Hi guys,
I am getting close to buying a new electronic kit. Having previously owned a Roland TD20 four years ago, I was really impressed with the level of realism the kit gave. I have not been able to demo the 2Box and have to rely on reviews and comments on this forum. Is the 2Box really THAT good that it can perform and play better than the flagship Roland? £1684 v £5400 here in the UK! I was always a believer that what you pay for is what you get. Any TD20/30 users that have converted to 2Box care to comment please? I just want some reassurance that I'm purchasing the right kit! Many thanks.
Ssssssst! Wanna know a secret? It is true! Because the brain of 2Box is using multi layered samples of the original snare, toms and cymbals. I leave the rest for the real converts, my drumteacher is one of them.
Yeah, there are several on this forum that have owned the 2Box module plus the TD-20 and or the TD-30 and played them side by side ..... decisions made over extended comparison .... not impulse decisions. But, yeah the sound superiority of the 2Box is pretty obvious to those of us that have owned/played both ....the 2Box drum module is the best improvement I have experienced in eDrum components since I got involved in them.
Thanks guys. Jman I notice you say the Module is the best improvement in eDrum components you have experienced for a long time but does that mean you are not a fan of the actual drums themselves? Do they feel better to play than Vdrums?
Quote from: Jaybee on August 18, 2014, 08:12:56 PM
Thanks guys. Jman I notice you say the Module is the best improvement in eDrum components you have experienced for a long time but does that mean you are not a fan of the actual drums themselves? Do they feel better to play than Vdrums?
Yeah, I've been building my own Stealth acoustic to electronic conversion kits for drums and cymbals since 2005. I like the real looks and feel .... So I got rid of my electronic drum pads years ago. I'll let others discuss the drum and cymbal pads, hardware. I did buy a full kit though to begin with but that only to test when I was developing my own drums and cymbals for the 2Box module.
Here is one of my more recent videos demoing some stock 2Box add on kits/sounds and some 2Box kits built from VST software: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CddZ28W-RH4&list=UUyxShy-hZo9ENwc84c7PW8w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CddZ28W-RH4&list=UUyxShy-hZo9ENwc84c7PW8w)
I have to say also having owned all the modules mentioned and now the 2 box , the 2 box has much better drum sound sy by far right out of the box much less when I added addictive drums and bfd 3 . I have these hooked up to acoustic drums that have been converted with electronic triggers but I have to say the Roland pads were well made and triggered fine . I never used 2 box pads but I hear they are very light weight yet trigger nicely . I would go try them all in person if possible I like the full size shells myself, but that is me
I play on the aluminium 2Box pads with mesh heads and quite pleased with them. Toms are 10 inch with rim and snare is a whopping 12 inch with rim and coming from a TD3 with rubber pads and a wobbly 2nd hand P120 mounted on a plastic rack with plastic clamps make a world of difference. To me Roland blew it when they started selling an 8 inch tom as a 10 inch tom by putting a plastic ring around the head.
Also tried the Yamaha flavours in the past but at the end of the day 2Box pads or real triggered drums are my thing.
Is there a huge difference in weight between comparable Roland and 2 box pads? As mentioned, I never owned a 2box pad
Yeah, the pads themselves are built of aluminum...... here's an older video, pretty funny ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0uvj0nfGQ
Quote from: Jman on August 19, 2014, 04:07:53 PM
Yeah, the pads themselves are built of aluminum...... here's an older video, pretty funny ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0uvj0nfGQ
2Box pads seem to be much lighter in weight. Not sure if it is actually true. Will check specs.
Quote from: Murgen on August 19, 2014, 04:56:00 PM
2Box pads seem to be much lighter in weight. Not sure if it is actually true. Will check specs.
I meant to say the pads are fairly light, weight wise, but definitely sturdy as they are built out of aluminum. Not sure of the weight dif. between Roland and 2Box pads though.
Yep...had the TDW20 and the TD30...won't be going there again. The 2Box ticked all the boxes for me in the sound, playability, price point and easy DIY build areas. Biggest bang for the buck out there even surpassing the other "Flagship" offerings. As for the pads...never used them so I defer to the others experience on those.
So from what I gather most of you guys just use the 2Box module and have built your own kits. I would just be looking at a standard 2Box kit as it comes. I read that 2Box recommends light sticks such as a 5A. I'm just a bit worried that the mesh on the pads won't stand up to my normal hitting level (I don't want to hold back when playing). My TD20 pass were really strong. I'm guessing that you would recommend 682 mesh heads? I know these have been discussed in detail in previous threads. I'm sold on the module and sounds but it's just the playability of the pads that are worrying me a little and the fact that most of you have custom built kits. On another note, how easy is it to load SD2 and/or Addictive drums into the module and how many of these kits can be stored directly in it? I know Jman has a 32g mod he sells. Finally when do you see 2Box releasing Drumit 6? Thanks guys. Sorry for all the questions. Just need some reassurance that I'm buying the best bang for buck!!
Quote from: Jaybee on August 25, 2014, 08:58:14 PM
So from what I gather most of you guys just use the 2Box module and have built your own kits. I would just be looking at a standard 2Box kit as it comes. I read that 2Box recommends light sticks such as a 5A. I'm just a bit worried that the mesh on the pads won't stand up to my normal hitting level (I don't want to hold back when playing). My TD20 pass were really strong. I'm guessing that you would recommend 682 mesh heads? I know these have been discussed in detail in previous threads. I'm sold on the module and sounds but it's just the playability of the pads that are worrying me a little and the fact that most of you have custom built kits. On another note, how easy is it to load SD2 and/or Addictive drums into the module and how many of these kits can be stored directly in it? I know Jman has a 32g mod he sells. Finally when do you see 2Box releasing Drumit 6? Thanks guys. Sorry for all the questions. Just need some reassurance that I'm buying the best bang for buck!!
I play on the full kit for 2,5 years now. I play with 2B's and so far only my snare mesh had to be replaced (2 weeks ago). I decided to use the Gen16 hihat because I prefer the real thing and this is my practise kit where my gig are acoustic. So, there is no reason to fear, it survived my bashing for more then 2 years.
I play on an A to E kit but I use the 682 black drum heads on it and they hold up great, very responsive and quiet , second quietest on those tested in digital drummer magazine , the only one that was quieter was z ed triple ply's .
Quote from: Jaybee on August 25, 2014, 08:58:14 PM
On another note, how easy is it to load SD2 and/or Addictive drums into the module and how many of these kits can be stored directly in it? I know Jman has a 32g mod he sells. Finally when do you see 2Box releasing Drumit 6?
Unless you delete some files from the original card there is not a lot of room for more. The stock card has approx. 3.52 GB filled. With everything from the original card plus all the new extra downloadable sounds on the 2Box site ... it takes up about 7GB. So with the stock card you would want to backup everything on your computer and load up the best of what you want on the card. Some of the VST kits can be 1GB or more.
SDSE is the way to go for building and loading VST kits, Lustar has built a program that does the job in just a couple mouse clicks. http://www.2box-forum.com/index.php?topic=1544.0
As far as a Dumit 6. There have been no rumors or indication about that. One of the things that has been very refreshing to me with the 2Box Drumit Five is there have been several updates, additional sound downloads and continued support of the current model.
Thanks for the reply guys. As I say, I would be looking to buy the 2Box as a complete package. I have read on the internet that the Rims aren't very strong have break easily. Is there any mid you can do to improve the strength? Also how easy is it to install/change parts. I just want to play the pads just like I would an acoustic kit. The only thing holding me back is the stream of problems people have had with the pads in the past. Yes I have seen the famous vid of the car running over a pad but it doesn't really compare to a constant amount of hitting. I had complete confidence in the TD20 pads when I owned that kit. I'm just scared of wrecking the 2Box pads. Come on people. Sell it to me.
Thanks for the reply guys. As I say, I would be looking to buy the 2Box as a complete package. I have read on the internet that the Rims aren't very strong have break easily. Is there any mid you can do to improve the strength? Also how easy is it to install/change parts. I just want to play the pads just like I would an acoustic kit. The only thing holding me back is the stream of problems people have had with the pads in the past. Yes I have seen the famous vid of the car running over a pad but it doesn't really compare to a constant amount of hitting. I had complete confidence in the TD20 pads when I owned that kit. I'm just scared of wrecking the 2Box pads. Come on people. Sell it to me.
Quote from: Jaybee on September 02, 2014, 02:51:55 PM
Come on people. Sell it to me.
Oh, .... you want people that will sell it to ya ...... :)
Here ya go:
http://www.2box-forum.com/index.php?board=6.0
Honestly, the after-sales service from 2Box is the best in the world. They do not mind to send spare parts when you need them. They even send me another hihat to test without charge. Of course I send mine back but it was not broken.
I don't do many rimshots/clicks but so far my pads never let me down. For 2 years and 4 months now.
Quote from: Jaybee on September 02, 2014, 02:32:29 PM
Thanks for the reply guys. As I say, I would be looking to buy the 2Box as a complete package. I have read on the internet that the Rims aren't very strong have break easily. Is there any mid you can do to improve the strength? Also how easy is it to install/change parts. I just want to play the pads just like I would an acoustic kit. The only thing holding me back is the stream of problems people have had with the pads in the past. Yes I have seen the famous vid of the car running over a pad but it doesn't really compare to a constant amount of hitting. I had complete confidence in the TD20 pads when I owned that kit. I'm just scared of wrecking the 2Box pads. Come on people. Sell it to me.
Jaybee, I'm a hard rock and Pop Punk drummer. I've always had people tell me how hard I hit. I was once banned from renting cymbals from a music store chain as I cracked about 6 cymbals I rented in a span of a year. One time on a European tour I had brought along to brand new Sabian Heavy crashes. I cracked both of them 2 weeks into the tour. I play with 5a sticks. I'm using the 682 Mesh heads and they are "very" rugged and durable. I hold back on the cymbals when striking, but not the pads/heads. I haven't seen any issues with the pads at all. The rims themselves are quite rugged.
Hi all, I'm new here and can too confirm that the 2box kicks the arse out of the td range. Currently using 2box module and cymbals with a jobeky fitted tama kit and it works very well!. Zed triple heads on drums also...
Are you in the US? I am. Want z ed trips b shopping to t r us might be stupid
Hi guys, I'm still undecided about a TD30KV or the 2Box. I know the 2Box sounds better but Roland Hardware is really good quality. I spoke to a drum store here in the UK. They told me that they don't really sell many 2Box kits and recommended the 2Box kit for studio use only. They said I would be better off with a Roland TD series for everyday practice. Having previously owned the TD20, I have full confidence in Roland pads and cymbals. Also, is it possible Roland may offer updates more easily to the module, thus improving on the sounds? I guess I can also run VST's if required! My head is saying 2Box kit but my heart is saying Roland. I just don't want to keep replacing broken parts. Please help! Totally confused.
Hi Jaybee
Why don´t you go for something like this if you´re not sure about the 2box hardware?
http://www.drum-tec.de/drumtec-series-diabolo-2box-rock-p-2027.html?language=en (http://www.drum-tec.de/drumtec-series-diabolo-2box-rock-p-2027.html?language=en)
I play lots of metal on my stock-2box kit (including 2box hardware). My heavy and exessive rimshots broke the snarepad-rim a few times. the 2box-service replaced it without problems. nevertheless I bought an additional drumtec-diabolo snare (a regular snare with metal rim).
the rest of the 2box hardware is ok, still roland hardware and pads are better in terms of stability and endurance I guess.
my 2box-hihat had one broken solder joint a few weeks ago (after almost 2 years of daily hitting). but it was repaired in a minute by the local hifi-guy in my town.
imho, whatever module-updates roland will make, it will never (!) sound as good as the 2box as long as they don´t start using multilayer-samples.
cheers!
Listen, whatever they tell you in stores, it is usually based upon their profitmargins. 2Box is just great, hardware and software and like we all told you several times, you can easily use different hardware. It is about the module. And How many times do I have to repeat I have been banging away on my kit with 2B sticks without having any issue since May 1st 2012?
What do you really want to hear? Complaints, problems?
Please follow your heart, buy Roland and forget about 2Box. ::)
Just for the sake of saying it I'll add...Roland won't be "updating" anything soon...easily or for free like 2Box does also. If you have lots of money to blow and just have to have overpriced synthesized drum simulations instead of the versatility of real drum samples just because the hardware seems to be good quality...then by all means Roland fits the bill. ::) Otherwise there are many less expensive "quality" options to accompany the 2Box module if the full kit doesn't do it for you....including some used Roland gear. ;)
Hi Jaybee,
I'm based in the UK too.
My recommendation - if it works geographically - is to visit Wembley drum store (http://www.wembleymusiccentre.com/centre/drum/default.aspx). Last time I travelled there to try out a TD30, they said they were getting 2box kits in stock. I see them listed on the website, so you should hopefully be able to try them side-by-side.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Andy
Best thing I ever did was to buy and send a tama silverstar shell pack into jobeky drums for a full conversion , then link it up with the 2box module, I use it in my studio for tracking drums via midi straight into ssd4 in pro tools , also recently started taking it out live... Plays like a real kit because it is a real kit (only with mesh heads and 2box cymbals) sounds great and feels great,! The whole thing cost less than 2k but it kicks the sh*te out of any other electronic setup I've seen(and owned).
I am real happy to hear another pleased
2 box owner shout it out! I was hesitant before I bought my module an s I was totally Roland brainwashed. Not anymore!
HEY JAYBEE!!!! Don't buy the 2Box pads! Listen to me, Dude...I'm new to this site and kinda in the same boat you're in. And I don't know if you already made your purchase yet, but if you're still undecided about whether you should buy the 2Box pads or the Roland TD-30. I WOULD NOT BUY THE 2BOX PADS/KIT!!!! ....But I would DEFINTIELY buy the 2Box sound module!!
Right now, I am at similar crossroads. I just purchased all roland pads and hardware (PD-125, PD-105, K-120 kick)... and seriously considering either the Jobeky 13", DrumTec 13" Hart 13" as my snare. I am kinda torn between the Roland TD-15 or 30...and the 2Box. Your fear, and mine as well... is, "Will 2Box be around to support and enhance their product, or will they fade into the abyss of toy-like lower line e-drum kits like DDrum and Simmons?" But after chatting with many people (and people on this forum) and ongoing research. As of now, I think the 2Box sound module wins it for me.... almost hands down. As far as drum sounds, performance and price-point... they kill ALL competition. They just DON'T have the marketing dollars and patent-ownership Roland has here in the states! BUT...let's be real here, those orange 2Box pads got to go, man! Think about it.... there is a VERY good reason as to why MOST people (even on this site!) use & LOVE the 2box module, but DO NOT use the pads. That's because the pads are NOT better than other companies. Period. Furthermore, even if they were better pads than all the other e-drum pads out there (and we all know that's not true), they just don't look like something you want to have as your MAIN e-kit on a regular basis, especially if you plan on doing gigs with this e-kit like I plan to do! Orange?? C'mon man. BUT... if you did get the 2Box Kit/pads....you're better off painting it black like this guy did! Take a look...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpBvJbsKTUg
But once again, as far as the SOUND MODULE... I do think I'm leaning towards the 2Box sound module. I don't think ANY other e-drum company can rock with them as far as what the 2Box module offers. Not even expensive-ass, overpriced Roland (Yea, yea, yea, I have Roland Pads, but that don't mean the damn things aren't overpriced...because they are!). I just wish that the 2Box module worked with the Roland Hi-Hat (and other e-drum companies) flawlessly out the box.
So here's where I'm at right now. Being that I have Roland pads (and seekling 3rd party snare), I'm considering exploring one of these two options....
#1) Jman's hi hat mod that works with ANY standard hi hat stand. Jman is a smart and creative dude.
#2) Buy the 2Box module. And in addition... instead of purchasing the Gen 16 Hi hat and Cymbals, I'll pay less money and buy the Roland TD-11 (with has USB port) to use with the Roland Hi hat and Roland cymbals. By doing that, I'll also have the other Roland drum sounds as well.
2box Module + Roland TD-11 Module (or used TD-12) = around $1,600
2Box Module + Roland TD-15 (or used TD-20) = around $2,000
Any suggestions or advice out there? Just like JayBee...I'm totally open to you guys insight and help :)
Dude, you are so wrong about the pads. I won't even bother to discuss it. Just try to make a split in looks and performance because they work fine for me and many others here. And I played PD125 and lower from Roland too.