By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:04:54 +0000

Come on, being a percussionist, I have been begging Alesis to put out new percussion products. At first glance, and a quick glance at that, this Performance Pad looks good and has a great price point, but think about it. Only 2 outs, or 1 stereo out, no mention of a midi input to access the drum machine and other setting. No midi thru either? According to some internet sources, the sounds are from the old Alesis SR-16. This unit is at least a decade old if not older and it doesn’t contain 24 bit samples. If converted, these samples would have a lot of zeros added and not necessarily be true 24 bit. 233 sounds are ok, but 1000 sounds are better. Is that LCD display backlit? That would come in handy when playing in a dark pit. The sound stacking is cool, and the sequencer seems to have enough notes, I guess, but Alesis seems to be hiding a lot of information about this unit. I think the old Alesis D4 and DM pro were the best things that ever happened to electronic percussion. They even forced Roland to improve their electronic percussion. But since then, Alesis has produced nothing worth mentioning in the percussion area. I love Alesis, especially the HD 24, the S4 sound module, the Masterlink, and yes my old D4, but if they are going to introduce new percussion products, they gotta have 21st century things like, hmmmm, how about a usb interface, midi thru and input, multiple stereo outs, memory backup slot, true 24 bit samples including new sounds, a way to update sounds and expand capabilities, and even self powered via usb. Some of this instrument is still in question, thanks to very limited PR photos and no specs at this point. What is in question? How about the number of tracks in the sequencer, samples other than percussion sounds, orchestral percussion samples like timpani, chimes, good sounding keyboards like marimba, rosewood xylophone, Deagan orchestra bells, wuhan gongs and snare drum rolls. Quantizing ability, editing ability, effects, and a ton of other things are all in question. Some of this might be in the unit, but I haven’t read it anywhere, even Alesis’ website. Again I love Alesis, but I hope they get on the ball and makes a Performance Pad Pro sooner than later.

Comments on: Alesis Intros Performance Pad Drum Machine

By: Jerry