Aroma TDX-25 II Electronic Drum User Manual

Product Features

The Aroma TDX-25 II Electronic Drum kit offers a realistic playing experience with advanced features:

• Enjoy Playing: Connect to Aroma drum amps (ADX-40, ADX-20, sold separately) for an authentic acoustic drum feel. The TDX-25 II accurately reproduces the sound patterns of acoustic drum sets and allows for easy sound level adjustment. You can also enjoy playing quietly using headphones.
• Updated Mesh Drum Head: All Tom and Snare drums are equipped with new mesh heads, providing an improved playing experience.
• Metronome Inside: Features a built-in metronome with 10 selectable tones. Tempo, beat, rhythm, and volume are adjustable and indicated by lights.
• Simple Operation Interface: The host machine is easy to operate with only 7 buttons, 2 volume knobs, and an LCD screen displaying all operational content.
• Easy Assembly: The drum kit can be assembled in approximately 8 steps, with a detailed color assembly directory provided.

Drums Introduction

The TDX-25 II features a variety of drum pads and cymbals:

• Crash Cymbal (CR1, CR2): 11-inch diameter, made from half silicone and plastic. They feature dual triggers and a mute function, positioned on the left top of the drum kit.
• Ride Cymbal (RD): 11-inch diameter, made from half silicone and plastic, with triple triggers and a mute function.
• Hi-Hat (HH): 10-inch diameter, made from half silicone, with a single trigger.
• Tom Drum (T1, T2, T3): 7-inch diameter, single trigger mesh heads, utilizing third-generation technology for better response and reduced noise.
• Snare Drum (SD): 8-inch diameter, mesh head, double triggers. It offers two distinct sounds: Side Stick and Head Shot, providing a feel close to acoustic drum heads while being much quieter.
• Bass Drum (BD): 10-inch diameter, designed with an aluminum alloy stamp pedal and double chains. Its independent drumstick and drum pad allow for different sound levels based on striking strength.
• Hi-Hat Pedal (HHP): Constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy. When played in conjunction with the Hi-Hat cymbal, it produces varied sounds.

Diagram 1: Drum Kit Layout
This diagram illustrates the physical arrangement of the electronic drum kit components. It labels each pad and cymbal, including Crash Cymbals (CR1, CR2), Ride Cymbal (RD), Hi-Hat (HH), Snare Drum (SD), Tom Drums (T1, T2, T3), Bass Drum (BD), and the Hi-Hat Pedal (HHP). It also indicates specific hit zones like the edge (EDG) and bow of cymbals, the cup of the ride cymbal, and positions for open/closed Hi-Hat (HH OPEN, HH CTRL) and X-Stick.

Basic Play Method

This section provides a basic guide on how to play the electronic drum kit, utilizing both hands and feet:

• Play with Hi-Hat and Hi-Hat Pedal:
  - When the Hi-Hat pedal is fully pressed down and the Hi-Hat is struck, a short 'tzi tzi' sound is produced (refer to Diagram 2).
  - When the Hi-Hat pedal is released and the Hi-Hat is struck, a long 'tza...' sound is produced (refer to Diagram 3).
  - Playing the Hi-Hat pedal alone allows for variations in the 'tza, tza...' sound based on the speed and strength of your pedal presses.
• Play with Crash Cymbal:
  - Striking the cymbal's bow (Diagram 4) or edge (Diagram 5) produces different crash cymbal sounds. To mute the cymbal, pinch and hold its edge with your fingers. This mute function also applies to the Ride Cymbal. Diagram 7 indicates the mute area.
• Play with Ride Cymbal:
  - Striking the cymbal's bow (Diagram 4) or edge (Diagram 5) produces different ride cymbal sounds. Striking the top of the cymbal (Bell Shot) produces a distinct bell sound (refer to Diagram 6).
• Play with Bass Drum Pedal:
  - The bass drum produces different sounds based on the speed and strength applied to the pedal.
• Play with Snare Drum:
  - The snare drum's sound varies according to stick strength (Diagram 8). The Side Stick technique produces a different sound (Diagram 9).

Diagrams 2-9: Playing Techniques
These diagrams visually demonstrate various playing techniques: Diagram 2 shows a fully pressed Hi-Hat pedal with a hit; Diagram 3 shows a released Hi-Hat pedal with a hit; Diagrams 4 and 5 illustrate hitting the bow and edge of cymbals, respectively; Diagram 6 shows hitting the bell of the ride cymbal; Diagram 7 highlights the mute area on a cymbal; Diagram 8 shows striking the snare drum head; and Diagram 9 illustrates the Side Stick technique.

Host Machine Introduction

The TDX-25 II host machine (drum module) features several controls and connections:

Diagram 10: Host Machine Controls
This diagram labels the key components of the drum module's front panel: Volume Faders for individual drum sounds (KICK, SNARE, TOM, HI-HAT, CYMBAL), a Switch Knob for selecting drum kits and functions, a Confirm Button for selections, and other operational buttons like COACH, METRO., SETUP, and QUICK. It also shows the main VOLUME and BACKING knobs, and indicates the location of various ports: OUTPUT, AUX, USB, and DC9V power input.

• Power Button: Press to turn on; press and hold to turn off. The module can be set for automatic power-off (30 MIN or 1 HOUR).
• Switch Knob: Rotate to change sound kits or adjust parameters based on the current mode.
• Volume Faders: Control the volume level for each strike pad (KICK, SNARE, TOMs, HI-HAT, CYMBALS).
• Confirm Button: Confirms selected functions or parameters.
• COACH Button: Toggles the MIDI accompaniment feature on/off.
• METRO. Button: Toggles the metronome on/off.
• SETUP Button: Used for accessing settings menus. Press and hold to save settings.
• QUICK Button: Enters the user setup or kit editing menu.
• VOLUME Knob: Controls the master volume of the drum kit.
• BACKING Knob: Controls the volume for the metronome and accompaniment.
• Ports: OUTPUT (6.35mm jack), AUX IN (3.5mm jack), Headphone (3.5mm jack), USB (MIDI connection), DC9V (Power input).

How To Use

1. Power and Audio Cable Connection: Connect the host machine's OUTPUT to your drum amp or headphones using the provided audio cable. Then, connect the power adapter to the DC9V port.
2. Turn On/Off Host Machine: Press the power button to turn the machine on. Press and hold the power button to turn it off. The screen displays a welcome message upon power-on and a power-off message upon shutdown.
3. Turn On Drum Amp (if using a drum amp): Turn on the drum amp and adjust its volume. Simultaneously adjust the host machine's volume and the drum amp's volume to achieve a balanced sound.
4. Select Drum Kit: The default drum kit is 'K1 Pop Stage'. Rotate the switch knob to select from a variety of 20 drum kits, categorized by genre (e.g., Pop Stage, Metal Live, Fast Funk, Latin Jazz, Electronic, Techno, Dubstep).
5. Song Select: After powering on, press the COACH button to enter the song playback mode. Use the switch knob to select a song from the list (S1-S43). Press the Confirm button to start playback after a brief count-in.

Kit Edit

This section allows customization of individual drum kits:

1. Step 1: Enter Kit Edit Menu: Press the QUICK button. Use the switch knob to select parameters to edit, such as Pitch, Level (Volume), Pan (Sound Position), Rev (Reverb), Velo (Velocity Curve), Sens (Sensitivity), Mask (Double Trigger Prevention), Note (MIDI Note Number), and Voice (Drum Sound). Press the Confirm button to enter the selected parameter for editing.
2. Diagram 12: Kit Edit Parameters: Details the adjustable parameters for each drum pad/cymbal, including their ranges: Pitch (0-127), Level (0-127), Pan (0-127), Rev (0-127), Velo (0-7), Sens (0-127), Mask (0-250), Note (21-108), and Voice (1-67 for Kick).
3. Step 2: Adjust Parameters: Strike the desired pad or cymbal. The screen will display its name and allow you to adjust the selected parameter using the switch knob.
4. Diagram 13: Pad Name Display: Shows how the screen displays the name of the pad or cymbal being struck (e.g., 'SD' for Snare, 'CR1' for Crash 1).
5. Diagram 14: Parameter Adjustment Example: Illustrates the process of adjusting a parameter, such as the 'Pan' setting for the Kick drum.
6. Step 3: Save Settings: After adjusting a parameter, press the Confirm button to save the change and return to the parameter selection screen. You can continue editing other parameters. Press the QUICK button to return to the main menu; all settings are automatically saved.

System Setting

Customize various system-level settings:

1. Step 1: Access Setup Menu: Press the SETUP button, then use the switch knob to select 'KIT SETUP' and press Confirm.
2. Diagram 15: Setup Menu: Displays the main setup menu, typically showing 'K1 KIT SETUP'.
3. Step 2: Select Setting Item: Choose from options like TRIG SCAN (trigger signal detection time), EQ BASS, EQ TREBLE, REV VOL (reverb volume), REV TYPE (reverb type), LOCAL (MIDI output on/off), and MIDI CH (MIDI channel). Press Confirm to enter the selected setting.
4. Diagram 16: System Setting Parameters: Shows the available settings and their ranges: TRIG SCAN (1-21), EQ BASS (-64 to +63), EQ TREBLE (-64 to +63), REV VOL (0-127), REV TYPE (0-4), LOCAL (ON/OFF), MIDI CH (1-16).
5. Step 3: Adjust and Save: Use the switch knob to adjust the parameter value. Press Confirm to save the change and return to the previous menu. Press SETUP to return to the main menu; all adjustments are automatically saved.

Restore Kit Setting

To reset the current drum kit to its factory default settings, press SETUP, select 'KIT RESET', and press Confirm. An indicator light confirms the reset.

Diagram 17: Kit Reset Confirmation: Shows the prompt 'K1 KIT RESET Sure? YES' for confirmation.

Auto Power Off

Configure the automatic shutdown feature. Press SETUP, select 'AUTO OFF', press Confirm, and use the switch knob to set the standby time (30 minutes or 1 hour). Press Confirm to save.

Diagram 18: Auto Power Off Setting: Displays the 'SETUP MENU AUTO OFF [OFF]' screen, indicating the current setting.

Factory Reset

To restore all drum kits and system settings to their original factory defaults, press SETUP, select 'FACTORY RESET', and press Confirm. An indicator light confirms the reset.

Diagram 19: Factory Reset Confirmation: Shows the prompt 'FACTORY RESET Sure? YES' for confirmation.

Anti-crosstalk Function

This function helps resolve issues where striking one pad unintentionally triggers another. Press SETUP, select 'XTALK SETUP', and press Confirm to enter the setting.

Diagram 20: Xtalk Setup Menu: Displays the 'SETUP MENU XTALK SETUP' screen.

Example: If striking the snare drum (SD) triggers a cymbal sound (e.g., CR1):

1. Strike the snare drum (SD) for automatic recognition of the triggered sound (Diagram 21).
2. Press Confirm, then the COACH button to select the cymbal (e.g., CR1) that is being unintentionally triggered (Diagram 22).
3. Use the selector knob to adjust the crosstalk parameter value. Increase the value until the crosstalk is resolved. Press SETUP to save the adjustment.

Note: Higher values have a greater impact. Adjust the value minimally to resolve crosstalk without affecting normal performance.

Menu Bar Parameters

A summary of adjustable parameters:

• Sens: Sensitivity adjustment for pads/cymbals. Lower values increase sensitivity.
• Velo: Velocity curve adjustment, affecting how strike force translates to sound. Options include LINER, EXP1, EXP2, LOG1, LOG2, SPLINE, LOUD1, LOUD2.
• Rev: Reverb effect level. Higher values result in more reverb.
• Pan: Adjusts the stereo sound image (left/right positioning).
• Level: Controls the volume of individual pads or cymbals.
• Voice: Selects the sound for a specific pad or cymbal.
• Note: MIDI mapping value, defaulting to general MIDI standards.
• Mask: Prevents double triggers by setting a time limit after a hit, particularly useful for the bass drum. Adjust to the smallest effective value.
• Trig Scan: Monitors the time between trigger signals. Set to the shortest possible time for accurate velocity detection.
• Midi Ch: Selects the MIDI channel (default is 10).
• Local: Controls whether the module produces sound internally when receiving MIDI signals (On by default).
• Rev Type: Selects the type of reverb effect (room1, room2, hall, studio, stage).
• Rev Vol: Controls the overall reverb effect volume.
• EQ Treble/Bass: Adjusts high and low frequency equalization.
• Kit Reset: Resets the current drum kit to its factory default sound settings.
• Auto Off: Sets the automatic shutdown timer (30 minutes or 1 hour).
• Factory Reset: Resets all system settings to factory defaults.
• X-talk: Adjusts crosstalk parameters to resolve unintended triggering.

Metronome Function

Use the metronome for practice timing:

• Press the METRO. button to activate the metronome. The indicator will flash red.
• Use the switch knob to adjust the tempo (range: 40-240 BPM) (Diagram 23). Press Confirm again to pause the metronome.
• Press QUICK to select the rhythm pattern (e.g., 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, Trip) (Diagram 24).
• Press SETUP to select the beat (1-8) (Diagram 25).

Pedals Adjustment

If pedal sensors exhibit sensitivity issues due to environmental factors, recalibration may be necessary:

Procedure:

1. Press and hold the Confirm button, then simultaneously press the Power button.
2. Continue holding both buttons until the host machine powers on and displays the screen shown in Diagram 26 (HI-HAT FOOT SET HHF:14 / 60 M). Release both buttons.
3. Stomp down and hold the Hi-Hat pedal (HHP) until the screen returns to the initial setup surface (e.g., 'K1 Pop Stage'), indicating the HHP automatic setup is complete. Then, release the Hi-Hat pedal.
4. Pedal adjustment is now finished.

Diagram 26: Hi-Hat Foot Set: Shows the screen during the Hi-Hat pedal calibration process.

Bluetooth

Connect wirelessly to devices:

• Long-press the Bluetooth button until the blue indicator lights up.
• Connect to 'TDX-25 II' from your smartphone. For iOS devices, you may need to input the code '0000'. A 'Di...' beep sound confirms a successful Bluetooth connection.
• Note: Bluetooth volume is preset based on Android system settings. Adjust the volume on your iOS device if necessary. To connect to a different Bluetooth device, first disconnect the current connection.

USB MIDI

The TDX-25 II features a USB port for MIDI communication, allowing connection to synthesizers or computers for playing MIDI music. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) uses numerical control signals to transmit musical information such as notes, timing, and volume.

MIDI Communication Format Table: This table details various MIDI functions and messages, including Basic Channel, Mode, Note Number, Velocity, After Touch, Pitch Bend, Control Change messages (e.g., Bank Select, Modulation, Volume, Pan, Expression, Sustain Pedal), Program Change, System Exclusive, System Common, System Real Time, and Aux Messages, indicating whether they are transmitted or recognized.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any other faults not listed here, please contact customer service.

FCC Warning: This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits.