What are trigger inputs for?

HotdogLothario · 2023-02-15T22:45:12.057Z

What are trigger inputs and why are they useful? In a hypothetical scenario, one might be inclined to purchases a Vermona DRM1 MKIV drum synthesizer. For an extra $100, there is a version that includes trigger inputs. If you were to talk this person into the version with trigger inputs, what would you say?

hausland · 2023-02-15T22:48:11.202Z

I‘d be like „get that one. For only $100 more you get trigger inputs with it!”

…

darenager · 2023-02-15T22:54:55.919Z

Trigger inputs are useful if wanting to use it with gear with trigger outs, like modular and other hardware sequencers, or piezo drum pads.

If you don’t need them don’t bother, but if you do, do.

lowph · 2023-02-15T23:08:24.119Z

HotdogLothario:

If you were to talk this person into the version with trigger inputs, what would you say?

I would be like “hey person! you should read the manual before deciding whether you need trigger inputs”

And then I wouldn’t really make them read the manual… I would likely proceed to quoting the manual to make the decision easier:

Trigger Inputs (optional)

The DRM1 MKIV is available with optional trigger inputs. If your DRM1 MKIV sports the trigger-in option, please carry on reading.

The ten trigger inputs allow triggering the instrument channels of your DRM1 MKIV from a (usually analog) trigger sequencer.

The DRM accepts trigger signals between approx. 0.5V and 11V with a minimum duration of 10 ms. The instrument channels HI HAT 1 and HI HAT 2 both sport two trigger inputs – for open and closed hi-hat.

MIDI as well as analog triggers can be used simultaneously.

The analog trigger inputs can process dynamic triggers. That means, the incoming trigger levels control the level of the sounds generated by the DRM1 MKIV.

At the same time, the trigger signals
will be converted into MIDI note commands and velocity data, and transmitted via the MIDI Out socket and USB port

plicktzah · 2023-02-15T23:16:32.677Z

And didn’t you get exactly that from @lowph …?

Microtribe · 2023-02-16T01:39:31.058Z

Some gear has trigger inputs that work in a really cool way, eg the SH101. It will advance one step in the sequencer for each trigger it recieves at the trigger input.

Some gear like modular, has trigger inputs for things like envelopes, meaning you can trigger them independently of note triggers and get all kinds of funky stuff happening.

For a drum machine, its really just going to trigger that voice, on that hit for example. We do the same thing with midi.

As said, if you dont have any gear with trigger outputs, you dont need it. Having said that, if I was going to buy a DRM, id want the full monty.

Matthewsavant · 2023-02-16T02:01:27.576Z

Generally speaking Triggers are a slow pulse waveform and when the waveform hits the top of the threshold it sends out a signal (like a click) and it tells the input to “go” if you sent a trigger output to a trigger input it will sent a “go” signal to make it trigger

Some instances could be:

Upon trigger input the envelope starts
Upon trigger input it opens up the filter
Upon trigger input it triggers the drum module to start
Upon trigger input it starts the sequencer

Etc etc

Where as a gate signal (similarly) would “open” the gate (like a pulse wave with a different width)

I don’t know if that’s a good explanation I’m better at understanding things and applying them than explaining how it works

The analog rytm and analog four can send triggers which can be used for envelopes and drum modules etc

lowph · 2023-02-16T03:06:42.377Z

HotdogLothario:

Nah, I got attitude and a RTFM lecture on a instrument that I don’t own.

I didn’t give any attitude. I don’t own it either, but the manual is on the internet and it’s free!

Sorry if it seemed condescending. I hope you can now make an informed decision. Good luck out there!

HotdogLothario · 2023-02-16T04:16:22.365Z

Appreciate the info, @Microtribe and @Matthewsavant. It was helpful!

Schnork · 2023-02-16T04:23:58.817Z

Microtribe:

For a drum machine, its really just going to trigger that voice, on that hit for example. We do the same thing with midi.

With the difference that trigger inputs most of the time aren‘t dynamic/velocity sensitivity. Although some drum machines and some modules do have dynamic trigger ins (higher voltage=more velocity). DRM1 Mk4 offers velocity via midi and trigger inputs. The Mk3 has only midi velocity IIRC.

protrusion · 2023-02-16T04:57:17.833Z

Microtribe:

Some gear has trigger inputs that work in a really cool way, eg the SH101. It will advance one step in the sequencer for each trigger it recieves at the trigger input.

I really like this feature. Ensoniq Mirage’s very basic built-in sequencer does this too. And since its sequencer can have a few patterns in memory & stored to disk, it can be fun for live performance.

It’s a nice way to enter the notes you want, but have their rhythm remain undetermined/TBD.

Now that I think about it, it’s really pretty hard to replicate this when it’s not specifically supported.

JP-8000 mimicked this behavior over MIDI or local keys. It allowing incoming notes or the lower keyboard split to act as trigger. So you could hold keys on the right split but play their rhythm with the left, or send incoming notes on like channel 11 to trigger the keys you’re actually holding. (don’t quote me on that)

Oberheim Matrix-6/6R also has a trigger input that conventionally would be used for a sustain pedal, but can also be used to reset envelopes & LFOs, as mentioned above by @matthewsavant and @Microtribe et al