Is Alesis’ USB Drum Kit The Biggest USB Gadget Ever?

USB Drum Kit

Winter NAMM Show: Alesis introduced their USB Pro Drum Kit, which combines the Trigger|iO interface with drum kit controller hardware to give you a complete, computer-friendly electronic percussion kit.

Everything has a USB connector on it now – but this could be the biggest USB gadget ever.

All of the pads in the USB Pro Drum Kit have real drum heads. The snare and tom pads have dual zone triggers for added expression, and all of the cymbals have been designed to offer a natural, true cymbal feel. The crash and ride cymbals have choke capability and the ride has dual-zone triggering, while the HiHat controller pedal sends continuous controller messages for realistic HiHat playability.

The USB/MIDI control can send notes and controller information to a software program or a hardware drum module.

USB Pro Drum Kit Features:

  • Real drum heads and electronic cymbals with dual-zone triggers
  • HiHat pedal which constantly translates motion into proper expressiveness at various open and closed settings
  • Ten TRS trigger inputs for Single or Dual-zone trigger input
  • Twenty programmable presets for storing and recalling various setups
  • BFD Lite Software Drum Module (Mac and PC) with pro-quality acoustic and electronic drums in standalone, VST, AU and DXi plug-in formats
  • Compatibility with most music software applications
  • Easy Interface for quick editing and user setups
  • USB 1.1 Plug and Play (Windows and Mac), MIDI Out
  • HiHat input for on/off or Continuous Control of HiHat sound for natural playability
  • Up/Down foot switch input for selecting kits remotely
  • Customizable trigger settings for Gain, assignment of MIDI channels, Note numbers, Crosstalk, Velocity curve, Threshold, Re-trigger time and Pad type
  • Mounting holes for optional drum stand mount

The Alesis USB Pro Drum Kit will be available Q2 – 2008 at music instrument retailers and is expected to retail for about $800.

13 thoughts on “Is Alesis’ USB Drum Kit The Biggest USB Gadget Ever?

  1. Spoke to a guy on the Alesis stand at the London international music show yesterday. He said it will be out in the UK around august time and should retail at around £329.

  2. Ethan,

    1) You can change the sounds INFINITELY without buying more hardware. It’s cheaper to expand than a real kit.

    2) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (even though I agree that it’s not going to win any beauty contests).

    3) E kits aren’t supposed to REPLACE acoustic kits. They can be used in a number of applications where an acoustic kit can’t, and for that they’re valuable.

    Settle down. Nobody’s got a gun to your head forcing you to buy one. Breathe deep, mate. You’ll be ok.

  3. drummers are so sensitive…..Get this and the addictive drums software and you sound acoustic and dynamic as well..Technology wins beotch.

  4. Hello Owner,

    My name is Mr Paul Brown and i want to make an order of drum kit .I will like you to get back to me as soon as you with the pick up price of
    the following models and sizes;

    Yamaha DTXplorer Electronic drum kit

    Roland TD-9K & TD-9KX digital kits

    Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage Drum Kit

    Gretsch Catalina Birch 6 Piece Drum Kit. 8-10-12-14-22-14snr

    Dixon Tempo Drum Kit

    Also let me know the types you have in stock now if you do not have the stated models ok.Let me know how long it will take you to order that for me if you are ordering them for me.Let me know the types of credit cards you do accept now as forms of payment.God bless you and let me hear from
    you soon.Also i will like you to know that these will be picked up from your shop and then shipped to South Africa in My newly constructed Church.

    Regards…………
    Mr Paul Brown

  5. Listen Mr. Paul Brown. Since you’re a priest and all, we wouldn’t want to insult you with a thorough checkup of your credentials.

    Why don’t we just send all the kits to you for free and you send back the ones you don’t like, along with a money order for the ones you want to keep. Gawd bless yoooooooooooooo.

  6. I’m saving up for this right now. The only thing I’m wondering is if it can support double bass pedals. TWIN KICKER ASSAULT! And as a dude above said, TECHNOLOGY WINS, BEYOTCH!!

  7. I picked up my USB Pro Kit late last year. I’m generally pleased with the it, although the hi-hat pedal is a bit ropey; I’m looking to replace it with a Roland pedal. The kit doesn’t ship with a kick pedal but supports standard fixings, so I don’t see a problem with fitting a double kick. I’m not sure but you may have to play around with the positioning of the kick pad, pedals and/or kit stand; the base of the stand might get in the way of the additional pedal.

  8. Im seriously considering buying one. Do you know if they feel as real as the roland mesh? Also wondering if they are quiet enough to watch the boob tube in the next room. And last of all, puter requirements!!! How fast, ect,. Please and thanx for responce ^_^

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