Your questions, answered
Sensory Percussion works very differently from other kinds of triggers (much better!).
The sensors work much more like microphones and capture a clean, isolated signal of the entire drum. The software analyzes the signal in real-time, hit by hit, and isolates it into the different zones. This is what enables the most expressive electronic drumming experience ever. It is kinda like magic.
The sensors work much more like microphones and capture a clean, isolated signal of the entire drum. The software analyzes the signal in real-time, hit by hit, and isolates it into the different zones. This is what enables the most expressive electronic drumming experience ever. It is kinda like magic.
When you buy Sensory Percussion you’ll receive sensors and a software download card. Besides that, you’ll need a Mac or PC computer, an audio interface with one 48-volt phantom-powered mic preamp per sensor, and drums! Our software runs on its own and includes built-in samplers, effects and great sounding presets and samples. You don’t need to buy any other software.
You can learn more about different setups here: How it works
You can learn more about different setups here: How it works
Our software runs as a standalone application on MacOS or Windows and has a uniquely powerful sound engine with a full-featured sampler with great sounding effects.
One of the great features of Sensory Percussion is that you can also use it to control other softwares or devices, like DAWs, software and hardware synths, lights, video, etc.
MIDI-out is a core feature of Sensory Percussion. You can send MIDI messages over a bus and receive it in any other program (like a DAW) that understands MIDI. You can read more about the MIDI output capabilities in our manual here.
Additionally, Sensory Percussion comes with two different plugins: a small VST plugin called the SP Audio Router, which allows you to route multi-track audio (master, 2 buses, and 4 channels) into any DAW that supports multi-track VSTs. You can read more about the Audio Router here.
And also a full-featured plugin version of Sensory Percussion for Ableton. This allows for lower latency multi-track recording and deep integration with Ableton. Read more about the plugin on our blog: VST Plugin for Ableton
One of the great features of Sensory Percussion is that you can also use it to control other softwares or devices, like DAWs, software and hardware synths, lights, video, etc.
MIDI-out is a core feature of Sensory Percussion. You can send MIDI messages over a bus and receive it in any other program (like a DAW) that understands MIDI. You can read more about the MIDI output capabilities in our manual here.
Additionally, Sensory Percussion comes with two different plugins: a small VST plugin called the SP Audio Router, which allows you to route multi-track audio (master, 2 buses, and 4 channels) into any DAW that supports multi-track VSTs. You can read more about the Audio Router here.
And also a full-featured plugin version of Sensory Percussion for Ableton. This allows for lower latency multi-track recording and deep integration with Ableton. Read more about the plugin on our blog: VST Plugin for Ableton
We have a 30-day return policy. You’ll be refunded via the same form of payment of the original purchase. Note that there is a small restocking fee if any of the pickup elements in a sensor box have been used. If you need to return your order, please send us a message.
We offer a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If your sensor breaks or needs repair outside of the warranty, please send us a message evaluate your specific situation.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
Yes, we do have education pricing for individual students and teachers. You can learn more and apply here: Sunhouse Education Program
If you are interested in bulk pricing for a school program, please get in touch.
If you are interested in bulk pricing for a school program, please get in touch.
Yes, we do have an artist pricing and sponsorship program. You can learn more and apply here: Sunhouse Artist Pricing.
We ship to most places! We ship all over the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Please contact us if you have any questions about shipping to your country. And if we can’t ship to you, one of our Authorized Retailers probably can.
If you’re receiving a shipment and are outside of the U.S., you might have to pay an import duty. This may result in you having to pay additional charges which are not included in the total price displayed at checkout. The amount of customs duty and import VAT is usually assessed at the point of entry of the destination country. Unfortunately, we will not be able to tell you the cost because import duties vary quite a bit from country to country. So please check your local import tax regulations before ordering. If you have any other questions, please send us a message.
Unfortunately, we can’t ship to PO boxes.
Orders generally ship within 1-2 business days. Orders are shipped via UPS Ground in the U.S. and generally take 1-2 days to arrive on the east coast and 3-4 days on the west coast. All other destinations ship via DHL Express and generally take 2-4 days to arrive.
When your order ships, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number. If you have any questions about the status of your order, please send us a message and have your order number handy.
Yes and no.
For the yes part: You can control the Sensory Percussion software by sending MIDI out of your e-drum kit (if it has that capability) and assigning them to different pads or other software features in Sensory Percussion.
For the no part: our sensors will generally not fit on most e-drum kits. This is because these drums often have thick rubber rims that prevent the sensor from fitting correctly. Also, please keep in mind that Sensory Percussion will not work on foam pads.
You can learn more about how the sensors attach to the drums here: Attaching the Sensor
For the yes part: You can control the Sensory Percussion software by sending MIDI out of your e-drum kit (if it has that capability) and assigning them to different pads or other software features in Sensory Percussion.
For the no part: our sensors will generally not fit on most e-drum kits. This is because these drums often have thick rubber rims that prevent the sensor from fitting correctly. Also, please keep in mind that Sensory Percussion will not work on foam pads.
You can learn more about how the sensors attach to the drums here: Attaching the Sensor
Snare wires don’t affect how Sensory Percussion reads the vibrations of the drum. Because of this, you cannot train different pads to respond to your drum with the snares on and off.
Since sensory percussion feeds off the natural acoustics of your drums, drums that have a tighter tighter tuning will make for more accurate control surfaces in Sensory Percussion. The health of your drumhead may also impact how accurate it is. For example, if your head is very beat up, you might get less accurate results.
In general, if you’re looking to assign many pads and get very accurate control, you will get better results with a tightly tuned snare drum than a floppy floor tom.
You might also notice that drums that are dampened a bit will produce a more accurate response through the software. Dampening some of the overtones as the drum rings out simply makes it easier for our algorithms to isolate each individual hit.
Finally, if you find that you are not getting reliable results during the training process, we suggest training only a few zones to start and focus on accuracy. Then add more zones as you feel comfortable with the process.
In general, if you’re looking to assign many pads and get very accurate control, you will get better results with a tightly tuned snare drum than a floppy floor tom.
You might also notice that drums that are dampened a bit will produce a more accurate response through the software. Dampening some of the overtones as the drum rings out simply makes it easier for our algorithms to isolate each individual hit.
Finally, if you find that you are not getting reliable results during the training process, we suggest training only a few zones to start and focus on accuracy. Then add more zones as you feel comfortable with the process.
Sensory Percussion can respond to a variety of sticks and brushes. However, the software only tracks hits and will not respond to smooth brushing techniques.
Unfortunately, Sensory Percussion doesn’t work on cymbals. But, if you have electronic cymbals that can send MIDI out, you can assign them to control pads in Sensory Percussion.
The sensor is designed to fit drums with a metal rim or hoop: basically all the drums in a western trap kit (snare, toms, kick). Unfortunately, that means the sensor can’t attach to hand drums, which don’t have a rim to clamp onto.
Yes! Sensory Percussion works equally well on acoustic head and mesh heads. Mesh heads are perfect for when you really want to focus on the electronic sounds (or if you have neighbors).
Our sensors are designed to fit most drums with standard hoops and rims. We have one sensor type for both snare/toms and kicks. Some vintage rims might be problematic, also those super thick wood snare rims (where the lug goes through the rim) don’t work at all with Sensory Percussion.
You can learn more about how the sensor attaches to the drum and about different problems you might run into on our manual here: Attaching the Sensor
We’d be happy to help you figure out if your drums will work. Send us a message, or email us at support@sunhou.se.
You can learn more about how the sensor attaches to the drum and about different problems you might run into on our manual here: Attaching the Sensor
We’d be happy to help you figure out if your drums will work. Send us a message, or email us at support@sunhou.se.
Yes, however, you might notice that you get more range and control from drum heads that have tighter tunings. This is because Sensory Percussion feeds directly off the natural acoustics of your drums, and smaller more tightly tuned drums are naturally easier to get consistent sounds from. (Try playing fast flams on a 14" snare drum vs. a 16" floor tom to see what we mean). We’ve found that 12-14" inch drums give the biggest and most accurate range of control. If using mesh heads, we recommend tuning the heads rather tightly.
Yes and no.
First the no part: Our sensors are not triggers and cannot be plugged into other trigger devices. They are designed specifically to pair with our software, and vice-versa. So, in order to use Sensory Percussion with all its unique capabilities, the sensors and software must be used together. Also, our sensors use XLR cables and most drum brains use 1/4-inch plugs.
Now the yes part: The Sensory Percussion software can accept MIDI-in. So if you have a drum brain with other triggers and you want to use that to control the SP software, you can do that!
First the no part: Our sensors are not triggers and cannot be plugged into other trigger devices. They are designed specifically to pair with our software, and vice-versa. So, in order to use Sensory Percussion with all its unique capabilities, the sensors and software must be used together. Also, our sensors use XLR cables and most drum brains use 1/4-inch plugs.
Now the yes part: The Sensory Percussion software can accept MIDI-in. So if you have a drum brain with other triggers and you want to use that to control the SP software, you can do that!
Sensory Percussion works on Windows 10 and up and Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) and up. Sensory Percussion does not work on iOS or Android devices.
No, unfortunately, Sensory Percussion will not support Linux in the near future. We’d love to support as many platforms as possible, but each additional platform greatly increases the development and testing overhead for our small team.
You can install Sensory Percussion on up to 5 of your computers for your own use. If you need to install it on more than that, just get in touch with us.
Sensory Percussion works with any standard audio interface (sound card). Most importantly, the interface needs to provide 48V phantom power to each Sensor.
We generally don’t recommend using a mixer with interface features. They generally tend to not have good drivers or latency response. But your mileage will vary!
If you have any questions about a specific interface, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll do what we can to help.
We generally don’t recommend using a mixer with interface features. They generally tend to not have good drivers or latency response. But your mileage will vary!
If you have any questions about a specific interface, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll do what we can to help.
Most modern interfaces should work fine with Sensory Percussion. But if you need a recommendation, we like the Focusrite Scarlett line. The 18i8 if you want to use 4 sensors and the 2i2 if you only have 1 or 2 sensors. These interfaces are super reliable and have a good balance of price to features.
If you’re looking for something less expensive, take a look at the Behringer U-Phoria line. They also work great.
We have personally not had good experiences with thunderbolt interfaces as the plug can be finicky, easily disconnect which can lead to system crashes. USB 2.0 interfaces are quite reliable and can achieve great latency response.
If you’re looking for something less expensive, take a look at the Behringer U-Phoria line. They also work great.
We have personally not had good experiences with thunderbolt interfaces as the plug can be finicky, easily disconnect which can lead to system crashes. USB 2.0 interfaces are quite reliable and can achieve great latency response.