Yamaha - DTXpress II Electronic Drum Set (YDS9XPSII)
Check it out at Sam Ash

First, and foremost, an electronic drum kit has to have studio-quality sound or drummers just won't be interested. The samples used in the DTXPRESS II bring a wide-range of options for players to pick from. 48 preset kits get you started immediately after plugging in. Multiple options for everything from snare drums to orchestra percussion let players create up to 32 user kits that can be designed to fit any musical style. There are 928 drum voices and 128 General MIDI keyboard voices to choose from. This large palette gives you enough sounds to program a different kit for every song in your band's set.

Yamaha built 95 songs into the sound module that cover every style of music. You will have plenty of material in the DTXPRESS II to keep you busy learning new styles, checking your groove coordination, and generally having fun.

The new snare drum pad has both center and rimshot capabilities but also includes the ability to lay the stick across the center and rim for cross-stick sounds. The stick can also be laid across the rim on both sides of the pad to achieve the same cross-stick effect.

The kick tower has been upgraded with a wider playing surface that allows the use of double bass drum pedals. The response of this new pad is excellent. A wide dynamic range of bass drum response is possible. The feel is much like an acoustic kit so you won't have any trouble switching between the two or getting used to the pad if this is your first electronic kit.

The DTXPRESS II includes one single-zone pad and one dual-zone pad, which can be used to play two separate sounds and to perform choke functions. Choking is easy with the dual-zone pad. Strike the cymbal for a crash then grab the rim, just like you would an acoustic cymbal.

The hi-hat pedal also received improvements. The action is smooth and easy; with full-range travel that allows you to get every hi-hat sound possible, from wide-open slosh to tightly closed tics. Even a jazzy footboard splash can easily be played. The footboard itself was changed so that it matches the new and very popular Yamaha bass drum pedal line.

In order for you to practice with pre-recorded CDs, MP3s, or any external audio source, an input jack is included on the front of the sound module. It's right next to the headphone jack, which has been beefed up so that it's output signal is stronger than in the previous model. This extra power gives the headphone jack studio quality sound, even if you are using inexpensive headphones.

The new rack brings a secure feel to the setup without the use of memory clamps. This is due to the new ribbed poles that let the redesigned clamps grip easily without slipping. More bracing is provided in this rack to make the main legs more stable and the snare arm rock solid. The chrome cymbal stands are actually made in the same factory as Yamaha's chrome motorcycle parts so you know this finish will stand up to the rigors of the road.

The rack comes pre-assembled so you can get the kit up and running faster than ever before. In fact, the rack is designed so that even with the drum and cymbal pads attached, the whole kit can be folded into a compact unit and set over in the corner out of the way until your next practice session or gig.

If you own a computer, get ready to be amazed at what you can do with the DTXPRESS II. It is fully MIDI compatible and contains the General MIDI sound set that most standard MIDI files require. If you already have sequencing software and a little know how, your computer and the DTXPRESS II can become a fully functioning recording studio/music production system. Why let your keyboard-playing friends have all the glory? You too can become the centerpiece of the band, providing not only drum sounds but also backing groove tracks, orchestra hits, and a host of other non-traditional drum sounds.

With the DTXPRESS II, you get an electronic kit with professional-level sound and features at an entry-level price.