I will admit that there are definite, multiple pros to VDrums (low stage volume, lower hearing loss, etc). My beef is the sound quality. Other players I've talked to don't really enjoy the feel of the surfaces, but I don't know first hand.
To me, the samples just sound extremely compressed. Both in their frequency extension (high and low), and especially their dynamics. The frequency response also seems 'off' and shallow. This has been working with, oh, 4 drummers who were all good, one or two playing VDrums exclusively with lots of tuning/tweaking time over the months. I would like to be proven wrong one of these days, listen to a real and V kit side by side and not know the difference, or even prefer the digital.
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Now I've needed a monitor to hear vocals, guitar, keys and a little bass, but never needed to hear my kick, and the rest of my kit for that matter in a monitor.
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I sat on a friend's kit once after soundcheck (larger venue) and just played the kick for a few hits. The drumfill would almost blast you off the throne, it was insane. Hope my hearing never goes that far, or play on stages that loud. That was competing with a couple Marshal or Mesa half stacks at 11, and an 8x10 Ampeg cab, Vox amps, and various other sound sources depending on band.
Since this is about drum SPL and not VDrum sound quality, yes real drums can be stinking loud and VDrums can help solve that. Haven't measured the SPL; as others have said, measuring at the drummer's head vs. the bassist's head is totally different, with different frequencies assaulting you.
Edit:drum fill
Caleb