Zildjian Alchem-E Drum Kit - Gold EX Electronic Drums (Firmware Version M1.0.5)

Join James G as he dives into the groundbreaking world of electronic drumming with the Zildjian Alchem-E series. In this video, James explores the Alchem-E's cutting-edge features, designed to bring the tactile response and sonic variety of acoustic drums to the electronic realm.
Experience the full-size shells that mimic the feel of traditional drum kits and marvel at the innovative mesh heads and metal, perforated cymbals that offer an authentic playing experience.
James will also demonstrate the module-based system that packs powerful, studio-quality sounds without needing a computer attached. Don't miss out on this deep dive into Zildjian's fusion of tradition and technology, promising to transform your drumming experience.
Version M1.0.5
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🎬 Credits:
• Host: James Gilliland
• Executive Producer: Brad Tarpley
• Director: Brad Tarpley
• Writer: James Gilliland
• Cinematographer: Brad Tarpley
• Audio Engineer: James Gilliland
• Editor: Brad Tarpley
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🎥 Gear We Use:
• Main Camera: Sony FX3
• Main Lens: Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
• Secondary Camera: Sony FX3
• Second Camera Lens: Sony FE 24-70 F2.8 GM
• Lens Filters: PolarPro Shortstache Filter (2x)
• Recording Computer: Apple M1 iMac (2022)
• Editing Computer: Apple M2 Max 14” MacBook Pro (2023)
• Audio Interface: Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
• Shotgun Microphone: Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3
• Dynamic Microphone: Sennheiser e 906
• Ribbon Microphone: sE Electronics RNR1
• Small Diaphragm Microphone: sE Electronics RN17
• Recording Software: PreSonus Studio One 6+
• Video Editing Software: Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve
• Audio Monitors: PreSonus Studio 5 (x2)
• Controller: PreSonus Faderport
• Power Conditioner: FURMAN M-8LX
• Lights: Apurture 120d II (x3)
• Secondary Lights: Phillips Hue Play Light Bar (x4)
• Guitar Amplifier: Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb (Blonde)
• Guitar Amplifier: Blackstar St. James 50 6L6 Combo
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Tarpley Music (Amarillo, TX)
3800 I-40 West
Amarillo, TX 79102
Call/Text: 806-352-5293
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Burleson, TX 76028
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About Us: tarpleymusic.c...
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Overview 00:00
Demo Kits 08:43
Exploring the E-Vault 13:09
In the Mix 26:47
Final Thoughts 27:58
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#zildjian #alcheme #drums

[@tarpley-music]

Just want to clarify something: this was recorded running pre-release firmware and sound libraries (v1.0.5), there are updates that will happen to the kit between now and the street date of June 16, 2024. If you want to experience the kit yourself, we will have it set up in our Burleson, Texas location starting mid-next week.

[@MikeSnyderDrums]

Thank you James, you totally get the concept!

[@YouGotThisDog]

Hey James, great video. Thank you for putting so much time into this. This video is a great mix of info and sound demos. I have been playing Roland electric kits for many many years now and its great to see everyone's favourite acoustic cymbal brand is diving into this market. I cannot wait to see this in stores in Australia where I live and give these a go. It will take something huge to get me away from Roland and from what I am seeing so far of these Zildjian e-kits, I don't think I am sold yet. Obviously the cymbals are the biggest advantage and they sound amazing. The drums in all the demo video's I have watched so far sound a little "meh" so far. I hope I am wrong when I actually get to play one. The module looks like it has some awesome features too. Thanks again for such a high quality video!

[@mrosenblum2112]

The cymbals sound amazing, but the drums are just ok. The triggering sounds a little synthetic with too much machine gun effect when playing faster.

[@Iamadrummer]

There will be updates module improvements before it is available for sale. Also Zildjian has an app where they will keep giving more kits and upgraded sounds. All the reviews of this kit are done with prototype sets that do not have the latest firmware.

[@tarpley-music]

v1.0.5 is the version featured in this video, and is currently the latest build from Zildjian. Installed it Thursday morning before we filmed. Noticed that some of the other videos on YT have v0.99.91 installed.

[@richardrackley2430]

These cymbals in combination with superior drummer head samples may be a game changer…

[@djashjones]

Game changer? lol. So spend several thousands of dollars for a device made by a cymbal company to trigger samples from a third party of said cymbal company ?

[@NickyNicest]

I already sometimes catch myself second guessing if I’m playing a real acoustic kit with my TD-27 and superior drummer bc it sounds so real. With this Zildjian kit you’d never know you’re playing an e kit.

[@djashjones]

@@NickyNicest I'm planning on getting this module + cymbals to compliment my 50x. Roland for pads & these for cymbals. Then I'll only use SD3 for toms, snares & FX. It's way too buggy to buy this at the moment and no china and splash yet.

[@dennislacroix9962]

Not my cup of tea but I'm glad money and research is being poured into the electronic drum world.

[@SydneyDrums]

If Drum Workshop can make electronic cymbals then a cymbal company can make electronic drums

[@Ripperx121]

I am a e-drummer only. I started about 8 years ago and own a home and cannot make a drum kit noise. But bass is usually the problem with a studio. You have to stop the bass. High tones can be easier controlled. This is very very interesting. I have a Roland VAD-507. I love it but remember I have never played an acoustic kit. It's funny I was in a huge drum store called the "Drum Center of Portsmouth". It's my favorite store in the world. Haha! I went thru the cymbal section and was shocked on some prices of one cymbal. I stopped complaining I have 5k into my kit. You guys that play acoustic can have that just into cymbals alone. Never mind snares. This is an amazing concept. I am watching this one's development. The major complaint from an acoustic drummer is the hi-hat. I am ignorant to that but I believe them. Solving this problem would be good. I have a digital hi-hat but acoustic drummers say "Yeah, better but not there yet."

[@EricFDrums]

All the vids I’ve seen, the sounds see, still just decent at best.

[@13thousandmonkeys]

You'd think they would e tried to do a dedicated cymbal module rather than having such lack luster samples for drums as well....

[@arsonne]

I played this kit and the cymbals are impressive but the drums are pretty standard stuff that’s been done for decades. The hi hat is great especially for electric but it’s not quite the playing revolution it needs to be at this price point. The mesh heads are very thin and bouncy, which is an easy fix but still.. I just think this kit is priced a good 1k too high per option package.

[@BCRobot]

Wish I could just get the module and cymbals

[@JesusRiveraPercusion]

Ride cymbals looks like it has a weird volume triggering, I think sounds in the module are a little dry, but I guess you can manage that with setting or software. Cymbals feeling looks really fine instead of Rubber but drums and triggering doesn’t looks good for that price tag.

[@DrevPile]

This is clipping the sound on the low and high end in parts. Is this how you have recorded the demo or does it sound that like that?

[@tarpley-music]

This is not how we recorded it. KZbin destroyed the video during processing, which took nearly seven hours, and we were under a time crunch to launch when Zildjian went live on their social channels. It is what it is. We’ll create a new overview video when the launch firmware update is available.

[@tarpley-music]

Check these videos out to get proper sound representations of the kit: kzbin.info/aero/PLFklnMLfuvtsOgsIMbQ4wva25p3ETk_My&si=eFzfNhwb-KapEAgH

[@MrTdg2112]

Question: Is there a 16 inch floor tom sold separately? I only see 10, 12 and 14. But there are 4 tom inputs. It doesn't matter when you're doing the E-Drum thing, but if I want to switch over to acoustic for whatever reason I'd want 4 different sizes, not 3. I suspect I'll be very interested in buying the module and just the cymbals. Having the ENTIRE library of Zildjian cymbals makes it worth the purchase. I'll have to figure out how to integrate it with my Roland TD-30, but doing so would really open up the possibilities. But then again, if the drum sounds are good enough I could see replacing the old Roland with just this so I'd have an acoustic kit whenever I needed it.

[@lucgraham6456]

Another video I watched mentioned that they are working on additional drums and cymbals sizes, 16” Tom coming in the future

[@bassdrumcreep7884]

Why not just plug both modules into a mixer? Zildjian for the cymbals, Roland for the drums.

[@MrTdg2112]

@@bassdrumcreep7884 You are assuming I've got a Mixer. I'd prefer the simplicity. But yeah, I am seriously considering just using my TD-30 for the drum sounds and the Zildjian for the cymbals. I can hardly wait for the next NAMM show in Orange County that I can get to and fiddle with these and have someone who is super familiar with it to talk to.

[@bassdrumcreep7884]

@@MrTdg2112 yes, you would need to get one if you didn't have one, but it wouldn't need to be anything crazy

[@pablog.espinoza9675]

Sound like a Alesis nitro with zildjian cymbal samples… (well what can we expect from a cymbal company making drum kits)

[@petrtroschenkov360]

I’m glad Zildjan has set a new bar in the world of e drumming. There’s one specific thing that irritated my ear. It is when the player accidentally hits a hoop of a floor tom, it sounds very unnatural, lacking of ‘that’drum shell harmonic sound which is an integral part of the hoop click sound , if you know what I’m talking about. Along with this, they didn’t implemented an important feature such as ability to stoping a sound by placing palm on mesh head , plus it has no pressure sensors to pitch the sound. Also it’s under the question whether it’s possible or not to get cross stick sound while hitting the head zone . Usually, one sounds would mute the other if you strike both, hoop and mesh head simultaneously.

[@Iamadrummer]

The problem with the Zildjian e-kits is they are very expencive and the average drummee will not be able to afford one. Pro drummers that want to use an e-kit on stage can probably afford one but from what I have seen and heard about the Zildjian kits is it is doubtful anyone will want to use the set live and for home practice they are just too expensive. There are from other brands great stage ready, great dounding e-kits that are around the same price fof a big set or even less expensive for a mid-range sized e-kit. I do think the low-volume e-cymbals are nice but a bit louder than the traditional rubber cymbals. The Efnote cymbals, for instance, feel about the same to play and are way quieter. Down the road after they make module upgrades and sound upgrades I would relook at the Zildjian e-kits to see and hear if they have improved. If the launch price is a sale price as a price below the bold price is more expensive and crossed out then these kits are just too expensive for the average person to concider. There are othe brands that have fantastic high-end great sounding, fantasticaly accustic like e-kits for around $3,000.00 so unfortunately even if the sounds that most do not like improve the Zildjian e-kits will be better but still to expencive for what they are as I and most people these days could not ever afford one. I do play a high-end fantastic e-kit that took me over two and a half years to dave up for and a Zildjian kit would take me 8+ years to save up for and becides that from the Zildjian e-kit reviews I have seen before the release date and updates my e-kit functions justbthe dame and the dounds are way superior.

[@jimbowen2142]

Cymbals sound good. Not sure about the overall drum sounds

[@tarpley-music]

Definitely a work in progress.

[@sisterpete]

You insinuated that you can send the sound out through the MIDI ports... Analog, USB-C yes, but the MIDI ports are for communication only, no audio.

[@sisterpete]

Oh yeah, great sounding song at the end

[@tjhessmon4327]

Full sized e-drum kits are a very bad idea, as they allow in all the constraints initially part of Acoustic drums, which was placement of the toms into a configuration which does not have one jabbing their sticks into the mounted tom and where the floor toms are not separated by the radius of 14in or 16in and or 18 in toms. Because of the depth of acoustic drum toms and the height of acoustic bass drums, there is quite a bit of surrender by the drummer, for best placement of the mounted toms. The benefit of the Alchem kit being a maple kit that can be converted to acoustic drums wasn't a great idea either, as one could simply purchase Roland external triggers, and cymbal pans, and apply them to their current acoustic kit (no mater the shell makeup), change the heads and route all that through a TD-17, 27, or 50, for far less money. Roland is the leader in e-drums and all aftermarket support is centered around their e-drums. Where Roland and other manufacturers fall short is in the cymbal department, exactly the expertise of Zildjian If Zildjian offers its e-cymbals as an independent item, and works out a deal with Roland to have their sounds input into the Roland TD-17, 25, and 50, as well as the Yamaha DTX Pro and ProX , and the Peral mimic pro modules, then they would have a very profitable offering for the drum market, which needs far better e-drum cymbals. Otherwise the Zildjian Alchem is just another very expensive e-drum kit, without any aftermarket support, and people will purchase the TD-27 or 50 or one of the VAD kits instead.

[@RockyTop85]

Frankly they just don’t sound great and the triggering seems very subpar.

[@Krullmatic]

It sounds awful. It still has that weird electronic drum sound It's not even close to acoustic.

[@johnburkhalter3880]

Sounds awful! Considering the price I think Zildjian will lose a ton of money with these kits.

[@huubdrums]

Crap set, it shows 😂