Ashton RHYTHMVX User manual

ELECTRONIC DRUMKIT
USER MANUAL


PAGE 3
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 5
SPECIFICATIONS 5
SETTING UP THE KIT 6 - 10
REFERENCE GUIDE/HI-HAT PEDAL CONTROLS 11
MODULE: FRONT/REAR PANEL DESCRIPTIONS 12
MODULE: INPUT/OUTPUT GUIDE 13
MODULE: BASIC FUNCTIONS 14
MODULE: DRUM KIT SETTINGS 15
MODULE: VOICE SETTINGS 16
MODULE: PATTERN SETTINGS 17–18
MODULE: CLICK (METRONOME) SETTINGS 18
MODULE: RECORDING SETTINGS 19–20
MODULE: RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS 20
MODULE: MIDI/USB CONNECTION INFORMATION 21
APPENDIX: VOICE LIST 22
APPENDIX: DRUM KIT LIST 22
APPENDIX: PATTERN LIST 23
APPENDIX: DRUM KIT DEFAULT VOICES LIST 23
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART 24
SAFETY INFORMATION 25


PAGE 5
RHYTHMVX SPECIFICATIONS
DRUM PADS: 3 x toms, 2 x cymbal pads, 1 x snare pad (dual trigger), 1 x hi-
hat control pedal, 1 x hi-hat pad, 1 x kick.
VOICES: 108 Voices (see voice list on page 22)
DRUM KITS: 10 preset kits, 5 user kits
PATTERNS: 40 preset songs and 1 user pattern
CONTROLS: Power on, volume, mute drum (drum off), drum kit settings
(vol, select, user kit), pad settings (vol, select), pattern settings
(select, playback, vol, tempo), metronome (click), recording
functions, restore factory settings.
DISPLAY: LED Display
CONNECTIONS: Phones (1/8” jack), Pad connections (1/8” jack), USB (USBA
jack), Mix in (1/8” jack), Output (1/8” jack)
POWER SUPPLY: 9V AC
INTRODUCTION
Ashton is designed in Australia by a team of industry experts that have years of
experience in the development, design and production of musical instruments and
equipment. Ashton’s range of products are a result of years of development and careful
testing. Every Ashton product is designed with value in mind and features the highest
quality materials available.
We highly recommend that you read and understand the information in this manual before
beginning use.
Enjoy,
The Ashton Team

PAGE 6
PARTS LIST
DRUM PADS BOX: HI-HAT PEDAL BOX:
(2 x TOM PADS) (1 X SNARE PAD) (1 x HI-HAT PEDAL)
CYMBAL PADS BOX: KICK TRIGGER BOX:
(3 x CYMBAL PADS) (1 x KICK & 1 x BEATER)
ACCESSORIES BOX: DRUM MODULE:
STAND BOX: (1 UNIT)
SETTING UP THE
CYMBAL HOLDERS (L & R) 2 x DRUMSTICKS
HEXAGON KEY (M5) DRUM KEY
CYMBAL HOLDER (S) METAL ROD
AC ADAPTOR

PAGE 7
ASSEMBLY
1. OPEN THE STAND:
i) Tear off the adhesive
tape on the stand.
ii) Loosen the wing-nuts
on the pillars.
iii) Open the stand in the
A/B/C order shown.
iv) Adjust the pillar heights
so that the stand is
steady when assembled.
v) Tighten the wing nuts
on the pillars.
2. ATTACHING THE TOM PADS:
i) Insert the two tom pads
into the side arms.
ii) Use a drum key to
tighten the screw on
the bottom of the
tom pad.
iii) Adjust the height of the
side arms so that it does
not interfere with the
other pads.
iv) Tighten the wing nuts on
the pillars.
SETTING UP THE

PAGE 8
ASSEMBLY
3. ATTACHING THE SNARE PAD:
i) Adjust the clamp position
then tighten the wing nuts
on the clamp.
ii) Use a hexagon key to
loosen the screw of the
clamp holder.
iii) Insert the metal rod into
the clamp holder and
adjust the position.
iv) Use a hexagon key to tighten the screw of
the clamp holder.
v) Attach the snare pad to the metal rod and adjust
the position, then tighten the screw on the snare pad.
4. ATTACHING THE DRUM MODULE:
Drum module comes pre-assembled, you will need to attach this to the clamp on the bar
above the floor tom by sliding the module arm into clamp and tightening.
You can adjust the position of the module by loosening the clamp and sliding it along the bar
to wherever you desire.
SETTING UP THE

PAGE 9
SETTING UP THE
ASSEMBLY
5. ATTACHING THE CYMBAL PADS:
i) Attach the cymbal holders to
the holder clamps on the arms.
ii) Use a drum key to tighten the
screws on the holder clamps.
iii) Remove the wing nut
and the felt washer off
each cymbal holder.
iv) Attach the cymbal pads to
the cymbal holders.
v) Attach the felt washer and
wing nut, tighten the wing
nut of each cymbal.
6. ATTACHING THE HI-HAT CONTROL PEDAL:
i) Remove the pillar from the
rubber foot.
ii) Attach the hi-hat controller
pedal to the pillar.

PAGE 10
ASSEMBLY
7. ATTACHING THE KICK TRIGGER:
i) Attach the rod to the holders.
ii) Attach the kick pedal to the kick pad.
iii) Tighten the wing screw on the kick pedal.
iv) Loosen the screw.
v) Attach the beater to the kick pedal.
vi) Center the beater to the pedal and tighten the screw.
SETTING UP THE

PAGE 11
NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT THE ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT TO A POWER UNIT UNTIL FULLY
SETUP TO AVOID RISK OF ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO YOURSELF AND/OR THE UNIT.
HI-HAT PEDAL CONTROLS
OPEN HI-HAT: Strike the hi-hat without stepping on the pedal.
CLOSED HI-HAT: Strike the hi-hat whilst stepping on the pedal.
FOOT CLOSED: Completely step down on the pedal.
REFERENCE GUIDE

PAGE 12
MODULE PANEL DESC.
1. VOLUME: Controls master
volume. Turn to adjust.
2. (+) & (-) BUTTONS: Adjusts
menu parameter (kit, voice,
pattern, click value, tempo
etc...)
3. TEMPO: Enters
tempo
adjustment mode
.
4. PAD INDICATORS: Shows
triggered pad (LED).
5. CLICK: Turns metronome
on/off.
6. DRUM OFF Button: Mutes
pattern drum kit.
7. START/STOP: PLAY/STOP
for patterns/songs.
8. PATTERN Button: Enters the
pattern
select mode
. Also provides MIDI output
format choice- see MIDI section for more
details.
9. VOICE BUTTON: Enters the
voice select
mode
.
10. KIT BUTTON: Enters the
kit select mode
.
11. 3 DIGIT LED: Displays current
parameters.
12. VOLUME : Enters volume mode.
13. SAVE/REC: Hold for
recording mode
,
press once to save kit setting to user kit.
14. POWER SWITCH
15. USB PORT: For USB connection (USBA).
16. POWER INPUT (--- 9V): 9V AV
17. AUX IN: Allows external device input
such as MP3 and CD.
18. HEADPHONES: ¼” jack for
headphones output.
19. OUTPUT: Supports line stereo out for
amplifier or mixing desk.

PAGE 13
AUX INPUT FOR CD/IPOD®CONNECTION
You can connect a CD or ipod/computer to the AUX IN jack and the audio will play though
the module unit. This is great for playing to your favourite songs.
NOTE: THE AUX IN JACK IS A 1/8” INPUT.
You will probably need to purchase:
From a MP3/COMPUTER to module: 1/8” jack to 1/8” jack (Ashton SC88)
From a CD PLAYER to module: RCA jack to 1/8” jack (Ashton RCA28S)
OUTPUT FOR AUDIO EQUIPMENT CONNECTION
Note: When you want to play your
kit through an amplifier (Ashton DA30
is recommended for electronic drums),
all you need to do is connect a 1/8”
jack from the output jack on the rear
of the module to the input jack on
your amplifier.
HEADPHONES OUTPUT
An optional set of stereo headphones can be connected for quiet practice or if you are
playing in an area with noise restrictions. All you need to do is connect your headphones to
the 1/8” jack on the back of the module.
WARNING: Always minimise the kit volume before attaching headphones.
INPUT & OUTPUT GUIDE

PAGE 14
MODULE: BASIC FUNCTIONS
SWITCHING THE POWER ON
After confirming all the connections are in place (see previous pages
for rear module output and input guide), rotate the volume knob left
(counter-clockwise) all the way to ensure the volume is at the minimum
level.
Press the ON/OFF switch to turn the unit on (pictured). The LCD
screen will light up when switched on.
SETTING THE MAIN VOLUME
While hitting a pad, gradually rotate the
volume knob until a comfortable volume level is
reached, this may take a little time playing a few
different kits and pads to get the right level.
WARNING: Playing at maximum volume is not recommended and may cause ear damage.
DRUM OFF (MUTE)
Press the DRUM OFF button to mute the drum part of a pattern. This function is convenient
for practising to a pattern without the drum part.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN
To increase energy efficiancy an “Automatic Shutdown”
function has been enabled on the kit. The drum module
will power off when left idle for more than 30 (default)
minutes. To disable this feature, just press and hold
the START/STOP button then turn the drum module on. The
screen will temporarily display “PoF” for 3 seconds before
entering the main menu indicating that the “Automatic
shutdown” function is turned off.

PAGE 15
ADJUSTING KIT VOLUME
While in
kit selecting mode
, press the VOLUME button to
enter the
kit volume mode
(the volume indicator will light). Use
the [+] and [-] buttons to adjust the volume up or down. The
volume value will be displayed on the screen from 000 to 016.
Press the KIT button again to exit the
kit volume mode
and re-
enter the
kit selecting mode
.
WARNING: Playing at maximum volume is not recommended and may cause
ear damage.
MODULE: DRUM KIT SETTINGS
SELECTING A DRUM KIT
There are 10 types of drum kits you can set your kit to. You
can also save your own kit of different voices that you prefer
for each pad.
TO SELECT A KIT:
Press KIT button to enter
kit selecting mode
(the KIT indicator
will light), the screen will display the current kit setting by
number value, search through the 10 kits by using the (+) and
(-) value buttons. Drum kits are 001 to 010, user kits are from
010 to 015.
SAVING A USER KIT
Press the SAVE button to enter the
kit saving mode
, the LED
will display the user kit you are set to (and wish to save to), use
the (+) and (-) buttons to choose your desired location (010 -
015) that you want to save the kit to.
The user kit number on the LED screen will flash, while flashing,
press the SAVE button again and the current kit settings
(voices/volumes) will be stored in that user kit location.

PAGE 16
SELECTING A PAD VOICE
Press the VOICE button to enter
voice selecting mode
, the
current pad voice will light on the LED screen.
Trigger the pad you want to adjust the voice on by hitting it,
then use the (+) and (-) buttons to adjust the pad voice.
There are 108 voices in total, for voice breakdown please turn
to the voice appendix.
SELECTING A PAD VOLUME
While in
voice selecting mode
, press the VOLUME button to
enter the
voice volume mode
(the volume indicator will light).
Use the [+] and [-] buttons to adjust the volume up or down. The
volume value will be displayed on the screen from 000 to 016.
Press the KIT button again to exit the
voice volume mode and
re-enter the voice sele
cting mode.
SAVING A USER KIT
Once you have assigned all your desired pad voices. Press the
SAVE button to enter the
kit saving mode
, the LED will display
the user kit you are set to (and wish to save to), use the (+) and
(-) buttons to choose your desired location (010 - 015) that you
want to save the kit to.
The user kit number on the LED screen will flash, while flashing,
press the SAVE button again and the current kit settings
(voices/volumes) will be stored in that user kit location.
MODULE: VOICE SETTINGS

PAGE 17
SELECTING A PATTERN
Press the PATTERN button to enter pattern selecting mode,
the current pattern number value will light on the LED screen.
Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the desired pattern. There are
40 preset patterns and 1 user pattern, for pattern breakdown
please turn to the pattern appendix.
LISTENING TO A PATTERN
Press the START/STOP button to engage or disengage the
pattern play. The indicator light will flash when the pattern
is playing and indicators light in accompaniment to the
pattern (so you can follow). When you select a new pattern,
it will start playing after the bar of the current pattern ends.
NOTE: The pattern and the MIDI IN use the same 16
midi channels, when you use MIDI IN to play a song, it
may affect the built-in pattern playing. Reset the drum
module.
ADJUSTING THE PATTERN ACCOMPANIMENT VOLUME
This only adjusts the volume of the accompaniment
pattern, not your kit. While in
pattern selecting mode
,
press the PATTERN button to enter the
pattern volume
mode
(the volume indicator will light). Use the [+] and [-]
buttons to adjust the volume up or down. The volume value
will be displayed on the screen from 000 to 016. Press the
PATTERN button again to exit the
pattern volume mode
and
re-enter the
pattern selecting mode
.
NOTE: To mute the pattern, press the DRUM OFF button.
MODULE: PATTERN SETTINGS

PAGE 18
MODULE: PATTERN SETTINGS
ADJUSTING THE PATTERN TEMPO
Press the TEMPO button to enter
pattern tempo mode
, the
current pattern tempo value will light on the LED screen.
Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set to desired pattern. You can
set the pattern tempo from 30bpm to 280bpm. To reset the
tempo press the (+) and (-) at the same time.
MODULE: METRONOME
THE METRONOME FUNCTION
Press the CLICK button to turn the metronome on/off, the LED
displays the current time signature and the indicator on the
click button lights. Press the (+) and (-) buttons to change the
time signature (1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 3/8, 6/8).
Note: When a pattern is playing the click button will flash to the
pattern beat.
ADJUST CLICK SAMPLE/VOLUME
Press and hold the CLICK button, while holding, use the (+) and
(-) buttons to adjust the click sound.
There are 4 click sounds available: metronome, beep, cowbell
and voice. When you turn on the click, the default sound is
‘metronome’.
To adjust the click volume, press the VOLUME button in the
time
signature choice mode
and use the (+) and (-) buttons to adjust.
Press (CLICK) again to exit the
time signature choice mode
.

PAGE 19
MODULE: RECORDING
WAITING TO RECORD MODE
Press and hold the SAVE button for more than 2 seconds to enter the
pattern
waiting to record mode
, the LED will display kit number and the ‘rec’
indicator will flash. In this mode you must adjust all your settings to record:
Press PATTERN to set your accompaniment pattern, press TEMPO to set
the tempo, press KIT to select your kit setting, press CLICK to turn on/off the
metronome and press DRUM OFF to deselect any muted settings.
Note: you cannot adjust any pad voices in this mode, you must first save
these to a user kit, and then select the desired user kit.
RECORDING MODE
In
waiting to record mode
, press the START/STOP
button or HIT PADS to enter the
recording mode
, the
‘rec’ indicator will stay alight.
Note:
• Original data will be replaced with the new recording
• There is a one bar introductory beat before the
recording is started.
• You can only adjust the metronome (CLICK)
in
recording mode
.
• The metronome will not be recorded.
STOP RECORDING
The recording will automatically stop when the bank is
full, the ‘rec’ indicator will go out when this has happened
and “FUL” will be displayed on the LED.
Press START/STOP to end the recording or when
stopped to return to the user pattern (04.1) channel in
which your recording will be saved to.

PAGE 20
MODULE: RECORDING
PLAYING BACK THE USER PATTERN
Choose the 041 in the pattern menu and press START/STOP to play the pattern.
• If the screen displays “N-P” there is no data in the bank.
• You can change the tempo of your recorded user pattern.
• You can change the kit that you recorded within the user pattern to another kit.
• The user pattern is played once, not in a cycle.
• When you press DRUM OFF, the pattern selected in the recording will mute but not your
recorded drumming.
• Pattern volume and kit volume only control the kits and patterns in the recording.
RECORDING CAPACITY IS 5000 NOTES
QUICK RECORDING
1. Choose your favourite kit.
2. Adjust tempo and pad voices to your desired
settings/speed.
3. Press and hold save to enter the
waiting to
record mode
.
4. Hit a pad or press START/STOP to start the
recording process.
RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS
Turn on the drum module while holding down the (+) and (-)
buttons to restore the factory settings.
Restoring the factory settings will reset all user kits (voice and
volume) and clear the recording data.
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