Report Abuse

“I've had the Session Pro DD505 for about two months...”

Written on: 12/05/2009 by bodydebit (1 review written)

Good Points
Price, weight, dual-zone pads

Bad Points
Sensitivity very low, USB connectivity questionable, unable to use any custom sounds without connecting to a PC with a low-latency MIDI interface, lack of room for expansion.

General Comments
I've had the Session Pro DD505 for about two months now. As a practise tool - brilliant. There are some actually surprisingly good sounds loaded onto this module, which is actually more intuitive to program than some I've used (I'm looking at you, Roland!) mainly thanks to the game-like layout of the various pads on the control console.

Everything about this kit is great (doubly so for it's price) with the following exceptions:

1. Though the pads feel very good, they aren't particularly sensitive. This is particularly true of the high-hat pad, which is a piece of rubbish, and the first thing that will be replaced on mine. The dual-zone triggers on the cymbals are a little weak too, and often don't trigger as intended. This isn't really a problem for practising, but might be a little embarrasing at a gig, should you use it for that (if you do, you're brave)

2. You can't load custom samples. I would have thought that an SD card reader (or similar) would be a good addition to this brain, though it is on the cheap side of things. To get a totally custom sounds, you need to use the MIDI out and run to another unit. Better off getting a new head.

3. USB connectivity lags about 15ms. Not the end of the world, but the end f being able to use it play live.

4. No option to add more pads.

Otherwise, it's really good for the price. And doesn't weigh so much - which is brilliant for drummers on the move.