Which Sampler Pad? A Side-By-Side Comparison
Feb 21, 2023
Drum samplers are an essential tool for drummers, music producers, and live performers. They allow users to play and trigger digital samples of drum sounds, loops, and effects in real-time, making it possible to create unique beats and sounds that would be difficult to achieve with traditional acoustic drums alone. In this comparison, we will look at some of the best drum sampler pads on the market, including the Roland SPD-SX, Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12, and Alesis Strike Multipad. We will also discuss some of the notable drummers who use these pads, as well as provide relevant order links on Amazon.com.
Roland SPD-SX
The Roland SPD-SX is a popular drum sampler pad used by many professional drummers and electronic music producers. It is known for its high-quality sound samples, user-friendly interface, and rugged construction. The SPD-SX has nine velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used to trigger up to 2GB of internal samples or external sounds via USB connectivity. It also has built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and EQ, as well as a sampling function that allows users to record and edit their own samples on the fly.
One of the most famous drummers who use the Roland SPD-SX is Travis Barker of Blink-182. Barker is known for his high-energy drumming style and has been using the SPD-SX to trigger electronic samples during his live performances. He has also used it on recordings, such as on his 2011 solo album "Give the Drummer Some." Other notable drummers who use the SPD-SX include Ash Soan (Adele, Robbie Williams), Aaron Spears (Usher, Ariana Grande), and Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots).
If you are interested in purchasing the Roland SPD-SX, you can find it on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Roland-SPD-SX-Sampling-Pad/dp/B005MZC4ZO
Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12
The Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12 is another popular drum sampler pad that is often used by professional drummers and electronic music producers. It has twelve velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used to trigger up to 64MB of internal samples or external sounds via USB connectivity. It also has built-in effects such as reverb, chorus, and distortion, as well as a sampling function that allows users to record and edit their own samples.
One notable drummer who uses the Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12 is Thomas Lang. Lang is a highly regarded drummer known for his technical proficiency and has used the DTX-MULTI 12 in a variety of settings, including live performances and recordings. He has also created his own custom sample libraries for the pad, which can be downloaded from his website. Other notable drummers who use the DTX-MULTI 12 include Tony Royster Jr. (Jay-Z, Katy Perry), Jojo Mayer (Nerve, John Zorn), and Chris Dave (D'Angelo, Robert Glasper).
If you are interested in purchasing the Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12, you can find it on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-DTX-MULTI-Electronic-Drum-Pad/dp/B003AYW1TY
Alesis Strike Multipad
The Alesis Strike Multipad is a relatively new drum sampler pad that has gained popularity among drummers and electronic music producers. It has nine velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used to trigger up to 8GB of internal samples or external sounds via USB connectivity. It also has built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and EQ, as well as a sampling function that allows users to record and edit their own samples on the fly. The Strike Multipad also has a unique "loop mode" that allows users to create and manipulate loops in real-time, making it ideal for live performances and electronic music production.
One notable drummer who uses the Alesis Strike Multipad is Aaron Sterling. Sterling is a highly regarded session drummer who has played on countless recordings for artists such as Taylor Swift, John Mayer, and Harry Styles. He has used the Strike Multipad in a variety of settings, including live performances and studio recordings. Other notable drummers who use the Strike Multipad include Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, Brad Mehldau), Matt Chamberlain (Fiona Apple, Tori Amos), and Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta, Suicidal Tendencies).
If you are interested in purchasing the Alesis Strike Multipad, you can find it on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Strike-Multipad-Electronic-Drum/dp/B07F7T8ZGQ
Other Drum Sampler Pads
While the Roland SPD-SX, Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12, and Alesis Strike Multipad are among the most popular and widely used drum sampler pads, there are many other options available on the market. Here are a few other notable drum sampler pads:
- Korg Wavedrum Global Edition - The Korg Wavedrum Global Edition is a unique drum sampler pad that uses a "synthetic head" and "rim" surface to trigger a variety of sounds and effects. It has 200 preset programs and 100 user programs, as well as a loop function and built-in effects. The Wavedrum has been used by drummers such as Marco Minnemann and Terry Bozzio.
If you are interested in purchasing the Korg Wavedrum Global Edition, you can find it on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Korg-WAVEDRUM-Global-Edition-Synthesizer/dp/B004N3AT3O
- Nord Drum 3P - The Nord Drum 3P is a drum synthesizer and sampler pad that allows users to create their own unique drum sounds and trigger them via six velocity-sensitive pads. It has a wide range of parameters that can be adjusted, as well as built-in effects and a sequencer function. The Nord Drum has been used by drummers such as Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) and Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science).
If you are interested in purchasing the Nord Drum 3P, you can find it on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Clavia-Nord-Drum-3P-Module/dp/B01E5MFOZG
- Roland Octapad SPD-30 - The Roland Octapad SPD-30 is a drum sampler pad with eight velocity-sensitive pads and over 600 built-in sounds. It also has a sampling function that allows users to record and edit their own samples, as well as built-in effects and a sequencer function. The Octapad has been used by drummers such as Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Omar Hakim (Sting, Madonna).
If you are interested in purchasing the Roland Octapad SPD-30, you can find it on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Roland-OCTAPAD-SPD-30-Digital-Drum/dp/B0038NPDVG
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many excellent drum sampler pads available on the market, each with their own unique features and capabilities. The Roland SPD-SX, Yamaha DTX-MULTI 12, and Alesis Strike Multipad are among the most popular and widely used options, and are used by many top drummers in a variety of settings. These pads offer a wide range of sounds, sampling capabilities, and performance features, making them ideal for live performance, recording, and electronic music production.
Other notable drum sampler pads include the Korg Wavedrum Global Edition, Nord Drum 3P, and Roland Octapad SPD-30, each of which offer unique features and capabilities for drummers looking to expand their sound and performance options. Ultimately, the best drum sampler pad for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as your budget.
If you're interested in purchasing any of these drum sampler pads, be sure to check out Amazon.com, where you can find a wide range of options and competitive prices. Whether you're a professional drummer or a hobbyist, a drum sampler pad can be a valuable tool for expanding your sound and performance options, and can help take your playing to the next level.
