their website, there are no mention of it.

[@StereoAnthony]

I asked about Efnote Drums at Longe and Mcquades flagship Bloor store in Toronto back in the winter, and although the Drum department is very interested in carrying them, there is apparently nothing on the horizon. I may have to bite the bullet and order them from Drumtec.

[@StereoAnthony]

@@francisbeland8959 That's good to know

[@francisbeland8959]

@@StereoAnthony I bought it at Drumcenter of Portsmouth. If you do, buy it through the website instead of writing to them. For a reason I don't know, their quote for shipping was far higher than the shipping through the website and when I created an account on to the website, I received a 10% coupon code. For a 4000$ set, that 10% was really nice. I don't know if it's still the case but you can see.

[@kushking420]

Love their hi hat

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I hear good things from everyone who's tried it!

[@astronaut2005drummer]

To catch new e-drummers, they are making all these new acoustic style kits, but the price is veeeeery expensive!! I prefer my combo Roland TD17KV and the Roland HD-3! :D And of course, your drum pack sounds!

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Great video Luke! Hey Efnote, please send Luke a kit and let him do his magic and make custom kits. It'll be great for Efnote and your customers!

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Thank you 🙏

[@djashjones]

I think the word "pro" is overused nowadays. Sales will determine how much of a success it is at the end of the day.

[@marv6424]

If they plan to have extra kits, they will sell them to you and thats why you cant just import your own. It also means they dont need to compete with any other sound librarys. Probably as simple as that. Maybe even similar for the ambience/reverb/effects. Want that? Here buy our extra kits. Its a confusing Kit. I dont understand a lot of these decisions. I also dont think that has anything to do with aimed at Pros.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I hope they don't paywall ambience or ambient kits, that would sting! But yeah, I could imagine keeping the instrument import as a closed ecosystem would be a preferred business move. Single shot sample import at least would be nice to keep up with Roland and wouldn't really take away the incentive of purchasing "full" instruments from a sound store (if they were to go this route).

[@marv6424]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop Yeah who knows, maybe i am to pessimistic, roland added some nice things along the line in their modules with updates. I am sure efnote heard enough concerns from customers that they are thinking what they can do before and after release. The hardware itself seems interesting. I listened to the demonstrations and it was mixed weird in the versengold songs, so little cymbals, but we will get to hear how it all sounds down the line im sure. Thanks for the excellent content and insights! I always enjoy your videos.

[@markgriskey]

Thanks man! Nicely done

[@markgriskey]

As a composer and producer for a living, I have no problem with most of “omissions” with the module. Engineers want mostly “dry” signals, but if I were to use it live In a lower volume situation would add some sort of reverb unit to my signal chain.