EFNOTE 3, 5, 7 Series Quickstart Guide

EFNOTE electronic drums are a fantastic choice for drummers of any genre. In this guide, we will show you how to set up and use the kit for the first time. Although pad configurations differ between the 3, 5, and 7 Series, functionality remains the same.

This article will get you up and running, so make sure to refer to the EFNOTE 3 / 5 / 7 Owner’s Manual for more information!

1. Setup & Connections
   • Bluetooth Connectivity
2. Update the Firmware
3. Adjust the Module Settings
   • Update the Pad Settings
   • Calibrate the Hi-hat
4. How to Create a Kit

Setup & Connections

The EFNOTE electronic drum kits are straightforward to set up. It’s like setting up an acoustic kit with a few additional connections from the module to the pads. Here are a few tips to get you up and running.

• Use a plastic beater on your bass drum pedal. Felt beaters will tear through the mesh head prematurely.
• Avoid placing the drum kit directly on a concrete or wooden floor; the vibrations can cause mistriggering. Instead, place it on a carpet or a drum rug that absorbs and reduces vibrations, which results in optimized performance.
• Make sure to match the correct cable to the correct drum/cymbal pad.
• Windows PC users must download the EFNOTE ASIO driver before connecting the module to the computer. The driver can be found in the Downloads tab of the EFNOTE Manuals & Downloads page.
• There are minor differences between models, so check out your kit’s specific Quickstart Guide on the EFNOTE Manuals & Downloads page for detailed connection instructions.
  • Refer to the “Optional Components & Consumable Parts” chapter for connection instructions when adding additional pads.

EFNOTE How To: Analog Output Routing

Bluetooth Connectivity

One great thing about EFNOTE drum kits is their compatibility with iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth. This lets you not only play along with your favorite songs but also take control with the EFNOTE Tools app!

1. Press MENU and press Bluetooth to open the Bluetooth settings. If the status says Off, then press it to enable Bluetooth.
2. Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device. The EFNOTE module will appear as EFNOTE AUDIO (xxx) and EFNOTE MIDI (xxx).
   • Check out the “Bluetooth Setup” sections of our “Android Recording Setup Guide” and “iPad Recording Setup Guide” to learn more about Bluetooth connections.
3. Enter 0000 if you are prompted to enter a four-digit PIN when pairing.

Update the Firmware

EFNOTE will release firmware updates periodically, often adding features, addressing issues, or further optimizing your kit’s performance. It’s always best practice to run the latest firmware for compatibility purposes, as well.

1. Press MENU, Settings, then Options, and finally Info. Note the installed version.
2. Go to the EFNOTE Support page, select your kit, and under Downloads, check the Firmware Updater version. If it matches the version installed, then you’re up to date! If not, then download the .zip file and the Firmware Update Tool.
3. Navigate to your Downloads folder, locate the .zip file, and then extract it.
4. Power on the drum module, connect it to your computer via USB, and then open the EFNOTE Firmware Update Tool.
   • Windows PC users: If you receive a “Windows protected your PC” prompt, choose More Info and then Run Anyway.
5. Once the Update Tool status changes to “Device Connected,” click File…, navigate to the firmware file you just extracted, select it, and click Execute.
6. After the firmware update is complete, disconnect the AC adapter from the module, reconnect it, and power the module back on.
   • The LED will start flashing for approximately one minute.
7. You will be taken to the home screen when the firmware update is complete.

Adjust the Module Settings

Working with the EFNOTE module is straightforward. It’s easy to navigate, so you’ll spend less time diving through menus and more time playing! Before you get up and running, you should update some settings to make sure playing feels as natural as possible.

Update the Pad Settings

While the factory settings are a great starting point, not all drummers have the same playing style, so it’s best to take some time and adjust pad settings such as sensitivity, threshold, and crosstalk. This is also where you will assign inputs when adding additional pads.

1. Press MENU and then press Trigger.
2. Strike the pad you wish to edit and then press the setting to adjust.
   • Head B and C and Sens B and C only apply to multizone pads.
   • Head-Rim Border only applies to the snare and tom pads.

Electronic Drum Terms Explained

Click here to learn more about common electronic drum terms.

Calibrate the Hi-Hat

When you first assemble your EFNOTE kit, you’ll want to calibrate the hi-hat. Calibrating the hi-hat ensures you don’t have any hi-hat triggering issues, especially when using the pedal.

1. Press MENU, select Trigger, and then press HH CTRL.
2. Loosen the hi-hat clutch, drop the top hi-hat cymbal, and then press Exec.

Quick Tips For Your EFNOTE

How to Create a Kit

The EFNOTE 3, 5, and 7 Series kits come with plenty of factory-installed kits, but you can also create your own to suit your needs!

1. From the home screen, press the middle of the kit name area.
2. Select a kit, press Duplicate, and then press the kit name to rename it.
3. Press MENU, select Kit Edit, and then strike the pad you wish to work with.
4. Tap the name of the sample to open the instrument menu and select the sample you want to load.

EFNOTE How To: ZONE EDIT / Layering

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