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