Alesis Performance Pad: The "Percussion Station"
The Alesis Dynamic Articulation™ technology is a layer of nuance placed on each sounded hit; timing error is introduced and timbres are subtly altered to produce a more naturalistic drum performance on a per-hit basis. The new Alesis Performance Pad sports the feature along with eight pads and a drum machine built into the pad firmware. From Alesis:
A COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE PERCUSSION STATION. Performance Pad features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads and a built-in electronic drum machine with professional sounds and features. You can create and record your own beats from scratch or play along with the built-in patterns. With Performance Pad, you can practice quietly with headphones, or plug into an amplifier.
Performance Pad includes inputs for a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and a Line-level input to connect a CD Player, iPod®, computer, or other audio device so that percussionists can play along with nearly any recorded mix. Built-in rhythm patterns are also included to compliment playing.
Dynamic Articulation™ technology is included to add nuance to the feel of every drum hit. In addition, there are industry-standard mounting holes on the bottom for easy attachment to an existing drum kit rack.
The 24-bit, high-quality headphone output on the Performance Pad insures a no-compromise playback experience without disturbing others. Connection to keyboards and sound modules is made simple thanks to the integrated MIDI output.
Performance Pad brings together quality feel and and legendary drum sounds for the perfect all-in-one percussion station.
- 8 natural feeling, velocity-sensitive drum pads with Dynamic Articulation™
- Built-in professional drum machine so you can record and play back your own beats
- 50 Preset / 50 User drum kits with 233 sounds assignable to any pad
- Built-in rhythm patterns to complement your playing
Large LCD display with easy-to-navigate interface
Dynamic Articulation™ stereo samples with reverb and ambience for realistic playing
2 inputs for external kick and hi-hat pedals (sold separately)
Stereo input to play along with your CD or MP3 player
MIDI output to play external MIDI devices
High-quality 24-bit stereo and headphone outputs
Lightweight, durable enclosure
I've owned one for a few months
It's almost great, ... it's good.
The external triggers are on/off - momentary switches, not pad / kick inputs. To me that's totally useless. Who's going to play a bass drum part on a switch.
There's no MIDI input. That's a bummer. I want to use this as MIDI input and a MIDI sound module. I don't know how they overlooked this.
The output velocity is really low. I recorded parts into Cubase 4 and the duration of the notes is really short. So short that normal drums like LM-7 or BFD list barley trigger.
agreed on the output velocity
I saw a band play in a club a few weeks ago, and the drums were having trouble rising over the bass lines for the same reason you mentioned. The banging on the pad itself was louder than the drums. You would probably have to use this to control something like Battery and push up your start point for all of your samples.
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