Yamaha's Bittersweet Return to Electronic Drums | DTX6K-X DTX6K2-X DTX6K3-X

Discussing the bittersweet return of Yamaha to eDrums in 2020 with their DTX6K series of electronic drums. Why I think the DTX6K-X, DTX6K2-X and DTX6K3-X drum sets with the new DTX-PRO module are a weird clash of the great and the not-so-great.
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[@blagivanov9587]

Thanks for taking the time to put together this video! Having owned the DTXK3-X for the last two months I find a lot in here that I simply doesn't ring true for me (just my opinion). I play a lot of metal and alternative and this kit is hands down has been the most responsive and rewarding I have played. Even when noodling around with softer genres, the response and nuance has been there. I did own and play acoustic kits for over ten years. - The silicon heads are ace, the response and action feels real, responds nicely the harder you hit, albeit a tad easy for stick rolls. - Yamaha needing to return with all guns blazing, the problem is too many expensive kits that don't struggle with value. Roland really hurt with this, hence I have not considered buying an e-drum kit until these new Yamahas came out. - The new Yamaha DTX6 module is a gem, I'm loving the approach they took and the samples stick the landing well, they're definitely not distracting or abrasive to listen to. - Flagship models are like asking everyone to drive Ferraris, it's just not practical or affordable. - A larger foot print would make space an issue for me, definitely a factor in the UK and elsewhere. - I would have loved to seen more playing of the Yamaha kit as there are relatively few reviews showing the playability (even Yamaha shot themselves in the foot on this, their videos had some good drummers barely scratching the surface, e.g. Estepario not playing metal?). P.S. new firmware already came out in December, so Yamaha are pretty keen to support it. Great shout on the new Snare pad coming out, pretty much means I will convert the snare pad to something fun (more cowbell).

[@BrianJBuccellato]

In my opinion, the industry moving away from rubber pads in favor of mesh is foolish, so I'm with Yamaha on this one. Mesh pads have awkward rebounds and don't really work well at all for harder players. The size of the pad is really of little consequence to me. I play the drum in the middle, where you are supposed to. I want my electronic kit to remain performant and compact. The module sounds dope- much more so than any of other I've heard.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I hit pretty hard and have never had issues with the response of my mesh heads, other than on the cheapest single ply ones. I understand not needing larger surfaces - I prefer larger ones myself but you don't necessarily need it and compact is very useful. Though I'm not sure I agree with "where you are supposed to" hit the drum - there's a lot of tones you can get out of playing around the head (wish that translated better to eDrums though...) Agreed on the sounds too! Thanks for commenting!

[@markwilburn3914]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop I'm pretty much with Brian on this one. I was underwhelmed visually when I first saw these, but then i tried the 6k2x... and wow, the hi hat is smooth, and really clear. I can tell you (older style) mesh pads will wear out (once the cone underneath crumbles to the point where it can't contact the mesh surface: I've seen this happen repeatedly), so I get the advantage of the rubber pads. But I'd also be lying if I didn't agree that the mesh is just more fun to hit, even if it's not as realistic a rebound.

[@davidviera3347]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop I think Yamaha's silicon pads are better than many standard mesh heads, in terms of feel

[@sagiriizumi8079]

First time I’ve ever heard anyone say they like banging on rubber. Not exactly a mic drop.

[@nathanbraun2067]

you can buy thicker mesh heads that bounce less

[@65Drums]

Yamaha gambled that a superior module will make up for the tiny pads. Guess we'll have to wait and see if they were right, but I'm a bit doubtful. I know they're coming out with a new flagship at some point, but I really wish they'd have something competitive at all price ranges. All of the Yamaha kits are solid, the main problem is that everything from the dtx402 line on up, is overpriced by a few hundred bucks. Just my opinion

[@kushking420]

These Yamaha edrums look very outdated

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, it's an interesting approach! People who are really into electronic drums might be able to look past the pads and see the good in the module, but I'd be surprised if newcomers saw the appeal in the same way when comparing to other options in a store.

[@sierratrey]

Justin, As a Yamaha owner of dtx500, 502 and 700 modules as well as basically every DTX pad I can confirm your opinions of the drums themselves. One thing I have to wholeheartedly disagree with you on are the prices. They aren’t just a few hundred over, they’re many hundreds overpriced. Thankfully now I own a Mimic and I couldn’t be happier. Good thing that I’m so overwhelmed by the module I don’t even realize I’m still using Yamaha pads. It’s a work in progress.

[@andreoproprio]

After watching some in depth videos of the module, in regards to sound quality they're the closest thing to a Mimic Pro or a VST, the official promotional videos underate the module. But yeah, those tiny pads, aaargh! Hope this line becomes the "DTX 6 Compact Series" and they launch a new "DTX 6 Large Series", with bigger pads, that's all i want to see.

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

Justin, why do you hate Yamaha and 2 Box? Different tools for different tasks.

[@Timotolas]

Excited to upgrade my module to this new DTXPro module

[@jhguitar2000]

If anything smaller pads may be a good thing. Keeping better mind to where your hitting may increase hand-eye coordination.

[@arnoldmunez5057]

Right! Aren’t we lucky to pay more for smaller kits! Totally not illogical!

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

Very informative review with lots of good info! I'm a Jazz saxophonist / pianist looking for my first edrum (I do have the Nord Drum 3). Which edrum is best suitable for Jazz (all styles)? If edrums are anything like what I see on VST drums, there isn't really anything for Jazz. Also, are any of the edrum snares capable of brush work, as with a slow Jazz ballad? Thank you....

[@Garagedrummer]

I thought Yamaha would have been the first of the “big 3” to come out with a VAD style pad kit. Yamaha doesn’t have to look far for acoustic shells or hardware they have been manufacturing those for decades. Even if they took a page out of the Nfuzed book and somehow made a silicon pad kit grafted on top of their stage custom bop or hip gig kit. Couple that with this new module and you would have a good option for stage and sound. Mesh heads are not a must have for everyone but rubber pads are pretty harsh. I really like the feel of the silicone pads. I’ve owned a few Yamaha cymbals and they feel and play great. A little dated compared to the new Roland thin cymbals but still good. I absolutely love Yamaha as a brand. I own a set of oak customs and their hardware is top notch. I hope they bring out a flagship kit with full size shells and module to rival the mimic or TD27/50.

[@U2WB]

“Big 3” ? I only consider there to be a Big 2 - Alesis is SO far outclassed by Yamaha and Roland that they might as well be Mattel SynSonics.

[@Garagedrummer]

So much had changed since my post and now this kit is totally on my radar. Actually probably just the module. I picked up an EAD10 module to run with LV80 cymbals and I must say it’s the most fun I’ve had with a electric kit! I really like the layout and functions of the new stuff from Yamaha. For now I have dropped the obsessive search for the “best” module. Goodbye Mimic and TD27, I don’t even miss ya. Should the day come that I return to full electric set up the Yamaha DTXpro will be the module I’ll be buying. Unless they release a flagship ;)

[@NIKKO500]

In your opinion what is the best mesh pad or yamaha pad??

[@ethan_tren663]

For the dtx6k2-x can you adjust the height of the hi hat stand?

[@BennettJDavis13]

Hi., for my budget i can only afford the base model with a single zone crash. so i am keen to know if i can use a non-yamaha cymbal with the module

[@franciscodelorbe6683]

Hi i buy and yamaha dtx6k_x but i dont know how play it with my amp drums. So the thing is i plugs everithing but the soung not coming out

[@damnyankeefl]

I got the upgraded snare it works great. and upgraded my 7inch toms to xp80s. it's a useful gigging kit now.

[@Casaestudioflorez]

Hi Luke, what do you think about this module for a A2E conversion? Diy pads, and yamaha Cymbals. My other options are Drumit 3 and TD 17. Thanks for your opinion.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I've not used the DTX-PRO module myself, but generally it can be a little more difficult to get DIY pads running well on Yamaha modules. Not because it doesn't support the pad types, but because they are set up to expect lower signal levels than a lot of other modules. So you need to make sure that the pad is a bit "cooler" than you might want it for a Roland module, for example. If you're able to do that, it might be a decent option for its price-point.

[@swingstylez]

Great video, thanks. I'm interesting in the three-zone on the snare. And do you know how to enable cross- or side-strike? I'm told on the Roland TD17 requires a push-button to enable and disable it.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, on the TD-17, you can either use the X-Stick button to toggle between rimshot or cross-stick, or there's also the option to enable rimshots when X-Stick is turned on with a velocity threshold. I can't remember off the top of my head what the exact feature is called, but you can set it so that it's a cross-stick until a velocity of, for example "90" and then it becomes a cross-stick. On the Yamaha modules with their snare pads, there are dedicated zones for both on the rim. So the area where your stick would normally hit for a cross-stick (the side of the rim furthest from you) is the cross-stick zone and the area closest to you is the rimshot zone.

[@swingstylez]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop Thanks, that's good to know. So, I can get similar snare-drum features from both. For my first drum kit in years, and my first e-drum, I've started looking just as Yamaha has re-entered. The TD17KV is £500 cheaper than the DTX6K2. One offers positional sensing, one offers mesh, one offers (what sounds like) a ground breaking head (or do you call it a brain?) and offers a well regarded standard. And of course, the hi-hat on a stand sounds great but I wonder how expensive it would be to upgrade or repair. The comments below show strong opinions. From what you've said, price aside, each kit has it's strengths and weaknesses. If you're happy to offer more advice and opinions, I'll gladly listen :)

[@essenter4222]

I think these sets are pretty great: when saying that DTX6K2-X has rubber pads, it is worth to notice that similarly priced TD-17KV (not KVX) has really laughable cymbal pads, while Yamaha gives you three three-zoned 13 inches pads, plus a hi-hat on a stand, so it's a way of exchange

[@rafaelvaz9772]

Between the DTX6K-X and Roland TD-07dmk which one would you choose?

[@THEDRUMMER3779]

Very well done. Everything you said I was like... YES lol

[@andrewbarrett6403]

I have both the dtx pro and pearl mimic.. i love all of the expansions you have made for the mimic, any chance you will be making any for the dtx pro?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Thank you for the kind words and support! If I can stretch my budget to a DTX-PRO at some point, I would like to. Fingers crossed!

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

The TCS Pads are the best pads I ever played but Yamaha is a slow moving company. They are always feature rich.

[@JakeOseland]

Module sounds decent, prices are way out of whack. I'd love to see some bigger cymbals from Yamaha. I made a conversion kit and I am deep in the "Yamaha ecosystem" I don't regret, it was by FAR the cheapest option and the results are fantastic, but I would love some bigger cymbals

[@arnoldmunez5057]

Not even close to worth these prices

[@RC-gf8cs]

Got dtx3 early 2000s brand new black pads .2bkshelf n bass speaker,(md50dr ..).still luv em td 20 was out at time n i chose these overthem bak then 3600.usa buks

[@martinfido2161]

For info the ddrum 4 had both position and pressure sensing, back in 1997. I think the previous ddrum 3 may have as well. The "cast precision" pads used real drum heads. I found it pretty easy to DIY my own pads. Not many of the samples took advantage of position or pressure however, probably due to limited memory. I believe some of the employees moved on to 2Box.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Nice! Yeah, I heard that the ddrum modules were pretty ahead of their time! (Or the rest of the eDrum industry has been behind the times for a long while...) Good to know. Features like that will definitely benefit from increased sample memory and other cheap tech upgrades that would have been out of reach years ago.

[@GuitarAge]

I bought TDX6-X and first of all started upgrading: separate hi het, replacing rubber pads to XP80

[@ThePowerchimp]

Did you end up doing this? How do the white TCS pads compare to the regular black rubber ones?

[@GuitarAge]

@@ThePowerchimp white pads are next level. But...the next level is regular drums with Remo silentStroke drum head.

[@MentalMa3ter]

I brought a 6K2X recently. As I didn’t compare mesh head and rubber pad for a long time, I think both have their advantages. But I agree some people concern, for a Usd1400 e-drum set, giving three rubber pads sound stupid, but if I upgrade to all TCS, 400 more also make the kit too expensive. Lots of drummer mention, if 6KX down to 899, 6K2X 1199, 6K3X 1599, it would be more “reasonable” in 2020-2021.

[@overwatchh]

Nice video! Im looking forward to Yamaha's future models and I am very excited. I wish Yamaha comes out with killer flagship. There are too less competition in flagship models I think. By the way, what do you think about the new kick pad?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Thanks! It's difficult to say for sure without trying one out myself but it looks very sturdy and the pad size is a bit bigger than the usual small kick towers so that's promising for double pedal users. Yamaha pads tend to be good quality from what I hear so I imagine that will carry over to this, but that's pretty much all I could say until trying it.

[@sagiriizumi8079]

What eDrums need are more sensor options in cymbals. Revolutionize eCymbals and I’ll be interested

[@TJ-eq6dl]

Yamaha Dtx range are sti the best real feel/sounding E kit out there still in 2020/21

[@marcd8576]

How would you compare it to the roland TD-17KV or Roland TD-07K...I can decide over these Yamaha's and those 2 Roland's...I care about sound not all the features in the module?

[@TonyGellaDrums]

@@marcd8576 Yamaha sound in this module- nothing else, but best samples acoustic drums in top studious in Europe. Many variation, how sounds every hit. Acoustic ambient! Any sample you can using here.. Zero problem.. I’m mostly about acoustic drums, because hate plastic sound. (Sometimes play on Roland ekit) First revolution was Ddrum4 module in 90-th.. with samples.. Yamaha Always was a company, who takes all best patents in the world to made each small detail. My ears after sound TD-17KV and Yamaha from this module choosing Yamaha.. This kit really dope upgraded.. yes DTX10 the top, but PRO module also perfect.. Not big fan of mesh heads- don’t feel this..

[@marcd8576]

@@TonyGellaDrums cheers for the reply man, but I ended up going with the roland TD-17KV

[@wuffb]

So here is my take . . . I play a Yamaha PHX kit, a DW Collectors Kit, A Roland TD15 Kit and A Yamaha DTX 502 with the silicone pads - just ordered the DTX Pro . . . When I like to "rock out" on my edrums, the Roland takes it. Being able to loosen the mesh pads a bit gives a much more rewarding and realistic playback feel, close to my acoustic kits. Size pads are not as relevant, if you look at your acoustic drums heads, you pretty much know where you hit most of the time. Position sensing with the new DTX should be interesting here. When it comes to playing "light" . . . jazz or sensitivity . . . The Yamaha wins . . . playing the silicone heads softly is VERY comfortable, more so than the Roland mesh heads. The Yamaha silicone heads also seem to avoid the "piezo" hot spot that sneaks up on you when like the Roland pads have and when it comes to quiet play, digital samples beat synthesized generated voices every time. My new DTX Pro Module arrives this week so let's see how this goes :)

[@williamperri3437]

How did you end up liking the DTX 6?module? Is it still worth buying?

[@wuffb]

@@williamperri3437 Liked it . . . still using it . . . upgraded all pads and cymbals to top of the line DTX and use a Bose LS1 and B2 Bass Module for Amp. It takes a lot of tweaking to get right, but once you get it dialed in . . . wonderful!

[@williamperri3437]

@@wuffb It ends up sounding like Mic’d acoustic drums? I wonder why they make it so hard to dial everything in…

[@wuffb]

@@williamperri3437 ALL Edrums I've played so far have lousy pre loaded kits . . . but I am thinking they do that to showcase the extremes of possible settings. Roland are much easier to tweak as you can copy individual "voices" from other kits and combine them. Yamaha, you have to do each one every time and then save a newer "version". I have played both my Rolands and my Yamaha DTX kits live and get great "realistic" sound from each . . . the yamaha slightly better. Toms on all of these kits don't sound totally "real" because of the nature of digital playing. Acoustic drums have overtones that continue after each stroke, E drums have transient and release settings, but no matter what, there is a defined start and stop of each stroke played. Presence, reverb, ambience . . . all good settings, but the all stop from one stroke to the next . . . until they create some sort of "capacitor" type sound continuance overlapping strokes, e drums will never be the same as acoustic drums.

[@williamperri3437]

@@wuffb all very good points! I remember when I first started playing I hate it overtones, but overtime depending on the drum and tuning I’ve learned to love them! And yeah, I’ve gotten quite a few really good sounds even out of my old TD 11 module, I just can’t do any fast Tom Tom hits.

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

If this works like the EAD-10 you can have midi in via the Host port. Interesting that they will release a mesh pad again. Although the original DTXtreme RHP pads didn't came with one, it worked with them very well. Especially now if they release 3 piezo positioning sensing.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Whoops, misread before giving my first reply! Interesting - if this is the case, that'd be handy!

[@mattryan6886]

I have a midi host for my td-17 spd-30 combo works great

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

@@mattryan6886 I learned this from Simon, who I did a Yamaha clinic with back in my Yamaha days, and kept in touch ever since. The Kenton is very neat for this purpose. I take it the new Iconnectivity midi interfaces too, these days. Lovely chap.

[@londonstickco]

Yamaha kits were always great and solid. Can't wait to play this kit!! Hate mesh heads as they're nothing like playing a kit. These rubber pads and the silicone snare are waaaay more in line with acoustic drums. Mesh heads make you lazy. Go Yamaha!!!

[@arnoldmunez5057]

Sound like a Yamaha fanboy

[@billyGU1]

@@arnoldmunez5057 wow... You're sharp.

[@rez6541]

I think you're right, there's going to be a flagship model at some point. I have great interest in this kit but they should let us know a little more. It's a little bit of dirty business holding info back but I understand why they're doing it. I've had yamaha kits in the past, I really like the silicone pads.

[@silotx]

And its going to cost over 4k at minimum if the DTX6K3-X costs 2k.

[@jeffgermanich8105]

I really don’t mind the rubber pads, but with only single zone for the toms is a let down. I’m a 4 piece kit player, so if these Tom’s were dual zone, I could at least use one of the Tom’s for a hand clap, cowbell or some other percussion sound. I do see that the input #14 appears to be a 2 or maybe 3 zone pad. It that’s true, then I could just buy a tp 70s that has 3 zones and problem solved. Thing is not sure if input 14 is all piezo or is it piezo and switches. Anyway, I still have interest in the kit.

[@demonicsweaters]

I think worse than the rubber pads are the sizes of EVERYTHING. Everything is so damn tiny. Sorry if I missed it in this video, but what's the deal with hi hat compatibility? Will these work with Roland hats?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, they're all pretty small! I could be wrong, but I don't believe that Roland hi-hat controllers work with Yamaha kits, no. Or vice versa.

[@Fantastic_Timez]

I asked Simon Edgoose (he's a Yamaha and e-Drums expert) and he told me that the module only works properly with Yamaha cymbals and hi-hats. So, if you use Roland or another brand you lose a zone. Yamaha uses one stereo cable to trigger all 3 zones while Roland uses two cables. However, you can use mesh pads with the module of any brand but they have to be manually calibrated. Yamaha cymbals are not too bad. If you want compatibility with any brand and pad possible you'd have to go with a Pearl Mimic or an ATV module. Then, you can use whatever.

[@georgebirddrums]

Small rubber pads is surely the entire advantage of electric kits. Big pads don't save you space, mesh heads don't give you realistic rebound, rubber actually feels better and is more robust. Would never buy a mesh head kit but might actually get this

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

For some people it is, but for others the volume and sounds are the advantage that matters! But glad to hear this ticks a box for you, it definitely looks capable!

[@arnoldmunez5057]

Never in my life have I heard someone say rubber pads are the advantage of an ekit. Quieter, compactness, cheaper, different types of kits at a button, easier sound delivery to a DAW. But never in my life have I heard this ignorance, this has to be a Yamaha employee or something.

[@AstroPinoy]

I am still waiting for the mesh snare, then my kit will be complete

[@BurningHearts70]

I converted my Saturn 5 drum set to electric, trigger Superior drummer 3 and got some real cymbal sized lemon ecymbals 3 18”, 15”, 14” strike hi hat 13” stack, 15” china and a 9” splash, and it works pretty great! Why people would want to pay so much for puny rubber pads and ecymbals the size of bottle caps is beyond me. Just my 2 cents.

[@vl3005]

8:40 That's where you, and Justin (65 Drums) are wrong. Why assume such opinionated things? Some people prefer the superior silicone heads. They're quieter, less bouncy, and the smaller size will eventually make you a much better drummer cause you gotta be consistent with your hit position on real drum heads. You don't get that with Roland, or any other large pad manufacturer. No matter where you hit the pad, you'll trigger the same sound. Some drummers need the smaller kits. Also, the positional sensing stuff is not a Roland invention, I have a ~4 year old (Which was probably manufactured years before and just sat in stock) DTX 562 with a 3 zone ride that does that beautifully. Maybe you're talking about something else?

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

It's hardly an assumption, it's one of the most prevalent talking points and opinions that's voiced by many people. Yes, it's a generalisation,, which is why I said that it's "the direction that electronic drums are heading [...] *at the moment*". The largest trend across most new electronic drum products right now is to mimic acoustic kits, especially for a western audience. This is what a large number of people want. I don't think this is necessarily "right" or "good" unless you're one of the people that wants this (there are many that don't and that's fine!) It's the main thing that is "legitimising" electronic drums for a lot of people who were put off by smaller pads and want to feel like they're playing their acoustic kits but quietly. Again, I don't necessarily agree that this should have "needed" to happen to get people on board. I like eDrums for what they are, but this part of the market seems to be one of the leading sections right now - most companies wouldn't be investing in these products if the market wasn't calling for it and they weren't selling well. There's a lot of space for options that don't cater for this, of course. I agree there are many benefits to smaller pad kits and different playing surfaces and there will be people that prefer these Yamaha offerings. That's great and I hope they have fun with the kits and that Yamaha enjoy success with their products. But when you're talking about the overall market trends, you can't really get into the specific niches that heavily - in fact, I'd say that would be missing the entire point. Some things can be generalised and still be valid. And yes, it's opinionated because it's largely an opinion piece. Of course you can disagree. Unfortunately I don't see all that many people in the community talking about these kits, what they like about owning them or showing off their use, which I feel speaks volumes about how many people wanted this specific kind of offering at these prices. What I see online will always be biased towards certain factors, so maybe they do exist and I'm just not seeing them. As for the positional sensing, the particular method that Roland used was patented for a long time. And no, you get different sounds across the head depending on where you hit on their modules that support it - the feature is mostly locked to higher end offerings. Some other companies have had different ways of doing this that get around the patents and others are now coming out and doing it because I believe the patent has expired.

[@drewjohnson4794]

It's all because of slick advertising campaigns for Mesh. The people that buy something for looks or judge something they've never tried to me are either children or grown children. Their opinions shouldn't matter to folks who know how to think for themselves. Some People also believe cloth masks stop a virus because it's been beat into their brain (if they have one). Some are just completely nuts.

[@Bonzdrummer]

.little things like cymbal locks and seperate inputs for the pads and not a snake are things i value......as well as the amazing module.its far superior in sounds to even the td17 .

[@policeluber6720]

Why can’t they use d30 drum sticks or as pads

[@spideliciousx9822]

Hard No on rubber pads. Its perplexing they chose to re-enter with rubber pad kits..... to me, its not a "crowd drawer" feature, actually imo its a detractor?!?! Rubber pads have been and gone, even for cheap kits. Their upcoming higher tier or flagship models really need to raise the bar dramatically in my book!

[@JiTiAr35]

Didn't that Yamaha make a mesh pad before? Way back then though. I think it's about 15 or 20 years ago with Dtxtreme I .

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I wasn't aware before making the video but someone shared some images of full shelled Yamaha pads with mylar heads. Did they do mesh too?

[@JiTiAr35]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop ah right, I think it's mylar. Not mesh. My bad. Thx for the heads up.

[@mattryan6886]

The new module is very interesting, hopefully it will be sold separately like the dtx502 model. A new Yamaha flagship would be very welcome to see, also an update to the dtx multi 12 would be amazing as well. I have long debated buying one as a mini kit. It has 3 zone ride or snare capabilities 5 trigger inputs and hi hat pedal function. It can run a keyboard( only general MIDI sounds) I believe has a sequencer and can have 4 sounds per pad. That’s incredible, then you see it only has 128 mb memory and that goes down to 64 mb when you download the update sounds. Not using that for background tracks unless you triggering them in a DAW. Also the tiny screen , so much menu diving and having to press combinations of buttons for a function. A refresh in Yamaha’s e drum line would be very Well. The past 5 years has been very quiet. Very interested to see a Yamaha mesh pad. Maybe they are moving at from The textured silicone pads. I throughly enjoy using them however the 10” and 12” are very expensive brand new and don’t drop much in price on 2nd hand market. I really like the 700 and 900 series modules just was never able to find one a right price and unfortunately buying brand new is just unit in the cards of me at the moment

[@Grit489]

It is sold separately at us$799

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

As Dark Helmut says - it should be available separately and for a decent price. I heard it'll be about March before they're properly available on their own, but that may or may not be confirmed, just something I read! Agree on an updated Multi12 - I'd love to see one! I've not got a huge need for the original version over the SPD-SX I already have due to the backing track functionality - this is one of the main things I ended up using the SPD-SX for. However, a multipad with the same kind of functionality of the Multi12 with lots more memory would be something I'd definitely consider.

[@mattryan6886]

@@Grit489 wow 800$ for the new module!!!!! Don’t the dtx 700 modules sell for that price and you get faders plus midi I/O???? Definitely want to play this myself in person to get a true opinion

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

You can use the Multi12 with Dropbox and the editor software. It is easier to use. with that anyway and the limit is only as big as your phone/tablet. The sounds are still the best in the game of all the multipads. Especially the percussion/orchestra/oriental sound sets.

[@mattryan6886]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop I have strike multipad and and spd-30 so the dtx multi 12 with no memory does not inspire me to go buy one. Currently my strike multipad lights started malfunctioning the top row. Sent it to Alesis in my own dime to maybe have them fix it under warranty and maybe not. Haven’t heard back from them in 2 weeks since I sent it. If alesis won’t repair it I will probably going to have to buy SPD-SX, however I would like to buy an updated dtx multi 12 with enough memory preform at same level with other pads

[@greenmtguy4593]

love the review... not pulling punches... a harsh take tells me a lot more, who wants to waste their money mistakenly buying from a "fluffer" review ?

[@purevanillacookie9977]

Why didn’t the picture change when it said DTX6K3-X

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Editing oversight, I guess 🤷

[@johndef5075]

Would like to hear module. I have a Yamaha dd65 and some of those kits sound better than my Roland!😂

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yeah, Yamaha sounds have always been more acoustically believable, though the dynamics of some of the older modules I've heard are maybe a bit less convincing. There are quite a few demos of this new module around on KZbin and some of the FB groups/forums and the more demos I hear, the better it's sounding which is promising!

[@Grit489]

I was just about to buy the td17 but after hearing the module sounds especially the snare sounds it's far better module. And it's priced at $800 if you want to just get the module. I'm wondering if this will be compatible with Roland pads.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Understandable! Pad compatibility is the only part I'm not 100% sure on and would need to defer to someone with greater Yamaha knowledge for, unfortunately.

[@Grit489]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop Justin from 65 drums has stated that yamaha will work with Roland pads after adjustments but yamaha cymbals are not compatible.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yamaha cymbals aren't compatible? With Roland? They are, just not with the 3-zone functionality - I used a PCY135 as a hi-hat with the TD-50/27/17. You need a specific purpose-built cable to make the 3 zone thing work between them. For the Roland pads on Yamaha - I remember reading someone saying that you can get piezo/piezo pads working fine on the tom inputs, but not sure about the snare. Hi-hat pedals between the two are a no go too, I believe.

[@Grit489]

@@TheeDrumWorkshop I was under the impression that Roland used two cable's for their three zone ride cymbals where yamaha only uses one.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Yes, that is true! You still get the 2 zone functionality from the Yamaha cymbals when plugged into a Roland, you just don't get the third zone. Also the bell triggers the edge sound (as it's using a switch for the bell like Roland, it's just that it uses a resistor I think to "tell" the Yamaha module that it's the bell rather than the edge switch, this is what Roland modules don't recognise). Think I got mixed up with the specially made cable though - the one I was thinking of actually does the opposite - lets you use a Roland cymbal on a Yamaha module with one input rather than the other way round.

[@verifier6764]

I wonder if Millennium drums are just a marketing ploy or maybe they can be useful too .. Thanks 🤘

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Their "full size" kit certainly looks interesting, though the price suggests corners might be cut somewhere. I've not had chance to try one out though so can't really say yet, unfortunately!

[@daztastic147]

Even if some of the sounds are better I think it would be hard to choose any of these over their Roland counterparts, the pads and overall look of the kits doesn’t quite compare, but separate headphone EQ is a real plus..

[@arnoldmunez5057]

Exactly other companies are doing more for less

[@marekurbanowicz]

@arnold - examples?

[@vladimirackermann6182]

The pads are downside but there is an easy fix with switching to ATV pads which are not expensive.

[@sierratrey]

All those pads and cymbals are from 2011 and earlier. The kp65 is what I used with my dtx500 and 502. The kp90 and the modules are the only “new” things. Although I love the pcy135 and 155 cymbals and how they are 3 zone only needing 1 TRS cable, they are still very outdated and extremely overpriced. They do not compete with the likes of ATV cymbals yet they sure are priced close to them.

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

I agree that the pads are indeed old! Not sure where you're based but the PCY cymbals in the UK are some of the cheapest "known brand" options. The PCY-155 is about £150 versus the ATV 14/16" cymbals at £300+ and the Town's CY-15R at £260 or so. 13" Yamaha is around £100 or so with the Roland equivalent being £160ish and ATV 12 at £240+.

[@davidviera3347]

I heard many demos of this drum module and...are very bad, they don´t do justice to the powerful module... you can import 120 samples per instrument!!! 4 Round Robins and 10 velocity layers! That's ridiculous good for the actual market! Bye bye One-shots samples...now you can literally import Superior drummer, BFD3, or whatever you want at least in a decent mode not one sample shot, just I´m wondering why in 2021 this companies still using old and little memory storage..64 MB..really, in 2021? ...this module is a nice upgrade but I think that for $800 is a little overpriced...for that price I can buy a laptop an interface and use any vst without problems...I´m ready to pay 100 or 200 extra for a module, and pass from the annoying carrying of laptop, usb, etc. but 800 dollars... uuuuffff

[@JohnJones-cg2xm]

The mesh heads are too bouncy. The white rubber pads feel good, but they need to be at least twice as big. I don't know why that's so hard. Also, Yamaha's rack system is a piece of shit. Hitting the snare drum causes it to rotate downward. I will try to get a snare stand to work.

[@stephaneparage2530]

HIHAT IS DUAL ZONE ....

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Thanks! I thought so from the manual but I remember a few people in the past mentioning 3 zone hi-hats so wasn't 100% sure.

[@raptorsquad5363]

Hola,he tenido baterías Yamaha y Roland.No me gustan los parches de malla.No me siento cómodo.Llevo 25 años tocando y me quedo con los pads de silicona,muy resistentes y un rebote para mí más real.

[@cronkitepercussion]

My DTXtreme3 with Addicitve Drums have made Yamaha's new e-kits totally uninteresting to me. My wallet thanks them.

[@Signia01]

Jeez, that's an ugly looking module ! Straight from the 1980's

[@zanosd]

Yamaha or Roland?

[@edwinhernandez9276]

If you value your WRIST, and dont want to be diagnosed with RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS @ a early age do your WRIST a favor and get e-drums with MESH HEADS. 🥁👨‍⚕️

[@essenter4222]

If wrists hurt when you play rubber pads, then it means you don't have proper technique and mesh heads won't tell you it

[@jjmark4107]

just give us large Pad

[@josearaujo8616]

Someone should just partner with toontrack and make a drum midi controler and stop using resources on modules and sounds. Also very hard to justify electric pads that cost more than acoustic drums. C'mon piezos are a dime a dozen, its a cheap technology. Always have a feeling we are being ripped off, and we are going to continue this way until someone comes with just a midi module to controle EZ drumer

[@482jpsquared]

There IS one!!! The eDrumIn. www.audiofront.net/eDrumIn.php Only $299 for a 10 trigger input. You can chain them together. The software is out of this world great. It has Positional Sensing and hot spot suppression. Check it out.

[@baterizmo]

The module looks kinda nice, but those pads are riiiiidiculously stuppid...a total put off. I've been using older DTX versions with the same silicon and rubber pads while teaching in a Yamaha Music School ( not by choice, but only because Yamaha gear is mandatory in those schools) and they are awfull for your hands (although they are the quietest pads I´ve ever played...quieter than mesh). The cymbal pads are equally awfull and they also tend to malfunction quite a lot...so that would be a total no-no for me...wouldn´t buy it even if it was half price.

[@KJ-op8dp]

People aren't "trying to get away from tiny rubber pads..." What a shortsighted comment from the uploader. This video makes one thinks that the e-drum industry centers around Roland. The amount of times the uploader said "disappointing" too is quite telling as well. Try to hide your bias better next time matey!

[@policeluber6720]

The face u pay premium and the screen is 1980’s is funny

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Yamaha has lost their/it's mind. The module is quite nice but those drum and cymbal pads are dire. And I loooooooove the module sounds from Yamaha, over Roland and (vomit) Alesis.

[@sagiriizumi8079]

Alesis nitro mesh has great “replaceable” heads, great module at $370. That’s entry level! It’s tough to beat. Simmons has a weak module and is clunky. It’s really Alesis vs Roland and Alesis wins for price, sound quality and build. Yamaha is 10 yrs behind.

[@drewjohnson4794]

Now try taking your Alesis on tour. The Yamaha build quality is the same stuff they use on their acoustic drums. Everyone has there own purpose though and if that works for you that's great. Me personally though would wear out that Alesis in under a year. These Yamaha kits will last over a decade easily. The hardware alone with the killer module is worth $999.

[@arnoldmunez5057]

@@drewjohnson4794 a kit that is 1/5 the size of a regular kit, is not worth the price of a regular kit.

[@jaegervand2112]

Sounds better and will last longer than the TD17. Plays great too. The K3-X is a wolf in sheep´s clothing.

[@arnoldmunez5057]

Yeah no

[@jaegervand2112]

@@arnoldmunez5057 I´ve played Roland and Yamaha since the TD10. Yamaha kits and hardware lasts forever. Roland hardware breaks, trigger-cones lose their sensitivity and tom/cymbal clamps lose their grip. It´s not bad, but it will fail at some point.

[@ryubonsai6861]

No thanks. Looks like a child’s toy. For the same price I will take the Roland every day of the week. Slightly better module doesn’t offset the poor kit, small pad size, rubber & small cymbals. Get a Roland and download supplemental kits.

[@mattryan6886]

When you look at what 1800$ buys you for Alesis strike kit that has a very good module with huge but honestly not very reliable pads, A Roland td-17 KVX with same size ride cymbal, 12” snare and decent module or the new Yamaha offering I see these kits getting Passed over.

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

@@mattryan6886 Only the TD50 will get you close, and probably even then only with e packs you have to buy. Yamaha for me in the module game over Roland, they have been doing natural sounds since the 90's with the Dtxtreme, and even the DTX 2.0 had natural sounds.

[@Foodylox]

Lousy. Yamaha have truly lost their way.