Accordo: Mark Drum Yes

Innovation, versatility and portability are the three basic concepts behind YES, the first electronic drum produced by Parsek srl, an Italian company already known for various brands dominated by the word "Mark". We were given one of the first copies to try and we put it under pressure.  

Pad
The set comes with five pads measuring 10" on which mesh type skins have been installed. The skins are stretched by triple-flanged black rims. All the pads have two zones of sensitivity. In the various pre-set kits available, this means you can get different sounds by hitting the skin or the rim. A useful solution both for playing classic acoustic drum scenarios (rim shot), and to broaden the spectrum of sounds available. The rims are covered with a removable, protective sheath: this is not very durable, but it does help to reduce the sound perceived outside the headphones.
Other three pads are designed to be used as cymbals. Three triggers for the ride with bell and body areas, and a "choke" feature (which stops the sound).

The hi-hat is installed on a traditional stand (not included). This feature is attractive and functional in practical terms – a good feeling – and sound. It 's possible to play the hi-hat open, closed, and with foot splash. The crash has two areas of sensitivity: body and choke. The bass drum pad does not allow the use of a double pedal because the surface available is not big enough. It requires a single pedal to hold the reverse-type beater (provided by the manufacturer). This is not a very convenient solution, however the response of the pad is still interesting and precise. To play with a double pedal you need to buy another pad, and another single pedal.  

Sound Module
The sound module must be the most simple and practical in existence: small, discreet, intuitive and robust. In practice, a little box with a small – but clear – display, large yellow buttons with the function in plain sight and a large infinite rotary knob to switch between the functions. An SD-type card stores the 24 available Drum Kits; enough to satisfy all tastes. For those not satisfied with the sound matches created by the manufacturer, it's possible to have fun creating – and then saving in the free slots – your own kit. There is also a series of DSP effects to immerse the sounds chosen in the most suitable virtual environment.

The module has a USB port to connect the instrument to a computer to control the VSTi. This is the great innovation proposed by Mark Drum. Usually, sound modules have a series of inputs directly proportionate to the number of connectable pads. The YES sound module has no pad inputs, but these are masterfully replaced by a series of RJ11-type connectors: do you remember the telephone cable? That's the one.   

Rack
Lightweight. This is the first thought as soon as it's been removed from the box. Then there is the added pleasure of having it ready for use in a jiffy. It's enough to loosen the screws that hold the various elements in place and you're ready to roll. Really just a few minutes. The rack is also the element that makes the YES different from other electronic kits. The structure is tubular and has a flat upper surface which features the RJ11-type female connectors. Instead of sending a cable from each pad to the sound module it's sufficient to identify the closest socket to it and connect it up. Hence, the logic is built into each pad. It is not necessary to connect to a dedicated connector, as happens with conventional sound modules. Each element communicates standard information plus their – let's say – personal details to the sound module via the rack. A fantastic solution to avoid tangled wires and set the electronic kit up at the speed of light.  

In conclusion
Like all innovative tools there is a lot of room for improvement. For example, the supports for the cymbals appear fragile (although showing no sagging during the test), as do the protective rings of the rims. The adoption of RJ11 connectors, in many ways brilliant, inherits the well known problem of durability and instability for the sockets. Much better would be a connector able to fasten itself more tightly to the source. Despite this, it’s clear that this innovation is going to have an influence on the market and future productions.