Upgrading the Yamaha DTX400K Electronic Drum Kit

I bought the basic DTX400K drum kit to see if I'd like drumming and then upgraded it as I went along. What I ended up with is basically a DTX 450K plus an additional cymbal and drum monitor speaker system. Here are the new components, along with prices paid, which were lower than their listed retails, but are commonly available prices online with free shipping:
1) TP70S 3-zone Snare Pad ($99.99)
2) TPCL65 Mounting Clamp for the new snare pad ($39.99)
3) HH65 Hi-Hat Controller pedal ($69.99)
4) 7210 Chain Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal ($69.99) (The 450K now uses the FP6110 Belt Drive Pedal)
5) KP65 Kick Pad ($69,99)
6) PCY90AT Extra Cymbal (99.99)
7) MS40DR Drum Monitor (speaker) System ($269.99)
The two things needed to connect the iPad are:
1) An Apple "lightning to USB camera kit" adapter: www.staples.com...
2) A USB type A to type B cable: www.staples.com...

[@DJ-ez3mv]

Wow, now that is how you do an informative video. I leaned more about the kit from this video and how to upgrade than the 50 others combined that are on youtube. Thanks!

[@turdferguson9942]

Totally agree and I'm looking to get myself my first drum kit for my BDay in a week and found a DTX450 kit that comes with a free cymbal and already has the 3 zone snare but this was just a great video about all the different things you need to help make it easier to use these DTX kits and was a great help.

[@mikespivey6044]

Very helpful as I help my son decide how to upgrade. Many thanks

[@indiobatera1467]

Tenho uma 450k e simplesmente o aplicativo não funciona segundo informações o app foi descontinuado e quem possuí o instrumento como fica ? Poderia permanecer sem atualização para os usuários alguma dica

[@robsparrow]

Thanks for making the vid, nice to get a real review from an non-professional user. Pretty sold on getting the 450K now.

[@danielgrayshock5465]

Your video helped me out a lot. I am primarily a guitar player, and bought the basic kit just like you have to see how it would fly. I have since purchased the the pedal tower, the high hat controller upgrade and the snare, the mounting clamp has been discontinued which makes no sense, I have found a TPCL150, it's on the way, hope it works. Also I am a lefty and have found that any cable will work on any pad as long as you attach it to the module correctly. Although stereo cables have to be used for certain pads such as the upgraded snare because it has more than one Zone. Unfortunately this kit will not support a three zone cymbal, that would allow you to "choke" a cymbal. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this and listing the part numbers for the upgrades.

[@grayshock]

very informative, i have the same kit and am in the process of doing the same upgrades. I am a guitarist and bought the kit "bare bones" to see if it would work for me. Great Kit, upgrading the kick pedal is a must! thank you. Great advice on the aquarian kick pad protector.

[@Sir.Wiggalot]

I plan on buying this kit at the end of the month and I'll be using it upstairs in my room. Do you think an actual kick pedal would be loud for everyone downstairs? Random question I know.

[@grayshock]

i would seriously doubt it, it would be the the same noise as you hitting your snare and tom pads

[@ZaxDrumsandGolf]

I have the older DTXpressiii it does not have the option to hook up with a tablet or ipad. The app is pretty cool!! Have fun I know I am having fun with my old e-kit!!

[@fernandgrima1268]

good job Tim ...very informative

[@adi10times]

I was searching for MS40DR then found you video, thanks for sharing

[@Prizmatic1658]

I like where you mounted your monitors.

[@angiesantics2284]

awsome video man

[@cryptique23]

Thanks for posting this -- I wanted to know more about that extension cymbal. I have the DTX 450K and have been feeling the lack of another crash. I like your idea of putting the extra cymbal to the right and making it the ride. Now if only Yamaha would come out with an Android app. I may have to find a secondhand iPad just for this purpose.

[@TheEdu0920]

i knoww we need and android app

[@cryptique23]

I actually did end up buying a secondhand iPad Mini 2nd generation on eBay to run the app for this kit. I'm an Android guy, but I do like being able to do some customization with the iPad. Also, when not connected to the DTX 450K, I play way too much Whirly Word (another thing that needs an Android version).

[@TheEdu0920]

+Brilliant Mistake yeah i found my old ipod touch so i will be using that now i need the adapter for the ipod

[@mcpastor63]

The two things needed to connect the iPad are: 1) An Apple "lightning to USB camera kit" adapter: www.staples.com/Apple-reg-Lightning-trade-to-USB-Camera-Adapter/product_164111 2) A USB type A to type B cable: www.staples.com/Staples-6-Silver-Series-A-B-USB-Cable/product_837370

[@PabloSBenitez]

whats the lengh of the tubes? the longer ones?

[@turdferguson9942]

Great video and great tip with these cables. For those two it's half the price of the one they sell that still has the old apple 30 pin connector which you need another $30 adapter to actually use with the newer Apple stuff. Ends up being about 1/3 the price with these cables as opposed to the other way so definitely a big help and can put that extra $60 or so towards needed accessories.

[@Sanbas87]

Im going to get the crash and a double pedal.i have the 450k myself. Might upgrade the snare to the sillicon snare pad from Yamaha. I really like theset aswell. The app is a must imo if you want to make adjustments easely .Good vid thx!

[@Sn00ze]

QuDrum87 I just bought a used 450k and was thinking of upgrading the snare as well (to the xp80) but the pad alone would cost me more or about the same as the entire kit! I'm curious if you think it was worth it if you did end up upgrading. Also, are Roland mesh pads compatible by any chance?

[@RumpIeForeskln]

It seems my module is limited to a max kick drum bpm, doesn't trigger normally over 180 bpm... Is this normal for the DTX400?

[@yco67]

can you paste the link for the cable you re using connecting the kit to ipad?

[@mcpastor63]

+yco67 It's an Apple "lightning to USB camera kit" adapter : www.staples.com/Apple-reg-Lightning-trade-to-USB-Camera-Adapter/product_164111 Along with a USB type A to type B cable: www.staples.com/Staples-6-Silver-Series-A-B-USB-Cable/product_837370

[@ramajaya811]

Halo Tim, i've discovered that an extra drum pad is cheaper than an extra cymbal pad... DTX has an ability to change its pad sound. So , if i buy an extra Drum pad and change it into ride cymbal. What is your opinion for this? Thanks Rama

[@mcpastor63]

Yes it should work I think.

[@ramajaya811]

@@mcpastor63 ..halo.Tim yes it works.. i bought an extra tom pada and programmed it as ride cymbal👍

[@FrogFromFog]

are those apps also for android? in Europe we are not addicted to apple products :)

[@zachrobertson3]

When adding the extra cymbal, where does it plug in?

[@6legoguy199]

Zach Robertson to the bass drum tower

[@ramadhanhilmawansyah9324]

Jonathan Williams how can ? So the another cymbal plug in the bass? How?

[@ramadhanhilmawansyah9324]

How if i don't have the bass? Where me must plug in?

[@ramadhanhilmawansyah9324]

And how if i don't have iphone ? Where me can edit sound ?

[@thewillpower100]

Thanks Tim, this is a helpful video. On the TP70S pad, did you have any issues connecting it to your DTX400K? I can't get either of the rimshots to register, they just play the same noise as the main zone of the pad.

[@alfredoariasb]

pudiste resolver el problema? tengo un roland pad PDX8 y tengo ekl mismo propblema en la yamaha

[@StockDoc2k]

I just picked up a dtx400k. And the bass pedal is a ku100 silent pedal. And it's been giving me problems. I never realized the extra cymbal could be added through the kick pad version. Which I'm heavily dying for! As far as KZbin: check out "drumless" tracks. That's all I've been playing along with. Thank you for your informative and technical video! Do you know if dtx400k is compatible with dtx430k or 450k? I imagine that they are. Thanks!

[@llkeell]

Thank you for your informative review, I just bought the new DTX400 too. May I ask you what cable that you use to connect to the iPAD? I'm in Thailand and that one (iUX-1 yamaha cable) cost me around $100. So, I try to looking for something else that can be use to the same functionality. It would be appriciated if you can give me some details. Thaks.

[@ulyssesgarcia368]

Keerati Kee hey man.. did you manage to find something else than iUX-1? i just bought same kit..

[@sylhos]

+Keerati Kee I actually bought the apple apple camera connection kit instead on eBay and reused an old printer cable and it worked like a charm.

[@sylhos]

+Ulysses Garcia If you have the new lightning port, you can also use the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter

[@ulyssesgarcia368]

Victor Torres thanks man. can't really be bothered anymore. i'm getting used to do it without the iphone/ipad. thanks anyway :)

[@Kai2398]

These upgrades are the best I've seen for this kit, but I'm sure all the money you must have spent upgrading it you could have bought a better model. Like the dtx552k or better yet a Roland kit like the td11kv. ??? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@mcpastor63]

+Kai Byron Yes, I think you're right. I had the initial $ for the DTX400K burning a hole in my pocket and wasn't sure if I'd "stick" with drumming. I sold stuff on eBay to make the upgrades. For what I do, I'm happy with the outcome.

[@Kai2398]

+Tim McPherson Ah right, you did a brilliant job looks really good. 👍🏻

[@michelkant]

Awesome, thanks for this vid! Going to get an extra PCY90AT right away! :) Too bad though they don't have an Android app(!?!)

[@rowanharink4796]

They do

[@sbk1398]

Great vid. About how much did it cost in all? Also, the floor tom seems so very close to the ride. Do u have problems playing around that area?

[@Egang03]

You will be cheaper in the long run just buying the dtx 450 because it comes with the 3 zone snare the kick pad and pedal and depending were u live on gear 4 music u can get this with sticks and a stool for £450

[@bhuah]

can i install a 502 module on dtx450k kit?

[@splats6164]

Is tha add on cymbol and the kick drum tower comparable with the dtx402k

[@fbiopenup120]

Can you edit the crash to be able to choke it?

[@BilderbergCEO]

So in order to have the extra cymbal, you have to have the KP65 because there is no extra input on the on the DTX400K module. Is that correct?

[@mcpastor63]

+TheRealMikeSmith Yes I think that's correct

[@BilderbergCEO]

+Tim McPherson I just read that you can use a jack that splits 1 stereo into 2 mono jacks to add an additional cymbal. According to the Yamaha FAQ: Dtx Electronic Drum Kits Adding Extra Pads To a Module With No Unused Trigger Inputs. 1) Any trigger input that has dual trigger numbers next to it can be split for two single zone pad operation. The toms and the kick typically can be split. 2) Connect to the dual tom triggers trigger input with a trs ¼ inch to two mono ts ¼ inch plugs input splitter cable. Each mono plug connects to a pad for single zone operation only irrespective of the pads true 2 or 3 zone capability.

[@mcpastor63]

Wow, that'd be less expensive, plus it allows you to keep your current bass pedal if you like it. I hope it works for you!

[@BilderbergCEO]

+Tim McPherson Thanks! Yeah, we'll give it a try. It's for my daughter, actually. It will make a great birthday present for her in a couple months. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@vitalyleskiv3699]

You can get a cable HOSA YPP-136 STEREO Y-CABLE CABLE 1/4 TRSF TO DUAL 1/4 TS for that

[@vaggbaba]

I want to ask you how you arrange the choke of the cymbals because there are not dual zone?

[@chrisstewart1254]

What wires did u use to hook up to your iPad

[@logandockery8512]

How do you hook up your drum set to the Wii

[@BullyThaKidd]

Are those apps specific to Ipad/Iphone... Could i access it through a regular tablet?

[@mcpastor63]

+Bully ThaKidd The DTX400 Touch app and the Song Beats app are iPad/iPhone Specific I'm afraid. I just checked the Yamaha site to be sure.

[@BullyThaKidd]

+Tim McPherson dang it oh well.

[@kaushiksridhar7353]

How did you connect it to your iPad?????

[@benjaminparker715]

I am looking for these apps on the appstore on a Macbook pro... are these not available through an apple laptop???

[@mcpastor63]

I think the app is only available for iPad and iPhone. Unfortunately, it appears the store has been removed from the app and the ability to purchase songs no longer available.

[@lztoniolo]

I just bougth a TP70S to upgrade my Yamaha DTX 430K but I connect in the place of 1 zone pad and nothing is happening. I can't get the rim shot and rim sounds for nothing. What do you need to do to configure the TP70S to get it working on that module? Thanks!

[@denmarkgutierrez]

you can change it on the app. choose tp70s. though it is included in the manual.

[@drews1718]

do you have to have an attachment to plug in your phone to it?

[@jamesmarchetta9114]

Hey, can you save the modified drum changes into the kit's brain? so then I could use the modified kit to record in garageband etc

[@mcpastor63]

Though I haven't tried it, I'm thinking yes.

[@chinwilliams3214]

I know this video was uploaded a long time ago but I was thinking of buying the ms40dr is the speaker good enough to make a decent bass sound when you use the kick or am I best buying a drum amp.

[@rickysmith4090]

Matthew Prince I'd spend a little more and grab a decent drum amp. If your just using it for your room/home studio then ms40 is fine.

[@evan7949]

Hello Tim I got a question about the upgrade you said you were getting soon....it was the 18" tube attachment so your floor drum could be in a more comfortable position....I was just wondering where you ordered that from cause I just purchased the symbol and cable for iPad and was wanting to order that as well

[@mcpastor63]

Hi Evan. I got it on ebay, used, from a seller called drumzrus. I just checked and they have more such tubes, some from Roland sets, maybe Yamaha if you look hard enough. Just look for the universal diameter of 1.5" and you'll be good. An example is a Roland 20" aluminum tube for only $4.95. You could cut it down to size. (They may also have just the size you're looking for.) Shipping to where I am is $3.78. Beware that the Alesis tubes are slightly narrower in diameter, so I would steer clear of those.

[@thebrycerodgers]

Great video. Do you have any idea if you can use the Yamaha XP DTX pad for the snare on the DTX 450K? Yamaha's website makes it seem like it's compatible. Also, any clue if you can use bigger tom pads, such as older singe zone 8" pads? I'm not sure about physical hook-up and/or module compatibility. Thanks

[@adi10times]

+Bryce Rodgers yes you can use XP pad on DTX450K. I sold the TP70S snare and bought an XP80 3 zone pad (DTX5xx series snare). It uses different pad holder so I have to add an extra rack bar for the holder, separate it with hi-hat bar

[@klau6738]

+adi10times hi, can you tell me more what mount you use to mount xp80 snare? I am also keen on the upgrade on my dtx430 but can't mind much info on the right mount. Thanks

[@adi10times]

+Bananapot kids Hi. We need to add a bar, a T-Joint, and a XP80 snare holder TPCL150 I'd uploaded some photos on my Flickr page : flic.kr/p/xnL7vi flic.kr/p/x69Jvs flic.kr/p/x69yH9 Different to DTX4xx hihat/snare holder, with TPCL150 the snare can be rotatable, and separate it from the hihat. If we use DTX4xx holder, the position of XP80 open/close rimshot will be awkward (left-right, not up and bottom). Hope I can help :)

[@klau6738]

Dear adi10times, Thank you sooo much for your reply and the pictures to show me how it is done. It is really helpful! i have to start saving up and eyeing for any TPCL150 available in Australia now

[@adi10times]

+Bananapot kids you're welcome. Using a snare stand is possible too I think. The size of XP80 is 10 inch.

[@matthewmomsen6351]

open handed drummers?

[@willixsupermagic]

can I do the same thing you are doing with the ipad with windows??

[@mcpastor63]

At the time of this video posting, the app was only for iPad and iPhone. I'm not aware of a windows app.

[@mcpastor63]

[@Sir.Wiggalot]

If I connect my phone to the kit, can I play any song I'm my music library? Or do I have to use the songs on the app?

[@numinex51]

I have a yamaha dtx400 and I just use an aux cable to connect the kit to my phone and I can easily open any song on spotify or youtube and play :)

[@tylerschilly1196]

How did you hook up the set with the ms40dr monitor? The drum module that came with the kit only has 1 output plug but the monitor has 2 plugs-one for each speaker

[@tylerschilly1196]

+Chris Moreau i had to buy an adaptor cable. here's a link: www.amazon.com/Hosa-YPP117-inch-Dual-Cable/dp/B000068O54?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

[@BabySemtex]

Hi. That protection sticker on kick pad, I cant find it on eBay. How is it called? Id like to buy it Ty

[@mcpastor63]

Aquarian Super Thin Kickpad. Anything would do, but I like the looks of this one.

[@joshualouey3278]

How do u use ipad air with it?

[@mcpastor63]

+Joshua Louey I'm using the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, which costs $29.00, connected to an A-B USB cable. It's less than the Yamaha adapter iUX-1 which is about $79.00.

[@vitalyleskiv3699]

Hi Tim, does that additional cymbal respond proportionally to hand power ?

[@mcpastor63]

Yes, it does, but the sound sample is overall quieter than the original default cymbal sound. Even if you reassign the sound to the other cymbal (swap sound samples), the sound sample is just as quiet on the original cymbal hardware. In other words, it's the software, not the hardware.

[@vitalyleskiv3699]

thx for reply!

[@maldosana55]

How did you buy your songs? I saw a cart in your song beat?

[@mcpastor63]

Oh wow. They took the cart out. I guess it's no longer possible to buy songs... Here's a video I found though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4HUZWWadrCqj68

[@leighlegiralde905]

Hi, I have a question. How did you hook up the cable of the new cymbals? Is there any extra input connection to the main controller?

[@JamesLee-ou2dq]

whats the name of that app your using

[@mcpastor63]

"Song Beats" is the app that lets you download songs to play. "DTX400 Touch" is the app that lets you modify the parameters of the set. They're both free apps, but the Song Beats app charges a small fee for each song you download.

[@felipevalencia000]

Hey Man i have a doubt , how i add a new cymbal ? I need to have a a kick pad like yours? Dory for my english =(

[@viciousnuts8849]

Hey Tim, I have a question. Is it possible to add more than 1 extra drum pad/cymbal to this dtx model?

[@viciousnuts8849]

and can I add the additionals with only 3.5mm splitter

[@mcpastor63]

@@viciousnuts8849 I don't think it is possible, but I can't say for sure. I've since sold the set because I don't have the time to drum. It seems it only had one additional cymbal hookup, which was through the add-on bass pedal. I think a splitter would not work because both the pad and cymbal might be able to send a signal to the brain, but I would guess the brain would recognize them as the same and give it one assigned sound.

[@viciousnuts8849]

@@mcpastor63 I see, thanks for the answer