I recently visited the GMDI (Georgia Music Distributors International) facility in Atlanta, GA on March 10, 1998. GMDI is the major distributor for such popular products as the Trigger Perfect acoustic drum triggers, Visulite electronic Cymbals, and of course S&S Industries product lines. I had recently been in contact with founder and inventor of S&S, Mr. Larry Shamus discussing two rather exciting new entries to be presented into the electronic percussion world.

Many drummers are already familiar with the renowned S&S Stinger acoustic drum headed electronic drum pads as well as the Stealth bass drum triggers that set the market for S&S and changed the whole concept of electronic bass drum pads. Many drummers have also been using the S&S single and dual zone X-Wing percussion pads as well as various other popular S&S products for many years. So what more could this landmark electronic percussion company offer? One new entry is somewhat familiar in some ways but the other is another great S&S innovation that is so unique that it is hard to compare to any other current electronic percussion product!

The "somewhat more familiar" item is the new S&S SR-1 Scorpion drum pad. Yes it is familiar in the aspect that it appears to be another round rubber dual zone pad with choking capabilities such as the Roland PD-7, PD-9, and Yamaha TP80S. But looks can be deceiving! The SR-1 utilizes not 2 but 3 playing surfaces. A rim area that can be choked or used for rim shots on popular modules that allow this feature and also 2 separate head surfaces. I got to play on one of the prototypes using both the Roland TD-10 V Drum module and a Alesis D4. The cross fading capabilities between the 2 head surfaces were very smooth where I was able to note 2 separate sound form each zone. I could also blend 2 separate but similar snare drum sounds for a very expressive and realistic acoustic snare drum sound! S&S calls this feature Virtual Position Detection (VPD). VPD can be accessed by using two mono ¼" cables on all modules including the Alesis D4 and DM-5. The playing surfaces produced no dead spots or hot spots with either module. The changes of dynamics between the 2 head playing zones provided a realistic fade between sounds which is common on acoustic drums.

I experienced a very comfortable and quiet playing surface with the SR-1 and I appreciated the generous 10.5" playing area which made for a good target and a familiar acoustic drum sized playing area. The SR-1 pads would also make for a nice cymbal pad as one could play both the edge, bow, and bell as a ride cymbal or use it as a crash or splash with choking capabilities.

The SR-1 pads are marketed as affordably priced electronic drum pads. They are designed as both a single or multi zone pad that are able to access the choking features on the Roland and Yamaha modules. This feature is accessible via the use of a single stereo cable and provides two separate sounds. One on the head and one the rim surface.

The overall structure of the SR-1 pads appeared to be both sturdy, light weight, and portable. The bass plate on the prototype as well as the clamping device appeared to be constructed of black ABS plastic. The clamping device was of the standard "L" rod mechanism as also used on the Stinger and X-wing pads. It consisted of a large black plastic knob for clamping and repositioning the pads with out the use of any additional tools. The playing area is a gray gum rubber surface that bares the S&S logo and motto "Shaping The Future". The rim area has a rounded contour that feels nice when using as a crash and is high enough to play accurate rim shots. The head surface bares a small molded in "pin stripe" about 1/3 the way through the circle. This pin stripe indicates the center between the two playing surfaces such as the line deviling the two zones on the S&S X-Wing pad.

Now I will move on to a "not so Top Secret" but rather impressive addition to the electronic percussion community. Hence the new S&S Industries Spitfire EX. The Spitfire EX as well as the SR-1 Scorpion pads made their debut at the 1998 Winter NAMM show in LA. California. I was only able during this visit to see a R&D prototype of this unit so I can only tell you what I know for now. I will keep you updated on future updates of this product in the Electronic Drum Web News section.

The Spitfire EX is a half rack space (same size as the Roland TD-5 and TD-7 modules) high speed, Trigger to MIDI interface. It is designed to add 10 additional inputs to a drummers existing sound module. The Spitfire EX can store up to 20 user definable drum kits and has preset and user definable pad types. Two of the ten inputs will be of the Roland/Yamaha membrane switch/Piezo type which will allow for two extra inputs with choking/dual zone capabilities when used with modules that provide these features. Two additional inputs are of the dual Piezo type which will allow the use of such dual zone multi-Piezo pads as the Roland V-Drum, S&S Stinger, Pintech Concert Cast, and ddrum, etc. to obtain both head and rim shot sounds while using a single stereo cable and some times a "Y" adapter. Very compatible and innovative feature! The unit is also said to be shipping with two separate foot switch inputs for other custom options and setups.

The S&S SR-1 pads are very portable and versatile. They also seem to be structurally sound. Drummers will appreciate the versatility of the multi zone feature and the compatibility with popular drum modules and hardware. With a list price of $149.99, drummers on all playing levels and incomes will be able to indulge in professional electronic products at a reasonable price.

The S&S Spitfire EX concept seems to be a very useful, user friendly, and innovative electronic percussion product. It’s many uses should be versatile enough for S&S users as well as all electronic drummers to find many uses for especially when they are lacking enough module inputs for their desired setups. The Spitfire EX’s compatibility with all popular electronic drum pads and modules makes for a useful tool for drummers and studio technicians alike. Roland TD-5 and TD-7 users will especially like the half rack feature that can easily be mounted side by side with the module on a single rack shelf for ease of rack transportation and should provide a one piece, single rack appearance such as with the Alesis D4 and DM-5. The retail price of the Spitfire EX is $249.00 and seems priced reasonably to fit in any drummers budget!

Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

GMDI
2909 Langford Rd.
Bldg B, Suite 900
Norcross, GA 30071

Phone: (770) 300-0707

Fax: (770) 300-0607

E-Mail: gmdi@mindspring.com

Website: http://gmdi.home.mindspring.com/ssIndex.html