Tama TS-305 - cykong.com

The TAMA TS-305 is a 6 channel drum synth module.
It can be used as a desktop module or a massive 7u 19" Rackmount.

Each channel is a mini analogue synth drum module, capable of producing a wide range of electronic drum sounds, and since every parameter is defined by a knob, it's highly tweakable.

Modules on the TS-305 are:
SNARE / RIM SHOT / TOM 1 - 3 & BASSDRUM

THE TS-305 FRONT

Each channel has 10 controls (9 knobs & 1 switch):

Note: The RIMSHOT channel has slightly different control knobs layout. It has "Tone Control" instead of Tone/Noise Balance.

	Switch	Switches between a MEMORY PRESET and Manual Knob Settings.
	SENS	controls sensitivity of drum pad input trigger
	ATTACK	controls attack time of the sound
	DECAY	controls decay time of the sound
	NOISE	controls noise amount
	BEND	CCW = Bend Down, CW = Bend Up
	TUNE	controls tuning
	TONE/ NOISE	controls balance between oscillator / noise
	EMPHASIS	kind of like filter
	LEVEL	output volume to mixer

On the right, there's the headphones socket and phones volume knob.

It also has stereo line in level knob - external source can be mixed in for monitoring purpose for the drummer use.

From the looks of it, it is designed with the Drummer in mind - to be used with Electronic Drum Kit triggers.
It looks very similar to the Simmons SDS-8 Drum Brain.
All the drum tones are actually individual analogue drum synths.

There exists another model, the Tama TS-306, which has a SYNTH channel and a HANDCLAP channel.

TAMA TS-305 and C Y

Got this from Europe sometime in August / September 2003, probably very earlier on - before i really started modding synths.

I didn't wanna get a Simmons Drum Brain, because i know the Simmons sounds very "Simmons"...
The 305 is actually quite kool, you can get pretty heavy 909 type BASS DRUM or Noise-Clap-Snare type sounds from it.

Toms can sound like Simmons Toms or average 80's electronic toms, but not very "boo-boo" disco toms tho...

Originally, when i got it, i removed the flying lead to fit an IEC plug. Also, since i planned to rackmount it or at least use it vertically, i thought i should bring the Power Switch to the front and also the Main Outputs to the back - but i messed up the front - until recently, i've finally got a proper rocker power switch there.

I have actually installed a midi trigger to it, so now it's a midi drum module.

INSIDE THE TAMA TS-305

Each channel/strip is an analogue drum synth on its own.

Very analogue indeed - look at all those components!

The TS-305 is definitely quite well thought out, and it is very well built.

THE REAR CONNECTIONS

Many sockets at the back...

Each drum channel has its own Drum Pad Trigger In, External Trigger In, and Individual Output

There's also stereo line in sockets (for the drummer to mix in other drum sources or monitor mix).

C Y 's Mods on the Tama TS-305

Not a lot, just the IEC Mains, and MIDI Retrofit!

IEC Mains Socket

Originally it has an XLR Cannon Socket Output. I removed that and use the available hole for an IEC Mains Socket.

Note:
To make the IEC Mains Inlet hole, I use a screwing hand tool, which is an M10 Radius Hand Hole Cutter, 28x21mm (RS Cat.#543-614 or or 541-501), with matching 10A Snap In PCB Mount IEC 320 Plug Socket (311-8031 or 488-191).

Power Rocker Switch

Well, i added a Mains Power On/Off Switch in the front....

Note:
To make the square-ish hole for these illuminating Power Switch, another one of these Hand Hole Cutter is needed. This one is the M10 rectangular hole cutter,22x19.6mm, RS Code: 600-161.
The Power Switch is one of those DPST green (or red) illuminated rocker switch, 10A/4A.
RS Codes are Green: 318-070, Red: 318-064

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