Best way to enjoy Pro Drums?
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We only have basic drums, and actually they are the wired RB1 version so they can’t be upgraded to Pro.
Sometimes I think I’d be nice to move to Pro Drums, which I guess they are plain and simple more fun to play
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” /> I wonder what is your opinion with regard to the three main options to play Pro Drums in RB3:1- official Rock Band Pro Drums
2- ION Drums
3- eDrums with Rock Band midi adapter
These are presumably in order of cost, however I’ve never seen the official RB Pro Drums (or the cymbals alone) on sale locally around here, and the Amazon prices are higher than second-hand ION Drums. The obvious benefit of the more expensive options is a more realistic ‘feel’, and the ability to play those drums also outside the game itself.
What I wonder mostly anyway, is how these 3 options can be used to handle the hi-hat pedal. I can see that in the RB3 game there are options in drums settings to enable hi-hat pedal, but does it really work? The official RB Pro Drums don’t have it by default, and I know a second pedal can be plugged in but isn’t that normally used as a double kickdrum?
Once you go full e-kit you never go back.
As for the hi-hat pedal in-game option I believe this just triggers a blue cymbal hit with a hit-hat pedal.
I’ve been wondering the same thing and highly considering just getting ION’s or something similar. Not sure where to start my shopping though.
I personally wouldn’t go for IONs as they are no longer in production and the prices are therefore on the up. That also makes finding spare parts incredibly difficult. Hit detection wise, an e-kit is far worth the investment.
Regarding the official Rock Band Pro Drums, I’ve had many issues with cymbal cross-talk, so I would try to avoid those.
The e-drums are definitely the best option in my opinion, as I’ve gone through 2 stock kits and broken both of them. The experience I recommend is using the Roland TD-11kv set with the Midi Pro Adapter, though it’s quite pricy.
The ION drum rocker and e-drums are kind of the same thing, really. The ION is basically a modded ekit (Millenium, I think?) with a different drum brain.
I guess an ekit with the MPA is the best option if you can afford it. Just make sure it has a MIDI out (USB-B works but you need to have a laptop/PC nearby and it’s a hassle), mesh heads are a plus too.
As for the hi-hat pedal in-game option I believe this just triggers a blue cymbal hit with a hit-hat pedal.
No, it only changes the sound of the hi-hat (closed/open) during freestyle sections (during fills or before/after the song) which is… well… kind of useless.
You can remap your open hi-hat to blue but it’s impractical imo.
No, it only changes the sound of the hi-hat (closed/open) during freestyle sections (during fills or before/after the song) which is… well… kind of useless.
That’s indeed useless. It seems like it only controls the sound of the hi-hat, but not the corresponding midi event.
Is there actually any way to use a pedal to toggle a hi-hat between yellow and blue notes in the RB3 game, that doesn’t require hardware customizations? Is this easy to achieve with a real e-drum or ION?
You don’t happen to live in SF Bay Area do you?
Different continent…
Any recommendations on a non pricey ones that are also plenty available used?
I think Alesis Nitro is possibly the most common e-drums nowadays, so hopefully there should be several around on the second-hand market. With a price tag of ~400, maybe you can buy a used one for 200-300.
This price range is probably already an overkill if you just want to play RB3, but here we’re talking about real e-drums, even though models in this range are considered low-end, they definitely aren’t toys.
I’m trying to get pan e-kit. I wanted to get cymbals but they all are over 100$ and RB4 isn’t backwards compatible. I hate RB Drums
I use the Roland TD-11K and it’s absolutely fantastic! I did upgrade to all mesh heads and also upgraded the hi-hat to the VH-11. This allows me to use an actual hi-hat stand with pedal and it works flawlessly in game (although not at all an inexpensive option). Closed hi-hat set to yellow and open to blue. In my opinion, this is the most realistic setup and the best way to enjoy pro drums.
If you want to spend a little more, the Roland sets are awesome. I use a TD 25kv and have never regretted once getting it. I started with the Alesis Nitro kit and really enjoyed it too, and was perfect for a kit to simply use on Rock Band.
If you want to spend a little more, the Roland sets are awesome. I use a TD 25kv and have never regretted once getting it. I started with the Alesis Nitro kit and really enjoyed it too, and was perfect for a kit to simply use on Rock Band.
That Roland model is more than 2000 bucks, I’d say not just “a little” more
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_biggrin.gif” />I would say that spending >300 bucks already qualifies as an investment, and is a good idea only if you plan to learn and play drums beyond RB3, even if just for fun. And indeed the Alesis Nitro is one of the best options for that route (I would have also mentioned the Millennium drums, but IIRC they don’t have a MIDI output, so they are NOT ok for RB3!)… I would not be afraid of its limitations as a “real” drums, if someone finds out later they are really into drums and want to go for an upgrade, you can resell the lesser Nitro and get some money back. In fact, I’d suggest not be too intimidated by spending even 400 bucks for a new one.
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