Sounds
Unlimited sounds are available through MIDI, from using even the simplest drum module to the most advanced computer or VST player. Everyone has their favorites depending on performance criteria, musical taste, and budget. If your computer is fitted with a Firewire or USB MIDI port and soundcard, it may be triggered by a Zendrum and used with music writing, sequencing and scoring software for a formidable music composition system. There are far too numerous hardware and software options available to list here in detail, so please consult with us regarding what is best suited for your musical application. We will be happy to counsel and advise according to your specific circumstances. The Zendrum Discussion Forum is another great place to ask questions and increase your awareness of all the possibilities.
Programming
The Zendrum was designed by drummers to access the vast array of MIDI sounds. To maximize the compatibility with other manufacturers' MIDI devices, a certain number of user definable parameters were necessary.
MIDI Channel Select: Matching the transmitting channel of the Zendrum to the receiving channel of the sound module is what makes it possible for them to communicate with each other.
MIDI Note Select: Each trigger can have a MIDI note number between 0 and 127 for each of the 16 Set-up/note maps. This can be used to designate chord changes or change the position of drum sounds. Most drum sound modules have a range of 61 notes, or drums per drumset, that may be assigned to the individual triggers as you wish. By using the Note function of the Zendrum, tap the trigger you want to change and scroll the + or – cursor switches until the desired drum sound is heard. The same easy steps apply to setting melodic intervals to triggers. Each trigger can have its assigned note stored in the set-up/notemap memory; using the cursor switch, toggle between the 16 set-ups to change chords. Of course, the sounds available are dependent on which sound module you are using.
Noise Floor Function: Allows the user to set the lightest touch that will trigger a sound intentionally while setting a threshold so that stray vibration, sound pressure or false body blows will not cause unwanted sounds to occur.
MIDI Volume Function: Allows the user to set the maximum velocity sent by the Zendrum. The combination of this parameter with the Noise Floor function defines the Zendrum's Dynamic Range from soft to loud. The best dynamics occur when the Volume is wide open at 127 and the Noise Floor is at 3 or 4. That puts the widest touch control under the musician's hands. MIDI range of touch control is from 0 to 127.
Specifications ZX:| Body | Rock or Figured Maple and Exotic Hardwoods in high gloss or natural oil finishes. |
| Triggers | 24 velocity-sensitive, shock mounted |
| Note Maps | 16 user-definable memory banks |
| User Interface | 4-way cursor switch Momentary sustain switch |
| Display | 3-digit, 7-segment LED |
| Global Parameters | MIDI Volume 0-127 Program Change 0-127 Overall MIDI channel 1-16 Bank Select 0-127 Noise Floor 0-127 Copy Set Up 1-16 Restore Defaults 1-16 Trigger/pedal calibration/store SysEx Receive SysEx Send Response Curve 1-7 |
| Trigger Parameters | MIDI Note # 0-127 4-note switch # +0-+124 MIDI channel (ind) 1-16 Trigger dynamic calibration |
| MIDI | Transmits on 16 MIDI channels one per trigger or globally overall |
| Ports | MIDI IN MIDI OUT sustain or cc (hihat/volume) jack external trigger jack |
| Power | 12vdc power Merge/Brick sends power to Zendrum via 5-pin active cable (supplied) |
| Body | Rock or Figured Maple and Exotic Hardwoods in high gloss or natural oil finishes |
| Triggers | 25 velocity sensitive, shock mounted |
| Note Maps | 16 user-definable memory banks |
| User Interface | 4-way cursor switch Momentary sustain switch |
| Display | 3-digit, 7-segment LED |
| Global Parameters | MIDI Volume 0-127 Program Change 0-127 Overall MIDI channel 1-16 Bank Select 0-127 Noise Floor 0-127 Copy Set Up 1-16 Restore Defaults 1-16 Trigger/pedal calibration/store SysEx Receive SysEx Send Response Curve 1-7 |
| Trigger Parameters | MIDI Note # 0-127 4-note switch # +0-+124 MIDI channel (ind) 1-16 Trigger dynamic calibration |
| MIDI | Transmits on 16 MIDI channels one per trigger or globally overall |
| Ports | MIDI IN MIDI OUT sustain or cc hihat jack external trigger jack |
| Power | 12vdc power merge/Brick sends power to Zendrum via 5-pin active cable (supplied) |
| Body | Exotic Hardwoods in natural oil finishes |
| Triggers | 19 velocity sensitive, shock mounted (25 on ZAP2) |
| Note Maps | 16 user-definable memory banks |
| User Interface | 4-way cursor switch Momentary sustain switch On/Off switch |
| Display | 3-digit, 7-segment LED |
| Global Parameters | MIDI Volume 0-127 Program Change 0-127 Overall MIDI channel 1-16 Bank Select 0-127 Noise Floor 0-127 Copy Set Up 1-16 Restore Defaults 1-16 Trigger/pedal calibration/store SysEx Receive SysEx Send Response Curve 1-7 |
| Trigger Parameters | MIDI Note # 0-127 4-note switch # +0-+124 MIDI channel (ind) 1-16 Trigger dynamic calibration |
| MIDI | Transmits on 16 MIDI channels one per trigger or globally overall |
| Ports | MIDI IN MIDI OUT sustain jack external trigger jack (#1) 2 cc inputs (#2 and 3) |
| Power | 12vdc transformer/power supply |
Resource Site
Visit the Zendrum Resource Site for further technical information.