Yamaha DTXTREME Electronic Percussion System
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DTXTREME Electronic Percussion System
(Click for a close-up) |
January 18, 2001Building on the success of the DTX2.0, and most recently, the
DTXPRESS electronic percussion set, Yamaha Drums takes electronic percussion to
the next level with the debut of the DTXTREME Electronic Percussion System. Combining
strengths in digital technology and acoustic drum manufacturing, the Yamaha DTXTREME
has been designed for the professional drummer who requires cutting-edge electronics
and versatility. Offering an incredible array of sounds, plus the feel of acoustic
heads, the 5-piece DSXT10 and 6-piece DSXT11 are currently available, and will
be shown at Winter NAMM 2001.
"The DTXTREME represents a new direction in electronic percussion,"
states Jerry Andreas, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. "It was only logical
to develop a kit with even more features that drummers have asked for, such as
a more natural look and feel, plus increased performance options. The Yamaha DTXTREME
more than answers those requests."
Innovations begin with the construction—real head pads and wood shells.
Utilizing real drumheads for the playing surface (as opposed to rubber), these
pads provide a natural "acoustic kit" feel and appearance, yet are sensitive
to the nuances of an individual drummer's playing style. Pads are available in
three sizes: RHP80 8-in., RHP100 10-in. and RHP120 12-in. A snare pad (RHP120SD),
which may be mounted on a snare stand, is also available. The bass drum pad (KP120)
can easily accommodate a double pedal, and features a floating-pad design with
four legs for maximum security. Constructed of durable 7-ply Birch/Mahogany, the
3-in.-deep shells incorporate the same YESS mounting system and "Absolute-style"
lugs found on professional Yamaha acoustic kits allowing for versatile and easy
set-up. The set also includes two CH-style cymbal holders, a sturdy, lightweight
aluminum rack and Yamaha's exclusive ball and clamp mounts for maximum adjustability.
Electronic drumming artist Tony Verderosa has assisted in the development of
Yamaha DTX systems since 1989. Currently performing and recording as a one-man
electronic drumming tour de force, he relies exclusively on the power of the DTX
to generate all of his sounds live and in the studio.
Verderosa expressed his enthusiasm about the sound and playability of the new
DTXTREME system. "To play purely electronic sounds with the feel of acoustic
drums is like a dream come true for me," states Verderosa. "It is no
surprise that Yamaha would be the first to realize the full potential of electronic
drums and combine the virtues of both electronic and acoustic drums into one complete
system. The DTXTREME represents a turning point in the history of electronic drums."
The electronics of the DTXTREME are unprecedented. In addition to offering
1,757 realistic drum voices and 128 General MIDI voices, the unit features 90
preset drum kits, 40 user kits, 164 preset songs and a total of 32 user-created
songs. Up to 32 kits may be assigned in chain mode. Another noteworthy feature
is Yamaha's unique "Groove Check," which helps hone in on the perfect
groove. Users may stack up to six—or alternate up to nine—voices per
input. "Pad Song" allows up to four songs to be started or stopped simultaneously.
"Virtual snare drums" may even be created by selecting shell materials,
depth and tension. Up to 4 MB of voices, kits or songs may be stored and retrieved
via a SmartMedia storage card.
Users will find the DTXTREME the ultimate in performance control. A large back-lit
LCD display provides easy viewing of multiple parameters, even under low-light
situations. Five rotary encoders enable quick and direct changes. Ten volume faders
provide effortless mixing.
Connections include 16 trigger inputs (1-8 dual trigger, 9-16 individual trigger),
six individual and two stereo outputs, an AUX IN jack for external audio sources
and a phone jack with sound localizer and processing. In addition to MIDI IN/OUT/THRU,
the DTXTREME can connect directly to a computer via the TO HOST port.
For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. | 
