Yamaha’s EAD promises drummers a ‘complete solution’
Monday evening saw the launch of Yamaha’s new EAD10 acoustic electronic drum module, which looks set to be one of the most talked about drum products of this, and possibly next, year.
Essentially, the EAD10 is a system for making an acoustic kit into a powerful digital/electronic hybrid with sampled sounds and studio quality digital effects at an affordable price. Yamaha bills it as a ‘complete solution’ for drummers.
The Yamaha EAD10 consists of two parts: the EAD Sensor and the EAD Module. The Sensor is simply attached to the bass drum hoop and records the entire drum kit from this position. The bass drum itself activates a Trigger in the EAD Sensor, the entire kit is picked up by the two integrated microphones. These signals are transmitted via two cables to the EAD Module where they can be processed with effects. The result, Yamaha says, is a high quality recording of the processed sound, which can be monitored through headphones, a PA system or sent to a laptop or mobile devise via USB.
The EAD Module also offers the option of extending and layering the acoustic drum sound with more than 750 built-in Samples or up to the user’s own100 sounds. For this purpose, the Module offers Inputs for up to six Triggers such as the Yamaha DT50, which can also be used with additional Pads instead of sensors attached to the drums. A trigger for the bass drum is integrated in the EAD Sensor. When the EAD10 is connected to a computer with the appropriate software, the configured sound can be recorded directly. This quickly and easily results in great drum recordings without the need for additional microphones or studio equipment.
Paired with the EAD10 is the free iOS App Rec’n’Share. This makes it possible to shoot videos of performances, which can then be stored and uploaded to social media or YouTube. To learn and rehearse songs, the music can be played back at different tempos in the App, with the option of an automatically generated clicktrack. Jamming to favourite music is also possible without the App: an AUX input on the EAD10 allows the user to play along with favourite tracks.
Gavin Thomas, Yamaha Drums UK Marketing Manager says: ‘Simply, the most creative product Yamaha have ever designed for drums in my opinion. With EAD you will smile as you drum along with your favourite songs and enjoy your own drum kit like never before, then you will wonder how you have ever managed to live without it. You feel like a rock star when you sat behind EAD and trust me it feels good.’
The Yamaha EAD10 consists of the EAD Sensor and the EAD Module and has an SRP or £556 including VAT.
Info: www.uk.yamaha.com
