Ordered some new audio equipment for better videos

Rather than strictly using my Creative Labs Vado HD with it's built in mic to record my videos, I thought I would get a new pocket camera with an external input jack.  I wasn't really thrilled with all of the reviews, though the Kodak PlayTouch Zi10 almost made me pull the trigger.  Instead, I've decided to try using my iPhone 4.  I did a few sample runs just for video testing purposes and it works really well - even better on on the up-close macro-type shots of the Alesis console.  You can actually see the display very well - where as they up-close shots were a bit blurry in previous videos.

So now for the audio - I found this company KVConnection that makes a cable specifically to bring mic level or line level inputs into your iPhone. So I ordered the line level version of this cable. Link is here.

So that gets the audio INTO the iPhone, but where is it coming from?  I've also ordered a little clip-on lavaliere mic. The Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone. Really good reviews for a $20 mic.  It's has a 20 ft cable attached.  I'll be connecting that cable into my mixer, an Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX.  Then I'll be able to bring audio out of my mixer into the iPhone which will have the sound from my little mic as well as the audio coming out of the Alesis DM8 module.

Hopefully this all works out well. I'll post some more videos when I have all of the gear.

My Alesis DM8 USB Kit has arrived! Setup videos included!

I'm so hyped to have my new Alesis DM8 USB Kit!  It arrived 2 days ago. I shot video clips along the way and made a series of 3 Youtube videos entitled Alesis DM8 USB Kit Unboxing and Setup, Parts 1,2 and 3.  I've embedded the videos below.

My early impression is that I'm very happy with my purchase. Everything was packaged very well and it was easy to assemble. The rack itself comes pre-assembled (aside from 2 poles) with all of the clamps and pad mounts already installed. That probably saved an hour or so right there.  

The sound quality is outstanding and the module seems to be very flexible in terms of allowing you to create your own custom kits and custom sounds.

I'll be doing more in-depth reviews shortly. But here are the videos to get you started.

Alesis DM8 USB preview video

There aren't many videos out there yet, but here is a video preview of the Alesis DM8 USB Kit from the Winter NAMM 2011 show.  It has an overview of the basic features and then a quick demo.  

Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX

I've also ordered a small mixer to be used with my new Alesis DM8 USB drum kit, in case I want to combine vocals, guitars, keyboards, etc.  I chose the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX.  It has 4 mic/line inputs and 2 sets of stereo imports (one for the drumset, one for the keyboard).  It also features basic onboard effects.  I really like that it has a USB connection.  I'll be able to connect it to my PC and record everything digitally.  This version will record 2 tracks at a time. If you step up to the USB 2.0 version (the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 Mixer) then you can record all 8 tracks simultaneously.  I should be receiving the mixer in a few days and then I'll start posting my reviews and experiences.

Welcome to My E-Drums!

I wanted to start a blog to chronicle my experiences with my first set of electronic drums. I've just ordered the Alesis DM8 USB Kit. I didn't find a ton of information and reviews out there just yet so I thought I'd try to help out the community by sharing my experiences.  My drums should be arriving tomorrow. Can't wait!