Rock Band drum peripheral coming to Oz

By Ty Pendlebury on 10 January 2008

Rock Band hasn't even arrived in Australia yet, but that doesn't stop third-party peripherals being prepared for release here.

We were quite excited to try out Ion Audio's Rock Band drum kit prototype. (CNET.com.au's own Rock Band bass drum pedal was catastrophically rent in twain -- fixed first by a chocolate box with a magnet taped to it, and then with the sole of a rather attractive woman's shoe.)

The Ion Audio kit played well -- with realistic cymbals, good feedback on the drums, and a sturdy foot pedal. At the moment there are no D-pad controls or Start button so it was hard to operate -- but it's otherwise quite exciting.

Jamie Robertson of Ion Audio tells us the company is in talks with Big W and JB HiFi and that the kit should be available this year. Pricing isn't set, but Robertson said it should be "affordable". Now all we need is the game itself....

Ion Audio also makes electronic drum kits and lots of other prosumer DJ and iPod gear so we are looking forward to seeing its products get local distribution.

Image 1 - Rock Band drum peripheral coming to Oz

The Ion Audio drum kit in action. The drums are considerably more spaced out than those in the original kit.

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RizzyDizz
11/01/2008 10:58 PM

What? The Bass Drum Pedal doesn't even have a Beater and a Bass Drum Pad to go with it! They should have made it more realistic by using a real Bass Drum Pedal with a Beater and Bass Drum Pad like Roland and Yamaha with their real Electronic Drum Kits...

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RizzyDizz
11/01/2008 11:16 PM

I should say though that I am very glad that they have brought this out. It looks heaps better than the other peripheral...

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tyrell
05/02/2008 12:14 PM

I can't wait for this to come out!!! I'mma buy it. Is there an estimate price for it at the moment?

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enyfink
28/03/2008 12:32 PM

does anyone know what the australian price will be?? i really want this game!!

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GerardWayIsHot
31/07/2008 12:38 AM

I hope i can get hold of this soon! :) Please Santa....i want it 4 xmas!! (I don't REALLY believe in Santa!!)