What is the Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor?

It is an electronic trigger system that attaches to a standard hi-hat stand to capture nuanced playing techniques. It translates physical movements into digital signals for use with Sensory Percussion software.

Do I need a specific hi-hat stand to use this sensor?

No, the sensor is designed to work with your existing acoustic hi-hat stand. This allows you to maintain the familiar feel and tension of your own hardware.

What playing techniques does the sensor capture?

It captures a full range of techniques including tight closed sounds, loose open textures, foot splashes, and chick sounds. The multi-zone sensing ensures that strikes on different parts of the cymbal are registered accurately.

Does this sensor produce its own sound?

No, the sensor itself is a controller. It triggers sounds located within the included Sensory Percussion software library, which must be run on a computer.

What types of sounds are included in the library?

The library covers a broad spectrum from traditional acoustic cymbal sounds to experimental and unusual tones. This variety makes it suitable for various genres and performance styles.

Can I customise the sounds triggered by the sensor?

Yes, the Sensory Percussion software allows you to shape and customise sounds. You can adjust presets to better suit your individual playing style or specific project needs.

Is this sensor suitable for live performance?

Yes, it is designed for live use, offering consistent and accurate response. Its ability to access a wide palette of sounds makes it a flexible tool for stage drummers.

How does it compare to standard electronic hi-hat pads?

Unlike most all-in-one rubber pads, this sensor uses your actual hi-hat stand. This provides a more realistic mechanical feel and allows for more detailed detection of traditional drumming techniques.

What other gear is recommended for use with this sensor?

It is ideal when paired with EVANS Hybrid systems or low-volume cymbal packs. It functions as part of a larger hybrid drumming ecosystem.

Does the sensor support multi-zone triggering?

Yes, it features detailed sensing across multiple zones. This allows the software to trigger different samples or sound variations depending on where the hi-hat is struck.

What is the typical price for this hi-hat sensor?

The typical price for the Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor is approximately £309. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Can I use this for quiet practice?

Yes, when used with low-volume cymbals or as a standalone electronic controller, it is an excellent tool for quiet practice. It allows the drummer to hear high-quality sounds through headphones while maintaining physical technique.

Gear article

Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor

The Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor is a specialised electronic drum trigger designed to integrate with standard acoustic hi-hat stands to provide nuanced, multi-zone control. It allows drummers to retain the physical feel of their own hardware while triggering a vast library of sounds through the Sensory Percussion software environment.

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Overview

The Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor is a high-fidelity trigger system developed for drummers seeking to merge the tactile experience of acoustic playing with the versatility of digital sound design. Unlike traditional electronic hi-hat pads that use integrated rubber surfaces, this sensor focuses on capturing the mechanical motion and impact dynamics of a player's existing setup. It is primarily intended for use within the Evans and Sunhouse Sensory Percussion ecosystem, providing a bridge between physical hardware and complex digital synthesis or sampling.

Functionality and Key Features

The sensor is engineered to monitor the proximity and velocity of the hi-hat cymbals, translating physical movements into digital data. It supports a comprehensive range of techniques including:

Graduated Control: Captures the full spectrum from tightly closed to fully open positions.
Foot Dynamics: Accurately detects 'chick' sounds and foot splashes.
Multi-Zone Sensing: Provides detailed detection across different areas of the cymbal surface for varying tonal responses.

Because the unit mounts onto a standard hi-hat stand, drummers can maintain their preferred pedal tension and physical layout without the adjustment period often required for dedicated electronic pads.

Sound and Software Integration

The sensor acts as a controller for the included Sensory Percussion software library. This software offers a wide palette of sounds ranging from traditional, ultra-realistic cymbal replications to avant-garde, 'unusual' tones and electronic textures. Users have the ability to deeply customise these sounds, adjusting presets to match their specific performance or recording requirements. The system is designed to provide a consistent and accurate response, reducing the latency and 'machine-gunning' effects often associated with lower-end electronic triggers.

Applications and Compatibility

This hi-hat sensor is particularly suited for drummers who utilise Evans Hybrid systems or low-volume cymbal setups, such as the Gear4Music Low Volume series. It is a viable tool for live performance where diverse sound palettes are required, as well as for studio recording where MIDI control of hi-hat nuances is needed. While it serves as a digital alternative, it is often compared to high-end acoustic hi-hats like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic Series in terms of the technique it must accommodate, even though the output is entirely electronic.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor?: It is an electronic trigger system that attaches to a standard hi-hat stand to capture nuanced playing techniques. It translates physical movements into digital signals for use with Sensory Percussion software.
Do I need a specific hi-hat stand to use this sensor?: No, the sensor is designed to work with your existing acoustic hi-hat stand. This allows you to maintain the familiar feel and tension of your own hardware.
What playing techniques does the sensor capture?: It captures a full range of techniques including tight closed sounds, loose open textures, foot splashes, and chick sounds. The multi-zone sensing ensures that strikes on different parts of the cymbal are registered accurately.
Does this sensor produce its own sound?: No, the sensor itself is a controller. It triggers sounds located within the included Sensory Percussion software library, which must be run on a computer.
What types of sounds are included in the library?: The library covers a broad spectrum from traditional acoustic cymbal sounds to experimental and unusual tones. This variety makes it suitable for various genres and performance styles.
Can I customise the sounds triggered by the sensor?: Yes, the Sensory Percussion software allows you to shape and customise sounds. You can adjust presets to better suit your individual playing style or specific project needs.
Is this sensor suitable for live performance?: Yes, it is designed for live use, offering consistent and accurate response. Its ability to access a wide palette of sounds makes it a flexible tool for stage drummers.
How does it compare to standard electronic hi-hat pads?: Unlike most all-in-one rubber pads, this sensor uses your actual hi-hat stand. This provides a more realistic mechanical feel and allows for more detailed detection of traditional drumming techniques.
What other gear is recommended for use with this sensor?: It is ideal when paired with EVANS Hybrid systems or low-volume cymbal packs. It functions as part of a larger hybrid drumming ecosystem.
Does the sensor support multi-zone triggering?: Yes, it features detailed sensing across multiple zones. This allows the software to trigger different samples or sound variations depending on where the hi-hat is struck.
What is the typical price for this hi-hat sensor?: The typical price for the Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Hi-hat Sensor is approximately £309. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Can I use this for quiet practice?: Yes, when used with low-volume cymbals or as a standalone electronic controller, it is an excellent tool for quiet practice. It allows the drummer to hear high-quality sounds through headphones while maintaining physical technique.