Installation and Adjustment of the Helensson ITM2
Internal Trigger Module
Installation:
The ITM2 is a simple yet versatile trigger module and installation requires removing only one lug screw. Depending on the depth of your shell, the module should be installed on an upper-most lug screw, closest to the drums mesh head. Choose a lug that is near the Six O’clock position when seated behind the drum. This will put the trigger sensor in an area that is safe from being accidentally struck directly while playing.
During installation, with a straight edge lying across the top of your drum shell, measure how far the trigger foam is above the bearing edge. Typically the foam should only be compressed 1mm to 2mm into the head, so slide the ITM2 upward and verify this height before re-tightening the lug screw. Place the head back on to the shell and tighten the head as usual….but tighter is usually best for optimum triggering.
Adjusting the potentiometers:
For most setups it is best to set your drum module’s sensitivity gain on the high side so that you can adjust the ITM2 level controls to give the desired results. Start by setting the two ITM2 potentiometers fully counter- clockwise. While testing out the drum response you can now increase the trigger’s head and rim sensor outputs by slowly turning the potentiometers clockwise. The upper pot controls the head piezo and the lower pot controls the rim piezo. All drumheads and modules are different but with the individual piezo level adjustments you should be able to dial in the optimum settings for your drum and module characteristics.
Phase Switch:
The phase switch on the ITM2 is provided for modules that require an “out of phase” or reversed polarity signal for the head piezo. This is the case for many of the Roland modules but it can also come in handy in some situations where triggering is inconsistent because of other phase issues or when electrical interference is an issue. For most drum modules you should push the switch IN (in-phase). If you are using a Roland or other module that requires reverse polarity for the head piezo then make sure the switch is OUT (out of phase).
Internal Trigger Module
Installation:
The ITM2 is a simple yet versatile trigger module and installation requires removing only one lug screw. Depending on the depth of your shell, the module should be installed on an upper-most lug screw, closest to the drums mesh head. Choose a lug that is near the Six O’clock position when seated behind the drum. This will put the trigger sensor in an area that is safe from being accidentally struck directly while playing.
During installation, with a straight edge lying across the top of your drum shell, measure how far the trigger foam is above the bearing edge. Typically the foam should only be compressed 1mm to 2mm into the head, so slide the ITM2 upward and verify this height before re-tightening the lug screw. Place the head back on to the shell and tighten the head as usual….but tighter is usually best for optimum triggering.
Adjusting the potentiometers:
For most setups it is best to set your drum module’s sensitivity gain on the high side so that you can adjust the ITM2 level controls to give the desired results. Start by setting the two ITM2 potentiometers fully counter- clockwise. While testing out the drum response you can now increase the trigger’s head and rim sensor outputs by slowly turning the potentiometers clockwise. The upper pot controls the head piezo and the lower pot controls the rim piezo. All drumheads and modules are different but with the individual piezo level adjustments you should be able to dial in the optimum settings for your drum and module characteristics.
Phase Switch:
The phase switch on the ITM2 is provided for modules that require an “out of phase” or reversed polarity signal for the head piezo. This is the case for many of the Roland modules but it can also come in handy in some situations where triggering is inconsistent because of other phase issues or when electrical interference is an issue. For most drum modules you should push the switch IN (in-phase). If you are using a Roland or other module that requires reverse polarity for the head piezo then make sure the switch is OUT (out of phase).