Expanding Your E-Kit with a Stereo Splitter at Untold Stories Recordings
Drummers who use electronic kits know the struggle—there’s always a limit to how many pads you can add. But at Untold Stories Recordings, we like to push those limits.
By using a stereo splitter, you can squeeze more sounds out of your e-kit without buying an entirely new module. If you’re playing rock, punk, or metal, having more toms, cymbals, or percussion options can make all the difference.
Why E-Kits Have Limits (And How to Get Around Them)
Most electronic drum modules only allow a certain number of pads. The problem is, as soon as you want to expand your setup—say, adding an extra floor tom or another crash—you hit a wall. That’s where a stereo splitter comes in.
Drum modules send signals through dual-zone inputs, meaning each jack can handle two different sounds—one from the head and one from the rim. Normally, both are assigned to the same drum, but a stereo splitter separates those signals, allowing you to trigger two different drums from a single input.
Setting Up a Stereo Splitter for More Drum Options
At our Chicago recording studio, we’ve been experimenting with this setup to give drummers more flexibility when recording. Here’s how you can do the same:
Check Your Module’s Inputs – Look at the drum module’s input list. If you have dual-zone pads, you’re in business.
Use a Stereo Splitter Cable – This will divide the head and rim triggers into two separate connections.Assign New
Sounds – In your module or DAW, assign each input to a different drum or cymbal.
Test and Adjust Sensitivity – Since one input is now doing the work of two, you might need to tweak sensitivity settings.
Why This Matters in the Studio
Recording in an electronic-friendly music studio like ours, drummers get the benefit of easy editing, clean isolation, and unlimited sound choices. But if you’re stuck with a limited kit, your performance can feel restricted. Adding extra toms, splashes, or secondary snares through a stereo splitter means you’re not just working with what the module allows—you’re shaping your own sound.
At Untold Stories Recordings, we’re always looking for ways to get the most out of every session. Whether it’s experimenting with drum setups or fine-tuning a mix, the goal is simple: give musicians the space to create without limitations.
If you’re a drummer looking to track your next project, our Chicago music studio has everything you need—custom setups, dialed-in monitoring, and an engineer who actually understands the way drummers think. Book a session and let’s get to work.
