Yamaha EAD50 Setup Guide

The Yamaha EAD50 is a fantastic drum microphone system that streamlines your miking setup and allows you to integrate Yamaha’s high-quality drum samples for a unique and professional sound both in the studio and onstage. In this guide, we will show you how to set up and use the EAD50 for the first time.

1. EAD50 Setup & Connections
   • Install & Connect the DSU50 Microphone
   • Enable Phantom Power
2. Calibrate the Gain & Trigger Sensitivity
   • Auto Gain Calibration
   • Adjust Trigger Settings
3. Record Audio & MIDI
   • Recording to a DAW

EAD50 Setup & Connections

The EAD50 system is easy to set up. Connect the microphone to the module, and you’re all set! Depending on your application, you may prefer one setup over another, so take some time to determine mic and trigger placement. Here are a few setup tips to get you up and running!

Install & Connect the DSU50 Microphone

The DSU50 microphone can be mounted either on the bass drum hoop or on a mic stand to use as an overhead or room mic. Here are some tips.

• Don’t overtighten the DSU50 when attaching it to the bass drum hoop.
• Metal kick drum hoops often have an uneven profile, which can make it difficult to clamp the mic. Attach the included adhesive strips to the inner and outer attachment points of your kick drum to securely fasten the mic.
• Use the included hook-and-loop ties to secure the mic cable to the bass drum tension rod and the hi-hat stand. This will keep things neat and will also reduce the risk of the mic cable disconnecting.
• Make sure your rack toms don’t come into contact with the DSU50. This will eliminate any potential physical damage and, if you’re using it as a trigger, prevent mistriggering.
• Inputs 1 and 2 are balanced connections dedicated to the DSU50.
  • Input 1 picks up the left side of the kit, and Input 2 picks up the right side.

Enable Phantom Power

IMPORTANT: Always connect condenser microphones to the module before turning on phantom power and always turn off phantom power before disconnecting condenser microphones.

The EAD50 module can provide phantom power to any condenser microphone you connect. You must enable phantom power, however, which is done per input.

1. Connect the condenser microphone to the module.
2. Press “MIC/TRIG” then select “Setting.”
3. Choose “Mic,” select “Mic In,” press “MicSel,”then use the right encoder to select the microphone input.
4. Press “Enter,” navigate to“Phantom,”and use the right encoder to turn on phantom power.

Calibrate the Gain & Trigger Sensitivity

Once you have the microphone set up, you’ll need to adjust the gain and trigger sensitivity. The factory settings are a great starting point, but not all drummers have the same play style, so taking the time to optimize those settings will set you up for success.

Auto Gain Calibration

Automatically calibrating the microphone is useful because it will pick up all your drums and adjust the levels to your dynamic range. This is especially useful in situations where bleed may be an issue.

1. Press “MIC/TRIG” then select “Setting.”
2. Choose “Mic,” select “Mic In,” press “MicSel,”then use the right encoder to select the input (Input 1 or 2) to which the DSU50 is connected.
3. Select “Gain Auto Setup” and play the drum set until the gain is set.

Adjusting Invidiual Levels

You can adjust any element in the EAD50, including the channel input, mic, kit, instrument (sample), and even individual voices (layers) of an instrument.

1. Press “MIC/TRIG” then press “Volume.”
2. Use the Up and Down buttons to navigate to the element you wish to adjust and then use the main encoder (right of the display) to change the value.
   • If you need to change the volume of a specific mic, then navigate to Mic In, press “MicSel,” and then press the channel button (1–5). Press “Exit”to return to the Volume menu.

Adjust Trigger Settings

Adjusting the trigger settings on the EAD50 is critical when you’re working with any connected drum or cymbal pads. Even the DSU50 requires some adjustment. If you don’t adjust the trigger settings, then you may encounter false triggering and the overall.

1. Press “MIC/TRIG” then navigate and select “Trigger.”
2. Select “Trig In,” “Pad,” and press“TrigSel.”
3. Use the Main encoder to select the trigger input you need to adjust and then press “Exit.”
4. Use the Up and Down buttons to select the parameter you wish to adjust and then use the Main encoder to change the value.

Electronic Drum Terms Explained

Click here to learn more about the most common electronic drum terms!

Record Audio & MIDI

You can record audio from your EAD50 directly to the module, to your computer, or to your mobile device using the Yamaha Rec’N’Share app.

• To record, press the Recorder buttonand thenpress “Rec.” Press “Rec” again to stop.
• By default, audio will be recorded to internal storage. It will switch to external storage when you connect the storage device.

Transfer Audio Files to External Storage

Recordings saved on internal memory will be erased when you turn off the module, so be sure to back up anything to either an SD card or a USB thumb drive beforehand.

1. Insert an SD card or connect a USB thumb drive to the USB To Device port.
2. Press MENU, navigate to File, select “File Wave,” and choose “Save.”
3. Press Name to name the file then press Exit to return to the Save screen.
4. Press Enter and then press Yes to save the file.

Recording to a DAW

The EAD50 can be used as either a 2-in/2-out or an 8-in/10-out interface. You will need to update a few settings on the module beforehand, though. Also, make sure to download and install the driver before connecting it to your computer!

1. Press MENU, navigate and select “USB Audio,” and then select “USB Audio.”
2. Change the Mode based on your application. The factory default is 2-in/2-out.
3. Exit out, navigate to USB AudioOut, and update any necessary settings.

EAD50 | Overview & Features | Make Your Drums Do More

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