Still pumping some thump into that rump, now without crippling the bank account…
It was back in issue 92 of Drummer that we reviewed the latest incarnation of Porter & Davies’ impressive tactile monitoring system, the BC2. This clever device transforms an audio signal from the bass drum microphone into movement, in the form of a vibrating drum throne seat, before taking that sound source to the engineer’s desk. We were impressed by the BC2, but in fairness the price put it out of reach of all but the semi-professional drummer upwards. Not so now, though. Porter & Davies have unleashed their latest model, the Gigster, which made its debut at the London Drum Show in October. This much more affordable model promises the same experience as the BC2, but with some features removed, and built into a smaller package.
In Detail
The Gigster ‘engine’ console is somewhat more compact than the BC2, which is more of an advantage to the gigging drummer as it’s also lighter. Being no bigger than the throne top itself (40x19cm) and quite slim, this could easily fit inside a drum case, or better still, a small flight case, similar to that you might get with a drum mic set. The Gigster’s steel casing, featuring the funky signature BC2 green paint, is sturdy and robust, with rubberised end plates to keep it off the floor and offer some protection. None of the Gigster’s interior componentry has been compromised either. Unlike the BC2 which features worldwide-plug adaptors and a switchable voltage, the Gigster works from a UK three-pin plug lead at a fixed 230V (115V US and European version available soon). But that’s fine for almost all of us drummers who roam the UK regularly and will work in any European country running a 220/240V current anyway. A single mic/line input suitable for an XLR or ¼” jack input means it can be used with kick drum mics or a monitoring-desk feed and electronic kits alike. As with the BC2, the input gain can be adjusted, as can the master volume, while the low contour adjusts the degree of ‘rumble’ that you can feel. Finally, the seat is traditional: round with a cloth top which will fit all ?” diameter throne bases (such as DW, Tama, Gibraltar, Pearl, Mapex and Yamaha), and is connected to the Gigster via a Speakon cable.
In Use
Set-up is as simple as can be, and dialling in the settings is easy: adjust the gain level to the point where it’s just peaking in the tri-colour LED display, then set your volume and adjust the low contour for comfort. Quite honestly, the Gigster offers every bit as much feedback as the BC2. The two, to my bottom at least, are indistinguishable. The Gigster is responsive and fast – even double beater hits and pedal rolls don’t fox this piece of kit. As with the BC2, bass guitar notes and tom hits are collected by the mic as well. I actually tested out the Gigster while running the in-ear monitors reviewed on page 58. Together, there was a sense of belonging to both the kit and the music and what was going on onstage. You’re totally immersed in the music and the groove. However, I can safely say that the Gigster boosts a drummer’s feedback to a whole new dimension by itself, and I would go for this first.
Conclusion
The quality of the Gigster is unrivalled. This is another triumph in engineering by Tim Porter and Dil Davies. And this time it’s one we’re all more likely to afford, coming in at £400 cheaper than the BC2, its bigger brother. The Gigster doesn’t take anything away from the BC2 – that would still be my choice as a professional drummer for its pro-level features and the inbuilt flight case. But the lighter, more compact Gigster is perfect for almost all of us drummers. If you gig regularly, especially in venues where it’s difficult to obtain good fold-back and connectivity with the band (such as pubs, hotels etc), then this is a system that you really need to check out. Visit the Porter & Davies website for outlets and go and give it a try!
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