Dube (Dube) - a novelty in the world of percussion
Dion Dublin is a former Premier League star football player, sportscaster and amateur musician. After many years of selfless play on the nerves of the fans and on the football field as a defender and centre-forward, it turned out that Dion had not only talented legs, but also hands. When Dublin began to learn percussion, he was disappointed with the range of cajons on the world market, and therefore set out to come up with something new and convenient for himself. Dion wondered how a cube drum would sound if it could be tuned in different ways and played on all sides? Let's not pull the cat by the balls. This is how The Dube appeared, which, after several amendments and improvements, entered the world market.
A dub is a cubic drum with six sides that can be played on four. This drum is available in four sizes - 9″, 12″, 15″ and 18″. Dube is made of wood and durable plastic. There are rubber corners at the corners of the drum to prevent chips and accidental injuries (for example, during quick loading, or so that you don’t accidentally break your ass ^_^). Small holes have been made on each of the playing sides. Also, each drum has a handle to simplify the process of transportation. Well, the highlight of the program, the most chic and the main highlight - a pickup compatible with the XLR port is built into the drum, so that the Dube can be connected to an external amplifier. You can also purchase a case with a shoulder strap separately.
The dube is a cool looking instrument, initially available in three colors: black, white, natural (wood) colors. But you can also order a custom version, with your own colors, inscriptions and logos on the drum. The site has a "design your own" section where you can fully think through and design your own drum.
While you could theoretically use sticks and mallets in addition to your hands, we refrained from using third-party tools during our tests so as not to damage the paintwork/appearance.
Challenging Geometry
Despite all the innovativeness of this tool, there are still some problems with the design. The smallest size drums are very uncomfortable to play; by and large, they are not convenient to hit, due to the fact that they are located low, and a table or other auxiliary surface is not always available. You can play on your knees in the process of learning or for therapeutic purposes, but this approach is not suitable for performances. On the website and on YouTube, I saw Dublin and other drummers playing the Deube in a special booth. In theory, this stand was designed for Dube, but I did not find it in the store on the site, nor in the kit with the drum that I received for review. When I contacted the company, they told me that a similar stand is still under development and will go on sale in early 2013. In the meantime, I just hoisted my Dube on a makeshift stand 18″ high. At worst, some kind of table will do.
There are a couple more comments about how the cable connection for output to an external amplifier is implemented. In a nutshell - not very convenient (at least for those with larger hands). However, it seems to me that a special XLR cable with a plug at the right angle will solve this little problem.
Overview
As an acoustic instrument, I was not very impressed with the Dube. But when I connected it to the amplifier, and especially when I recorded its sound through a digital amplifier, and conjured with the equalizer, the sound turned out magical. When I removed a few completely unnecessary frequencies with the help of an equalizer, Dube just sang. 18″ drums just go wild bass. But 15″ and 9″ — sound perfect and balanced.
The built-in pickup seems to do the job perfectly, and the Dube combines the qualities of cajon, congo, wood bongos, oud and metal drums (its metallic sound reminds me of hitting a pan). Playing with fingers in the center, along the edges, playing with the whole palm - all this sounds interesting and cool, but it's still much more pleasant when connected through an amp.
The site says that Dube can be ordered with a standard microphone or with a Shure PG52 microphone (pro type). However, I did not get a taste of which microphone was standard and in general what equipment was sent to me - standard or Shurov's. According to the manufacturer's comment, a standard microphone is more suitable for educational purposes, because. beginners do not need any adjustments other than volume. While on the Pro Dube, the microphone is already designed for more active and conscious use, for those who need bass, lows, etc. One thing I can say - I liked the sound. In addition, it is worth noting that the company is planning some improvements and a price reduction, so keep your nose to the wind.
Summary
A wonderful, innovative, unusual thing that catches the eye. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to understand and be imbued with Dube. In addition, for some Dubs, a stand will be far from an optional luxury. Let's hope that it will be officially released soon, and if not, you will have to adapt something handy under the rack. Dub is not a congo, not a cajon, not a bongo, but there are elements of all these instruments in its sound. So, this drum can fit well into any musician's percussion kitchen.
Details
Models and prices
9″ (Standard/Pro) $255/$400
12″ (Standard/Pro) $355 / $510
15″ (Standard/Pro) $455/$605
18″ (Standard/Pro) $530/$665
Features: different sizes; custom look; rubber corners; built-in pickup (microphone); pen; case with shoulder strap available separately.