One device I don't need is another Rock Banddrum set. Over the riptide of releases, I've managed to collect two of the bulky instruments. And while I'd love to toss one (or preferably both), I have a partner who gives me the stink eye followed by a hint of a sneer whenever I broach the subject. Even after our move, as we stare at our crap all over the floors of our snazzy new haunt, she insists that they're essential closet clutter.

I expect more than a few of you may have the same problem, or at least, have more plastic instruments than you need. But that's not going to stop me from telling you that there's more on the way. Case in point: ION, the brains behind the biggest and most complex Rock Band drum set, is set to create an even more complex and heavier set for every Rock Band and beyond, including even Rock Band 3.

One device I don't need is another Rock Banddrum set. Over the riptide of releases, I've managed to collect two of the bulky instruments. And while I'd love to toss one (or preferably both), I have a partner who gives me the stink eye followed by a hint of a sneer whenever I broach the subject. Even after our move, as we stare at our crap all over the floors of our snazzy new haunt, she insists that they're essential closet clutter.

I expect more than a few of you may have the same problem, or at least, have more plastic instruments than you need. But that's not going to stop me from telling you that there's more on the way. Case in point: ION, the brains behind the biggest and most complex Rock Band drum set, is set to create an even more complex and heavier set for every Rock Band and beyond, including even Rock Band 3.

really? dual chain drives and adjustable beater? that seems way to much for a game. might as well buy a real set. goddam my real pedal doesnt have dual chain drive

" really? dual chain drives and adjustable beater? that seems way to much for a game. might as well buy a real set. goddam my real pedal doesnt have dual chain drive "

I guess I am glad  I decided to wait on purchasing an ION set!

I'm still thinking about buying an ION kit, if only to further realize my MIDI drum dream.

God dammit. Does this mean my current ION kit won't be "pro mode" compatible??

I think I will stick in the next tier down of expensive plastic drum kits with plastic cymbals, for now anyway.

ONLY $5999

The comments over on joystiq suggest that the image is fake. It shows two pedals, and ION is saying it's shopped. 
 
However, that 2nd pedal is exactly what was in the original kit. 
 
Maybe Harmonix simply haven't announced 2 pedal support? (Not just double bass, but also maybe hi-hat)

Great. Now my ION drum set feels crappy. The set itself is great, but damn if the bass pedal on mine sucks. I want THAT one. I hope I can buy it separately somewhere...

" Pro premium will ship with all the other crap included with the not-premium Drum Rocker"
 
Thank you for this informative and well written article, I now know everything I need to know about this product!
 
Seriously...

Really? Another peripheral? It's all or nothing with Harmonix, apparently.

More and more I see the musical genre waving goodbye to me.

I have $1000 put away for a real drum kit. But if this ION kit is less than $200 then I'll definitely buy it along with an $800 drum kit.

" God dammit. Does this mean my current ION kit won't be "pro mode" compatible?? "

" @JJWeatherman said:

" God dammit. Does this mean my current ION kit won't be "pro mode" compatible?? "

 Like the previous ION set, this kit is ready to play in Rock Band 3's new Pro Mode, which treats the cymbals as unique triggers. "

" really? dual chain drives and adjustable beater? that seems way to much for a game. might as well buy a real set. goddam my real pedal doesnt have dual chain drive "

I never understood why they tried to sell a Hi-hat pedal as a bass pedal on that Ion kit to begin with. They are two completely different things.

" @EdTwo said:

" really? dual chain drives and adjustable beater? that seems way to much for a game. might as well buy a real set. goddam my real pedal doesnt have dual chain drive "

It IS a real set. Well, real electronic drum set. "

" I'm still thinking about buying an ION kit, if only to further realize my MIDI drum dream. "

" I have $1000 put away for a real drum kit. But if this ION kit is less than $200 then I'll definitely buy it along with an $800 drum kit. "

My RB2 kit still works quite well, and I have a back up RB1 kit that works (as well as an RB1 kit can), so I'm cool atm. I've also had my eye on a real kit recently :) if only I could find the room...

They should make Rock Band 3 compatible with Kinect. 
 
Instead of playing plastic instruments and making a fool out of yourself, YOU CAN BE THE INSTRUMENT!

"They should make Rock Band 3 compatible with Kinect.  Instead of playing plastic instruments and making a fool out of yourself, YOU CAN BE THE INSTRUMENT! "

That is a lot of plastic...I STILL only have the RB1 set...good enuff for me. 

If "dual-chain drive" translates to double pedals and not one pedal with 2 chains then I'm in. Dual-zone triggers would be nice for future-proofing the kit for use with a real drum module, but since the ION pads are pretty much a requirement for decent double-strokes, I have to get these not matter what. But please ION, let there be dual-zone triggers. At least a rim trigger on the snare.

I want this real bad, although I'm not sure how I would fit this along with my full size real drum kit in my basement.

What if I already have an actual electronic kit with MIDI in/out.  Is there anything that I can buy to hook up to my PS3/360?

Might buy this if the price is right. Was playing Rock Band: Green Day and my drum pedal squeaks when I press it. Boo!

" What if I already have an actual electronic kit with MIDI in/out.  Is there anything that I can buy to hook up to my PS3/360? "

fuck. at least they got the cymbal placements right!

That looks more like a real e-drumkit than a plastic toy for a game. I dig it. Hopefully it won't be too expensive.

Well if Rock Band 3 is anything to go by... It's all or nothing for the Rock Band and the rhythm genre!

"I have no problem with electronic sets, I almost bought one myself. My problem is that people are willing to buy this just to play Rock Band. The Tama Iron Cobra (which is one of the best pedals on the market. If you are a drummer you probably know) has dual chain drive. I dont understand why someone needs that to play Rock Band. Also, thats not a actual electronic kit. Ok I'll stop trolling now "

Will I be able to Ugrade my old ION drumkit? 
Just to buy that small hub, and other things separately?
Also. Are this finally wireless? 
I was upset that for 400$ which I payed to UK amazon I still had to hhok it to in to USB port. 
And they came only with 2 cymbals. To buy 3rd t would cost me 75$ extra. It disorients when You use just two cymbals and You have to go down for the pad, because You do not have that colour.

I'm going to buy me a real drum set in 2 weeks, but by the time I want to get this (December or late feb when all the launch broken ion's are out of the way) I'll buy the ion for sure, I would pay up to 400 just from what it seems to offer vs a real electronic drumset which could cost in the 1,000's for a real good one. Maybe I toss money away in the end my GIRLFRIEND IS GOING TO BE PISSED!!!

So is there a set price for all of this yet, or am i just going to have to wait till it gets closer to release to find out its way too expensive for me?

Um all you guys talking about "overkill for a drum set" obviously haven't seen the rest of Rock Band 3 or it's instruments. I personally stopped shelling out cash for full games of what should be DLC after Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band 1. Maybe it's all improved and gotten wayyyy different since then but uh...i'll pass again.

this is getting out of control.  at this point people should be purchasing the actual instruments because they are cheaper and (hopefully) sound better.  i like rockband unplugged and other handheld rhythym games but could never see the thing above in my apartment, let alone my living room.