Yamaha DD-50 and DD-9 Digital Drum Machines

DD-50

DD-9

July 12, 1996 -- Yamaha Corporation of America is introducing the DD-50 and DD-9 Digital Drum Machines at the 1996 NAMM Summer Session. Both devices offer a wealth of features for amateur percussionists.

The DD-50 includes four large and three small touch sensitive drum pads in a realistic drum kit layout, with 17 percussion sets (16 pre-programmed, one assignable) for constant variety. Users may choose from 80 PCM voices which can be assigned to any drum pad and 100 PCM rhythm styles designed to meet any need. Intros, endings, pattern fills and tempo controls provide even more precise control.

"We've responded to the demand for a more versatile drum machine, so we incorporated a General MIDI output on the DD-50 in order for it be used as a MIDI controller," explains Cam Shearer, product manager, Portable Keyboards, Yamaha Corporation of America. "Players can now physically control the virtual drum kit and have the ability to connect their drum machine to their synth rather than playing drums on their computer keyboardÑit's a much more realistic experience."

Another highlight is auto bass chord accompaniment with minus one playback, allowing percussionists to improvise with professional backing grooves on 100 demo songs. Tap start insures that users will be prepared to play along with a specified tempo.

Two foot switches, drum sticks and a headphone jack are also included. An optional Yamaha PA-3 power adapter or six "C" batteries are required for operation.

The DD-50 will begin shipping in July 1996.

The popular DD-9 digital drum machine is now offered in a sleek black finish for a professional look. Designed for the leisure-time drummer, the model features four touch sensitive drum pads and four touch sensitive sound effects pads. Users can choose from 54 assignable PCM voices (34 percussion, 20 sound effects), 100 PCM rhythm patterns, 10 percussion sets and three types of auto-roll for a high degree of customization. Tempo control and tap start allow for greater ease-of-use.

The DD-9 also includes a headphone jack, a built-in speaker and a pair of drum sticks. The DD-9 will begin shipping in July 1996.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Audio, Guitar and Synthesizer Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; call (714) 522-9011. Visit their web site at www.yamaha.com.