Elektron Digitakt
Distributed by: Innovative Music
Expect to Pay: $1199
RECOMMENDED FOR:
For those of you who don’t like working with drums in software and are looking for a modern drum machine to bring your electronic music to life, this is the unit for you.
SOUND/VERSATILITY:
A huge range of drum samples and synthesised effects makes this unit stand out from others on the market. The quality of the sounds is outstanding, and the ability to manipulate them in the box is even better.
USABILITY:
Anyone who has played with a drum machine after 1982 will be comfortable with this model from the outset. It has a familiar layout, even if you’ve never used an Elektron product before. The intuitive design makes for fun and easy music creation.
CONSTRUCTION:
It’s a solid casing, with really solid buttons that just feel great. The pots rotate nicely without any sideways play and all the connections are tough and rugged. This is built to last.
OVERALL:
Many of you will know and love Elektron drum machines as they have been around for some time now. This one has stepped up the game considerably. First time users will certainly find something new within the Digitakt’s architecture to bring their sounds to life.
Yamaha DTX402K Plus Pack
Distributed by: Yamaha Music Australia
Expect to Pay: $649
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Drummers looking for an all-in-one, cost-effective kit for home.
SOUND/VERSATILITY:
With ten built-in drum kits in the module ranging from standard rock and jazz kits to EDM and hip-hop kits, the DTX402K is a one-stop-shop for budding drummers wanting to explore their sound without breaking the bank. The module also has ten built-in tracks for you to play along with and a metronome to help keep time.
USABILITY:
The module is incredibly easy to navigate and super intuitive. Yamaha also has a dedicated mobile app for the DTX402K, which offers a number of functions including a challenge mode for the play along tracks and an editor function to customise your own kits.
CONSTRUCTION:
The DTX402K is well constructed and fairly compact. The pads and cymbals feel very comfortable to play and can take quite the beating.
OVERALL:
The DTX402K Plus Pack is incredible value for money. Not only does the pack come with the kit itself, but it also includes a drum stool, headphones and a pair of sticks. It’s the perfect kit for the player wanting to hone their skills without pissing the neighbours off.
Yamaha EAD10 Module
Distributed by: Yamaha Music Australia
Expect to Pay: $699.99
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Drummers wanting to take the sound of their kit to the next level without spending a fortune.
SOUND/VERSATILITY:
This thing is insane in the best way possible. The module and single sensor unit/trigger remove the need for a myriad of single drum mics. The inbuilt 50 preset scenes, 700+ onboard voices and effects offer endless possibility in creating your perfect drum sound.
USABILITY:
The best thing about the EAD10 is that it can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. From simply adding a touch of reverb to your snare through to changing the sound of your entire kit, the EAD10 does it all with ease.
CONSTRUCTION:
The module and sensor are both built very well and easy to mount. The screen can be read very easily, even on the darkest of stages.
OVERALL:
To put it simply, the EAD10 sounds great and is super easy to use. On top of all of that, the record and metronome functions make it perfect for teachers and those wanting to hone their craft.
Yamaha Rydeen Fusion Drum Kit Pack
Distributed by: Yamaha Music Australia
Expect to Pay: $999
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Beginner and intermediate players wanting a solid workhorse of a kit.
SOUND/VERSATILITY:
The Rydeen drum kits are available in two different shell packs: Fusion and Euro. The six-ply poplar shells sound punchy and resonant, with plenty of projection. The included Paiste cymbals are bright and clear.
USABILITY:
I have to commend Yamaha for the shorter depth on the Rydeen’s toms. Having shorter rack toms makes it easier to have them set up low and flat, and in general the shorter depth means they’re less boomy and obnoxious.
CONSTRUCTION:
The drum shells are sturdy and the hoops are ready to take a beating. You’d have no issues gigging this kit around, although I would probably suggest upgrading the heads and cymbals were that the case.
OVERALL:
The Rydeen pack is a great choice for beginners and those wanting a solid kit to improve their skills on. The kit sounds great, is super sturdy and incredible value for money. Nuff said.
