The Yamaha DTX400K is one of the best electronic drums sets in the world. It’s no surprise considering that Yamaha is a household name in the music industry.
The company has, for years, been building top-notch electronic musical instruments. When it comes to drum sets, Yamaha (all rights reserved) is a market leader.
The DTX400K is one of the cheapest models in the DTX400 series. In this guide, I will be highlighting some of the best features of this Yamaha drum set electric kit.
About the Yamaha DTX400K and DTX452K
This kit is the perfect drum set for any home studio. The Yamaha drum kit electronic DTX400K is an all-new kid with an easy set-up. It is priced to meet the needs of a beginner, a seasoned player, and anyone looking to dabble into electronic drumming.
It is among the latest electronic sets to be indoctrinated into the successful DTX family by Yamaha.
The Yamaha DTX400 and DTX452K series bring Yamaha quality and technology to those who cannot afford expensive kits. DTX400X is the latest electronic drum set Yamaha has to offer to the music community.
Yamaha Electronic Drum Set Dtx400k
Features:
- DTX400 module with 169 drum sounds
- New KU100 kick unit
- Large 10 inch Ride and Crash cymbals and 10-inch Hi-hat cymbal.
- HH65 remote hi-hat. It offers for half-open, pedal, and splash hi-hat sounds.
- 7-inch drum pads for excellent playability and durability.
- 10 interactive training functions.
- 10 preset kits
- 10 play-along songs.
Build
The DTX400K electronic drum set is built on an industry-standard tubular steel rack. It is a typical five-piece set-up that looks fairly similar to other kits at this price level.
The rack comes with two vertical side poles. They are connected to a crossbar, and it stands as the mounts for the two tom pads. There are different mounts for the third, tom, the snare, the hi-hat, and the DTX400 module.
The support for the crash and crash-ride pads are constructed with steel rods. They create a fixed tilt angle for the two cymbals. There is an L-shaped rod as well for attaching a hi-hat pad directly to the snare.
There is, however, no provision for individual height adjustment. This is because there’s too much distance between the snare and the hit-hat pad.
Another amazing feature of this design is the newly-developed single-zone drum pads. They are built with a rubber compound. Unlike other electronic kits, they are ultra-sensitive and respond greatly to the drummer’s rhythm.
The cymbal pads are single-zone. However the Yamaha Accent Articulation mimics a realistic performance. It makes soft changes to the dynamics account to the velocity of the stick.
A USB socket that opens up the kit, allowing you to integrate any Digital Audio Workstation.
Like many other electronic kits, the hi-hat pad operates together with the hi-hat controller pedal. This allows the beater to use some of the common playing methods like open and half-closed.
Additionally, the physical KU100 kick pedal is similar to the hi-hat controller. However, it may be designed for silent kick operation.
If you are keen, you may notice the module lacks a display. Instead, there is an LED light that illuminates the 21 push-buttons.
You can connect your iPhone, laptop, iPad, iPods, and other digital devices. This should help you tap into the Yamaha’s Song beat app for better visual representation.
Another exciting feature with the DTX400 module is access to the many sounds of the acoustic set. Yamaha has wonderful acoustic kits for all genres.
You can pick any from the ten available kits that are pre-configured. They can be changed to create new kits, therefore you can create custom sounds.
Playing experience
Though electronic drum kits are usually complex, the Yamaha DTX400K electronic drum is surprisingly simple to use. Each button illuminates in a sequence, bringing the module to life as you start playing.
More in-depth functions of the module call for extensive use of the manual. It might be hard at first until you become familiar with different aspects.
Another feature that really impressed me is how powerful the module is, despite missing a display. There are all sorts of training facilities to offer. The ability to loop any section of the song can help in building beautiful rhythms.
The pads and the overall sound of the set are not bad either. But the pads work better on carpeted surfaces.
The hi-hat position is not ideal. Even worse, it tends to shift to the side in its bracket. This makes access to the module quite hard.
Perhaps if the hi-hat mount were knurled, things would work better. Doing this allows the module to be placed on the lower mount while raising the hi-hat and the snare.
Even with these few issues, I was able to enjoy this set. It is built to offer an excellent solution for any drummer. Whether you know your drums or not, it can be a great piece for your studio.
Why invest in an electric drum
Electric drums are, without a doubt, an excellent option of all drummers. Here are the main benefits of playing with an electric drum kit:
- Limitless Sound Taps. Regardless of the music set you choose, digital drums allow you to utilize a wide array of unique sounds. The sounds will inspire you to create your own music.
- Versatility and flexibility. An electric drum allows you to record your music without any issues. You can also adjust the setting to better suit your needs.
Alternatives to Yamaha Drum Set Electronic
If the Yamaha DTX400K is not within budget, there are cheaper options available. Consider the following:
RockJam Mesh Eight-Piece Electronic Drum Kit
Rockjam Mesh Head Kit Eight Piece Electronic
This is another great module to consider when drumming on a budget. It is cheap, customizable, and offers easy set-up. It looks like a toy, but it’s no joke. This kit is ideal for beginners and novices. It is more portable than other electronic instruments. Place it on the table, or your lap, and you are good to go.
Alesis Drums Turbo Mesh Kit
Alesis is a leader in electronic musical instruments. The Alesis Drums Turbo Mesh Kit DM10X is one of the most impressive sets they’ve released. It is perfect for professionals and those seeking extra punch in their music.
Although it is a bit heavy on the pocket, the drum set can be a great solution for your drumming needs. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners.
Alesis Drums Turbo Mesh Kit
What is the best electronic drum set?
Electronic drums sets are the best option for beginners and expert players alike. They offer portability and better training options than acoustic drums.
However, there are many manufacturers in the market today. Each brand comes with different features and promises.
It is important to know how to pick the best electric drum set.
How do you know which one’s the best?
The following features should give you a clue about what to look for. Consider the following:
They should offer versatility and flexibility for songwriting and studio recording
The best budget electronic drums should come with optimal recording features. This will improve the overall quality of your music.
Digital drum sets allow you to adjust your music timing with ease. They also provide an easy way to record and perform your songs. A great set should, therefore, come with a wide array of options and features.
Portability
The best electronic drum set should be durable. Digital drums are created to be portable and compact compared to normal sets. Not only should a kit be portable, but it should also come with a silent kick, and have a steel rack foundation.
You can pack and take it anywhere!
Training and learning advantages
Top electric kits come with preset-functionalities and drum patterns. You can tap into these advantages to learn how to play like the pros. They can help you develop your concentration level and improve your hand-eye coordination.
These are qualities you need to become a good drummer. An electric drum kit should come with several built-in modules with a range of learning and training functions.
They have multiple AUX ports and USB MIDI connectors for your iPod, iPhone, MP3 player, laptop, and other electronic devices.
The brand
Always go with a reputable brand backed by positive reviews. Yamaha is a top name in the global music industry. Therefore, you can bank on their products to be high-quality.
The key to picking the right electric kit is knowing your needs. For instance, a beginner will have different priorities than an expert player.
There are all kinds of electric kits to choose from, and Yamaha has the solutions. You just need to know your status and set your priorities straight.
Verdict
In the world, with so many electric drums, there are only a few that really provide value. The Yamaha DTX400K is among these few. It is made for those who need a quality instrument, but cannot afford the high-end gear.
