New DTXTREME IIS from Yamaha Drums

(Click for a close-up)

Yamaha Drums announced the DTXTREME IIS electronic drum system at this year's Winter NAMM show. Targeted for March 2004 delivery at an MSRP of $2,999, the DTXTREME IIS features a 6-piece configuration with three cymbal pads. Upgrades include a new rack, new pads, sampling capabilities and a selection of physically modeled voices from the Yamaha Motif product line--stereo acoustic instruments, ambient textures and waveforms from Yamaha's top-end synthesizers.

New, soft 3-zone rubber pads offer players the ultimate in performance comfort, natural feel and rebound. Each pad includes individual controls for pitch and pad selection, while snare pads also feature adjustable dampening control. The high hat controller combines an acoustic-type stand with electronic pads for a traditional look and feel.

Onboard electronics include 1,757 realistic drum voices, 128 GM voices, up to 90 preset drum kits, 40 user kits, 164 preset songs, up to 32 user-created songs, the Groove Check practice feature and an easy-view backlit display. More than 8 MB of voices, kits or songs may be stored and retrieved via a SmartMedia storage card. The DTXTREME IIS will connect directly to a PC or Mac computer via an external MIDI interface or the integrated TO HOST connection for editing or downloading Web content.