Could a Roland KD-7 or KD-8 be used as a kick trigger?

[spyd4r]

Would it be possible to wire a cable from the Roland kd-7 into the bass drum input on the Rock Band Drums?

http://www.roland.com/products/en/KD-7/index.html

http://www.roland.com/products/com/KD-7/images/top_L.jpg

http://www.roland.com/products/en/KD-8/index.html

http://www.roland.com/products/com/KD-8/images/top_L.jpg

[Sport]

I'd say its a maybe, leaning towards no. I don't know what kind of output signal that thing gives, but seeing as its dynamic sensitive, i'm pretty sure its not just completing a circuit with each hit.

[spyd4r]

If anyone could pull this off, it would be an ideal mod to achieve bass pedal perfection ;)

[XeroTalent]

You would need an API to translate the signal to something the console recognizes (ie: a modded console which gives you access to the software).

In short, I doubt it.

[klausw]

Would it be possible to wire a cable from the Roland kd-7 into the bass drum input on the Rock Band Drums?

Assuming that these use the normal piezo sensors like most electronic drum sets, a cable won't do it. You'll need a circuit to convert the voltage spikes from the piezo to simple circuit on/off switching.

It's possible, see this thread:

http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=11121

I'm also looking into slightly fancier circuits since the simple method may have sensitivity issues. It did work fine for me for a button-type kick drum, I'll be getting my real kick drum and trigger later this week.

-Klaus

[Zechman]

They definitely do use piezo sensors (I have a KD-7 myself), so no, you can't just plug it in.

The Rock Band pedal is a simple normally-open non-latching switch. So you can get away with using some keyboard sustain pedals as a substitute--as long as it is normally open. I already tried out a Roland DP-2 that I had on hand, but it's a normally-closed switch.

I've ordered one of these (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MPM-Sustain-Pedal?sku=450428) (and appropriate adapter) yesterday to try out as a substitute. If anyone cares, I'll be happy to post here again after it arrives with how well it works (or not).

--Dwayne

P.S. Here's something funny: on the link above, the price is shown as $9.99 OR $15/month if you apply for their credit card.
WHAT A DEAL!!! :rolleyes:

[spyd4r]

What about a ddrum trigger?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ddrum-Red-Shot-Bass-Drum-Trigger-?sku=442392

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&base_pid=442392&index=1

does anyone know if these are just open/close or if it is a piezo sensor?

[davidshek]

What about a ddrum trigger?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ddrum-Red-Shot-Bass-Drum-Trigger-?sku=442392

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&base_pid=442392&index=1

does anyone know if these are just open/close or if it is a piezo sensor?

Read the description of the trigger:

"Patented transducer solution detects dynamics in a very realistic way"

That should answer your question right there. If it doesn't, I'll make it clearer: It's not an open/close sensor.

[HPLabonte]

doesnt the KD-6 Hi-Hat pedal work?

[Project_Mercy]

None of these, along with any of the hi-hat pedals will work. They send control voltage (0-5V) depending on the velocity of the trigger. In fact, any electronic drumming device you find is going to do the same thing. The modules that convert this to MIDI all expect control voltage from the device. You could create something to convert it though.

Also, there's no need to buy something as expensive as any of this. All you really need is to take an old rubber drum pad and put it on its side and use any old kick pedal to trigger it. The only reason the specialty kick drums exist now is just based on feel, not effectiveness.

I've been thinking about wiring this up lately though. I like the game, but the drum kit is frustrating. If my drums give out, I'll probably buy another set, and hack the control out of the old ones and wire it into a CV switch. Even the old rubber pads would be superior to these.

[spyd4r]

it would be nice to get a real pedal for the kick, i hate the feel of the Rock Band pedal... it's so flimsy, I am afraid of breaking it..

[Aelius27]

Ahem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdD2i2r6tFw

Still working some kinks out. More details soon.

[ktm450exc]

@Aelius27

That's pretty slick.

Looking forward to your follow-up.

[BearFan51]

Ahem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdD2i2r6tFw

Still working some kinks out. More details soon.

Nice work! Can't wait for the how-to.

[BearFan51]

None of these, along with any of the hi-hat pedals will work. They send control voltage (0-5V) depending on the velocity of the trigger. In fact, any electronic drumming device you find is going to do the same thing. The modules that convert this to MIDI all expect control voltage from the device. You could create something to convert it though.

Also, there's no need to buy something as expensive as any of this. All you really need is to take an old rubber drum pad and put it on its side and use any old kick pedal to trigger it. The only reason the specialty kick drums exist now is just based on feel, not effectiveness.

I've been thinking about wiring this up lately though. I like the game, but the drum kit is frustrating. If my drums give out, I'll probably buy another set, and hack the control out of the old ones and wire it into a CV switch. Even the old rubber pads would be superior to these.

Actually, I'm using the Roland FD-7 HH controller now. It's not perfect, but it tracks at least as accurately as the RB pedal.