Gear article
Premier PowerPlay Expansion Pad with Mounting Bracket and Cable
The Premier PowerPlay Expansion Pad is a dedicated hardware add-on designed to increase the triggering capabilities of Premier PowerPlay and PowerPlay-X digital drum kits. It is supplied as a complete bundle including the drum pad, a mounting bracket for rack attachment, and the necessary connection cable.
See live pricesOverview
The Premier PowerPlay Expansion Pad is an official accessory designed to integrate directly with Premier's digital percussion ecosystem. The package provides a modular solution for drummers looking to add additional triggers—such as an extra tom or cymbal sound—to their existing electronic setup. By including the mounting hardware and cabling in a single kit, it ensures that users can expand their configuration without sourcing third-party components that may not match the existing rack dimensions.
Compatibility and Installation
This expansion pad is specifically engineered for compatibility with the Premier PowerPlay and PowerPlay-X digital drum series. The manufacturer specifies that the pad is not intended for use with other drum modules outside of this range. Installation is facilitated by a standard mounting bracket that attaches to the electronic drum rack, allowing for flexible positioning within the kit's footprint. The included cable connects the pad directly to the spare trigger inputs on the PowerPlay control module.
Capabilities and Performance
The addition of the PowerPlay Expansion Pad allows for more complex performances by increasing the number of active surfaces available to the drummer. In practice, this allows the user to assign new voices from the PowerPlay module's sound library to the new pad, such as additional percussion effects, cowbells, or extra crash cymbals. The pad is designed to match the response and sensitivity of the standard pads included with the base PowerPlay kits, ensuring a consistent feel across the entire instrument.
Comparison to Alternatives
While generic electronic drum pads are available on the market, the Premier PowerPlay Expansion Pad is positioned as a plug-and-play solution specifically for Premier hardware. Unlike universal pads that might require separate purchases for mounting arms or specific TRS/TS cables, this unit includes all necessary peripherals. While other cables, such as the Ernie Ball P06049 or various Neutrik-based patch leads, serve general audio purposes, the included cable in this kit is purpose-made for the trigger-to-module connection required by the PowerPlay series.
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Frequently asked questions
- What kits is the Premier PowerPlay Expansion Pad compatible with?
- The pad is exclusively compatible with the Premier PowerPlay and PowerPlay-X digital drum kits. It is not recommended for use with other brands or different Premier series modules.
- Does this expansion pad include a mounting bracket?
- Yes, the product includes a dedicated mounting bracket. This allows the user to attach the pad directly to their existing drum rack without purchasing additional hardware.
- Is the connection cable included in the package?
- Yes, the expansion kit comes with the necessary cable to connect the pad to the drum module. This ensures it is ready for immediate use upon installation.
- What is the typical price for this expansion kit?
- The Premier PowerPlay Expansion Pad typically retails for approximately £50. This price includes the pad, the bracket, and the cable.
- Can I use this pad as an extra tom?
- Yes, once connected to the PowerPlay module, you can assign it to function as an additional tom. This is a common use for expanding a standard five-piece electronic configuration.
- Can I use this pad to trigger cymbal sounds?
- Yes, the pad can be assigned to any sound available within the PowerPlay or PowerPlay-X module. This includes crash, ride, or splash cymbal samples.
- Is the mounting bracket adjustable?
- The bracket is designed to fit the standard rack of the PowerPlay series. It allows for positional adjustments so the pad can be placed at a comfortable height and angle.
- Does this pad work with the PowerPlay-X module?
- Yes, the manufacturer specifically lists the PowerPlay-X as one of the compatible kits for this expansion pad. It will function identically to the pads already included with the X-series.
- Do I need a separate power supply for this pad?
- No, the pad does not require its own power supply. It receives all necessary signals and power through the trigger cable connected to the main drum module.
- Is the cable a standard XLR cable?
- No, this pad uses a standard trigger cable relevant to the PowerPlay module, rather than an XLR cable like a Studiospares Standard XLR or a lighting-specific 5-pin DMX cable.
- Can I use an Ernie Ball instrument cable as a replacement for the included cable?
- While some electronic pads use 1/4 inch jacks similar to the Ernie Ball P06049 instrument cable, it is best to use the cable provided by Premier to ensure full compatibility with the PowerPlay trigger inputs.
- Why would I choose this over a generic drum pad?
- The primary advantage is guaranteed compatibility and the inclusion of the specific mounting hardware for the PowerPlay rack. Generic pads may require additional clamps or may not trigger correctly with the Premier module.
