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Upgrade to a Yamaha EAD10 drum/mic module worth it?

eric_B

eric_B

Senior Member
For small/simple gigs and (band) practice, I have a small setup:
  • a kick mic
  • 1 (condensor) overhead mic
  • small Mackie Mix8 mixer. It has 2 mic inputs and 2 stereo inputs+tape in for FOH, MP3 player/smartphone, click, etc.
  • IEMs
That is working perfectly fine but I've been thinking if upgrading to a Yamaha EAD10 would be worth it.
For 2 (main) reasons: a (even more) simple setup without need for a mic stand and getting a stereo capture.

Any thoughts?
 
There are many threads and videos on the EAD10 and liver performances. I looked at it a while ago but the consensus seems to be that there can be bleed through from other instruments and the balance with close cymbals is problematic...must get the cymbals placed right to balance the sound. Here is one thread, but if you search for videos on Youtube and search google for EAD10 and live gigs you will find others.

Yamaha EAD10

Using the Yamaha EAD10. Time of the season is played on a Yamaha Hybrid Maple kit using scene Arena https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk-LvSbvNpw Does anybody really know what time it is played on a Yamaha Stage Custom bop kit scene studio reverb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPHdzCh2giU
www.drummerworld.com



ead10 for live gigs - Search Videos

www.bing.com www.bing.com

My thoughts:

1. It does not take less set up time than an overhead with mic stand and a mic inside the bass drum. You still need to set up the module and the sensor.
2. From what I have read it does not sound as good as good mics.
3. Less control over placement for balancing the sound.


I also use in-ears but everything goes through the PA (Allen and Heath CQ20b) so I do not use a drum specific mixer. I typically supply the mixer and do sound for the band so using a kick mic, snare mic and overhead gives me full control of my drum sound.
 
Ironjim55 said:
There are many threads and videos on the EAD10 and liver performances. I looked at it a while ago but the consensus seems to be that there can be bleed through from other instruments and the balance with close cymbals is problematic...must get the cymbals placed right to balance the sound. Here is one thread, but if you search for videos on Youtube and search google for EAD10 and live gigs you will find others.

Yamaha EAD10

Using the Yamaha EAD10. Time of the season is played on a Yamaha Hybrid Maple kit using scene Arena https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk-LvSbvNpw Does anybody really know what time it is played on a Yamaha Stage Custom bop kit scene studio reverb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPHdzCh2giU
www.drummerworld.com



ead10 for live gigs - Search Videos

www.bing.com www.bing.com

My thoughts:

1. It does not take less set up time than an overhead with mic stand and a mic inside the bass drum. You still need to set up the module and the sensor.
2. From what I have read it does not sound as good as good mics.
3. Less control over placement for balancing the sound.


I also use in-ears but everything goes through the PA (Allen and Heath CQ20b) so I do not use a drum specific mixer. I typically supply the mixer and do sound for the band so using a kick mic, snare mic and overhead gives me full control of my drum sound.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.

I've watched and read some reviews of the EAD10 and they seem pretty positive but I wonder if it would be much better than my current setup.
I realise the module offers a lot more functionality than just miking drums but I won't buy it for that. The bleed and sound balance could be an issue as well.
And it isn't exactly priced as an impulse buy.
Looks like I'm not sold on it yet...
 
Not many EAD10 users out there?

For now, I think I'll stick to my current simple setup.
If I want more mic channels (for another overhead or snare mic), I could upgrade to a Mackie Mix12 or similar and save quite some cash.
Also, the EAD10 has been around since 2017 so maybe an updated version might appear.

I'll keep the EAD10 on my 'maybe one day...' list ;)
 
I'm an EAD10 user but not for gigging. I use it for home practice and for me it's been a game changer. With a good set of isolation headphones, I have better control of the volume, allowing me to hear my drums and any backing tracks I'm playing through the module. The effects are nice, although some are a bit over the top. What I really like about the module is the ability to record myself playing along to drumless backing tracks. This has really helped me to critique my playing.
 
charliedrummer said:
I'm an EAD10 user but not for gigging. I use it for home practice and for me it's been a game changer. With a good set of isolation headphones, I have better control of the volume, allowing me to hear my drums and any backing tracks I'm playing through the module. The effects are nice, although some are a bit over the top. What I really like about the module is the ability to record myself playing along to drumless backing tracks. This has really helped me to critique my playing.
Click to expand...
I have an EAD10, and my usage mirrors charliedrummer.
It's a blast to play and record using the various effects.
 
eric_B said:
For small/simple gigs and (band) practice, I have a small setup:
  • a kick mic
  • 1 (condensor) overhead mic
  • small Mackie Mix8 mixer. It has 2 mic inputs and 2 stereo inputs+tape in for FOH, MP3 player/smartphone, click, etc.
  • IEMs
That is working perfectly fine but I've been thinking if upgrading to a Yamaha EAD10 would be worth it.
For 2 (main) reasons: a (even more) simple setup without need for a mic stand and getting a stereo capture.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

In my humble opinion if you need a quick and dirty way to improve the inclusion of drums into a performance mix, the EAD10 can be a very simple solution. How does it compare to setting up a kick mic, snare mic, and over head mic (essentially what the EAD10 really captures well), well the obvious differences with individual mic-ing you get better definition in the mix and can isolate and control the sound of instruments specifically mic'd. Point for separate mics for sound quality and instrument differentiation. However, if you position the mic array properly (and that isn't universal, you have to find what works for you in placement depending on how you set up your kit) you will be able to capture all acoustic instruments of your kit, and be able to universally apply EFX to all instruments equally. Point EAD10 for ease of set up if you preset all of the functions in advance of a gig and you just recall those settings. Physical set up is easier than a mic because it doesn't require a separate stand, it has one and whether you mount the module, the mic array, or both, you likely have the equipment already. Instrument bleed is a thing with the EAD. It is also a thing with mics. It all depends on the sonic volume and how you isolate either mics or the EAD from that sonic volume is how well it will perform. If you work with in ears exclusively it is PHENOMENAL. If you do both in ears and monitors it is pretty good. And if you ONLY use monitors, it can still work, you just have to dial in the gain appropriately so it is harder to pick up bleed from other instruments.
I use it all the time live. I use it all the time in rehearsal. With very little practice you can get your kit into the mix with little effort and the more you do it the easier it gets. I learn something new about it every time I use it. It has weaknesses. Yamaha deliberately limited the number of inputs and didn't add high hat pedal functionality because they sell competing ealquipment that does that specifically. (DTX eDrums etc.) I think that Yamaha could have corner the market if they would have added those to elements, and then if they added the ability to sample and loop, it would compete with the Roland SPD SX Pro as well as the DTX Multi 12 and the Alesis Strike Pad Pro. But that would steal thunder from the DTX Multi 12 and the DTX eDrums.

Overall if you need a reliable way to amplify or mix your drums and you use in ear monitors exclusively and quickly, it is unmatched for ease of use, quality of sound, and fun factor.
 
airsmunch1 said:
In my humble opinion if you need a quick and dirty way to improve the inclusion of drums into a performance mix, the EAD10 can be a very simple solution. How does it compare to setting up a kick mic, snare mic, and over head mic (essentially what the EAD10 really captures well), well the obvious differences with individual mic-ing you get better definition in the mix and can isolate and control the sound of instruments specifically mic'd. Point for separate mics for sound quality and instrument differentiation. However, if you position the mic array properly (and that isn't universal, you have to find what works for you in placement depending on how you set up your kit) you will be able to capture all acoustic instruments of your kit, and be able to universally apply EFX to all instruments equally. Point EAD10 for ease of set up if you preset all of the functions in advance of a gig and you just recall those settings. Physical set up is easier than a mic because it doesn't require a separate stand, it has one and whether you mount the module, the mic array, or both, you likely have the equipment already. Instrument bleed is a thing with the EAD. It is also a thing with mics. It all depends on the sonic volume and how you isolate either mics or the EAD from that sonic volume is how well it will perform. If you work with in ears exclusively it is PHENOMENAL. If you do both in ears and monitors it is pretty good. And if you ONLY use monitors, it can still work, you just have to dial in the gain appropriately so it is harder to pick up bleed from other instruments.
I use it all the time live. I use it all the time in rehearsal. With very little practice you can get your kit into the mix with little effort and the more you do it the easier it gets. I learn something new about it every time I use it. It has weaknesses. Yamaha deliberately limited the number of inputs and didn't add high hat pedal functionality because they sell competing ealquipment that does that specifically. (DTX eDrums etc.) I think that Yamaha could have corner the market if they would have added those to elements, and then if they added the ability to sample and loop, it would compete with the Roland SPD SX Pro as well as the DTX Multi 12 and the Alesis Strike Pad Pro. But that would steal thunder from the DTX Multi 12 and the DTX eDrums.

Overall if you need a reliable way to amplify or mix your drums and you use in ear monitors exclusively and quickly, it is unmatched for ease of use, quality of sound, and fun factor.
Click to expand...
Great, thanks for your feedback!
 
airsmunch1 said:
In my humble opinion if you need a quick and dirty way to improve the inclusion of drums into a performance mix, the EAD10 can be a very simple solution. How does it compare to setting up a kick mic, snare mic, and over head mic (essentially what the EAD10 really captures well), well the obvious differences with individual mic-ing you get better definition in the mix and can isolate and control the sound of instruments specifically mic'd. Point for separate mics for sound quality and instrument differentiation. However, if you position the mic array properly (and that isn't universal, you have to find what works for you in placement depending on how you set up your kit) you will be able to capture all acoustic instruments of your kit, and be able to universally apply EFX to all instruments equally. Point EAD10 for ease of set up if you preset all of the functions in advance of a gig and you just recall those settings. Physical set up is easier than a mic because it doesn't require a separate stand, it has one and whether you mount the module, the mic array, or both, you likely have the equipment already. Instrument bleed is a thing with the EAD. It is also a thing with mics. It all depends on the sonic volume and how you isolate either mics or the EAD from that sonic volume is how well it will perform. If you work with in ears exclusively it is PHENOMENAL. If you do both in ears and monitors it is pretty good. And if you ONLY use monitors, it can still work, you just have to dial in the gain appropriately so it is harder to pick up bleed from other instruments.
I use it all the time live. I use it all the time in rehearsal. With very little practice you can get your kit into the mix with little effort and the more you do it the easier it gets. I learn something new about it every time I use it. It has weaknesses. Yamaha deliberately limited the number of inputs and didn't add high hat pedal functionality because they sell competing ealquipment that does that specifically. (DTX eDrums etc.) I think that Yamaha could have corner the market if they would have added those to elements, and then if they added the ability to sample and loop, it would compete with the Roland SPD SX Pro as well as the DTX Multi 12 and the Alesis Strike Pad Pro. But that would steal thunder from the DTX Multi 12 and the DTX eDrums.

Overall if you need a reliable way to amplify or mix your drums and you use in ear monitors exclusively and quickly, it is unmatched for ease of use, quality of sound, and fun factor.
Click to expand...
Ok, here is only one way to know if I like the EAD10 and that is to try it myself!
I can afford it, you only live once, etc. so I'll order it.
Should I really don't like it then I can return it without any costs so no risk involved.
 
airsmunch1 said:
In my humble opinion if you need a quick and dirty way to improve the inclusion of drums into a performance mix, the EAD10 can be a very simple solution. How does it compare to setting up a kick mic, snare mic, and over head mic (essentially what the EAD10 really captures well), well the obvious differences with individual mic-ing you get better definition in the mix and can isolate and control the sound of instruments specifically mic'd. Point for separate mics for sound quality and instrument differentiation. However, if you position the mic array properly (and that isn't universal, you have to find what works for you in placement depending on how you set up your kit) you will be able to capture all acoustic instruments of your kit, and be able to universally apply EFX to all instruments equally. Point EAD10 for ease of set up if you preset all of the functions in advance of a gig and you just recall those settings. Physical set up is easier than a mic because it doesn't require a separate stand, it has one and whether you mount the module, the mic array, or both, you likely have the equipment already. Instrument bleed is a thing with the EAD. It is also a thing with mics. It all depends on the sonic volume and how you isolate either mics or the EAD from that sonic volume is how well it will perform. If you work with in ears exclusively it is PHENOMENAL. If you do both in ears and monitors it is pretty good. And if you ONLY use monitors, it can still work, you just have to dial in the gain appropriately so it is harder to pick up bleed from other instruments.
I use it all the time live. I use it all the time in rehearsal. With very little practice you can get your kit into the mix with little effort and the more you do it the easier it gets. I learn something new about it every time I use it. It has weaknesses. Yamaha deliberately limited the number of inputs and didn't add high hat pedal functionality because they sell competing ealquipment that does that specifically. (DTX eDrums etc.) I think that Yamaha could have corner the market if they would have added those to elements, and then if they added the ability to sample and loop, it would compete with the Roland SPD SX Pro as well as the DTX Multi 12 and the Alesis Strike Pad Pro. But that would steal thunder from the DTX Multi 12 and the DTX eDrums.

Overall if you need a reliable way to amplify or mix your drums and you use in ear monitors exclusively and quickly, it is unmatched for ease of use, quality of sound, and fun factor.
Click to expand...
I guess the difference between the EAD and individual mics is that (and I am not sure about this so take it with a grain of salt) the difference is that the mics on the EAD10 are probably more omnidirectional (meaning their capture pattern is from all directions) while other mics have a much smaller capture pattern which is specifically designed to prevent bleeding from other sources as much as possible. You can see that in action for example on some mics used by streamers. When they speak directly in front of the mic, their voice is clear, but if they turn their head it goes way down in volume basically because the mic only covers a very small pattern.
This illustrates what I am talking about:
www.thepodcasthost.com

Microphone Polar Patterns: Which Mic to Choose & How to Use

Microphone polar patterns are settings that determine the area a mic will focus on when recording sound. Here, we walk you through them.
www.thepodcasthost.com www.thepodcasthost.com
 
eric_B said:
Ok, here is only one way to know if I like the EAD10 and that is to try it myself!
I can afford it, you only live once, etc. so I'll order it.
Should I really don't like it then I can return it without any costs so no risk involved.
Click to expand...

This was going to be my advice. There's no shame in trying it and returning it if you don't like it.
 
I've used my EAD10 on smaller gigs (small rooms/clubs) and it's worked perfectly. VERY simple setup, and the sound guys always liked it. I never had the bleed/feedback issues.

These days I mostly use it in my rehearsal room (with in-ears and a Porter & Davies Gigster) and love it. I run it through a small mixer and plug my phone and click/DB-90 into their own channels, so I can practice along to whatever songs I'm learning.

This guy has a similar setup, which he uses for live gigs (he touches on the feedback issue in part 2). Very slick.

Part 1:

Part 2:
 
heartbeat said:
I've used my EAD10 on smaller gigs (small rooms/clubs) and it's worked perfectly. VERY simple setup, and the sound guys always liked it. I never had the bleed/feedback issues.

These days I mostly use it in my rehearsal room (with in-ears and a Porter & Davies Gigster) and love it. I run it through a small mixer and plug my phone and click/DB-90 into their own channels, so I can practice along to whatever songs I'm learning.

This guy has a similar setup, which he uses for live gigs (he touches on the feedback issue in part 2). Very slick.

Part 1:

Part 2:
Click to expand...
Thanks for your feedback, also for linking those videos, great to have them in this thread.
I remember watching them in the past and also thinking it's a great portable setup.

My EAD10 is on its way, I'm expecting it end of the week and looking forward to try it out!
I recently pulled my Gretsch gigging kit out off its bags and set it up with fresh new heads, preparing for an upcoming gig.
 
Just received the EAD10! Today I could only set it up and do a quick test if it is working.
The 1st impression is pretty good and setting it up is really easy and quick.
As others posted, the plastic module doesn't scream pro quality but seems OK and the metal mic module feels nice and solid.
Looking forward to try it out properly tomorrow!

IMG_6458.jpg
 

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So I got to play with the EAD10 today and the experience was really great!

It captures my kit (a fairly standard 5-piece with hats, a ride and 2 crashes) perfectly, without any issues.
I thought the effects would be a gimmick and I have little use for drumkits like Psyche, WowWoW or Mars Dance.
But being able to add some reverb and compression on the fly - or heavy gated reverb ;-) - actually is pretty cool and made me want to play a lot of songs again.
So that's only a good thing!
It also has some stock kits which sound decent (after some tweaking or mixing with my acoustic kit).
Although I'll probably mainly use it as a drum mic, not an e-kit module.

Soundwise the mics will not outperform nor offer the flexibility and adjustability of my fully mic'ed up home studio Renown kit.
Nor a setup with a good kick mic and 2 good (positioned) overheads.
But for a quick and compact setup with good sound, effects and quite some features - after 7 years on the market - this still is a great and unique setup for practice and performing.
So it's a keeper!

I want to look into setting up a rig with the EAD10 module, small mixer and tablet stand so I have all devices I need for practice and gigs on one board.
I'll update this thread with my progress.
 
I decided to use the EAD10 for band practice today and it worked great (obviously I'm a lefty ;) - and don't pay attention to the rehearsal room's crappy cymbals):

IMG_6471.jpg

Some thoughts:
  • A music stand would work quite well to put the EAD10 / mixer / tablet pedal board rig on.
  • The tablet needs to be closest to me, so on the left of the board.
  • I had more trouble installing the mic module of the EAD10 on the kickdrum of the Pearl kit because of the grooves in the hoop:
1750442984447.png

Yamaha does provide pads to fill up the gaps but I hadn't brought them.​
So I 'MacGyvered' some pads from stuff in my drum utility bag and the mic stayed put without problems.​
  • Because not all instruments were going into the main mixer, I would not get a full mix send. So I didn't use my isolating custom IEM's but a set of Shure SE215. Combining the live bleeding of the SE215 with the sound picked up by the EAD10 mics, it provided me enough feedback to hear everyone.
    Usually at band practice I just wear earprotection so don't use IEMs anyway.
  • The band was excited about the EAD10 as well, they hadn't seen it before and are looking forward to trying it out next gig.
    One of their previous drummers always brought a full set of mics, stands, cables, a big mixer, etc and needed at least an additional half hour to set everything up.
    So they like this simple setup a lot better.
So, time to start building the pedal board rig!
 
Neilage said:
Are you not using the triggers?

usa.yamaha.com

DT-50S - Overview - Yamaha USA

Dual-trigger snare that facilitates complete isolation between head and rim for dual-zone triggering
usa.yamaha.com usa.yamaha.com
Click to expand...
No, I tried one and it works fine, but I want to use the EAD10 for quick and easy mic'ing up an acoustic kit, not adding e-kit sounds or samples.
I already own a sampler pad which works even better for that.
But it gets little use these days as my current band doesn't need it and it is another piece of gear to move around and set up.
 
I was doing some testing and started considering if I need a mixer.
Without it, I could use a smaller rig board and wouldn't really need the power supply nor several other stuff.

The EAD10 has an aux in with volume control so I can feed it a line from the main mixer (or tablet as in the picture) and set levels for my drums and the external feed:

IMG_6496.jpg

It is basic - a proper mixer would offer EQ and additional features - but this keeps it simple, which was my goal.
I think I'll try this setup first, I can always expand to a wider board and add the mixer later.
 
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