Alternate Mode presented both new and classic KAT Percussion products at the Winter NAMM 2013 Show in Anaheim, California. KAT Percussion's digital drum set line made its debut with the KT1 and KT2 models at NAMM 2013, along with the KA1 and KA2 digital drum amplifiers (50 and 200 Watt respectively). Also shown at the music trade show were the midi mallet controler MalletKAT, the TrapKAT, plus Alternate Mode's original midi percussion controller from nearly three decades ago.
Watch the video and get a first-hand report on all KAT Percussion products at NAMM 2013 from president and ceo Mario DeCiutiis.
KMC Music, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fender plus owner and distributor of Toca, Gibraltar, Gretsch, Latin Percussion, Dixon and Sabian among others, agreed to distribute Alternate Mode's electronic percussion products in 2012. Soon after closing the distribution deal, Alternate Mode's president and chief innovator Mario DeCiutiis developed the KT1 and KT2 digital drum sets, both with robust sound libraries based on midi.
KAT KT1 e-drum set The KT1 is KAT's entry-level electronic drum set and features over 150 sounds with 10 user-programmable drum set configurations. It comes with 40 play-along tracks that you can jam to and a metronome click-track with nine time signatures. All sounds are velocity sensitive. The KT1's trigger pads are 8-inches in diameter and made of specially designed rubber. Cymbal pads include a hi-hat, ride and a chokeable crash cymbal. The minimum advertised price (MAP) is set at $499.
KAT KT2 e-drum set Compared with the KT1, the KT2 has a broader set of features. The KT2 comes with over 450 sounds for drums, cymbals and percussion. In addition, there are 80 play-along tracks and 45 drum sets (30 preset drum kits and 15 more user-programmable kits). The KT2 has two additional trigger inputs, allowing the addition of an extra drum pad and/or cymbal. The white rubber trigger pads are 9-inches in diameter and features dual-zone snare and tom pads. The minimum advertised price (MAP) for the KT2 digital drum kit is set at $699.
MalletKAT KAT Percussion's MalletKAT is a midi percussion mallet controller that comes in different configurations, ranging from two to five octaves. It utilizes a technology called FSR, which works on pressure , thus without the crosstalk and cross triggering problems of a piezo based controller that works on vibration. It has a built-in sound module powered by Kurzweil and contains over 1,000 sounds. With 127 programmable setups and features like splitting, layering, poly/mono and "hang" modes, the malletKAT is a serious alternative to traditional marimba and vibraphone instruments.
TrapKAT The TrapKAT is the largest pad controller on the market today. It features 24 playing surfaces with FSR technology and pads called 'nuBounce' for a realistic feel. With ten large flat pads, fourteen surrounding raised edge or "rim" pads and individual kick and hi-hat footpedal inputs, the trapKAT was designed to emulate an enormous size drum kit but in a moderately sized footprint. In other words: it offers a complete electronic percussion system in single, compact instrument.
Up to sixteen sounds can be triggered per pad either velocity switched, layered or alternated. The trapKAT also features an array of built-in percussive and melodic 'grooves' which can be completely controlled from the playing surface. This allows the trapKAT to generate additional percussion parts or complete rhythm section grooves for practicing or performing. You can use the trapKAT XL as a 26-piece drumset or a complete dynamic loop control station, or both.
The trapKAT 5KS Kit Complete comes with the trapKAT 5KS (built in Kurzweil Sounds), the eKIC and eHAT pedals, and a sturdy rack stand. Plug in to your favorite amp or headphones and be drumming in 15 minutes.
KAT Percussion's classic DrumKAT The DrumKAT was Alternate Mode's original controller that came out in the late 1980s. It's a classic model that allows the user to stack up to eight notes on the same pad. You can also play simple chords, alternate patterns, velocity shift through notes and link pads together. Lie all other KAT Percussion products, the DrumKAT features FSR technology.
The DrumKAT is a powerful midi controller, capable of controlling 32 midi channels at the same time. For drum modules like the Yamaha, Alesis and Roland products, the dk10 will work great. A multi timbrel sound module is recommended if you are using the DrumKAT for melodic purposes.
