SDHB2
www.simmonsdrums.net
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is a world-wide standard communication interface that enables electronic
musical instruments and computers of all brands to communicate with each other so that instructions and other data can pass
between them. This exchange of information makes it possible to create a system of MIDI instruments and devices that offer far
greater versatility and control than what is available with isolated instruments. Whether you interface with computers, sequencers,
expanders or other controllers, you’re sure to enhance your musical horizons.
MIDI IN: This terminal receives MIDI data from an external MIDI device.
MIDI OUT: This terminal transmits data from this instrument to other MIDI devices.
The USB connector allows you to connect the SDHB2 directly to your computer. It can be connected without driver installation under
the Windows XP & MAC OSX environment. The SDHB2 will be recognized as “USB Audio device” to receive and transmit MIDI
messages through a single USB cable. USB is used only for MIDI messages (MIDI via USB).
NOTE: When the USB is connected to a computer, all MIDI messages will be received and transmitted via USB.
From the MIDI’s point of view, the SDHB2 is composed of two devices:
• A controller transmitting data to the pads and hi-hat control pedal (via an internal trigger to MIDI converter)
• A sound generator receiving MIDI data (the sound module)
In normal operation (Local ON, default mode), those two devices are connected together internally, allowing the pads to play
the voices from the sound module without any external connection. When setting Local mode to Local OFF mode in the Utility
menu, this internal link is disconnected. The sound module receives MIDI messages via MIDI input only, and not from the pads.
However, the pad trigger data is still sent to the MIDI Output, therefore looping externally the MIDI Out of the SDHB2 back to its
MIDI In will enable the pads to play the voices from the sound module. Local OFF mode is intended to be used when both the MIDI
input and output (or the USB port) of the SDHB2 are connected to a MIDI sequencer with Soft Thru function (which loops the MIDI
data received from the MIDI output back to the MIDI input). This prevents the doubling or flanging effect when playing the pads
(caused by the sound generator receiving the same MIDI data — both directly from the pads and back through the sequencer).
The SDHB2’s transmission channel is fixed to Channel 10 (Drums and Percussion channel). The SDHB2 will output MIDI codes gener
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ated by the triggers when hitting the pads or stepping on the Hi-Hat control pedal (Program Change, Note On/Off, and Foot Control
messages). Song playback data and metronome notes are not transmitted.
The MIDI system in the SDHB2 has 16 reception channels numbered from 1-16. Each channel is responsible for a voice. When the
instrument receives MIDI information from an external device, the active channel is determined by the control message. Channel 10
is reserved for the Drums. Channels 9 and 16 can be used for additional Percussion sounds. (See Percussion Set list pages 23-24.)
All other channels (1-8, 11-15) can be used to access the 128 General MIDI instruments and sounds included in the sound module
(GM standard). These are the same instruments that are used to create the accompaniment for the internal Song player.
MIDI and USB
MIDI connection
usb connection
local mode
MIDI channels
17
