If you have an electronic drum kit, you want to make sure it works correctly. It\u2019s quite different from playing on an acoustic kit, so you need to take extra time and care to make it feel the way you want. If you don\u2019t take that time, the kit may not react as you want it to, leading to disappointing results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the question becomes, \u201cWhat do I need to make it feel right?\u201d The answer lies within the electronic drum module\u2019s settings. These settings are crucial when playing, and while some modules have additional settings, this article will break down the primary settings you want to adjust and when and why you would need to change them. Follow the sections below to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One setting you will often hear about when working with electronic drums is velocity curve, which alters the dynamic response of a drum pad. Electronic drum modules and drum virtual instruments (like Superior Drummer 3<\/a>) start with what\u2019s called a linear<\/strong><\/a> curve<\/strong>, which is a diagonal line. No one drummer plays the same, so almost every e-drum module has the capability of adjusting the velocity curve of individual pads. While this process can take time and patience, adjusting the velocity curve will allow you to play much more dynamically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The velocity curve is on an X-Y axis that adjusts the dynamics of MIDI Notes. The Y (or vertical) axis is the module (or virtual instrument) output level. The X (or horizontal) axis reflects the amount of attack on the pad. Almost every module will have multiple types of curves, so be sure to test those along with the X-Y settings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When adjusting the X-axis, you are changing the shape and point where the curve begins. For example, if you have a Logarithmic (Loud) Curve<\/strong>, the line begins to curve earlier, which means the sound will get gradually louder earlier on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you adjust the Y-axis (vertical), you change the minimum and maximum output levels. Simply put, you\u2019re adjusting the velocity limits. For example, if you raise the velocity limit, the velocity floor increases, and any low-level hits will become louder.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdjusting Velocity Curve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
X-axis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Y-axis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n