Drum Triggers Vs Mics: Key Differences In Details

drum triggers vs mics

We will help you clearly distinguish the pros and cons of drum triggers vs Mics in a detailed and complete way. Read it now for details!

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#1. Drum Triggers Vs Mics: Comparison Table

Drum triggers Mics
Features
  • Control the electronic drum by attaching the trigger to the drum
  • Converts sound into an electrical signal
Designed for
  • Electronic drums or similar devices
  • Record
Pros
  • Make recordings clearer
  • Live drum sound enhancement
  • Real-time audio control
Cons
  • Generates unwanted patterns
  • Noisy background sounds can be captured

#2. What Is The Difference Between Drum Triggers Vs Mics?

The drum trigger acts as a microphone when receiving the sound and then sending the sound to the source.

However, there is still a specific difference between a microphone and a trigger.

Feature

The triggers are the solution for drummers to increase volume and improve graininess. This device will enhance performance, and repeat visits are faster.

This device even helps players reduce stress on the lower back because it only requires you to step on the trigger lightly.

The microphone is a device that helps to record sharp and loud sounds. In some cases, if you do not set up the microphone correctly, the resulting sound will not be what you expect.

Sound characteristics

The triggers create sounds specifically for metal drums. Some metal drummers even mix sample sounds of stimuli with raw sounds.

From there, the artist can create melodies that carry the power of the sample sound, and the balance is quite impressive.

Meanwhile, the microphone gives the ability to work and create complex sounds.

With a microphone, you can precisely capture the desired frequency range at recording, recording intricate sounds.

So, you don’t have to spend too much effort on processing in post-production.

Recording ability

Triggers are only suitable for use with drums instead of cymbals. Therefore, to fully record, you will have to find a microphone.

As for the trigger, you can use this device to monitor Rock, Toms, and Snare.

You’ll be recording the sound from these devices using a microphone. And the trigger joins the process by adding more layers to your recording.

Usage environment

You’ll often see artists using a trigger every time they perform live. Meanwhile, not many artists use this equipment in a professional studio.

In contrast, the microphone is an indispensable device when recording.

It can also appear right in the home studio to deliver high-quality sound that looks like it came from a real studio.

#3. Drum Triggers Vs Mics: Which One Is Best For You?

With the above advantages and disadvantages, it is not difficult to understand that the purposes and mics are different:

Drum triggers

The product has relatively high applicability. This device can trigger previously recorded patterns. You can use this device to overcome the potential problems that using the microphone brings.

In addition, the device also makes it possible to play the drums with less effort.

For example, with a trigger, you don’t have to use too much force to get the volume you want. Instead, you can have an impressive performance without undue stress on your lower back.

Although it offers many advantages, this device is not an option that often appears in the studio. There is quite a bit of controversy on this issue.

Mainly revolves around the sound from the device is not natural, or the processed sound has no realism.

In live performances, a trigger is a device that can deliver tight performance.

Mics

Anyone who has worked with drums understands the importance of mics.

A high-quality mic set will allow players to tune the sound to specific details.

Mics are also powerful tools for amplifying clear and crisp sound.

With the microphone, you can create studio-quality recordings right at home.

Mics are also indispensable devices in live performances. When playing music, sounds coming from many different sources will affect the clarity of each one.

Therefore, setting up one or two microphones per one is necessary. This way, you can isolate the sound of each type and control reverb and EQ.

#4. FAQs

Why do drummers use triggers?

Drummers use triggers to control electronic drums. Usually, drummers attach this electronic transducer to drums or similar instruments.

Are triggers cheating?

Using a stimulus is not cheating. Because even though you are a natural sound loyalist, in reality, all sounds are not as honest as you expect.

Every sound you create has to go through amplification and change. Therefore, using a stimulus is just one of the ways for you to do the above.

Can you record with drum triggers?

You can use the trigger when recording anywhere, achieving the desired results.

Is the velocity of the trigger sensitive?

The trigger has a sound preferences feature, which helps you set the device’s sensitivity. You can get the sensitivity you need when playing any instrument with the trigger.

What are drum triggers used for?

The function of a trigger is to control electronic drums or similar percussion devices. You can also use this device to save effort every time you perform.

How many mics do you need?

You should record drum sounds with at least two mics.

With two mics, you can easily set up but still be able to keep track of the drums.

The downside to this setup is that you can hardly get loud with toms sounds.

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