Yamaha DTXTREME Electronic Percussion System

DTXTREME Electronic Percussion System (Click for a close-up)

Building 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 constructionreal 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 sixor alternate up to ninevoices 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.