Video summary

The Smartest Solution for VST-Drumming? | eDRUMin Quick Check

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Audiofront eDRUMin 12 — described as a trigger-to-MIDI / “drum-to-media interface” for VST drumming. The video frames it as a way to use e-drum pads and cymbals with VST drum software running on a computer/laptop, without using a traditional sound module.

What it does (core concept)

  • Sends trigger signals from pads/cymbals to a computer via USB.
  • The computer/VST generates the drum sounds (e.g., Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer).
  • Compared to typical e-drum setups:
    • Traditional modules generate MIDI (or sometimes sound) internally.
    • eDRUMin 12 skips the sound engine and focuses on reliable trigger-to-MIDI mapping.

Key features / capabilities

Multi-manufacturer pad compatibility (strong emphasis)

  • Supports mixing pads from different generations/brands.
  • Example: Yamaha silicone pads are expected to work despite usual module compatibility issues (with mention of edge zones).
  • The video example setup includes pads from rubber, Roland (PX 100 mentioned), and Yamaha, etc.

Multi-zone cymbal support

  • The video mentions Unlock cymbals offering dual/triple zone.
  • eDRUMin 12 can be configured for three cymbal zones using stereo cable routing.

Scalable system / expandable kits

  • You can use multiple eDRUMin units.
  • Example: series connection could yield more inputs (2×12 → 24 inputs).
  • Also described: splitting outputs into mono tracks using preset splitting plus a splitter cable, with a claim that zones can react better than with other manufacturers.

Positional sensing (with compatible software)

  • Supported when the software can use it (specifically calls out Toontrack Superior Drummer 3.0).
  • Uses the software feature “Positional Sensing” to map MIDI notes to different head areas.

“Standalone” use (without a DAW)

  • Explained as running the drum app/screen on the computer so you can play sounds without a Digital Audio Workstation.
  • Positioned as potentially useful for live performance, reducing resource usage.

Latency reduction / performance tuning

  • Claims latency is “a thing of the past,” especially with proper buffer settings and direct connection.
  • Buffer-size example:
    • 512 samples default → suggested 128 samples
    • targeting about ~2.7 ms latency (as stated)

Setup & installation (user experience)

What you need (not included)

  • Pads/cymbal stand parts are shown, but USB cables and trigger cables are not included.
  • Requires specific cabling:
    • USB-B to USB-A adapter on some setups
    • USB-A to USB-C adapter for MacBooks (must be considered)
  • Optional power option mentioned:
    • Power via USB from laptop, or
    • use a 9V power supply (video mentions 200 mA)

Recommended installation flow

  1. Install/download the eDRUMin software from Audiofront.
  2. Connect via USB and confirm it is recognized immediately.
  3. Start with pad presets (pad “basic presets”/lists shown).
  4. Calibrate pad striking force and adjust deviations.
  5. Verify MIDI data correctness in the software.
  6. Use Superior Drummer / Easy Drummer mapping workflows (drag-and-drop mentioned).

Convenience features mentioned

  • Software includes preset lists for pad models (examples include PDX-100, Yamaha TP70, Yamaha silicone pad variants).
  • “Superior Drummer function” workflow:
    • Drum/cymbal overview matches MIDI notes for quicker mapping (drag-and-drop described).

Pros (as stated)

  • Very flexible pad and cymbal compatibility (mix brands/generations; “hidden gem” framing).
  • Better hi-hat behavior than older systems/modules (especially compared to older module approaches).
  • Enables building large, realistic kits within a budget by avoiding high-end sound modules/pads.
  • Expandable architecture:
    • more inputs via additional units
    • stereo-to-mono splitting for more tracks
  • Positional sensing supported when used with compatible VST (Superior Drummer 3.0).
  • Latency improvements via tuning (buffer size reduction, direct USB connection) and perceived responsiveness.

Cons / limitations (as stated)

Cables and setup complexity

  • Users must find correct USB/trigger cables (USB adapters can be an issue).
  • Initial setup requires time to get the correct configuration.

Software-dependent MIDI note mapping

  • Different VSTs may require different MIDI assignments.
  • Example: bass drum MIDI note mapping may need rerouting between Superior Drummer and Mixwave/Easy Drummer type setups (the app names were partially garbled, but the key point is clear).
  • Recommendation: save trigger presets/mappings as backups when switching software.

Computer performance limits

  • Larger sample libraries and large kits can be heavy.
  • Video suggests big kits (many toms/cymbals) may be borderline for some computers.
  • Implies RAM/CPU + latency stability constraints.

Live robustness needs planning

  • Laptops can glitch/restart; suggested to have a Plan B.
  • Even some modules can fail live; recommends backup strategy:
    • either a second laptop, or
    • a backup sound module strategy.

Latency / responsiveness discussion (important takeaway)

  • One speaker reported:
    • going from an older setup feeling about ~4.3 ms latency on an iMac,
    • to the current setup feeling “absolutely fantastic.”
  • They attribute responsiveness to:
    • reduced latency via buffer correction
    • optimization of hat modulation/controllers via Easydrummer/Easy Drummer functions
  • Another speaker initially suspected latency due to sound character (deep reverb/mix/attack masking), then concluded it was psychoacoustic rather than actual latency.

Comparisons made

  • Compared to an earlier concept:
    • Triggero (Aisis) described as “legendary” but not fully developed and “still not finished” in many respects.
  • Compared to traditional sound modules:
    • modules limit pad brand compatibility more severely
    • eDRUMin emphasizes compatibility and expandability
  • Compared to “backup module” approaches for live:
    • eDRUMin depends on laptop/software, so backup strategies matter more than with purely module-based rigs

Ratings / numerical scores

  • No overall star rating or score.
  • Numerical latency claim:
    • ~2.7 ms latency target when using a 128-sample buffer (from 512 samples).

Overall verdict / recommendation

Recommended for VST drummers who want maximum pad/cymbal brand flexibility, expandable computer-driven kit building, and who are willing to handle:

  • correct cabling,
  • initial calibration,
  • software-specific MIDI mappings,
  • and live-performance backup planning.

If you want a turnkey “plug into a module and it makes sounds” experience, it may feel more complex—because it is fundamentally a trigger-to-MIDI interface that relies on the computer + VST workflow.

Unique points mentioned (consolidated)

  1. eDRUMin 12 is a trigger-to-media interface (no sound engine).
  2. Needs USB cables/trigger cables (not included) and may require USB adapter(s).
  3. Power can be via USB or optional 9V/200mA adapter.
  4. MIDI is generated/configured via software; the computer runs the VST sounds.
  5. Installation: download software, connect, device recognized, set pad presets, calibrate, verify MIDI.
  6. Software supports pad preset lists for easier setup; includes calibration adjustments.
  7. Mapping can be done quickly in Superior Drummer via overview/MIDI mapping workflow.
  8. Compatibility philosophy: use pads from many manufacturers (Roland + Yamaha silicone mentioned).
  9. Better hi-hat behavior compared with older module approaches (as claimed).
  10. Build larger kits within budget without high-end pads/sound engines.
  11. Triple-zone cymbal capability (via stereo cable) using compatible cymbals (Unlock dual/triple zone mentioned).
  12. Expandable system: - connect multiple units (example 2×12 → 24 inputs) - split outputs to create mono tracks
  13. “Positional Sensing” supported with compatible software (Superior Drummer 3.0).
  14. “Standalone” use possible without a DAW (app-driven live/without DAW).
  15. Latency can be minimized with buffer tuning; 128 samples → ~2.7 ms stated.
  16. Direct USB connection recommended (avoid hubs/interfaces).
  17. Troubleshooting themes: pad type assignment (mesh vs two-zone), scan/hold parameters, crosstalk/“Xt wheel” adjustments.
  18. MIDI note assignments may need rework between VSTs; save/back up trigger mappings.
  19. Performance depends on computer capability (RAM/CPU) due to large sample loads.
  20. Live stability: laptop glitches possible—need backup plan (second laptop and/or backup module).

Speakers / different views (as presented at the end)

  • Matthias:
    • Hardware/software workflow focus (installation steps, presets/calibration concepts, latency tuning parameters, stability tips).
  • Markus:
    • User-experience feedback focus:
      • psychoacoustic latency perception vs actual latency
      • cable/setup friction
      • cross-software MIDI mapping effort
      • backup-for-live emphasis and laptop dependency

Original video