OT: Got the Wavedrum WD-X - and it rocks!

["Buzap Buzap" <buzap@gmx.net>]

Hi folks

just wanted to let you know:
... well, you've read the title.

My initial impression when the new Korg Wavedrum 
(http://www.korg.com/wavedrum) first came out in December was: Oh my God, 
this is just a stupid toy with a bunch of space/alien sound FX.

Then I gave it a second look, carefully studied the manuals and finally 
got it.
Let me tell you: this is a deeeeeep wonderful instrument. 

First of all, it is really an _instrument_! The Wavedrum relates to real 
percussion instruments more like an e-guitar relates to acoustic guitar 
(less like synths to acoustic grand piano). 
When you skip the geeky patches and look at the real, down-to-earth 
percussion instruments, it really gives you an unheard responsiveness 
previously unknown in the digital realm. It really is a _real_ drum where 
you can put a Remo 10" head if you want. In fact, you should carefully 
tighten the head and calibrate global settings before you start (if you 
feel not sure, do it at your dealer when you buy it).
Therefore, I totally respect their decision to skip midi implementation 
and offer a beautiful closed system instead. Actually, for performing 
different sounds, the offered "algorithms" are much  more interesting than 
the included samples. Unlike Handsonic, E-Drums etc., the Wavedrum not 
only triggers samples but shapes the sound using different "algorithms" 
that combine input from three sensors (head, rim, pressure) - and 
additionally trigger/modulate samples.
This is really where the real sound happens: within the algorithms. 
Therefore, please take your time to actually turn off the samples and play 
the algorithms without triggering any PCM sounds. There is a set of really 
useful algorithms like snare, djembe, conga, timbali and very nice 
hand-drums that can be used for various instruments (tabla, darabuka, 
frame drums...).

Of course, editing is a pain ... with the little screen. (Hello Korg: this 
is not 1980 but 2010!). But at least you have the option to tweak every 
little nuance of this instrument. The least you should do is to turn off 
the annoying sounds on the rim (turn off volume for the rim sample 
sounds). It will leave out the ambient carpet from outer space and give 
you a pure, realistic percussion instrument (excellent i.e. the tabla).

For those of you wanting more ambient/spacey effects, there are useful 
patches here for you. And a combination of pressure on the drum head and 
rim hits will give you interesting sound layers.
Some beats/industrial sounds, too. Though not quite the 808 replacement.

While I respect the closed system, the only pity for me is that you cannot 
exchange patches outside (USB,SDcard,Bluetooth.. whatever). Would be great 
to share patches, thinking of the endless possibilities...
It would be really nice also to at least be able to pre-load the 100 user 
patches with categories like a specific region (Asia, Arabic, African...) 
or style (Latin, HipHop, Ethno...).
What I personally also miss are more sounds in the higher frequency 
section. i.e. nice Gong & Cymbal algorithms would have been great, a bit 
more HiHat sounds etc.

Anyway:
If you want a responsive, realistic hand percussion instrument, this is 
really _the_ choice. (and loopers: no more feedback!). Especially, if you 
are a bit into percussion playing, you will appreciate how the Wavedrum 
will respond differently to fingers, slaps, muted tones, mallets, sticks, 
brushes... wonderful! :))

Then again, if you want to trigger some rhythmic sounds or need a fuller 
range of different sounds, you might as well stick to a keyboard or get 
something like the Roland Handsonic.

I can really agree with this review 
(http://audionewsroom.blogspot.com/2009/11/korg-wavedrum-wd-x-review.html):
Conclusions:
this is, hands down, the most expressive and subtle electronic instrument 
I've played. ... It actually feels, and plays, like a real instrument (at 
least with the right settings, anyway.  ...)

Buzap.

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