Just a question about drum amplifiers....or PAs

[Sugar382]

Hi there everyone!
Question.....For an electronic band, what would be the best way to amplify a drum machine/pre-recorded drums coming off a zip disk? It's a zip drive that goes into a Roland VS-840. It's the only thing I have at the moment, so until I can afford something more sufficient for what I want to do, this will have to do the job. Any suggestions besides using a zip disk? I'd probably program the drums, put them on a zip disc and then play them through the Roland VS-840 into something, but I'm not sure what. If this is a bad idea, let me know!Any recommendations on some amps I should check out, or any general suggestions? I haven't the slightest clue what would be best, as I'm sure plugging the signal into a large bass cab isn't the best idea . Also, something VERY loud would be ideal in order to compensate for the (lack of) energy that would normally accommodate live drumming......I'd like the electronic drums to be just as loud as if there were live drums. Thanks everyone. I'm sure you all will be very helpful!

[jrmy]

A keyboard amp or light PA is definitely the way to go. Bass amps could maybe do the trick, depending on what you're looking at, but could possibly color the signal more than you'd like. I know that QSC Audio makes some really lightweight PA heads, and Peavy (of all places) make some decent lightweight PA speakers.

As for storage media, if you're not going to be modifying the drum patterns live, a popular solution is actually to burn your files to either DVD or CD - much more stable than zip discs. Plus, if you go the DVD route, you can add song-specific visuals too, send the audio signal to your PA, and your visual signal to a projector, and hey presto! An inexpensive start at Flaming Lips-style light shows!

My band is in the same boat, so we're looking into these options as well...

[Louie62]

If you put drum samples etc through a guitar amp it'll sound like an exploding sneezebox crossed with an imploding steel factory.

If you stick it through a bass amp, your audience's guts will probably prolapse!!

Stick it through a mixing desk via a DI box, and then through a PA system. That way should ensure clarity of sound cos you can tweak the bits that may be too much or lacking.

Just a thought..........

[ohsojayadeva]

provided the place you're playing has a "proper" PA, just bring along a few DIs and use that. if not, a keyboard amp or travel PA is your best bet.

as far as medium - the most stable thing i've ever used live for that purpose was an alesis adat hd24... but that's pricey. i always recommend an ipod or minidisc player.

[jrmy]

If you put drum samples etc through a guitar amp it'll sound like an exploding sneezebox crossed with an imploding steel factory.

That mental image makes me go:

[Sugar382]

Thanks a lot guys! I'll certainly look into all these. Let me know if you guys have any more suggestions!