From MARSHALLR@opsusa.sms.siemens.comMon Nov 27 10:16:27 1995
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 1995 22:43 EST
From: MARSHALLR@opsusa.sms.siemens.com
To: analogue@hyperreal.com
Subject: PAiA Finger Drum review

I just finished getting my new PAiA FingerDrum w/ MidiDrum computer working 
the way I want, so I figured I'd say a few words about it.  
For those that are unfamiliar with it, the FingerDrum (FD) is a set of pads 
that put out analog pulses which can be used to trigger any drum unit with 
analog control inputs.  The MidiDrum computer (MD) is an option that converts 
the analog pulses to midi output signals.  Since I have a Sequential DrumTrax 
and an Oberheim DMX (midi'd), the MD was the way to go for me. 
Both the FD and MD were easy to build, and came with instructions that were 
both clear and accurate.  I initially had a problem with the MD, which the 
good folks at PAiA were very helpful in resolving.  Seems a certain batch of 
8031 uP's did not work perform up to spec, but a new chip from PAiA resolved 
this.  This was perhaps the most pleasant aspect of building these kits, 
the knowledge that I wasn't alone when something went wrong.  PAiA stands 
behind their products, and will work with you to ensure the kit works 
correctly.  
The FD w/ MD offers a number of significant advantages over the OEM pads found 
on my drum machine.  Firstly, The FD pads are velocity sensitive, which allows 
the DrumTrax to be played dynamically, something you cannot do locally.  This 
alone made the kit worthwhile for me.  Although this same ability is found on 
practically any good keyboard controller, there is something awkward and 
physically limiting about tapping beat patterns on the black and whites.  On 
the FD, the pads are arranged in an ergonomically useful fashion.  Also, 2 
sets of pads are set up to trigger the same "instruments" (midi notes), which 
facilitates drum rolls, etc..  The midi mapping of the pads can be changed by 
the user to accommodate the particular drum machine being controlled.  There 
are 8 midi map selections, 1 of which can be customized, normally.  If you add 
a 6116 ram chip, all 8 can be changed, and if you install an MK48Z02 ram w/ 
built-in battery back up, instead of the 6116, the FD/MD remembers your 
changes after power down/up.  These ram upgrades are optional, there is blank 
location on the board, but other than plug in the ram, no other changes are 
necessary to activate this feature.  Apparently the software goes out and 
snoops are for the presence of ram during power up, and reacts accordingly!  
For the approx. $7.00 the MK48Z02 costs, this was the hot set up.  BTW- Mouser 
Electronics has these devices.
There were a few things I wanted to improve on with my FD.  I wasn't crazy 
about the soft foam-construction pads used, since I had trouble avoiding 
missed triggers when playing softly.  I found two substitute materials which 
gave me finer dynamic control over the output.  I found Chrome plated buttons 
in Woolworths that were the perfect size for replacing the original pads, and 
also tried wooden pads made from 7/8" oak "plugs", used for finishing drilled 
dowel or screw holes on wood furniture.  They both work well, but I prefer 
the wooden pads over the chrome ones, I think they sound more organic...:)
With a nice stain, they also look great.
The other modification I made was to improve on the pad to pad isolation from 
sympathetic vibrations.  When I played certain pads with full force, it would 
sometimes cause other pads to trigger, which of course, is undesirable.  The 
sensitivity of each pad can be adjusted, but ideally they should be adjusted 
for optimum dynamic range, which did not correspond with minimizing 
cross-triggering.  By adding an additional support screw to the main pc board, 
above the "FingerDrum" logo, and by adding small rubber grommets to all the 
mounting standoffs, I was able to correct this.  
I've found the PAiA FD/MD to be a useful, and fun to use, addition to my 
setup, and can recommend it without reservation to anyone who wants to get 
more from their e-drums.  Unfortunately, the FingerDrum cannot do anything 
about my congenital lack of rhythm, or help me get 3, 4, or more fingers 
working independently.  To solve this problem I need only remember the answer 
given to the newly arrived violinist who had come to New York to join the 
philharmonic.  Not knowing his way around the city, he asked someone how to 
get to Carnagie Hall.  The person answered, "Practice, practice, practice..."

If anyone has any specific questions regarding the FD/MD, please feel free to 
email me directly.

RM