NUX DM-8 Digital Drum Kit User Manual

Using the Unit Safely

Instructions for the prevention of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

About WARNING and CAUTION Notices

• WARNING: Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
• CAUTION: Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly.

About the Symbol

• Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

General Warnings

• WARNING: Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest NUX Service Center if:
• The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has been damaged.
• Smoke or an unusual odor occurs.
• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the unit.
• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet).
• The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
• In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit.
• The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation.
• Always grasp only the output plug or the body of the AC adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from, this unit or an outlet.
• Any accumulation of dust between the AC adaptor and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire. Periodically wipe away such dust with a dry cloth. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children.

General Cautions

• CAUTION:
• Always grasp only the output plug or the body of the AC adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from, this unit or an outlet.
• Any accumulation of dust between the AC adaptor and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire. Periodically wipe away such dust with a dry cloth. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children.
• WARNING:
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions below and the Owner's Manual.
• Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor.
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest NUX Service Center.
• Never use or store the unit in places that are: Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); Humid; Exposed to rain; Dusty; Subject to high levels of vibration.
• WARNING:
• Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord, producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock hazards!
• This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an Audiologist.
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
• Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)
• Do not force the unit's power-supply cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially careful when using extension cords - the total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cord's outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through.
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest NUX Service Center.
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.
• Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its output plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.
• If you need to move the instrument, take note of the precautions listed below. Make sure to have a firm grip, to protect yourself from injury and the instrument from damage.
• Check to make sure that the clamp that fixes the unit to the stand has not become loose. Fasten them again securely whenever you notice any loosening.
• Disconnect the power cord.
• Disconnect all cords coming from external devices.
• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet.
• This unit may be installed on a stand using a Clamp.
• When installing the unit on a stand with a clamp, the stand must not be placed in an unstable location or on an incline, but in a level and stable position. Even if a stand is not used, make sure that the unit is placed in a stable location.
• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.
• Should you remove security screws, make sure to put them in a safe place out of children's reach, so there is no chance of them being swallowed accidentally.

Quick Installation Guide

Unit Components

• 1. Left straight tube 650 x 1
• 2. Right straight tube 700 x 1
• 3. Left straight tube 800 x 1
• 4. Right straight tube 800 x 1
• 5. Left curve tube 650 x 1
• 6. Right curve tube 650 x 1
• 7. Top curve tube 750 x 1
• 8. Bottom curve tube 750 x 1
• 9. Cymbal boom arm x 3
• 10. Tom hold x 3
• 11. Hi-hat stand x 1
• 12. Snare stand x 1
• 13. Module x 1
• 14. NCY-12 12" cymbal x 2
• 15. NRC-14C 14" cymbal x 1
• 16. Hi-hat cymbal x 1
• 17. 10" mesh drum pad x 3
• 18. 12" mesh drum pad x 1
• 19. Kick pedal x 1
• 20. Kick drum x 1
• 21. Hi-hat control x 1
• 22. Cable locker x 6
• 23. Cable x 1
• 24. Power adapter x 1

Installation Steps

1. Install the drum rack: Assemble the tubes and stands as shown in the diagram.
2. Install the cymbal arm and drum holder: Attach the cymbal arms and drum holders to the rack.
3. Install the drum pads and cymbals: Mount the drum pads and cymbals onto the holders.
4. Install the hi-hat, snare, kick: Set up the hi-hat stand, snare stand, and kick drum with pedal.
5. Connect the cables: Connect the module, pads, and cymbals using the provided cables. Refer to the diagram for specific connections.
6. Ready to go! Your NUX DM-8 Digital Drum Kit is now assembled.

Control Panel

Front Panel

The front panel of the DM-8 module features various controls and a display for operation.

• 1 Display: Shows DM-8 operation information.
• 2 Display operation button: Used to operate the display content.
• 3 Drum set switching encoder: Used for overall switching of drum timbres.
• 4 TEMPO: Metronome speed quick adjustment knob.
• 5 SONG LIST: Song selection knob.
• 6 SONG VOL: Song volume knob.
• 7 CLICK: Metronome on/off button.
• 8 USB SONG: Enter/exit the music selection interface for USB drives.
• 9 DRUM OFF: Mute or unmute the drum sound in the built-in DEMO song.
• 10 ENTER, KICK/SNARE: Confirm button, quick access to KICK/SNARE selection.
• 11 INSTRUMENT: Parameter adjustment knob.
• 12 TOM/CYMBAL: Quickly enter the TOM/CYMBAL selection button.
• 13 AUX: External audio device volume adjustment knob.
• 14 PHONE: Headphone volume adjustment knob.
• 15 MASTER: Output volume adjustment knob.
• 16 3.5mm Output: Headphone interface.

Top Panel

The top panel includes various input and output jacks:

• 21 TRIGGER IN 1, 2: Expansion interface for additional pads.
• 22 MIDI OUT: MIDI OUT interface.
• 23 OUTPUT L/MONO, R: Connect to external audio amplifiers. Use L/MONO for mono output.
• 24 AUX IN: Connect external audio equipment (e.g., mp3 players, mobile phones).
• 25 USB DISK: Interface for USB flash drives.
• 26 USB: Connects the DM-8 module to a computer for data transfer and audio/MIDI interface functionality.
• 27 DC-9V: Power adapter input.
• 28 POWER: Power switch.

Connecting Audio Equipment

The DM-8 can be connected to various audio devices including computers, speakers, and other instruments. The diagram illustrates typical connections.

About the Screen

The DM-8 display provides information about the current status and settings.

• A Ten-level force display: Indicates the intensity of the hit on a pad.
• B Blue-tooth icon: Shows Bluetooth connectivity status.
• C USB connect icon: Indicates USB connection status.
• D USB disk icon: Shows when a USB drive is connected.
• E Metronome speed display: Shows the current metronome tempo.
• F The pad you playing: Indicates which pad is currently being triggered.
• G Coach function: Indicates when the coach function is active.
• H Menu function: Indicates when the menu is open.

Ready to Play

Turn on/off the power

• To turn on: Turn down the master volume, turn down the speaker's volume, then turn on the power.
• To turn off: Turn down the speaker's volume, then turn off the module.

Note: When turning on the power, you may hear a faint sound; this is normal.

How you can play on DM-8

The DM-8 allows for various playing techniques on its pads and cymbals.

Snare

• Head shot: Hit the center of the snare head.
• Rim shot: Hit the rim of the snare.
• Cross stick: Hit the rim with the stick.

Kick

• Hit the drum head: Strike the kick drum head with the pedal.

Crash Cymbal

• Bow shot: Hit the main surface of the cymbal.
• Edge shot: Hit the edge of the cymbal.
• Choking a cymbal: Grasp the cymbal's edge immediately after hitting it to mute the sound. This function works when you grasp the designated area.

Tom

• Head shot: Hit the center of the tom head.
• Rim click: Hit the rim of the tom.

Ride Cymbal

• Bow shot: Hit the main surface of the cymbal.
• Edge shot: Hit the edge of the cymbal.
• Bell shot: Hit the bell section of the cymbal.
• Choking a cymbal: Grasp the cymbal's edge immediately after hitting it to mute the sound. This function works when you grasp the designated area.

Hi-hat

• Open/Close: The hi-hat's tone changes based on the force applied to the hi-hat control pedal.
• Hi-hat control pedal:
• Open Hi-hat: Strike the hi-hat without pressing the pedal.
• Closed Hi-hat: Strike the hi-hat with the pedal pressed.

Drum Kit Operation

Drum Kit Switch

Power on and enter the drum kit mode. Use the selector to choose a drum kit style, press to confirm, and then use the selector again to choose the specific kit.

Drum Kit Sound Settings

Select a drum kit, then use the provided buttons to enter edit mode and adjust parameters like Pitch, Level, and Split.

Parameter Comparison Table (Sound Settings)

Group Fader

Adjust the real-time output level for each instrument using the faders on the module panel for optimal volume balance.

Song Function Operation

Without USB Flash Drive

1. Navigate to the SONG LIST interface using the knob.
2. Press the play button or PLAY/STOP button to play or pause the music.
3. Press the DRUM OFF button to mute/activate drum sounds in the song (for built-in songs only).

With USB Flash Drive

1. Insert a USB flash drive. The USB disk icon will illuminate.
2. Navigate to the USB SONGS interface.
3. Press the play button or PLAY/STOP button to play or pause the music from the USB drive.

Note: Only .wav and .midi formats are supported. Create a 'SONG' folder on the USB drive and use English characters for filenames.

Recording Operation

This function requires a USB flash drive.

1. Insert the USB flash drive and press the REC button to enter recording mode.
2. Press REC again to start recording.
3. Press the stop button to end recording. You can then play back or save the track in .wav format.

Note: If the memory is full, clear space on the USB drive and try again.

Coach Function

The DM-8 offers various coaching modes to improve your drumming skills.

ACCENTS SHIFT

Practice accent transfer. The mode prepares with a four-shot count-in before practice begins. After the session, a score is provided. Press START to practice again.

QUIET COUNT

Train your sense of time with alternating sound and mute metronome beats. Practice begins after a four-shot count-in. The metronome is muted during silent shooting practice.

TIME CHECK

Train your hit accuracy. Practice begins after a four-shot count-in. The mode does not provide a score; press SETUP to access settings.

CHANGE UP

Practice speed accuracy for different notes. Practice begins after a four-shot count-in. Press SETUP to access settings.

Parameter Comparison Tables (Coach Function)

System Menu Operation

Access the system menu by pressing the MENU button. Use the left/right buttons or the INSTRUMENT knob to select and adjust parameters.

CLICK Settings

Adjust metronome settings like Tempo, Beat, Rhythm, Sound, and Volume.

HI-HAT SET

Adjust hi-hat parameters including sensitivity, open/closed values, and volume. The DM-8 hi-hat supports three states: closed, half-open, and full-open.

EFFECT

Apply and adjust various effects such as Pad EQ, Pad Compressor, Master EQ, Master Compressor, Overdrive, and Reverb. Effects can be turned on/off and their parameters adjusted.

Pad EQ

Adjust the equalization for each pad.

Pad Compressor

Adjust the compressor settings for each pad.

Master EQ

Adjust the overall equalization for the drum set.

Master Compressor

Adjust the master compressor settings for the drum set.

Overdrive

Add an overdrive effect to the drum set.

Reverb

Add reverb to the drum set.

SONG Settings

Adjust song playback parameters including Drum Off, Cycle Play, Back Volume, and Drum Volume.

TRIGGER Settings

Adjust trigger parameters for each pad, including Pad Type, Sensitivity, Threshold, Scan Time, Mask Time, Retrig Cancel, Xtalk Cancel, and Curve. Sensitivity adjustment is crucial for proper response.

Parameter Comparison Table (Trigger Settings)

PANNING

Adjust the stereo panning for each pad.

KIT NAME

Rename drum kits. Use the left/right keys to select positions and the INSTRUMENT knob to change characters.

WAV FILES

Import or delete WAV files from a USB drive. Create a 'WAVIMPORT' folder on the USB drive and use English characters for filenames. Up to 100 WAV files, each up to 20 seconds long and totaling no more than 100MB, can be imported.

OUTPUT

Configure different output distribution modes for drum, AUX IN, USB SONG, USB MIDI, Bluetooth, and Click signals.

Parameter Comparison Table (Output Settings)

MIDI NOTE

Set the MIDI code corresponding to the output of each pad. 'OFF' means no MIDI signal is output.

FACTORY RESET

Reset various settings to factory defaults:

• RESET CURRENT KIT: Resets all parameters of the current drum kit.
• RESET ALL KIT: Resets all parameters of all drum kits.
• RESET SYSTEM: Restores the system software to its factory version.
• RESET ALL: Restores all settings to factory defaults with a single operation.

OPTION

Adjust screen brightness, MIDI Out Channel, Memory Lock, and Bluetooth settings.

Parameter Comparison Table (Option Settings)

USB AUDIO/USB MIDI

Connect the DM-8 to a computer via USB to use it as an audio and MIDI interface. This allows for recording discrete audio and MIDI drum tracks in a DAW or triggering software instruments.

Note: Select 'NUX DM-8' as the input device in your DAW for multi-track audio recording.

BLUETOOTH CONNECTION

Connect a mobile phone via Bluetooth to play audio through the DM-8. Enable Bluetooth on your phone, find 'NUX DM-8' in the device list, and connect.