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Omega GM-1 lets you bring your real drum set to Rock Band
We've already seen some mods for using a real drum set with Rock Band or Guitar Hero, but it looks like Omega Music Technology's new GM-1 system is the first off-the-shelf option, which should no doubt please the less DIY-inclined among us. Available on its own or bundled with a Pearl drum set, the system packs individual sensors that detect each drum hit with "speed and accuracy" and, most importantly for those not playing, support for mesh heads and a dampening system for the cymbals -- of course, if you opt for the drum set package, you'll also get some real drum heads. Omega is even going so far as to promote the system as an ideal way to learn to play the drums and, conversely, says that non-gamer musicians that tried it were able to start playing songs with ease immediately. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look at the complete kit, and look for the basic system to run you $249. %Gallery-84406%
Band Hero's revamped drums coming in November bundle, very limited exclusive for Wii
Guitar Hero drummers who wondered whatever happened to that revamped set we spied months ago can finally sleep more soundly at night, although while still probably tapping out "Sweating Bullets" in their dreams. The cats at IGN got some hands-on time with the new gear, and while there's no physical pics to show for it, they do report being happy with the overall design and its smaller, but still capable frame. The peripheral is reportedly due in a Band Hero Super Bundle for Nintendo Wii this November. It's a limited exclusive for the console, meaning the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 packages will include the standard Guitar Hero drums until "sometime later this year." That leaves at most seven weeks of lead time -- not too long, but in the precious time before Christmas, it's probably quite the coup.
Guitar Hero 5's drums getting a Rock Band makeover?
Looks like that bulky Guitar Hero World Tour drumset might be getting itself an extreme makeover in time for the launch of Guitar Hero 5. According to our source, the blurred render above is the newest plastic percussion peripheral, and while functionality remains the same, it's moved the control console to the forefront, given the cymbals a more well-rounded existence, and done away with some of that body, particularly on the top and on the stand -- all in a all, a much more Rock Band look, if we do say so ourselves. The back of the unit contains three mini ports -- two for kick pedals, and one ever mysterious black mini jack. Yeah, Rock Band's drums have that mysterious unused port, too, and who knows what nefarious needs either will serve. What's suspicious is that it's two months before GH5's release and we still haven't seen this officially, whereas the previous set was ceremoniously unveiled almost six months prior to GHWT's launch -- not that we wouldn't put it past Activision to keep it under lock and key for now, but why not let its newfound beauty shine?
Rock Band instruments pursuing solo careers February 12th
In a bit of shocking news today, two members of the Rock Band instruments set (drums, guitar) have declared that come February 12th, they're going solo. Citing "creative differences," and the original bundled guitar's inability to "clean up its act," the two solo pieces will be on their own and available for $79.99 and $59.99, respectively. This should come as good tidings for players who've had trouble getting a bass into the mix (PlayStation 3 gamers), or those who've wanted to rock the drum vs. drum match-ups. No word on whether the microphone will join the fray and walk out on the trio, though rumor has it a number of labels are ready with offers.
Rock Band hack turns game drums into real drums, won't improve your timing
It was only a matter of time before someone came up with this hack. Instead of dropping an arm and a leg on some high-falutin' Simmons rig, you can now utilize your Rock Band drum kit to bone up on your "In the Air Tonight" fills. A gentleman named Andrew Rudson has taken the kit out of the game, turned it into a proper instrument, and is calling it Drum Machine. Using a "hack" to get the set playing nice with Windows, Andrew has augmented the experience by creating a drum "brain" that lets you assign sounds to the pads, a slick 3D interface which allows you to watch an on-screen representation of your kit in action, and a record / playback component so that you can review and / or show off your killer performances. Check the video after the break to see what we mean, and then hit up Andrew's site for the software.[Thanks, Graham]
Ion Audio shows off prototype of alternate Rock Band drum set at CES
The fine folks at Ion Audio are showing off a prototype Rock Band drum set complete with beefier drums and some cymbals out on the CES show floor. Apparently release is pending on customer interest, and there's no word on how much Ion's planning on charging, but we can say with much certainty that we'd jump at a chance to add this kit to the existing Engadget HQ collection of Rock Band paraphernalia. Check out Engadget Spanish for the full on gallery experience. [Via Engadget Spanish]
