SD3 Main Stereo Output too low

[Drum Dude]

When using SD3, usually as a plug-in within Logic Pro X, I have a strange problem with low volume levels, that occurs each time I load up the software.

The default main stereo output for each kit (regardless of the kit that I am using) is very low/quiet, when I trigger the samples by playing them on my Roland V-drums pads.  I can compensate by cranking up the main stereo out level for the kit, but then I see clipping in the SD3 Logic track, when I strike the V drum with a stick.

If I use my mouse to trigger a drum/ cymbal from the drumkit view of SD3 on the computer screen, the sample is played much louder, in the default setting.

What setting might be the problem, that results in a default low kit stereo out volume when played with edrum pads?

Thanks!

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.1.7
Operating system: macOS Catalina (10.15)

Topic

[Bear-Faced Cow]

Sounds like you need to adjust the sensitivity of your drums to your playing style in order to produce the appropriate MIDI velocities. Your hardest hit should generate a velocity of 127. Following that, you might want to further fine tune it the velocity map in the MIDI/e-Drum Settings (and save it).

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[Drum Dude]

Great advice; thanks!  🙂

[AlBob]

I see no comment about this being resolved for Drumdude, so I’ll add my piece. I’m using a TD-20X through a Presonus Audiobox USB96 and although I’ve adjusted my trigger sensitivities and checked that I’m getting 127 on a full hit within SPD 3 on the envelope – the ouput back to my headphones or main out to my QSC K12’s is LOW. If I adjust the mixer in SPD3 or the main volume to get more ouput, it distorts the signal.

I’ve started to work on adding compression as needed but I’ve got to say, it’s not what I was expecting. Using SPD3 straight out of the box with the Presonus is not an option to replace my native TD20 sounds at the moment – I wouldn’t produce enough volume for a live gig and it’s actually pretty useless with headphones as well. Pissed.

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.2.3
Operating system: Windows 10

[Mark King]

SD3 has a large more realistic dynamic range than the td20. I have a td20 and td30 and the internal sounds are compressed and the sounds are frankly awful.  I never use them even for practice.  I play SD3 through headphones with a decent audio interface and I get plenty of level without distorting.

The module is very forgiving for wrong trigger settings but SD3 is not. First thing is to get the triggers set correctly. That doesn’t mean you have to belt as hard as you can for 127. I set mine with how I would expect to hit an acoustic snare for a good level. Same goes for everything else. Once you do this SD3 will respond much better. If you are used to a more compressed sound as supposed to how real drums sound then change the velocity curves to suite.

SD3 with older sdx,s plus Rooms of Hansa and Death & Darkness. Cubase and wavelab current versions. Roland TD50x using all trigger inputs for triggering SD3 only. Windows 11 computer. Various keyboards and outboard gear as well as VST instruments. Acoustic drums: Yamaha 9000 natural wood and Pearl masters. Various snare drums. RME BabyFace Pro FS and Adam A7X monitors

[AlBob]

Hello Mark. I’m interested in how you define a “wrong” trigger setting? My trigger sensitivity averages 5-6 across the pads which is where it needs to be to achieve the 127 level at the highest stick velocity – but the majority of my playing would probably be generating a signal around the 90 level. I’m not “belting as hard as I can” to get 127. I’m generally pretty soft on a kit but if you are trying to get the total achievable volume from the system, you obviously need to get to 127 with your hardest hits. With my current equipment this is not producing a usable volume and obviously it could be a range of things, at this point I’m trying to see if other people have experienced and /or fixed this problem.

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.2.3
Operating system: Windows 10

[Mark King]

Not sure how to help as you say it distorts if you turn up SD3 which implies it is overloading your amplifier. That being the case it would be loud so I’m lost to what the problem is.

SD3 with older sdx,s plus Rooms of Hansa and Death & Darkness. Cubase and wavelab current versions. Roland TD50x using all trigger inputs for triggering SD3 only. Windows 11 computer. Various keyboards and outboard gear as well as VST instruments. Acoustic drums: Yamaha 9000 natural wood and Pearl masters. Various snare drums. RME BabyFace Pro FS and Adam A7X monitors

[gary wood]

Are you using USB Audio output from your Vdrums?

If so, have you adjusted/increased the USB input gain?

Heres a good video for initial setup of Vdrums with SD3

cheers

1

Thanked by: AlBob

[AlBob]

Thanks for your help/advice. The problem was of my making – not a problem with superior drummer. I hadn’t paid proper attention to the mixing control on the front of my USB96 and I was mixing some of the SPD3 signal with a dead signal from the front input jacks. Dumb mistake and I’m embaressed to have made it, but that’s life.

[Author]

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