How To Connect Your Electronic Drums To EZDrummer2 | MIDI

[@tomyg2766]

Excellent tutorial, thanks so much for uploading

[@daniellopes217]

Thanks for this video man... I was using the Drum module connected directly to the laptop and I was having latency issues.. I also have a behringher interface which I'd like to use however I didn't know how to setting this. :)

[@CarsonStruck]

I sometimes have latency issues connected via USB. It depends on several factors, but make sure you have updated drivers installed on your computer for your module. Set the buffer to like 128 or something. Anything less than 11ms or so should be fine if it gives you that info. And make sure you're not using Bluetooth headphones. To use your interface, make sure you install the latest drivers for it from their website. If it has MIDI in, use that with a MIDI cable from your Module to your interface. If not, just go to the settings of EZDrummer or your DAW and select that as your audio device so you can utilize the power it provides vs just using your internal audio card. Hope that helps! Keep tinkering with it and you'll get it working.

[@jeremiahg2716]

Good video , and great drumming!. I am having latency issues . I have ED3 and a new laptop. Sweetwater helped me out with the settings . Still had latency issues . He told me I needed an audio interface. Now I'm waiting on the focusrite. Hope it stops the latency so I can use ED3 .

[@prophesiedgnar5809]

You are a killer drummer 🥁 thanks for this video!

[@doghousereilly4684]

If this works and I don’t need a Roland driver(which they no longer make for my model) then I’ll owe you a huge thanks. I thought my kit became obsolete

[@DAVIDHERNANORDONEZCHAVEZ-ig1ce]

Nice video man. Now, what would be the routing if I’m not planning to only monitor myself through headphones, but play it through the PA live? Detailed as possible would be such a help Thanks!

[@CarsonStruck]

If you're using an audio interface like mine, it has monitor outs that you can send to a PA system via 1/4" cable. You can plug your headphones directly into the front of audio interface. If you're audio interface doesn't have multiple outputs and just a headphone out, I would probably run some sort of splitter or maybe a headphone amplifier that splits the single. One for your headphones and 1 or 2 for the pa system.

[@hechogamermx4812]

Thanks a lot,

[@rhinestoneeyed_]

Thank you very much for this video. I have a Roland TD02 drumkit, and whenever I try recording drums via EZDrummer 3 on my Windoes computer I experience a bit of lag. The same isn't an issue on my MacBook, so I was looking for decent audio interface options for my Windows computer.

[@CarsonStruck]

I use a Mac exclusively now but I also use a focusrite 4i4 with a midi cable. But USB is so fast now that it kind of doesn't matter if your using USB 3 on a machine like a Mac that has great built-in audio drivers. In short: get an audio interface like a focusrite or other brand that probably lands in the $100-200 price range and has MIDI in.

[@rhinestoneeyed_]

@@CarsonStruck thanks! My only problem is that my drumkit does not have a MIDI out. It's only got a USB B! How could I connect it to an audio interface, do you have any ideas?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@rhinestoneeyed_ You won't connect it to your audio interface then. You will connect it to your computer but then use the audio interface as your default audio driver. You should be able to adjust the buffering and sample rate within the control software that comes with the audio interface ou purchase.

[@rhinestoneeyed_]

@@CarsonStruck oh that's so cool! So it would go edrums to computer, and then audio interface to computer. There's no cable connecting the edrum module to interface. Is that right? 😅

[@CarsonStruck]

@@rhinestoneeyed_ in your case that would be correct! I always say try with what you have first because things add up in price, but if you have latency and messed with all the setting available to you, you probably need a better sound card. Which is where the audio interface comes into play. Good luck!

[@REAB66]

Can I use it with a Focusrite Scarlett Solo interface (just USB-C) or do I need an interface with MIDI input/output? Update: I ordered my Focusrite Solo and it works with EZDrummer 2/3 like a charm with USB-C, so no MIDI cable needed.

[@shady7240]

How? can you tell me

[@shady7240]

@@aninjatuna8576 plug printer cable to pc and open ableton

[@REAB66]

@@aninjatuna8576 just plug your USB-C from to your interface and to your laptop, and you need another USB-B (printer type USB) from your drum module to your laptop (this is because I have an Alesis Surge module). Download ASIO4ALL drivers and open up EZDrummer, select ASIO drivers and choose Focusrite Solo.

[@aninjatuna8576]

Usb c???

[@REAB66]

@@aninjatuna8576 That's right, just USB-C, my Alesis Surge kit and EZDrummer... you can see it works in my A7x cover I recently uploaded!

[@DmytroFranchuk]

Thanks for the video. Is there really a need for an audio interface if my laptop seems to handle 128 buffer just fine?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@DmytroFranchuk nope! As long as your latency is good and it sounds good. You're good!

[@MaximePhuket]

Thanks ! This is an easy and very clear video. Can I ask you some advice ? I have a TD11 and EZ drummer installed in my comp , and i was wondering if buying this Scarlett would make me win latency (I record to a BOSS Micro BR and later send the file to Audacity in my comp). Is all that depend on the sound car of the computer or not at all if using the Focusrite ? I was at first considering buying a TD17 module to resolve all that but i have read that the sounds are still "Rolandish" and that there are machine gun effects on the toms. Can you tell me your opinion ? Shall I stay with EZ Drummer and TD11 and buy focusrite , or just skip directly to TD17 ? Thanks so much Mr carson.

[@CarsonStruck]

EZDrummer sounds are way better than the Roland or any drum module sounds. I'm not familiar with the TD11, but if it has MIDI over USB, then you may not need an interface. I have another video over that as well. But when using MIDI over USB it is a bit more reliant on the computer you're using and the soundcard onboard instead of the Audio Interface which is essentially just an external soundcard. At least based on my experience! Good luck!

[@bradevans3815]

@@CarsonStruck Does the interface act like a headphone amplifier as well?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@bradevans3815 the interface I use does. If you're having issues with your pads just being so loud you can't hear your drums, instead of cranking the volume to 11, I would suggest an in-ear solution like Shure SE215's or something of the like. They are amazing. But I most often just use a drum amp. Which is loud, but I live in a house.

[@theocornet3315]

Hello man thanks for your video, I was just wondering if you could connect the soundcard to an amplifier instead of headphones. And if yes can we use the same port and cable ?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@theocornet3315 hey! Of course you can! Depends on your interface, but most have "Line Out" on the back usually split into a left and right signal. If you only want to run one cable instead of two, I would run a TRS cable from your headphone output into your amplifier.

[@drewphillips178]

what do you do if your drum module only has midi usb port and the interface has normal midi in out connectors ?

[@RajeshSamson]

Thanks for the great video. Does this setup work with Focusrite 2i2

[@CarsonStruck]

I don't think it will since the 2i2 doesn't have a MIDI out, but I have another video that shows how to hook up your td17 via USB only. Hope that helps!

[@AntakaCh]

Hi hopefully this comment (or more like question) reach you. With this setup will I be able to listen to music (spotify, youtube) while running ezdrummer?

[@CarsonStruck]

If you play it from your computer, yes. As long as the audio output of your computer is set to your interface. Through your phone connected to your module? Mostly no. Cuz you're getting the audio from your computer and not your module. When I jam to songs, I just Bluetooth to my module and use the stock sounds. But if I want to use ez drummer I have to play music from Spotify on my computer.

[@josch5768]

Hi bro just wanna ask do you have any tutorial how to connect on scarlett solo? thank you

[@CarsonStruck]

Not specifically for the solo, but I have a USB version of this tutorial and I believe that should work for that interface since there is no midi I/O.

[@josch5768]

@@CarsonStruck okay thank you so much

[@yuridonato2200]

​@@josch5768Hi bro, did you configure the SOLO?

[@Dyerdrummer]

Great video man! So I have a TD27 and just ordered EZdrummer 3 and a Scarlet 2i2 3rd gen Do I need to run the midi cable or can I use a guitar cable from the main out of my module into the main front input on the interface? Thanks bro

[@CarsonStruck]

If you want to use EZD3 you need to either run the MIDI cable from the module to the interface or run a USB cable from your module to the computer. Running a guitar cable will only capture the audio from the module which defeats the purpose of having EZD3. Hope this helps!

[@Dyerdrummer]

@@CarsonStruck thanks man! Got ya 😁

[@jadergn]

Nice video! I have a not so good computer. If I use an audio interface it will do all the processing and lower the latency or because of my bad PC, latency will still be an issue for me?

[@CarsonStruck]

The interface acts as an external sound card. In my experience, latency is always reduced to almost nothing with even the cheapest audio interfaces you can buy. Using onboard audio is usually not the way to go. Again. Your results may vary. Start with what you have. 🙂

[@jadergn]

@@CarsonStruck thanks!

[@BrandonGebbia]

Hi! What is the difference in using a midi cable or a usb cable?

[@CarsonStruck]

They're different technologies that achieve the same thing in regard to sending MIDI data to your computer. I'd say it's probably more common now for people to just use USB to connect since they're likely already using a USB cable for other purposes anyway. USB can do a lot and has MIDI capabilities. A MIDI cable only sends MIDI Data. It doesn't really matter which one you use in my opinion. Hope that helps.

[@swholmesesq4021]

This video is the closest I have come to seeing the settings that I can use to control EZ Drummer 2 using an old Alesis SR-16. I have an old, old version of Pro Tools (8.5) which I have tenderly kept running on Windows OS. I still cannot use the pads on the Alesis to make the EZ Drummer 2 speak. I have MIDI thru/Out on the Alesis going into my old M-Audio (MIDI in on the M-Audio) I have Omni on for MIDI. I am trying to simply play the manual pads on the SR-16 using the sounds from E-Z Drummer 2......sadly aint working.

[@odnasia4811]

Hi, my interface, 2I2 focusrite does not have midi I/o. Can I use midi to xlr cable to connect my edrums to my interface input? If that doesn’t work, and needing new interface with midi I/O, and I’m able to connect midi to new interface with midi I/O, do I still need to connect usb to pc ? Please advise. Thank you.

[@CarsonStruck]

If your interface doesn't have a midi I/O I would just connect directly with USB. I have another video on how to do that. I don't think a midi to XLR cable would work because the midi signal is just data for the computer to process and an XLR cable passes an actual audio source. Two completely different things. Hope this helps!

[@ilmyzainal8030]

Very good video, I have one question, I got my yamaha dtx500 drum, but couldn’t find the driver on internet, is it still needs driver if im using audio interface? Thank you

[@CarsonStruck]

If you're using this method, you won't need a driver for your drum module on your computer. You will need to have the correct driver for your interface installed on your computer though.

[@gabet3754]

Can you open up your daw and create a new instrument track and record the midi information like this? Or do I need to use a USB?

[@CarsonStruck]

That's exactly what I do. Use EZDrummer as a plugin on an instrument track. It records the midi data straight to the track.

[@danielkarsten1579]

How can I keep my midi keyboard plugged into my audio interface and still be able to plug in my Alesis drum set? Is it ok to plug the drum set into my usb slot on Mac? Will that affect the sound quality at all of the drum set this way? Thanks!

[@ralphasher09]

Thanks for this video. I just have a few questions. I use an Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit and planning to use the sounds from EZDrummer3. When plugging in the midi cable to the midi input of the audio interface and midi out on the module, where do i plug in the cable so I can hear it in-house and not just on my headphones. Can I just plug in the jack directly to the mono out of the module? or should it be plugged into the mono out of the audio interface? Sorry, I have very little knowledge with these. I've been using the presets of the drum modules and I've been wanting to upgrade with ezdrummer I just don't know how to start. Hope you can help thank you

[@CarsonStruck]

Hey! I'm not sure what you mean by "in house" but all EZD3 sounds will only come from the output of your Audio Interface. You're Nitro Module is only sending data to your Audio Interface to then use with the software. It never feeds back into your Nitro Module. Depending on your Audio Interface, you likely can monitor with headphones as well as the main outputs to say a speaker or some other listening device. Hope that helps!

[@giannispan8129]

I have a roland td27, an audio interface, pc (windows) and I want to record with a usb cable from the td27 to the pc and NOT with a midi cable (in,out). Can you tell me in detail what to connect with which cables specifically the wiring between td 27brain, audio interface and pc? you can help me;

[@marcosvenegasm.1696]

Se puede usar cualquier otra interfaz como la Beringer umc204hd?

[@imray5363]

I know you can turn off direct mix in order to hear the ez drummer drums over the roland drums. The problem I see occuring is latency. What is the best way to have so when I hit the drum, the ez drummer comes through the headphones at the exact right time, rather than a second later. More ram? Best CPU? Ive never been able to figure out latency.

[@CarsonStruck]

I don't know the science behind it but from experience, I can say that using an external sound card (Audio interface) makes a huge difference. Selecting that as your preferred hardware when routing your edrums to EZDrummer will allow for very low latency. If you have it all set up correctly, make sure to reduce the buffer size on the settings of your audio interface. Let's say... 128 buffer size or something. Test that out; I don't notice any latency and I don't have any of the nice or fancy hardware.

[@imray5363]

@@CarsonStruck Ok thanks for the response. My focusrite is coming in tomorrow so I saved your comment. Appreesh!

[@jamesarmenti8876]

If you don't have a fancy audio interface you can use ASIO4all, which lets you adjust the audio buffer on onboard generic sound cards. I've been using it for a while and it works great. No perceived latency.

[@MaximePhuket]

@@jamesarmenti8876 Dude it's funny i have been using this Asio, didnt notice nothing special then one day i went back to just using the TD11 module and then, omg, i could feel the difference. I actually didnt play for many months i was abroad, tomorrow i will try to reduce at the maximu the latency with Asio.

[@jamesarmenti8876]

@@MaximePhuket I have both the roland sound and the superior drummer sound blended in my mixer. There's no distinguishable delay between both could be that the latency is so low on my focusrite interface. Nobody that has played my kit has mentioned there being a delay w/ superior drummer triggering.

[@NoisyMachine_]

I have a question that I hope you can help me with. I have an edrum that came with a very cheap module that does trigger very well. Is this interface device something that can help with that or that’s not what it’s designed to do?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@NoisyMachine_ are you saying that your standalone module for your e-drums don't trigger well? If that's the case, using an audio interface with drum software won't help there. But it would make it sound better if that's what you're getting at.

[@NoisyMachine_]

@@CarsonStruck sorry, I meant to say it DOES NOT trigger well. So that is not what this device is designed for correct? To help with the triggering of a cheap module?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@NoisyMachine_ Nope. If you're experiencing mistriggerring or sensitivity issues when hitting your pads, it's very likely that it's the actual pads you're hitting if you can't adjust those settings within your module. The sensors there may not be working effectively. So this won't help with that issue. BUT if you're just saying the sounds from the module are bad, then yes, running a VST like EZDrummer will make them sound so much better.

[@NoisyMachine_]

@@CarsonStruck thanks for the info man. I am not very familiar with electric drums a stuff like that. I am trying to absorb as much info as possible to understand it. I was told that changing my cheap module will definitely get rid of those issues. I think the triggers are good, but getting the settings right on the module is the issue. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Depending on how fast I played. And I am not saying the module is broken, it’s just that is not that good and hard to dial in the settings correctly. I want to upgrade to the TD17 since I’ve seen people saying it is compatible with my kit. Other reviews I’ve seen of my current module say the same thing. It’s just not a good module. By the way, I am talking about the Lemon TD950. I use drums sample from GGD (Get Good drums) and it sounds amazing. Everything works perfect except the sanare and hi hat. Cant seem to get it right with the settings so I that maybe this device would help. Thank you for replying…I always ask questions and no one ever answers so thank you. You just saved me from wasting money on a device I thought was for triggering like de eDrumin that apparently is what it does as far as I could understand

[@CarsonStruck]

@@NoisyMachine_ sure thing! If you are experiencing latency, Which is the time between your hit and the sound, the interface helps with that. So as little delay as possible. If you don't have that issue, and you are just having a weird setting issue, no need to purchase an interface. I would suggest getting a free trial of EZDrummer and see if that works better though in terms of your hi hat and snare not sounding satisfactory. In my opinion though, everyone's setup is a little unique and is gonna take a bit of tweaking to get it to your liking. Good luck!

[@yawessandoh3544]

How do you also record the video while playing?

[@CarsonStruck]

Personally, I have a mirrorless camera I set up. So I'm not using my phone for, well, anything really. Depending on what I'm recording I'll have to sync it up later in video editing software.

[@Jeffmd2020]

Does this allow you to play the sounds from the ezdrummer 3 program through your amplifiers to play live for people?! Im trying to figure out how to do this cause I can’t see spending this much money and not be able to show it off and be limited to headphones only

[@CarsonStruck]

There's several different ways to send your ezd3 output to a PA or drum amp. If you are using an audio interface like in this video, you should have Line Outputs on the back of the interface. Run those with a 1/4" cable straight to your drum amp or PA system. That way you can monitor yourself with headphones but then your sound guy can do whatever they want as well. If you are forgoing the interface and just plugging your module in via USB, you need to take the output straight from your computer to the drum amp or PA. Usually via an AUX cable.

[@Jeffmd2020]

@@CarsonStruck I’m going to be ordering a usb audio interface here shortly. But from what I just took from that are you saying I can wear my in ear monitors while being hooked up to my P.A. System and I can hear myself playing while everyone else hears me AND the music?! If so then that’s awesome!! I’ve been trying to figure out how to do that very thing for awhile now!!

[@CarsonStruck]

@@Jeffmd2020 that's correct! At least with most interfaces. You just plug your headphones into the headphone port and then you can give your sound guy the lineout feed. So you can control your own volume and they can control it on their end for mixing. Again. There's so many different ways to go about reaching your goal but you can easily accomplish what you're trying to do with the gear you've talked about here.

[@Jeffmd2020]

@@CarsonStruck so do I have to have a mixer to use this line out feed? I’d love to hear myself while everyone else hears the music and me so I can fine tune my movements and how hard or soft I need to hit the drums

[@CarsonStruck]

@@Jeffmd2020 no. Your line out CAN go into a mixer and will most definitely go into one at a venue, but at home, that line out will go straight into your drum amp. My rule of thumb for sound is that you set it up the way you like it and it's always the sounds guys job to figure out how to accommodate your set up and adapt it to the venue you're playing at. Most artists expect a plug and play experience at any venue. You can get really you'll adjust your music and drum volumes from your computer. So in this case, your computer is acting as the mixer. Hope that makes sense.

[@Wollestar]

A bit late to the party, but have you noticed a difference in latency between using the usb connection for midi to the computer and the interface as audio out compared to midi cable to the interface? I am just wondering, wether I really need the midi cable. Currently I am running the TD-17 as interface, but the latency at 64 samples is aprox. what you have at 128. That is okay, but not ideal

[@CarsonStruck]

Hey! I have another video on setting it up via USB and no matter which way you decide to set it up, the latency isn't noticeable IMO. MIDI over USB is newer and works just as well in my experience. Your results may vary based on your equipment, but when I made the video my computer couldn't process the buffer size set at 64 without crashing. I've since upgraded to an M1 Mac Mini. To answer your question: No you don't need the MIDI cable if using MIDI over USB instead.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@CarsonStruck Hey! I got my hands on a older module (TD12), which only supports MIDI out. Does a MIDI to USB interface cable like the ESI MidiMate eX works well enough?

[@CarsonStruck]

@@SchwappSchwopp I think it may. If you don't have USB on your Module AND don't have an Audio Interface, It sounds like the only option! Not completely sure how to have your computer read the midi data... But I guess that's what the interface is doing. It's worth a shot!

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@CarsonStruck I already tried, it works perfectly fine, thx though!

[@Macho_Man_Randy_Savage]

I run a TD50 in to a MacBook via USB MIDI to trigger SD3 (Death & Darkness) because I can't stand Roland sounds. While the samples are amazing and the latency seems "okay" (Mac is much better than Windows, I did a trial with both types of OS) and is very usable in most cases, I still feel like my playing is being impacted. I mostly play more Technical Metal and I find it hard to be precise at times and it's impacting my progress and I start to question my ability and hardware... However when I hop over to the TD50 sounds, my playing "improves" because the response is instant and I have absolute control over my playing but the sounds are so SHIT. I've been running this SD3 setup for 2 years but I really have to change something because it's frustrating. Would something like a Focusrite Scarlett improve the latency or is there any other tips you can give?

[@CarsonStruck]

I can't test out your exact scenario, but I now use a 2020 Mac Mini M1. I don't expereince any noticable latency. But you're right to say that the module will produce the least latency. I think Roland is at 4ms which is insanely quick. You might get up to 10 when going through a vst, but even 10ms shouldn't be audibly noticable to your ear. But I have another video on my channel that covers USB and that may help you decide!

[@stomptheelites]

why would I need this if it works fine on my gaming PC? Thanks

[@aninjatuna8576]

Then you don't need it. You just plug straight in from your kit to your computer, right?

[@stomptheelites]

@@aninjatuna8576 yes

[@giannispan8129]

i have a roland td17kvx and i do video recordings through the roland go mixer pro x console with a camera from my smartphone. Is it worth the effort and the cost to make video recordings via sound card, pc midi? Or should I continue with the Roland go mixer pro x?

[@CarsonStruck]

Honestly, I didn't know this existed. Looks pretty cool and useful! I think that if you're getting things to sound the way you like them, there is no need to switch to something else. This looks like a fantastic solution for a simple live band feed. If you want to utilize EZDrummer though, I recommend hooking up your Roland Module to your computer via USB, which I have another video on, and then just taking the output of your computer to your Roland Mixer. My understanding is that you're skipping using a DAW on the computer and just recording straight to your phone via the mixer instead. So... If you're pleased with your current results, just keep doing what you're doing 🙂

[@giannispan8129]

@@CarsonStruck will i need to buy expensive laptop pc to record like you show in the video? .

[@andreshuerta6428]

Que modelo es esa interfaz??

[@shawdlc9212]

can i directly plug my e-kit on pc even without audio interface?

[@CarsonStruck]

You can! I have a video on that as well.

[@ShawnMichaelLord]

Yeah my Scarlett Solo is not compatible it seems for electric drum kits

[@CarsonStruck]

Try my other video that demonstrates using USB instead!

[@ShawnMichaelLord]

@@CarsonStruck I'm just gonna buy a Scarlett 4i4

[@Lowtier2D]

What type of midi cable do I have to get?

[@CarsonStruck]

It should be a five pin midi cable. Alternatively, you can use a USB cable most likely as well. Which I have another video on!

[@PinkiesBrain]

I connected evrrythin as you said but I do not get midi in signal in ezdr.3 When i connect midi out via usb to Laptop and from there via usb to daw it works but grim my understanding thats wrong. Isnt it?

[@CarsonStruck]

I'm not completely following... But I have another video showing how to connect via USB. And that way is completely fine as well! Whichever way works for you is best. I'd argue that neither is better than the other.

[@PinkiesBrain]

@@CarsonStruck Thank you so much for taking the time. What I meant was that I connected my edrums (midi out) with midi cable to my ur242 Interface(midi in) and from there used a USB to connect the interface with my laptop. And while I can hear sound from my headphones(plugged to the interface) I can not get any MIDI in signal. So I changed wiring and connected the edrums with a USB to my laptop and connected the Interface with another USB cable also to the laptop. Then I get MIDI from the edrums and also hear an output from the interface but I wonder if this is ok to do. The funny thing is that I do get pretty decent latency. I run low latency mode and 32 sample and get 1.5 ms delay according to the software. While playin I cannot recognize any latency. So I guess the Interface does its job... I just dont understand why :D Id rather have it wired with a midi cable from the drums to my interface instead of using two usb. I also thought this cannot even work but my knowledge about interfaces is very little so I do not know how they work

[@CarsonStruck]

@@PinkiesBrain Yes! The way you have it connected with two USB cables are totally fine! It is possible that EZD isn't recognizing your Uphoria interface as a MIDI connection. And tbh I've never used EZD3 so I don't know what kind of settings it has to offer. But that said, the interface is definitely contributing to your low latency which is fantastic. I believe most users actually prefer the USB method just because MIDI cables are a bit older and not as easy to come by. If it's working for you and you're midi data is being sent properly, you're doing it right!

[@PinkiesBrain]

thank you very much for your help! @@CarsonStruck I btw ran into issues with low latency and 32 samples. Sometimes the connection breaks. Had to go to 128 like you adviced. It is fine too. Will experiment a bit. It might just be my psyche but I kinda feel that there is a lil bit of latency now. But I am not even sure.

[@polivka15]

Jak docilit tak krasneho zvuku myslim monitor nejaka bedna

[@turke765]

I presume it's all the same stuff for EZD3

[@CarsonStruck]

I'll buy it one day to confirm... But probably, yeah!