i started researching sets and you were the first video i watched. after months of being in the market for a nice edrum set and watching different sets and videos every day, i have circled back to your videos. You are a good drummer, but the stuff you cover and the way you speak to your audience is amazing. Im gonna get this set over a much more expensive roland set. thanks for saving me money lol and showing me this set is really all i need for what im looking for.
I'm a Roland user and I can say I like the sounds on this module. Especially if you take the freaking time to mess with them. Roland isn't perfect, same goes with Yamaha, Alesis, EFnote, etc. You can't just get the sounds you want without working on the module a little. Even acoustic drums need different heads, shells and cymbals to achieve whichever sound you want. It's all about working it out a bit. ;)
EXACTLY!!!!!! Maybe the problem is that a lot of people have never owned an acoustic set so the don't get it. You've gotta tune them to your liking. An e-Drum is no different.
Thanks for the video! Love my expanded SD1200 as I found one at GC as a used kit with an amazing discount! Sounds are awesome and I'm rediscovering the joy of drumming after my days of youth playing in a traveling rock band, thanks Simmons!! I even took a road trip to sweetwater to try all of the super high end kits and until you hit the 3K and up range I would take the Simmons over any of them.
Congratulations on the find! You’re correct they make the best budget kit. I can’t wait to see what will happen if they decide to battle on the higher end. I think simmons will make a serious name as the best or at least amongst the best if they do!
Great Video, I just ordered the Simmons SD1250 Drum kit back on the 12th of March from Guitat Center, and get to pick it up today on the 15th of March. Looking forward to to messing around with and get comfortable with it and ready for a gig I have coming up on the 13th of April. Great Videos!!! Happy to say I own a Simmons Electric Drum Kit. Great for gigs and practice. 🥁
I have the expanded SD 1200. I’m no professional by any means but I feel for what you get it’s an awesome kit. I’m surprised you didn’t show how the module works with an iPad app to really fine tune. One thing I did was to make extension arms for the ride and crash. Just too far apart for my liking. I think one other big thing Simmons could do ( or any for that matter) would be to run all the cables INSIDE the frame structure. How nice would that look. Plus be way easer to tear down and set up for a gig. Grate video man!
I have a video where I get into working from the iPad. Also, I think your idea is great. I move all of mine without removing the cables. Once you put the ties around it you can disconnect the module and pedals and fold them right up. You never have to take the cables all the way off.
@@KeithronPowell that’s true you can do that but still it would look so much better if they were internal. Not really all that hard to do on their end. I’d like to watch your other video , can you give me the link pls. Thx
Keith - FILTER Utility: A few of us that have these are getting SUPERIOR sounds and response from the cymbals and snare sounds by maxing out the Filter 'cutoff' and 'resonance'. We find we don't need it on the toms. We have not - as of - yet - fooled around too much with the 'envelope'. The filters givesa fuller or 'phat'ter sound and note in some cases, your set reverb might be too much, so if on Stage 2, you might need or want to knock it down in Stage or lesser Rooms for less reverb.
Nice playing, nice sounds too I’m actually surprised because Simmons kinda disappeared for a while. And those speakers on the poles are definitely some of the best, I’ve tested different ones. Great video! 👍
My man, your stank face at 08:05 made my whole day hahaha. Like I had to log in just so I could tell you hahaha. Also, thanks for the great review. I suspected that the reviews came from people who hadn't fooled around with the settings. Speaking of settings, mind sharing your values for that first kit? Hi-hat sounded super tight. Also your snare sensitivity values would be much appreciated. Again, just for the first kit. I'm pickin one of these up next Friday. Really can't wait to get back into playing.
😆😆😆 yeah… I didn’t realized how I look. As to the settings…. I have no clue now. This video was made a while back and I’ve moved the drum and changed everything. I typically leave everything flat but I can’t recall if I reset it while making the video.
@KeithronPowell actually it got better the next day. I went back on the website and there is now a sale its $90 off the $899 so they are refunding me $90
My Nitro Mesh Kit is just an entry level kit. But really when you fiddle with all the settings you can make it sound really good. And if you put it through a DAW then you can basically have any sound you want.
Exactly!!! My biggest issue is most people (not you) that claim Alesis sounds are better finish their entire argument with “I use EZ-Drummer” or some other DAW or downloaded sounds and not the Alesis sounds. 🤔I’m like why are you claiming the sounds are better but that you don’t even use them? 🤨
Hi man, I'm not a drummer, but kwow fundamentals from being around and working with drummers most of my life...I play in cover bands and also write and record songs...I'm really thinking about getting this kit on Monday because I think it would be a great song writing tool to have right there in the studio space I have...you know, like everything in one big accessible circle...monitors in front, keys to the right, E-drum kit behind me, guitars (bass, electric, and acoustic) to my left...everything right there in an easy to access fashion...so this kit I don't see as one I'd be tearing down...it'd stay home most of the time in the studio for song creation purposes...anyway, I appreciate you covering this kit, because I don't think there is a better one that you can get for under a grand (when GC is running a sale, that is...)...best regards and hope you and yours are doing great!
I remember seeing Sly Dunbar way back in the 90s,he had a classic Simmons kit,with a little pad /bar as the kick,it was like futuristic to me. He was playing with Black Uhuru,so I got to see Robbie Shakespeare too... I miss those days. Peace
They recently did a update that's supposed to help the high hat track articulations more accurately. 65 drums posted a video on his channel showing how to do the update
I had to subscribe tonight! You really explained more about changing the kits. On this kit, can you change individual pad sounds or does the change apply to everything?
The biggest issue I’ve ever had with elec drums is, that snare ring is exactly the same. It just flat out gets fatiguing. They need to have more variance especially with the snare and often times the cymbals.
Yeah, that true but. When playing on them you kinda just have to deal with it. Also… sometimes you can retune in your DAW. It’s not perfect but remember the audience almost never cares about the little nuances that we care about. All they wanna do is dance to the groove and see you do a cool solo. 🤷🏽♂️
I’ll say this about some of the kits. Well, one for now… That would be the Classic Rock kit. If you’re a Zeppelin fan, you will not need to change anything as I’m pretty sure it is modeled on Bonham’s Vista Lite kit. Fool in the Rain, Ramble On, Dyer Makr all sound like your playing his kit. My wife is sick of Fool in the Rain 😂 SUFFER! For all other stuff so far I use the fusion kit with some modifications. The sounds for cross-sticking could use some work but that’s typical of all e drum kits. My main concern with the kit is fluctuating volumes and hot spots when playing. They show up randomly.
I haven’t see as much in the phantom/random loud hits. When I spoke with Simmons they mentioned that was something they really worked on. I think with the firmware update focused on the triggering issue and they’re acknowledging the loud hit issue they’ve really made a pretty good e-drum
I have played, used and owned several digital and electronic drum kits, including Roland TD with expansion card, Alesis D5 and DM5 and Simmons SDS1000 (The real Simmons). And now i have some drum vst's. My 'complain' about these complet drumsets is that i think the sounds are not realistic compared to drum vst's. I have some drumkits from XLN Audio and they sound better, more natural. But that is my opinion. When had my TD-10 i only played a lot of kits but the sounds was much the same with some added features. That being said, i know people don't have the same tast, but i will stick to my vst's and i am slowely building my own drum triggers to use with an Alesis Trigger IO.
I think you should consider looking further into the SD1200 & 1250. They’ve done a pretty good job of getting to realistic sound by having the drum try to be a bit random in how it responds to your strikes. Unlike its predecessors.
@@KeithronPowell Well, i don't like the way drums are set up, so i never bought complete sets. I bought them piece by piece so i used bigger size pads (10" and 12") and play open handed.
@@nielswil set up and sound are two different things. Buying pieces is not a bad idea except you’re likely not getting the benefit of the newer module. That means all of the upgrades and fix’s, likely to your complaint on sounds including “machine gunning,” are still there. So, it’s easy to see why you may hate the sound since you’re still on the older tech just newer pads. I agree that having larger pads is better that’s my same issue but if you’re buying the pads without the module…. 🤷🏽♂️
@@KeithronPowell For snaredrum i want a newer model due positional sensing but for toms it doesn't neither for the hihat besides i use a remote hihat stand. And for a module i use an Alesis trigger I/O. And you are right that set up and sounds are two different things.
Imma tell you… play with the EQ and you’ll be surprised… plus each kit is different. I made a video on the topic because imo most people miss how good they really sound simply because they have either 1) bad listening device in store, 2) never play with settings 3) don’t understand sound purpose for that kit or 4) all of the above. My video spell all of it out in detail. I don’t like all of the Alesis sounds but I know how to make them sound good.
I got a question... I have the SD1200 and let's assume the module is exactly the same, my kits does not sound as good as the ones you had sampled. Mine give a lot more echo to each kit than what I am hearing from your samples, did you tweak anything else in the recording?
No, you can go in and change the reverb and that will flatten the sound. The only thing I did was record it with no FX at all. So those sounds are legit from the module. Also, the module and sounds are the same. The 1250, at it’s core, is the 1200 with the expansion kit included. What they did is upgraded the individual pieces and some thing about the module. They also lowered the price by $100. If I had the 1200 I don’t know if I’d upgrade but if I had SD600 or lower. It’s a no brained.
Cute, that advertising and not being able to deliver to the EU is weak. Simmons also does not respond to this by email. The Chinese brand Donner is emerging and I will concentrate on it for TV productions
Donner is not a bad set but this isn’t an advertisement it’s a review. I’m not paid… if a company wants to not sell a product somewhere that’s on them but TH-cam suggests videos to people based on what they have been watching… you can’t blame TH-cam or Simmons for that.
Love your videos! Question for you. I have the SD1250 for over a year and the past 5 months and the play along will not load songs from my music library. Have you experienced this. I tried contacting simmons many times and i get the run around every time as they just say they crashed their app. Do you know if there is another way to load my music from another source as i cannot generate videos for TH-cam anymore. Thanks
I use a ipad for the Simmons app, and a i rig and a i phone to record. When recording a video and when i play back the video there is no drum sound or no music playing, This started when the app would not load a song on the play along. So meaning no video made for TH-cam. I have reset the drums to original settings and restarted all my electronic devices with no luck. Simmons says the newest version of iOS and ipados broke parts of the app. And they are working on it. Been getting the run around with them ever since.
@@KeithronPowell ok, im just little confused now as you said your not experiencing it as i assume it would effect all SD1250. Thank you for time and response. I enjoy all your videos!
Could someone please help me solving my doubt, the hit hat of the simmos SD 1250 battery has good sensitivity, it recognizes very strong hits and very soft ones? Thanks
How’s the latency? I want to record drums for a rock project and have narrowed it down to this kit or Alesis nitro mesh kit. Im looking for best response and accuracy when used as a midi controller with vst drug plugin. Which would you recommend? Thanks for the vid.
I have both the Alesis Crimson and the 1250…. The 1250 is permanently connected to my studio set up. The latency can be adjusted in the DAW so it’s perfect.
Hey Keith, is it possible to tune individual drums up or down? For example just the snare. Ordered this kit this week. Should be here by the end of the week. Thanks!
Hi, I just bought this kit Brand New* and I"m struggling with uploading samples to the 1250 Module. I tried uploading the software to Windows 10 and 7 and neither of them will upload. When I try it says "deleting".... WTF? then thew module disconnects/freezes and says I need to restart. Anyone else having this issue?
Would you say that the kit still holds up? And how hard was it to setup. I’m looking into e kits and there’s just so much going on. Also really informative video
Keithron, you're absolutely right! I ended up purchasing the SD1250 after testing it and the Titan 70. The SD1250 felt more like an acoustic set. It was a breeze to set up. I had it completely assembled and ready to go in 45 minutes without using the manual. Thanks for what you do. You're amazing man!
@@t.houston1011 I just sold my 50’s w expansion and bought new 1250. I am loving them to play stand alone. But when playing with music I can’t get the enthusiasm from this kit because it won’t allow the snare triggers to to work simultaneously. Rim and skin on the 50’s and the 70 snare you can’t get that sharp rim/skin rim shot that sounds like a bullet.. not on this new 1250 snare.. how can I get around that?
@KeithronPowell appreciate the reply! I just ordered this for my son as his first drum set for Christmas, we don't have any apple products so I'll lookout for a cheap used apple device or something in the future! For now I'll focus on finding him some lessons on an actual acoustic set so he doesn't get too accustomed to playing on edrums and end up having trouble translating his skills to an acoustic set
I got the double kick pedal on this its hard to do cus of sensitivity can we add sounds to theses another interesting question besides how to we clean them noticed you got that proper second floor tom must be nice i got the 600 extensions pack cus needed the extra cymbal I probably try to boost one they 80.bucks I already came out of pocket 1500 for the two sets bought my boy the Alesus 369.00 shit I'm home less my dying wish they get a home from Omaze countesr
Great video! I know this is a long shot: I just bought an SD1250 from Musician's Friend. I love it, but the module refuses to accept transferred samples, both from the Simmons Wav Transfer program on my Win CPU, nor from the Simmons Advanced App on my Ipad. I've followed all requirements strictly. I've had brief contact with Simmons and emailed the samples to them, like they asked. No relief. I'm sure it's a corrupted firmware in the module. In your video I see you had the opportunity to download the SD1250 firmware from the website. I cannot find that firmware now (only the SD1200 firmware). Could you help me with that file? I'd believe it's a ".bin" file or .zip package. I have the updater software in place for it already. It would be "re-installing" the firmware like I pointed out to Simmons tech. He suggested trying to transfer a mono file?!?!? That's regrettable...
Would you mind after hitting each part of the drums, zooming into the module to see what setting you have each part on? I like how yours sounds and I’m trying to match it.
I’m sorry friend… all I can tell you is that I’m at factory… it’s running to my DAW and there aren’t any effects. In the future, it’s something I may consider.
I have the Simmons sd7pk set and the kick, snare and tom2 is not working. It’s in the brain because when I switch the jacks around, the pads work. Any suggestions on what I can do to fix the problem? Thank you
Have you tried the firmware update? If you have and it doesn’t fix the issue contact Simmons and let them know. They’ll try to troubleshoot it and will likely get you a new module if necessary. I don’t work for them. I just know they work hard to make things right
I think the recording would be simple. It’s learning to edit the two together…. That depends on the video editing software you use. I have iMovie tutorials that can help you.
@@BadEconomyOfficial hit the hi hat and change the sounds until you get to what you want. It’s in the module or the app. You can do it! I believe in you!
Honestly, Yamaha, Alesis, Simmons and even the smaller companies like ATV, all have modules out that are crushing Roland in the sounds department. Roland has chosen to embrace this overprocessed attack-heavy sound style and it sounds horrendous, I just don't get it. Roland still makes the best hardware when it comes to durability and trigger accuracy though. So I guess the ultimate setup would be to pair Roland pads and cymbals with any of the current non-Roland modules.
@@KeithronPowell so I’m just beginning drums and have been offered 1200 expanded for 600 or I’m going to get the 1250 for 1k, I’m on a slight budget do you think I should care about the slight upgrade for that much more or not really
Hey man great great review , I must say I felt the same way you do and I found the aleisis strike kit to be excellent as well , the second version anyways I’ve got an ad5 from Japan and I did a Stevie wonder cover with it , check it out and let me know what you think of the sounds if you get a chance , liked subbed and you got great content stay safe bro , peace
i started researching sets and you were the first video i watched. after months of being in the market for a nice edrum set and watching different sets and videos every day, i have circled back to your videos. You are a good drummer, but the stuff you cover and the way you speak to your audience is amazing. Im gonna get this set over a much more expensive roland set. thanks for saving me money lol and showing me this set is really all i need for what im looking for.
Wow! Thanks for the encouragement. I hope you enjoy you new set
Awesome demo! The more that I research e-drums, the more drawn I am to the Simmons SD1200/1250. Kudos Keith! Simmons it is....
LOVE it! Keep these coming - great info! And as a SD1200 User, I agree with your comments.
One of the most helpful and informative videos on this drum kit. Thank you bro!
I agree..😂 I mean you’re welcome
I am surprised with how good that set sounds. Simmons appears to be a solid value.
Agreed
I'm a Roland user and I can say I like the sounds on this module. Especially if you take the freaking time to mess with them. Roland isn't perfect, same goes with Yamaha, Alesis, EFnote, etc. You can't just get the sounds you want without working on the module a little. Even acoustic drums need different heads, shells and cymbals to achieve whichever sound you want. It's all about working it out a bit. ;)
EXACTLY!!!!!! Maybe the problem is that a lot of people have never owned an acoustic set so the don't get it. You've gotta tune them to your liking. An e-Drum is no different.
Thanks for the video! Love my expanded SD1200 as I found one at GC as a used kit with an amazing discount! Sounds are awesome and I'm rediscovering the joy of drumming after my days of youth playing in a traveling rock band, thanks Simmons!! I even took a road trip to sweetwater to try all of the super high end kits and until you hit the 3K and up range I would take the Simmons over any of them.
Congratulations on the find! You’re correct they make the best budget kit. I can’t wait to see what will happen if they decide to battle on the higher end. I think simmons will make a serious name as the best or at least amongst the best if they do!
How is the sd1200 sound?
Great to see more Simmons drummers " Keep on makin them videos brother and God bless always !
Great Video, I just ordered the Simmons SD1250 Drum kit back on the 12th of March from Guitat Center, and get to pick it up today on the 15th of March. Looking forward to to messing around with and get comfortable with it and ready for a gig I have coming up on the 13th of April. Great Videos!!! Happy to say I own a Simmons Electric Drum Kit. Great for gigs and practice. 🥁
Congratulations
Just got the 1200 module for next to nothing and this video makes me even MORE happy about it!
Just finished laying drums on a tune using the SD1250 in the studio.
I just bought the sd1250! I love it! Can I record native drum sound with Logic pro?
I just got these drums, you really helped me. Thanks
You’re welcome
Great review Keith !
Informative review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching
Love your energy man.
great content
Thanks and thanks for watching
Amazing Keith
Thanks
Looks interesting and fun! I might need to explore drum playing as a hobby 😉
There ya go! The entire world should do the same!
I have the expanded SD 1200. I’m no professional by any means but I feel for what you get it’s an awesome kit. I’m surprised you didn’t show how the module works with an iPad app to really fine tune. One thing I did was to make extension arms for the ride and crash. Just too far apart for my liking. I think one other big thing Simmons could do ( or any for that matter) would be to run all the cables INSIDE the frame structure. How nice would that look. Plus be way easer to tear down and set up for a gig. Grate video man!
I have a video where I get into working from the iPad. Also, I think your idea is great. I move all of mine without removing the cables. Once you put the ties around it you can disconnect the module and pedals and fold them right up. You never have to take the cables all the way off.
@@KeithronPowell that’s true you can do that but still it would look so much better if they were internal. Not really all that hard to do on their end. I’d like to watch your other video , can you give me the link pls. Thx
Thanks. I have the Simmons 600. Having fun with it. Need to manipulate the sounds to make it sound the way you like. Keep drumming.
Thanks! I have the SD600 as well. That thing is nice but this upgrade is the biz!
Keith - FILTER Utility: A few of us that have these are getting SUPERIOR sounds and response from the cymbals and snare sounds by maxing out the Filter 'cutoff' and 'resonance'. We find we don't need it on the toms. We have not - as of - yet - fooled around too much with the 'envelope'. The filters givesa fuller or 'phat'ter sound and note in some cases, your set reverb might be too much, so if on Stage 2, you might need or want to knock it down in Stage or lesser Rooms for less reverb.
All true… I’m looking at doing an in-depth review on the modules.
Nice playing, nice sounds too I’m actually surprised because Simmons kinda disappeared for a while.
And those speakers on the poles are definitely some of the best, I’ve tested different ones.
Great video! 👍
Thanks.
The Simmons brand from today is not the same as the one of the 80s
Thanks Keith, this was the information I was looking for.👍😀
You’re welcome
My man, your stank face at 08:05 made my whole day hahaha. Like I had to log in just so I could tell you hahaha.
Also, thanks for the great review. I suspected that the reviews came from people who hadn't fooled around with the settings. Speaking of settings, mind sharing your values for that first kit? Hi-hat sounded super tight. Also your snare sensitivity values would be much appreciated. Again, just for the first kit.
I'm pickin one of these up next Friday. Really can't wait to get back into playing.
😆😆😆 yeah… I didn’t realized how I look. As to the settings…. I have no clue now. This video was made a while back and I’ve moved the drum and changed everything. I typically leave everything flat but I can’t recall if I reset it while making the video.
Thanks for your review Keith. I just ordered this set. As of today 8/20/2023 it's onsale for $899 @Musicians Friend
Great deal right there!!!!
@KeithronPowell actually it got better the next day. I went back on the website and there is now a sale its $90 off the $899 so they are refunding me $90
@@joek468 wow
I love it! Keep going Morisco
😬 thanks
My Nitro Mesh Kit is just an entry level kit. But really when you fiddle with all the settings you can make it sound really good. And if you put it through a DAW then you can basically have any sound you want.
Exactly!!! My biggest issue is most people (not you) that claim Alesis sounds are better finish their entire argument with “I use EZ-Drummer” or some other DAW or downloaded sounds and not the Alesis sounds. 🤔I’m like why are you claiming the sounds are better but that you don’t even use them? 🤨
Hi man, I'm not a drummer, but kwow fundamentals from being around and working with drummers most of my life...I play in cover bands and also write and record songs...I'm really thinking about getting this kit on Monday because I think it would be a great song writing tool to have right there in the studio space I have...you know, like everything in one big accessible circle...monitors in front, keys to the right, E-drum kit behind me, guitars (bass, electric, and acoustic) to my left...everything right there in an easy to access fashion...so this kit I don't see as one I'd be tearing down...it'd stay home most of the time in the studio for song creation purposes...anyway, I appreciate you covering this kit, because I don't think there is a better one that you can get for under a grand (when GC is running a sale, that is...)...best regards and hope you and yours are doing great!
That’s exactly how my studio is set up an I just release a single and I played the SD1250 drums as a trigger for EZdrummer and it sounds great.
Great review! Sounds good , I have a Roland Td 17,which I am happy with, but this kit sounds good.
People give the Simmons drums a hard time but I’m discovering that most often they’ve not really taken time to adjust the sounds.
I remember seeing Sly Dunbar way back in the 90s,he had a classic Simmons kit,with a little pad /bar as the kick,it was like futuristic to me. He was playing with Black Uhuru,so I got to see Robbie Shakespeare too... I miss those days.
Peace
They recently did a update that's supposed to help the high hat track articulations more accurately. 65 drums posted a video on his channel showing how to do the update
Yeah… I posted about it a week before he did. It’s in a follow up video to this one
@@KeithronPowell I just seen that after posting cheers man
Great! Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome
I had to subscribe tonight! You really explained more about changing the kits. On this kit, can you change individual pad sounds or does the change apply to everything?
You can go individual on all electric kits and… thanks for the sub! don’t forget to click that 👍🏽too.
Usually I think of Simmons being fairly low quality, but these presets honestly sound just as good as alesis’ kits. Pretty sweet, cool video!
Thanks!
The biggest issue I’ve ever had with elec drums is, that snare ring is exactly the same. It just flat out gets fatiguing. They need to have more variance especially with the snare and often times the cymbals.
Yeah, that true but. When playing on them you kinda just have to deal with it. Also… sometimes you can retune in your DAW. It’s not perfect but remember the audience almost never cares about the little nuances that we care about. All they wanna do is dance to the groove and see you do a cool solo. 🤷🏽♂️
I’ll say this about some of the kits. Well, one for now… That would be the Classic Rock kit. If you’re a Zeppelin fan, you will not need to change anything as I’m pretty sure it is modeled on Bonham’s Vista Lite kit. Fool in the Rain, Ramble On, Dyer Makr all sound like your playing his kit. My wife is sick of Fool in the Rain 😂 SUFFER!
For all other stuff so far I use the fusion kit with some modifications. The sounds for cross-sticking could use some work but that’s typical of all e drum kits. My main concern with the kit is fluctuating volumes and hot spots when playing. They show up randomly.
I haven’t see as much in the phantom/random loud hits. When I spoke with Simmons they mentioned that was something they really worked on. I think with the firmware update focused on the triggering issue and they’re acknowledging the loud hit issue they’ve really made a pretty good e-drum
Hello! I love your videos! How do you record the original sound of the module?
You can do it via midi cable or run the L/R outs to a sound board and into your record device. That how all of my videos are.
Idk man ain’t no fixing those Toms 🥴 Simmons gotta do better there. Potential is there. They gotta pull an Alesis
Have you seen the Titan 70?
Great video😀👍
Thanks
My dad jus bought this sets epic u can upload sounds samples and tablet with Steven slate drum app
Awesome
I have played, used and owned several digital and electronic drum kits, including Roland TD with expansion card, Alesis D5 and DM5 and Simmons SDS1000 (The real Simmons). And now i have some drum vst's. My 'complain' about these complet drumsets is that i think the sounds are not realistic compared to drum vst's. I have some drumkits from XLN Audio and they sound better, more natural. But that is my opinion. When had my TD-10 i only played a lot of kits but the sounds was much the same with some added features.
That being said, i know people don't have the same tast, but i will stick to my vst's and i am slowely building my own drum triggers to use with an Alesis Trigger IO.
I think you should consider looking further into the SD1200 & 1250. They’ve done a pretty good job of getting to realistic sound by having the drum try to be a bit random in how it responds to your strikes. Unlike its predecessors.
@@KeithronPowell Well, i don't like the way drums are set up, so i never bought complete sets. I bought them piece by piece so i used bigger size pads (10" and 12") and play open handed.
@@nielswil set up and sound are two different things. Buying pieces is not a bad idea except you’re likely not getting the benefit of the newer module. That means all of the upgrades and fix’s, likely to your complaint on sounds including “machine gunning,” are still there. So, it’s easy to see why you may hate the sound since you’re still on the older tech just newer pads.
I agree that having larger pads is better that’s my same issue but if you’re buying the pads without the module…. 🤷🏽♂️
@@KeithronPowell For snaredrum i want a newer model due positional sensing but for toms it doesn't neither for the hihat besides i use a remote hihat stand. And for a module i use an Alesis trigger I/O.
And you are right that set up and sounds are two different things.
I appreciate the video. I personally think the Yamaha 6 sounds sound a little better.
Thanks for watching
I hate the Tom sounds but the rest is so much better
Imma tell you… play with the EQ and you’ll be surprised… plus each kit is different. I made a video on the topic because imo most people miss how good they really sound simply because they have either 1) bad listening device in store, 2) never play with settings 3) don’t understand sound purpose for that kit or 4) all of the above. My video spell all of it out in detail. I don’t like all of the Alesis sounds but I know how to make them sound good.
Dig your work....thanks
Thanks for watching!
I’m thinking about getting an Alesis Command Mesh kit because it’s compatible with Melodics.
I’m sure all of them are compatible with it.
@@KeithronPowell Yeah. Looks like I’d just have to map it. Knowing this I might stay with my first thought the Simmons brand.
I ordered it be here Monday. This will make set 3 I think I have a problem lol. Thought I was done after Alesis Strike Pro se.
I want the Strike too…. I age 3 as well.
@@KeithronPowell So you're saying your 3?
@@kevinschmitz1946 yes…. I’m 3. 😂
I got a question... I have the SD1200 and let's assume the module is exactly the same, my kits does not sound as good as the ones you had sampled. Mine give a lot more echo to each kit than what I am hearing from your samples, did you tweak anything else in the recording?
No, you can go in and change the reverb and that will flatten the sound. The only thing I did was record it with no FX at all. So those sounds are legit from the module.
Also, the module and sounds are the same. The 1250, at it’s core, is the 1200 with the expansion kit included. What they did is upgraded the individual pieces and some thing about the module. They also lowered the price by $100. If I had the 1200 I don’t know if I’d upgrade but if I had SD600 or lower. It’s a no brained.
Hi Keith, how much bigger is this drum kit than a kit like the Alesis Nitro mesh or the Behringer xd8usb?
Same as Alesis Crimson II. Larger than nitro
Cute, that advertising and not being able to deliver to the EU is weak. Simmons also does not respond to this by email. The Chinese brand Donner is emerging and I will concentrate on it for TV productions
Donner is not a bad set but this isn’t an advertisement it’s a review. I’m not paid… if a company wants to not sell a product somewhere that’s on them but TH-cam suggests videos to people based on what they have been watching… you can’t blame TH-cam or Simmons for that.
Love your videos! Question for you. I have the SD1250 for over a year and the past 5 months and the play along will not load songs from my music library. Have you experienced this. I tried contacting simmons many times and i get the run around every time as they just say they crashed their app. Do you know if there is another way to load my music from another source as i cannot generate videos for TH-cam anymore. Thanks
I haven’t had this issue. What do you mean when you you can’t generate videos for YT?
I use a ipad for the Simmons app, and a i rig and a i phone to record. When recording a video and when i play back the video there is no drum sound or no music playing, This started when the app would not load a song on the play along. So meaning no video made for TH-cam. I have reset the drums to original settings and restarted all my electronic devices with no luck. Simmons says the newest version of iOS and ipados broke parts of the app. And they are working on it. Been getting the run around with them ever since.
@@jimherrendrumcovers it is just gonna take time for them to get it back working.
@@KeithronPowell ok, im just little confused now as you said your not experiencing it as i assume it would effect all SD1250. Thank you for time and response. I enjoy all your videos!
With Simmons 1250 can you plug-in any headphones or does it have to have a specific type ? Thank you 🙏🏾 🙏🏾
It’s just a headphone Jack… any will work. Bring your favorite and have at it.
Could someone please help me solving my doubt, the hit hat of the simmos SD 1250 battery has good sensitivity, it recognizes very strong hits and very soft ones?
Thanks
I know it’s been a long while but yes… it does recognize them both.
How’s the latency? I want to record drums for a rock project and have narrowed it down to this kit or Alesis nitro mesh kit. Im looking for best response and accuracy when used as a midi controller with vst drug plugin. Which would you recommend?
Thanks for the vid.
I have both the Alesis Crimson and the 1250…. The 1250 is permanently connected to my studio set up. The latency can be adjusted in the DAW so it’s perfect.
Hey Keith, is it possible to tune individual drums up or down? For example just the snare. Ordered this kit this week. Should be here by the end of the week. Thanks!
Yes!!! One of the cool things I love about it. It can be done from the module but it is easier from the app.
@@KeithronPowell Very nice! Thank you sir!
Hi, I just bought this kit Brand New* and I"m struggling with uploading samples to the 1250 Module. I tried uploading the software to Windows 10 and 7 and neither of them will upload. When I try it says "deleting".... WTF? then thew module disconnects/freezes and says I need to restart. Anyone else having this issue?
I haven’t but lets see if someone knows locally. In the meantime I’m going to send your comment to Simmons and see what they say.
Would you say that the kit still holds up? And how hard was it to setup. I’m looking into e kits and there’s just so much going on. Also really informative video
Easy set up… it’s still in my studio as my main set.
Keithron, you're absolutely right! I ended up purchasing the SD1250 after testing it and the Titan 70. The SD1250 felt more like an acoustic set. It was a breeze to set up. I had it completely assembled and ready to go in 45 minutes without using the manual. Thanks for what you do. You're amazing man!
@@t.houston1011 I just sold my 50’s w expansion and bought new 1250. I am loving them to play stand alone. But when playing with music I can’t get the enthusiasm from this kit because it won’t allow the snare triggers to to work simultaneously. Rim and skin on the 50’s and the 70 snare you can’t get that sharp rim/skin rim shot that sounds like a bullet.. not on this new 1250 snare.. how can I get around that?
@@paulbfields8284 Not sure how to resolve that issue. If I figure it out, I'll send you another response.
I understand the simmons app is iphone/iPad only, but do they have an app or program for the windows laptop that can do the same thing?
Nope
@KeithronPowell appreciate the reply! I just ordered this for my son as his first drum set for Christmas, we don't have any apple products so I'll lookout for a cheap used apple device or something in the future! For now I'll focus on finding him some lessons on an actual acoustic set so he doesn't get too accustomed to playing on edrums and end up having trouble translating his skills to an acoustic set
@@Ohm.Slice. the module is very easy to use… I just love the face that you can really do a lot on ya phone
I got the double kick pedal on this its hard to do cus of sensitivity can we add sounds to theses another interesting question besides how to we clean them noticed you got that proper second floor tom must be nice i got the 600 extensions pack cus needed the extra cymbal I probably try to boost one they 80.bucks I already came out of pocket 1500 for the two sets bought my boy the Alesus 369.00 shit I'm home less my dying wish they get a home from Omaze countesr
You must’ve purchased the 1200 and not the 1250… everything is in the box
Is it possible to add a lemon 3 zone ride to this kit?
Yes
Great video! I know this is a long shot: I just bought an SD1250 from Musician's Friend. I love it, but the module refuses to accept transferred samples, both from the Simmons Wav Transfer program on my Win CPU, nor from the Simmons Advanced App on my Ipad. I've followed all requirements strictly. I've had brief contact with Simmons and emailed the samples to them, like they asked. No relief. I'm sure it's a corrupted firmware in the module. In your video I see you had the opportunity to download the SD1250 firmware from the website. I cannot find that firmware now (only the SD1200 firmware). Could you help me with that file? I'd believe it's a ".bin" file or .zip package. I have the updater software in place for it already. It would be "re-installing" the firmware like I pointed out to Simmons tech. He suggested trying to transfer a mono file?!?!? That's regrettable...
Sorry to hear that. I wish I knew how to solve the issue.
Pague por la que tenia 4 tambores y solo me mandaron un caja , debieron de haberme mandado otra caja aparte ?
The 1250 come in 1 box
The kit sounds good, but the kick pad looks to small to accommodate a double pedal.
Actually multiple people say that it does. I don’t play double but people do use it that way
Would you mind after hitting each part of the drums, zooming into the module to see what setting you have each part on? I like how yours sounds and I’m trying to match it.
I’m sorry friend… all I can tell you is that I’m at factory… it’s running to my DAW and there aren’t any effects. In the future, it’s something I may consider.
I have the Simmons sd7pk set and the kick, snare and tom2 is not working. It’s in the brain because when I switch the jacks around, the pads work. Any suggestions on what I can do to fix the problem? Thank you
Have you tried the firmware update? If you have and it doesn’t fix the issue contact Simmons and let them know. They’ll try to troubleshoot it and will likely get you a new module if necessary.
I don’t work for them. I just know they work hard to make things right
@@KeithronPowell I’ll give the update a try. Thanks for the reply.
Could you help me with learning how to record drums with a go pro and drum program?
I think the recording would be simple. It’s learning to edit the two together…. That depends on the video editing software you use. I have iMovie tutorials that can help you.
Hi! Does the module includes those famous 80's simmons sounds?
I think they do. I’m not a complete aficionado on the vintage sounds.
@@KeithronPowell thanks for your reply
anyone know if these can be connected to a PC to be used as a midi controller so the computer actually is the sound module?
Yes!!!
My question is this: how do you get the hi hat to closed only? Because I play a LOT of double bass.
You’d do it from the module or the app. It’s not difficult at all.
@@KeithronPowell How? I’ve tried everything, where do I go?
@@KeithronPowell What I mean is where in the module or app do I go?
@@BadEconomyOfficial hit the hi hat and change the sounds until you get to what you want. It’s in the module or the app. You can do it! I believe in you!
@@KeithronPowell Ok
Would this set be good for a gigging musician?
Absolutely! The key is the amplification system and EQ. Once you dial those in it’ll be fine
Honestly, Yamaha, Alesis, Simmons and even the smaller companies like ATV, all have modules out that are crushing Roland in the sounds department. Roland has chosen to embrace this overprocessed attack-heavy sound style and it sounds horrendous, I just don't get it. Roland still makes the best hardware when it comes to durability and trigger accuracy though. So I guess the ultimate setup would be to pair Roland pads and cymbals with any of the current non-Roland modules.
Wow. I can’t wait to get to try the Roland drums.. maybe one day next year I’ll expand.
Roland build quality is amazing. But to get a decent module you have to pend of lot of $$$ on a Roland.
How does this compare to the expanded 1200
It’s upgraded. The snare, cymbals, overall response we’re upgraded.
@@KeithronPowell so I’m just beginning drums and have been offered 1200 expanded for 600 or I’m going to get the 1250 for 1k, I’m on a slight budget do you think I should care about the slight upgrade for that much more or not really
@@KeithronPowell also sorry for so many questions I was going to ask how long do you think I could keep playing either of these kits
@@KeithronPowell also thanks for the great videos I really enjoy your personality and attitude good advice thanks
@@jackmayfield2701 I’d jump on the 1200 at that price.
Hey man great great review , I must say I felt the same way you do and I found the aleisis strike kit to be excellent as well , the second version anyways I’ve got an ad5 from Japan and I did a Stevie wonder cover with it , check it out and let me know what you think of the sounds if you get a chance , liked subbed and you got great content stay safe bro , peace
Will do and thanks
Everytime I get a new module I spend days making custom kits. Tweaking every little thing.
I have never made a custom set simply because of how I use it.
Great video, and info. You might want to encourage your viewers to like, share, and subscribe. It will help your awesome channel to grow.
You’re probably right. Lol 😂 I usually do it… but I think it’s at the end.