Yamaha DTX6K5-M: What is it?
The DTX6K5-M is the latest addition to the DTX6 electronic drum set range and the first to feature mesh pads rather than Yamaha’s own TCS (Textured Cellular Silicone) heads.
The series line-up includes four kits of various configurations; all powered by the DTX Pro module. The ‘K5-M’ boasts the largest diameter drum and cymbal pads of the bunch, including a 12” snare, 3x 10” toms, a 7.5” kick pad, 13” hi-hats, 2x 13” crashes and a 15” ride.
By comparison, the DTX6K3-X which is the most closely related kit setup, features a smaller 8” snare, 7” toms and only a 13” ride pad.
The remaining two models - the DTX6K2-X and DTX6K-X - both feature more basic rubber tom pads, with the latter utilising a fixed hi-hat pad and remote control pedal rather than the more premium two-part pads mounted to a hi-hat stand system. A Yamaha hi-hat stand is included with the K5-M, although a bass drum pedal, throne and drummer-specific headphones or a personal monitor or speaker will still be additional purchases on top of the kit (and of course a pair of sticks!).
The DTX Pro module comes complete with 70 pre-installed kit presets from a total of 700 available voices, plus room for 200 user-created kits. The in-built sounds are a mixture of high quality electronic and acoustic samples, many of which are sampled from Yamaha’s own vast array of renowned acoustic drums.
The latest version 2.0 firmware update for example, brings an array of Recording Custom samples in addition to new functions including cymbal EQ, kit bleed, hi-hat pitch up and USB trigger link.
Despite the larger pads, I found the the DTX6K5-M kit is still of a relatively compact nature, taking up approximately 1.4 metres width by 1.1 metres depth with the pads mounted to the four-poster rack.
Yamaha’s choice to mount the module on the right-hand side of the rack rather than the usual left goes a long way towards minimising kit depth due to the full hi-hat stand setup. The whole kit can also be reduced to a compact rectangle when not in use by angling the drum pads vertically and folding the frame together. This could be ideal for drummers who are short on space, but still yearn for acoustic-like dimensions.
Yamaha DTX6K5-M: Performance & verdict
In practice, the kit is a joy to play, helped enormously by the fantastic samples on board the DTX Pro module. A good balance between natural and processed sounds has been struck throughout kit presets, providing a satisfying level of playability straight out of the box. There's also a deep level of customisation available when it comes to effects units, EQ, ambience and voice layering.
Remarkably the DTX Pro is capable of layering up to four individual samples - one more than Roland’s flagship V71 module. This gives drummers the option to blend multiple snare sounds together for instance, or mix electronic and acoustic sounds. Another example that I found works particularly well is adding a bass drum sample to the floor tom for some extra heft. Each layer can also be customised by velocity, meaning that each element is triggered only when struck at a chosen volume. Clever stuff.
Each of the mesh drum pads is dual-zone, enabling separate head and rim triggering, while the cymbals are each triple-zone (bell, bow and edge). This goes a long way to bridging the gap between electric and acoustic drums, taking us a step closer to feeling like we’re playing the real deal. There’s also loads of room for pad expansion with a capacity of up to 14 trigger inputs.
The DTX-Pro is capable of layering up to four individual samples - one more than Roland’s flagship V71 module
Visually the module looks a little basic, largely due to the minuscule LCD screen. However, a multitude of rotary dials allow for quick edits. These include the ‘kit modifier’ controls (ambience, comp and effect) and volume pots for master, aux input and click, in addition to physical controls for the click without having to delve into menus. The DTX Pro also allows app control via the DTX Touch app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.
Through a USB connection, every parameter of the module can be controlled from a phone or tablet, providing an easy to use touch interface on a large screen. I found that this saved me a ton of time whilst browsing through kits, sounds and effects.
While on the subject of apps, the DTX Pro is also compatible with Yamaha’s Rec N’ Share app, which makes recording video extremely user friendly - automatically syncing video and audio without the need for complicated video software. Ideal for budding YouTubers.
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Yamaha DTX6K5-M: Specification
- Configuration: 12” snare, 3x10” toms, 7.5” kick pad, 13” hi-hats, 2x13” crashes, 15” ride. Room to expand to a maximum of 14 trigger inputs.
- Module: DTX Pro module
- Stock kits: 70
- User kits: 200
- Voices: 700
- App control: Yes
- Built in effects: Yes
- Sample import: Yes
- Sample layering: Up to four voices
- Independent master and phones EQ: Yes
- Latest firmware: Version 2.0 firmware with new samples, cymbal EQ, kit bleed, hi-hat pitch up and USB trigger link.
- Contact: Yamaha
