Thanks a lot for this and sharing the manual. Just picked this kit up on prime day and am excited to see how much more it can be expanded/configured. Appreciate your time sharing this!
Anyone that wants to do this to the Nitro Max must use splitters with resistors. In the US Reverb has a bunch of different Y cables with resistors to suit any application. You can't beat this kit for the money. The shity part is the unstable rack. I recommend buying another rack and use the pieces to brace the original. I added a leg to the end of the snare tube and triangulated the rack and now it doesn't wobble.
Hi. thks for posting this. Bought 2 Alesis Nitro Mesh kits and I'm about to sort a way to combine them, so what you've posted is right up my alley. I'm using the hardware of my acoustic kit to help me arrange all of this. Perhaps, as Im going through I can consult you if I hit a wall BTW, those 2 albums back there look exactly like mine. We probably bought them around the same time. My first was Exit, Stage, Left then I went backwards and forward.
It would be awesome if you could do a separate video explaining step by step setting the dual trigger pad as a ride. Some of us woukd follow it better if it was more in depth on that one area. Thank you for everything. The video was very informative.
Yeah, mine arrived two days ago from Sweetwater and so far it's a blast! We have a house so no neighbors underneath or anything but like you, I too have a family so this kit affords me to be able to play whenever I want and my wife really appreciates that it's not an acoustic set.
Question: can you add a second kick drum? I know the current kick pad doesn’t exactly support a second pedal, so I was wondering how you’d go about doing that.
Hello sir, how are you able to increase the volume on your kick drum especially when using EZ drummer? I increaee the volume and sensitivity but it’s still no as good as when your pressing the button on the brain. Any advise? Thank you
I'm going to look into this a little more and include it in an upcoming video - I have a regular pad that was basically doing the same thing and had to make some changes to the sensitivity, threshold, and curves settings to make it match. It was helpful that I use my Mac to generate all my sounds, because I could use the midi message monitor in the software to see the velocity info to know that my changes were making a difference.
I have that kit and I got the expansion pack with it. the Tom that comes in the expansion pack is another snare. I actually noticed what you said the rim works on the toms as well. so thank you so much for explaining this because it wasn't making any sense but now I know how to expand my kit a lot bigger.
I really love how you made use of the wasted stereo jacks, I would've done the same thing. Looking forward to playing it now. Had a mixture of skeptic and concern with the expanded price being so inexpensive
I really like what you did here. I went the easy way and found 2 kits on Craigslist for about $400 for both. They were each less than a year old. Then hooked the audio out (not headphones) of one to the aux in of the other. Then just built user kits. Thanks for the user manual as it made customization so much easier.
Hi Kevin and thanks a lot for the video. I already had a Nitro Mesh and got a 2nd complete kit today to expand as much as possible. I plan on buying my splitters in 1 or 2 days but I noticed something while installing everything... the cymbals are also plugged with stereo wiring. Does that mean it works the same as the toms? The cymbals aren't supposed to be dual zone but looks like the module can receive 2 different sound inputs from them. If that's the case I'll have quite a huge kit to play on. O_O
Kevin, I'm trying to connect a crash 3 un the Tom 4 option, but i don't know what happen when i play the crash 3 pad sounds lower than the other crashes. I have tried everything with the utilities but it Still sounds low, the idea Is to set a China sound in that crash 3 pad. It's not a cable trouble because i connected a Tom pad instead the crash pad and it sounds fine. Help Kevin please
Hi. I’ve had the same problem tbh. As far as I can see you can only adjust the sensitivity and volume for the 1 input say Tom 2. So if you’ve split that with another cymbal, whatever volume and sensitivity you set the Tom at the cymbal is the same. I’ve had to turn the sensitivity and volume right down on one of the toms to match the volume of the other toms. The problem is then that the cymbal is very quiet and doesn’t trigger well. I know I must be doing something wrong but I can’t work out what 🤷♂️ Any help from the op would be good 🙏
There is a S-S and an R-S - Rim Sensitivity - that's the parameter you want to check for your split cable - check the manual I linked in the description for details!
Hey Kevin! I have a question about GarageBand and EZ Drummer / Superior Drummer that maybe you can answer. If I use an Alesis kit to midi out to GarageBand, is it possible to map out and create custom kits that I can use from project to project? Am I limited to just mapping after I’ve recorded? I used your method to expand my Command kit. Thanks!
GB and EZ are similar in that you have to change the mappings on the brain to match the fixed midi values in those products. So - I have to make kits on the brain specifically for the mappings I want if I use that sound source. SD let’s you change the midi value associated with any sound, so the kit on the brain can remain static (if you want) and you just remap sounds in the software and save the custom kits there instead. I basically made a kit for EZ/GB ( MainStage is in that list too) and then used those mappings as my “standard” when using SD and just remapped the sounds in SD to match what I wanted. I hope that makes sense!
i will definitely see this video and tell you ... 😀😀😀 ... as i have to purchase this drum .... any new year offers or xmas offers ~~~ happening any soon
I am fairly new to drumming. I have just recently purchased this Alesis kit. I’m not exactly sure how to accomplish this expansion. Is there anyway that you could do a more comprehensive walkthrough of how exactly you have put this all together, what connections (cables) needed, and the process for triggering the sounds through the software on your Mac. This video covers exactly what I have been trying to find. Now I just need to figure out how to put it all together. Thank you!!!
You connect it to your computer via a standard USB A to USB B cable (like a printer cable). Programs like GarageBand/Mainstage/Logic Pro will instantly just see it and Boom! To connect the extra pads you just need a stereo 1/4” (6.25mm) TRS socket to two mono 1/4” (6.25mm) TS plugs (TRS = tip-ring-sleeve). I’m not sure if they’re easy to find or if you’d need to make them or get them made.
Yeah..its the same module that comes with the Surge kit, just different logi on ..Surge kit comes with all Dual zone toms and snare..and chokeable cymbals. Surge kit also has an 8" kick tower.
Legend!! I just got a 2nd additional cymbal and it wasn't working on the tom input. This is EXACLY what i needed. I'm buying myself a stereo to mono cable today! Thank you for sharing
Wow! This is so useful. I wonder if it can be applied to other e-drums? I have a Behringer kit and the toms also have stereo plugs, would it work if I split them?
Only one way to tell! Pick up a splitter and try! Also check the program on the brain - if you have settings for the rim trigger you should be able to split.
Congrats on the videos Kevin. I'm planning on buying this kit but my first concern was: "can it be expanded"? You have answered that. One question though : the standard module doesn't seem to have inputs to all theses pads... So you are using a separate software as a module? I'm no sure if I got this right. Thanks
It’s the splitters. Even using the sounds on board you can expand the kit, but you’ll be limited to a smaller selection of sounds to spread over your 15 triggers. I use external sounds via midi because I wanted more variety and realism.
Does anybody know if this can work on the Nitro Max? I split the toms and the system isn't recognizing that anything is connected to the rim triggers. Added an additional tom so far, and cannot get it to work.
@@BustingsticksWithKW ROLAND STYLE SPLITTER WORKS FOR THE NITRO MAX!!!!! My splitter arrived today and successfully split a Nitro Max tom input. Has a 100 ohm resistor soldered in one of the leads.
@@45WinchesterMagnum Can you tell me exactly what Roland splitter you used? They have a few different splitters and I need the model number. You are sure this works on Nitro Max? How long have you been using this set up? Worried about overloading the module due to the added resistance. Thanks for your help!
@@45WinchesterMagnum Can you tell me exactly what Roland splitter you used? They have a few different splitters and I need the model number. You are sure this works on Nitro Max? How long have you been using this set up? Worried about overloading the module due to the added resistance. Thanks for your help!
Great vid. How has your kit held up? Has the snare position head held up, or have you had slipping issues. I'd love to see an after-market stand for the snare.
You've seen how hard I hit the drum, and occasionally, that tube will slip out (but usually because my 10 year old pushed down on it to get off the throne!) but I've had no issues at all.
First, would the Nitro Mesh toms & cymbals work with the Strike module if I decided to upgrade? Second, would the splitting principal be the same there - taking the two triggers for each tom and splitting them off into a tom and cymbal?
I don’t have direct experience with the Strike - but if it allows separate rim and pad programming, the splitting concept should work. Easy to test - grab a splitter off the list in my website and try it - pretty cheap to try!
Does anyone know if I can do this with my alesis forge kit? And is it a special splitter rather the a splitter that would make it so you could plug into to amps if you know what I mean? Thx really interested to try this
I’m guessing the answer is in the manual or brain unit - if it supports dual trigger pads on each input, and you can independently program each trigger (rim and pad) then in theory you should be able to do the same, but that’s a big if.
I’ve got one question. Your double bass. I specifically asked musician friends tech if I can use my double on this kit and he of course said yes but that is proving to be not the case. How did you set up your double kick. Did you have to purchase a different pad? I bought this set so I can play without pissing the neighbors off but I want my double kick back 😢
Hello good morning, one question: I bought an Alesis nitro mesh kit and I want to add a Roland PDX8 snare pad to it, will it work without problems? especially the double zone
I don't know for sure - if it's just a 2 zone pad (nothing fancy like position sensing or other proprietary features for Roland) then it should if it takes a "stereo" (TRS) cable as it's connection.
I'm yet to get started drumming and currently learning to DJ with harder dance and tock music, and wanted to know if this kit could be expanded, so I'm pleased to hear your additional expansion trick and see you're a fan of my favourite 3 albums. Thanks.
Hi Kevin, Actually I was curious on the physical setup of your expansion. I bought an extra tom. And it took me so much time to set the kit in a comfortable way again. Crazy how your toms can fit that rack perfectly. The nitro rack.... It's so small... Is the longest rack arm the one on your right? Thanks and keep those videos coming
Thanks! Actually my rack is a bit of a cheat - I bought a whole extra rack on eBay. I use just a few parts to extend it on the right to hold my computer setup, but more importantly I did take the second long bar from the spare rack and put it on that lower right side. The stock rack did fit it, but the extra 2” just gives it a little wiggle room.
I just use a double pedal - nothing to do with the unit. Just make sure you can place your beaters close to each other. And check my website for the beaters I use!
Hello I've got an Alesis custom kit that will blow you away 15 drum pads 20 cymbal pads and they all work. And I've got an Peavey PA system, with V118 18 inch speakers for my bottom end, SP2G for my midrange. And two T300's for my high end.all powered by a Peavey XZ600C amplifier with a secondary XZ2 amplifier. A 12 channel Peavey mixer.
hello beautiful video ... I wanted to ask you something, do you know if you can put some different electronic hi hat like the one that opens and closes?
Thank you! Sadly your hi hat choices are limited. This brain only accepts 3 (4 technically but it’s complicated) direct signals - closed, 1/2 open, and open. Fancier ones use midi cc messages to send a range of values (which makes it much more realistic) but that’s the trade off of the low price.
Very well done sir!!! I don't know if you would want to put the time into it (because I know tutorials are time consuming to produce) but a good step by step video on this set up and mapping ez-drummer to it might get a lot of views. Nothing in depth is on RUclips yet as far as I can tell.
I have outlines for those videos… just need the time! I agree - I had to figure a lot out on my own, but I am an IT guy in real life… who just happens to have a music degree!
@@BustingsticksWithKW You could even break it up into a couple of parts if one video would be to long. Like one part on just setting up the kit with the splitters, extra pads/symbols and clamps. Then the other for the mapping.
Today I bought an extra cymbal and tom for my Nitro mesh kit and I enjoy this new kit a lot, if I can understand properly how to split the cables in order to add another tom and cymbal I might order another expansion ^^
Can you swap single zone cymbals cable into the Tom and revoice the dual zone Tom Cable to a ride and bell then switch on midi and control superior drummer 3 through midi this way? I know you can revoice them because I have this working on my kit but I haven’t got it to work with superior drummer yet as I’m waiting for a midi cable and the latency was too bad using USB. Thanks if you can help.
Not sure what you are asking, but I can tell you the midi and USB ports do not work at same time - if you have both plugged in only 1 works - I just can’t remember which one at the moment!
@@BustingsticksWithKW what I was talking about is using the Yamaha 3 zone cymbals and one of the split Tom inputs for the bell of the ride cymbal but the impedance is not matched and the bell won’t trigger a Tom input even maxed out on sensitivity as soon as the ride cymbal input is plugged in it overpowers. And just becomes a ride cymbal no matter where you hit it
I’ve heard that happening. It is possible to use any hi hat pedal trigger as long as it’s not a continuous contact style that sends a range of midi cc events (like a fancy Roland one) - the brain only understands 3 distinct positions plus that “splash” step.
I've been confused about expanding this kit so if you could clear this up for me that would be great. For my purposes I want mine to look like yours in your Instamatic Cover. I can see you bought what I think is the alesis expansion kit along with one more alesis pad and cymbal. I saw your step by step video on expanding the kit to the max but the one thing I am confused about is if I can use splitters to connect more then one tom pad to the same cable because the brain has a limited number of cables included minus the tom 4 port. I can then use my laptop to connect to the brain and use EZ-drummer to have more sounds available (in my opinion the snare and kick drum options included with the drumset out-of-the-box are pretty weak) right? Thanks for the videos and I love the covers!
I think it depends on the model and technology built into the pad - some of the Rolands have some special stuff inside to allow for the special features the brains support, but I'm going to guess the more basic the pad/brain, the more compatible they will be - in essence, all the Alesis is looking for is a piezo type contact trigger to send voltage back that it can measure to determine velocity - don't get too much more simpler than that. Dual and triple zone cymbals have some quirks (so I've heard) so more problematic to test those - but if you can borrow from a mate, might be a great way to add some knowledge to all of us!
That’s like picking a favorite child!!MP,P/G, and CA are all up there. R30 is the “best” live IMO, but ESL video is the one (on MTV’s Saturday night concert) that set me firmly down the path of actual musical percussion life.
Thank you. I just bought Alesis Nitro, and this manual will help. I have a problem with the bass drum. The sensitivity is set to one and I will like to set it higher. Every time I try to do it when I shut down the system and turn it on it goes back to one.
Any single zone will work - I had trouble finding a dual zone for a ride - I don’t want edge and bow - I want bell and bow, and that doesn’t seem to exist. 3 zone rides are out there, but I’ve read sometimes you need a dummy plug to make them work - I do t have any hands on experience yet with that situation.
I just have the stock one. I did find a second rack online for $35 so I’ve used a few pieces from that to extend the kit to fit my custom Mac mini rig. I thought of doing the same - replacing it altogether - I found a number of used Pearl square post racks online for reasonable $$ - you’d just need the right clamps to mount everything.
A quick look at the manual says YES! They list rim inputs and default midi notes for all 4 tom spots - it's very much the same brain unit with added bluetooth as far as I can tell from the manual.
@@BustingsticksWithKW It wont sadly. I've also been trying this this week. The only dual zone on the Max is the snare. I've split from the snare rim to a cymbal via TRS to dual TR splitter. The cymbal is recognising the sound barely when I hit the bow of the cymbal very hard, the edge is dead silent and when I hit the cymbal lightly its silent aswell. I'm beginning to think the module isn't able to change the signal from the snare rim to a cymbal, Alesis has changed something when they found out people were making there Mesh kits Huge. Very frustrating as one extra cymbal (after installing the expansion set) would be fantastic.
I mainly practice prog rock and jazz fusion, at least now I know that's it's possible to expand them to match my dream kit more (though I need 6 toms so might as well merge another Alesis Nitro Mesh)
Yes to splitters. Your pads (depending where you buy them) may or may not come with male to male cables. Keep the gender of the cables in mind when selecting the splitter. I have links to two different ones depending on gender on my website.
You’d set the sound (if using stock sounds) or the midi value (if using external sounds) to the same value as the primary bass drum patch for the full down event on that pedal.
@Kevin Williams Perfect. Thank you, Ive been thinking about buying this set and this was on my mind. Didnt really see an answer up until you replied. Thanks a million and great video!!
I have not yet - I’ve read positive and negative reviews so I’m a bit in the fence - I also only really want bell and bow for my ride, so there is the matter of figuring out if I can cable that.
Well… if you have Delorean and can go back to 1985… you too can find an Ultimate Percussion electronic kit and hold on to the pads for 35+ years! I just got tired of moving the stock tower back in place, even with a solid cinder block holding it down.
@@BustingsticksWithKW well my Delorean broke down so I guess I’m out of luck there. LOL. Seems that was a decently sturdy kit other than the movement issue you had. I saw where another guy used a Yamaha KP65 with good results but those seem to have inconsistent reviews.
Haha - we’ll - it’s a pad from a kit I bought in 1985! However, I’ve used my double pedal successfully with the stock pad - you just need a double pedal with a beater spacing adjustment.
I hit pretty hard, so I was tired of having to readjust the tower and cinder block I was using to hold it down! It’s surprisingly sensitive for something made in 1985 - I have to adjust my bass technique to stop from double triggering it compared to a real bass drum.
Hi Kevin great video. To get the configuration you have (5 toms 4 cymbals). Can I split Tom 3 into (Tom 3 (pad) and ride cymbal (rim sound ) then Tom 4 into (Tom 4 (pad sound)and Tom (5 rim sound)) using the splitter cables ?
Hmm - the stock kit has 4 “stereo” inputs (rim/pad) but only comes with 1 dual trigger pad. I use that for the snare in the Instamatic video. There are also 2 expansion ports - 1 cymbal port (which is single trigger - not splittable) and a ton 4 port which is splittable. I use the cymbal port and the Tom 4 port and I split 2 of the 4 tom ports. I could actually add 2 more triggers since I only split 2 of the 4 ports!
When you made this video you thought it was crazy that a couple of your videos had 20k views. As I am watching this I see the count on it is 47,827! Way to go. Good content. Keep it up.
My Pearl pedal has an adjustment to let me get the beaters pretty close so they work. I did replace the bass pad with something I had from 1985(!) because it was more stable and doesn’t move at all.
Hey Kevin, I've got a question for you- I'm going to slave two drum modules together and NOT run it through a laptop or software, My Lyxjam EDM-800 module is almost identical to the Nitro's in most respects with a lot of sounds and functions but the Turbo mesh's is very very basic. Since all of the Lyx's pads are dual triggers, Could I just run a splitter from each Lyx tom ( rim ) to the Turbos toms one for one? My ideal intent is to run one bass, SIX toms, one snare, three cymbals through the EDM-800 and only use the Turbos mod for three cymbals one snare and bass. If this is possible, I would have more options to play with the turbos tom sounds and change them since the turbos brain isn't capable of it. I also just purchased a MAMX3 mixer to help everything out. Any and all input would be appreciated.
Sounds like you have a sound plan! I’m not a fan of the built in sounds, but if you have options there that work, then that’s great! The mixer is a requirement for sure to combine the outputs, even if just to wear headphones.
It wont sadly. I've also been trying this this week. The only dual zone on the Max is the snare. I've split from the snare rim to a cymbal via TRS to dual TR splitter. The cymbal is recognising the sound barely when I hit the bow of the cymbal very hard, the edge is dead silent and when I hit the cymbal lightly its silent aswell. I'm beginning to think the module isn't able to change the signal from the snare rim to a cymbal, Alesis has changed something when they found out people were making there Mesh kits Huge. Very frustrating as one extra cymbal (after installing the expansion set) would be fantastic.
I don't have one to try (hint hint - someone drop a line to @alesismusic) - the manual can cabling leads me to think it could be possible, but viewers have been reporting issues and are not having success.
I just picked up a Nitro Mesh. Any tips on getting the snare positioned properly? It seems like I can't get it high enough to stop hitting my thigh and/or the rim. The rest of the kit seems comfortably placed, but the snare mount seems super low.
So - I'm 5'9", and I've heard plenty of complaints about the whole kit being low to the ground, and they are mostly right. However, I've had success be adjusting my playing position to be a little further back than I usually would on an acoustic kit. That gave me more room to swing, use the tips (and less shaft) and have a better angle of the stick to find the center of the mesh on all the pads. It certainly is an adjustment period if you are coming from an acoustic kit - you do have to adjust your technique at least a little, especially if you are a heavy hitter (like I am) and like to lay a good bit of the shaft into the head when you play - check out my acoustic covers to see. I still whack the crap out of the e-kit - can't help who I am - but the adjustment worked for me. Usually, my acoustic snare is right between my legs (perhaps obscenely so! ;-) ) and getting the height just right to avoid my thigh was crucial (and easy with a fully adjustable stand). Random thought - you could always use an actual snare drum stand (perhaps one with an adjustable basket compatible with some of those tiny effect snares) and put your snare trigger in one of those - no rule that says you can't mix and match! Hope that helps! --kw
I have 2 of those kits put together as one. 2 midi usb cables into my Mac and logic x using ez drummer in the daw. Im glad I stayed till the end and watched the sounds you had for it. Im gonna check some of your other videos out because whatever you use in the daw sounds amazing 👍
Dude! Thank you so much! I was going to not buy this drumkit because I really need two crash cymbals but I honestly don't see the point in spending 5 grand on an electric kit if you could get practically the same thing, especially with a laptop armed with EZ Drummer.
Ez drummer 2 is nice but you don't learn to play drums that way but if you have no interest in learning to play the drums then yeah ez drummer is good and cheaper.
@@reficul1984 I've been playing drums for a long time and I just need a drum kit for midi. I agree that it's better to practice on an acoustic kit but electric drums are still cool too and EZ drummer is a major sound upgrade for any setup. When you spend more on something, it's usually because of built-in sounds. You greatly reduce the price by introducing a middleman that performs so well, it's almost like not having a middleman in the first place. Another example of this is the Malletkat vs Pearl Malletstation. One requires a computer but it's also $1500 cheaper. But other than that, they're both identical.
We are using EZ Drummer as the sound source - we are not programming drum parts - simply triggering the sounds in EZ Drummer by hitting the pads on the Alesis kit.
Good job man! Ihave one question: How did you risolved the famus problem of kick drum pad,in case you wanna use double pedal?I actually using duble pedal but....the problem is still there....Thank you!
In the Instamatic video you can see I did replace the bass tower with a pad I’ve had since 1985… but the stock tower worked just fine as a double kick target as long as your pedal allows you to adjust the distance between your beaters.
this was exactly the answer i was hoping/looking for! i figured its just like most any other edrum set and could be changed up a bit with some diffrent cords and a different brain. endless possibilities
Sorry - no idea. You have to investigate the plug and the software - does your existing pad have a rim trigger? Does the module let you program a rim trigger that you don’t have? Is the cable trs (stereo)? All questions to ask to figure out if your kit has inputs not being used you could possibly split and use!
Hey Kevin, is it possible to add a dual zone cymbal so you can have a ride with a bell? Seems like the Nitro brain would have a rim feature on the cymbal cables you could tap into. I use Superior Drummer 3
Totally possible - the issue has been finding such a pad that is bell and bow, not bow and edge. 3zone cymbals exist, and supposedly there are a few you could put a “dummy” plug in one of the jacks on the cymbal, but I’ve yet to figure out what I could get to fulfill that desire!
Check this out. I ordered this from Guitar Center for $79.00 This guy seems to have it working fine. I like that it's 12" as well. So my current ride will be turned into a splah. That will give me 2 crashes, a ride, China and a splash. I have it setup with 2 floor toms as well. I'll send you a picture or a demo when I get it! ruclips.net/video/lG1Cfy9Hdyk/видео.html&ab_channel=pachastudiomusic
@@BustingsticksWithKW thank you for the response. That’s what I’m going to do, hate that I have to take it apart but I’m at that point since I literally can’t tighten it at the moment.
Id like to see a step by step
Yes please!!!!!!
Yes!!!!!
ruclips.net/video/eRiwrfWAVg0/видео.html
I found an instruction. Seems very easy!
My latest does just that! Step by step!
Thanks a lot for this and sharing the manual. Just picked this kit up on prime day and am excited to see how much more it can be expanded/configured. Appreciate your time sharing this!
That’s great! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
How much did you pay on prime day? Asking for
A friend 😂
Anyone that wants to do this to the Nitro Max must use splitters with resistors. In the US Reverb has a bunch of different Y cables with resistors to suit any application. You can't beat this kit for the money. The shity part is the unstable rack. I recommend buying another rack and use the pieces to brace the original. I added a leg to the end of the snare tube and triangulated the rack and now it doesn't wobble.
You, sir, are my new favorite person ever. Thank you.
Well thank you very much!
Hi. thks for posting this. Bought 2 Alesis Nitro Mesh kits and I'm about to sort a way to combine them, so what you've posted is right up my alley.
I'm using the hardware of my acoustic kit to help me arrange all of this.
Perhaps, as Im going through I can consult you if I hit a wall
BTW, those 2 albums back there look exactly like mine. We probably bought them around the same time. My first was Exit, Stage, Left then I went backwards and forward.
Good luck! To simplify, if you are using external sound source, I’d use 1 brain. It will simplify the midi stream and mapping.
@@BustingsticksWithKW Good Point...thks a lot.
It would be awesome if you could do a separate video explaining step by step setting the dual trigger pad as a ride. Some of us woukd follow it better if it was more in depth on that one area. Thank you for everything. The video was very informative.
I’m getting there, but the day job (and soccer schedule) has been insane!!
@@BustingsticksWithKW Thanks for responding. Definitely appreciate your efforts and take your time. Life and family come first 🙂
My step by step video is out - watch that one for details and links to the cables I used!
Thanks for the manual, it really helped!
Also, please upload more drum covers I really like your music ^_^
Thank you! Glad I could help!
Yeah, mine arrived two days ago from Sweetwater and so far it's a blast! We have a house so no neighbors underneath or anything but like you, I too have a family so this kit affords me to be able to play whenever I want and my wife really appreciates that it's not an acoustic set.
That’s fantastic! So happy to hear you’re enjoying it! Any way to be able to play is a good way!
Question: can you add a second kick drum? I know the current kick pad doesn’t exactly support a second pedal, so I was wondering how you’d go about doing that.
I have a video just on that (but you can use a double pedal with the stock bass tower…)
Hello sir, how are you able to increase the volume on your kick drum especially when using EZ drummer? I increaee the volume and sensitivity but it’s still no as good as when your pressing the button on the brain. Any advise? Thank you
I'm going to look into this a little more and include it in an upcoming video - I have a regular pad that was basically doing the same thing and had to make some changes to the sensitivity, threshold, and curves settings to make it match. It was helpful that I use my Mac to generate all my sounds, because I could use the midi message monitor in the software to see the velocity info to know that my changes were making a difference.
I have that kit and I got the expansion pack with it. the Tom that comes in the expansion pack is another snare. I actually noticed what you said the rim works on the toms as well. so thank you so much for explaining this because it wasn't making any sense but now I know how to expand my kit a lot bigger.
Fantastic! Yes, the expansion pack pad is dual trigger so you can choose to use rim if you want or need.
I used the Nitro module running into my Roland td10 through the mix-in jack to add 3 pads. 1 through crash cymbal2 and 2 through tom4
That’s clever!
Music brings the world together in beautiful ways. That's how views happen :)
I really love how you made use of the wasted stereo jacks, I would've done the same thing. Looking forward to playing it now. Had a mixture of skeptic and concern with the expanded price being so inexpensive
It might be the best value to performance ratio of the kits out there right now.
I really like what you did here. I went the easy way and found 2 kits on Craigslist for about $400 for both. They were each less than a year old. Then hooked the audio out (not headphones) of one to the aux in of the other. Then just built user kits. Thanks for the user manual as it made customization so much easier.
Awesome! So fun, right?!
Hi Kevin and thanks a lot for the video. I already had a Nitro Mesh and got a 2nd complete kit today to expand as much as possible. I plan on buying my splitters in 1 or 2 days but I noticed something while installing everything... the cymbals are also plugged with stereo wiring. Does that mean it works the same as the toms? The cymbals aren't supposed to be dual zone but looks like the module can receive 2 different sound inputs from them. If that's the case I'll have quite a huge kit to play on. O_O
15 is the max number of triggers the brain supports.
Just ordered the kit. I would never have guessed the expansion ability. You're a freaking genius!
Let's not get carried away 😛, but thank you!
Kevin, I'm trying to connect a crash 3 un the Tom 4 option, but i don't know what happen when i play the crash 3 pad sounds lower than the other crashes. I have tried everything with the utilities but it Still sounds low, the idea Is to set a China sound in that crash 3 pad. It's not a cable trouble because i connected a Tom pad instead the crash pad and it sounds fine. Help Kevin please
Hi. I’ve had the same problem tbh. As far as I can see you can only adjust the sensitivity and volume for the 1 input say Tom 2. So if you’ve split that with another cymbal, whatever volume and sensitivity you set the Tom at the cymbal is the same. I’ve had to turn the sensitivity and volume right down on one of the toms to match the volume of the other toms. The problem is then that the cymbal is very quiet and doesn’t trigger well. I know I must be doing something wrong but I can’t work out what 🤷♂️
Any help from the op would be good 🙏
There is a S-S and an R-S - Rim Sensitivity - that's the parameter you want to check for your split cable - check the manual I linked in the description for details!
Hey Kevin! I have a question about GarageBand and EZ Drummer / Superior Drummer that maybe you can answer. If I use an Alesis kit to midi out to GarageBand, is it possible to map out and create custom kits that I can use from project to project? Am I limited to just mapping after I’ve recorded? I used your method to expand my Command kit. Thanks!
GB and EZ are similar in that you have to change the mappings on the brain to match the fixed midi values in those products. So - I have to make kits on the brain specifically for the mappings I want if I use that sound source. SD let’s you change the midi value associated with any sound, so the kit on the brain can remain static (if you want) and you just remap sounds in the software and save the custom kits there instead. I basically made a kit for EZ/GB ( MainStage is in that list too) and then used those mappings as my “standard” when using SD and just remapped the sounds in SD to match what I wanted. I hope that makes sense!
that was pretty clever splitting the stereo wires to get more sounds, nice work!
Thanks!
i will definitely see this video and tell you ... 😀😀😀 ... as i have to purchase this drum .... any new year offers or xmas offers ~~~ happening any soon
I posted a sale price on my Instagram page!
Im going to do what you've done once i got my nitro mesh. Thanks for this
Love to hear if it’s working for you!
I am fairly new to drumming. I have just recently purchased this Alesis kit. I’m not exactly sure how to accomplish this expansion. Is there anyway that you could do a more comprehensive walkthrough of how exactly you have put this all together, what connections (cables) needed, and the process for triggering the sounds through the software on your Mac. This video covers exactly what I have been trying to find. Now I just need to figure out how to put it all together. Thank you!!!
You connect it to your computer via a standard USB A to USB B cable (like a printer cable). Programs like GarageBand/Mainstage/Logic Pro will instantly just see it and Boom! To connect the extra pads you just need a stereo 1/4” (6.25mm) TRS socket to two mono 1/4” (6.25mm) TS plugs (TRS = tip-ring-sleeve). I’m not sure if they’re easy to find or if you’d need to make them or get them made.
Those videos are now up! Subscribe and you’ll see them as they appear! Good luck!
I would love to get one of these kits, but I typically set my drums up left-handed. Will the cables and module still reach/work setup backwards?
100%!
Yeah..its the same module that comes with the Surge kit, just different logi on ..Surge kit comes with all Dual zone toms and snare..and chokeable cymbals.
Surge kit also has an 8" kick tower.
Good to know!
Sorry, I can’t see the link to the manual in the comments…
it’s in the description
@@joeycroutons6643 d'oh! thanks. needed to expand the description - not so obvious on a mobile.
Legend!! I just got a 2nd additional cymbal and it wasn't working on the tom input. This is EXACLY what i needed. I'm buying myself a stereo to mono cable today! Thank you for sharing
Glad I can help!
What bass pad is that??
Haha - well… you won’t find it anywhere but here, because it’s from 1985 or so!
i am most curious about the kick upgrade and double foot pedal
I have at least a video or two on that subject alone on the channel!
Wow! This is so useful. I wonder if it can be applied to other e-drums? I have a Behringer kit and the toms also have stereo plugs, would it work if I split them?
Only one way to tell! Pick up a splitter and try! Also check the program on the brain - if you have settings for the rim trigger you should be able to split.
Congrats on the videos Kevin. I'm planning on buying this kit but my first concern was: "can it be expanded"? You have answered that. One question though : the standard module doesn't seem to have inputs to all theses pads... So you are using a separate software as a module? I'm no sure if I got this right. Thanks
It’s the splitters. Even using the sounds on board you can expand the kit, but you’ll be limited to a smaller selection of sounds to spread over your 15 triggers. I use external sounds via midi because I wanted more variety and realism.
Does anybody know if this can work on the Nitro Max? I split the toms and the system isn't recognizing that anything is connected to the rim triggers. Added an additional tom so far, and cannot get it to work.
We’ve had reports here that it does not - at least simply. 😢
@@BustingsticksWithKW ROLAND STYLE SPLITTER WORKS FOR THE NITRO MAX!!!!! My splitter arrived today and successfully split a Nitro Max tom input. Has a 100 ohm resistor soldered in one of the leads.
@@45WinchesterMagnum and the cancellation issue you was talking about ? Is it resolved?
@@45WinchesterMagnum Can you tell me exactly what Roland splitter you used? They have a few different splitters and I need the model number. You are sure this works on Nitro Max? How long have you been using this set up? Worried about overloading the module due to the added resistance. Thanks for your help!
@@45WinchesterMagnum Can you tell me exactly what Roland splitter you used? They have a few different splitters and I need the model number. You are sure this works on Nitro Max? How long have you been using this set up? Worried about overloading the module due to the added resistance. Thanks for your help!
Great vid.
How has your kit held up? Has the snare position head held up, or have you had slipping issues.
I'd love to see an after-market stand for the snare.
You've seen how hard I hit the drum, and occasionally, that tube will slip out (but usually because my 10 year old pushed down on it to get off the throne!) but I've had no issues at all.
First, would the Nitro Mesh toms & cymbals work with the Strike module if I decided to upgrade? Second, would the splitting principal be the same there - taking the two triggers for each tom and splitting them off into a tom and cymbal?
I don’t have direct experience with the Strike - but if it allows separate rim and pad programming, the splitting concept should work. Easy to test - grab a splitter off the list in my website and try it - pretty cheap to try!
I have an alesis Crimson, the cymbals actually suck, I expanded it with these cheap nitro ones haha.
Nice!
Does anyone know if I can do this with my alesis forge kit? And is it a special splitter rather the a splitter that would make it so you could plug into to amps if you know what I mean? Thx really interested to try this
I’m guessing the answer is in the manual or brain unit - if it supports dual trigger pads on each input, and you can independently program each trigger (rim and pad) then in theory you should be able to do the same, but that’s a big if.
I’ve got one question. Your double bass. I specifically asked musician friends tech if I can use my double on this kit and he of course said yes but that is proving to be not the case. How did you set up your double kick. Did you have to purchase a different pad? I bought this set so I can play without pissing the neighbors off but I want my double kick back 😢
Check out my video on the bass pad options - I show a few different options and such!
Hello good morning, one question: I bought an Alesis nitro mesh kit and I want to add a Roland PDX8 snare pad to it, will it work without problems? especially the double zone
I don't know for sure - if it's just a 2 zone pad (nothing fancy like position sensing or other proprietary features for Roland) then it should if it takes a "stereo" (TRS) cable as it's connection.
I'm yet to get started drumming and currently learning to DJ with harder dance and tock music, and wanted to know if this kit could be expanded, so I'm pleased to hear your additional expansion trick and see you're a fan of my favourite 3 albums.
Thanks.
Great to hear!
Bro I was not expecting that ending 😮 ✈️ ☝️PROPS that sounded pretty authentic if you ask.
Surprise! Love playing alternative kits - really stretches your imagination!
Hi Kevin,
Actually I was curious on the physical setup of your expansion.
I bought an extra tom. And it took me so much time to set the kit in a comfortable way again.
Crazy how your toms can fit that rack perfectly.
The nitro rack.... It's so small...
Is the longest rack arm the one on your right?
Thanks and keep those videos coming
Thanks! Actually my rack is a bit of a cheat - I bought a whole extra rack on eBay. I use just a few parts to extend it on the right to hold my computer setup, but more importantly I did take the second long bar from the spare rack and put it on that lower right side. The stock rack did fit it, but the extra 2” just gives it a little wiggle room.
I just got this for Christmas. It'll be here Tuesday. Can you please explain how to do the double bass?
I just use a double pedal - nothing to do with the unit. Just make sure you can place your beaters close to each other. And check my website for the beaters I use!
Hello I've got an Alesis custom kit that will blow you away
15 drum pads 20 cymbal pads and they all work. And I've got an Peavey PA system, with V118 18 inch speakers for my bottom end, SP2G for my midrange. And two T300's for my high end.all powered by a Peavey XZ600C amplifier with a secondary XZ2 amplifier. A 12 channel Peavey mixer.
You are the Terry Bozzio of eDrums!😂
Haha - I missed this one! That’s a good one!
hello beautiful video ... I wanted to ask you something, do you know if you can put some different electronic hi hat like the one that opens and closes?
Thank you! Sadly your hi hat choices are limited. This brain only accepts 3 (4 technically but it’s complicated) direct signals - closed, 1/2 open, and open. Fancier ones use midi cc messages to send a range of values (which makes it much more realistic) but that’s the trade off of the low price.
Very well done sir!!! I don't know if you would want to put the time into it (because I know tutorials are time consuming to produce) but a good step by step video on this set up and mapping ez-drummer to it might get a lot of views. Nothing in depth is on RUclips yet as far as I can tell.
I have outlines for those videos… just need the time! I agree - I had to figure a lot out on my own, but I am an IT guy in real life… who just happens to have a music degree!
@@BustingsticksWithKW That is awesome!!
@@BustingsticksWithKW You could even break it up into a couple of parts if one video would be to long. Like one part on just setting up the kit with the splitters, extra pads/symbols and clamps. Then the other for the mapping.
Today I bought an extra cymbal and tom for my Nitro mesh kit and I enjoy this new kit a lot, if I can understand properly how to split the cables in order to add another tom and cymbal I might order another expansion ^^
I have a step by step out - watch that one for detailed instructions and links to the cables I've used!
!EXCELLENT VIDEO! here did you buy that RED Nitro Mesh Kit?... It's AWESOME!!!
That’s the “Special Edition” of that kit. Found at many online retailers!
Thank you Kevin... AWESOME VIDEOS!
Hi Kevin, I don't see the link for the generic instruction manual
In the description, or linked on my website!
P. S. I download the manual.
Can you swap single zone cymbals cable into the Tom and revoice the dual zone Tom Cable to a ride and bell then switch on midi and control superior drummer 3 through midi this way? I know you can revoice them because I have this working on my kit but I haven’t got it to work with superior drummer yet as I’m waiting for a midi cable and the latency was too bad using USB. Thanks if you can help.
Not sure what you are asking, but I can tell you the midi and USB ports do not work at same time - if you have both plugged in only 1 works - I just can’t remember which one at the moment!
@@BustingsticksWithKW I use midi only. I figured it out thanks for the reply
@@BustingsticksWithKW what I was talking about is using the Yamaha 3 zone cymbals and one of the split Tom inputs for the bell of the ride cymbal but the impedance is not matched and the bell won’t trigger a Tom input even maxed out on sensitivity as soon as the ride cymbal input is plugged in it overpowers. And just becomes a ride cymbal no matter where you hit it
I have nitro mesh . My first hi hat pedal shit on me, I bought another but it won’t splash
I’ve heard that happening. It is possible to use any hi hat pedal trigger as long as it’s not a continuous contact style that sends a range of midi cc events (like a fancy Roland one) - the brain only understands 3 distinct positions plus that “splash” step.
I've been confused about expanding this kit so if you could clear this up for me that would be great. For my purposes I want mine to look like yours in your Instamatic Cover. I can see you bought what I think is the alesis expansion kit along with one more alesis pad and cymbal. I saw your step by step video on expanding the kit to the max but the one thing I am confused about is if I can use splitters to connect more then one tom pad to the same cable because the brain has a limited number of cables included minus the tom 4 port. I can then use my laptop to connect to the brain and use EZ-drummer to have more sounds available (in my opinion the snare and kick drum options included with the drumset out-of-the-box are pretty weak) right? Thanks for the videos and I love the covers!
You are on the right track - every tom input cable is “stereo” and can be split to add a second pad. The splitters I used are linked on my website!
@@BustingsticksWithKW allright thanks that helps a lot!
Hey man,do you think there would be any way of connecting a roland drum pad
I think it depends on the model and technology built into the pad - some of the Rolands have some special stuff inside to allow for the special features the brains support, but I'm going to guess the more basic the pad/brain, the more compatible they will be - in essence, all the Alesis is looking for is a piezo type contact trigger to send voltage back that it can measure to determine velocity - don't get too much more simpler than that. Dual and triple zone cymbals have some quirks (so I've heard) so more problematic to test those - but if you can borrow from a mate, might be a great way to add some knowledge to all of us!
PS Mainstage is an amazing piece of software.
It sure is! Check out my 2 part series on using it with the Nitro Mesh!
Will you do a video of a cover of Seether- careless whisper please?
I’m not sure I understand any of that request! 😛 I only know the George Michael version I think, and no one wants that!
Thanks for the informative vid. What's your favorite Rush album bud?
That’s like picking a favorite child!!MP,P/G, and CA are all up there. R30 is the “best” live IMO, but ESL video is the one (on MTV’s Saturday night concert) that set me firmly down the path of actual musical percussion life.
@@BustingsticksWithKW Well, saying you're right is an understatement. Wishing you a great 4th of July!!!
Thank you. I just bought Alesis Nitro, and this manual will help. I have a problem with the bass drum. The sensitivity is set to one and I will like to set it higher. Every time I try to do it when I shut down the system and turn it on it goes back to one.
You have to save the pad using the save button. The manual will give you some guidance.
@@BustingsticksWithKW Thank you very much 👍
My 5 pc just become a 7 PC with 3 cymbals.
Love it!!
Is necesary the nitro mesh kit or l can use the turbo mesh kit?
I don’t know specifically. Use the clues I describe to look at the settings and manual and you’ll likely be able to figure it out from there!
What is a good aftermarket cymbal to use as a ride for the nitro set?
Any single zone will work - I had trouble finding a dual zone for a ride - I don’t want edge and bow - I want bell and bow, and that doesn’t seem to exist. 3 zone rides are out there, but I’ve read sometimes you need a dummy plug to make them work - I do t have any hands on experience yet with that situation.
Love this video. Where would you recommend getting a splitter cable from. ? Keep up the good work
Links in my step by step video! And thanks!!
brilliant noticing that the stereo cables can send 2 trigger hits
Thanks!
Kevin wich drum rack do you have? I want to expand mi alesis but i want to change the rack to a harder one.
I just have the stock one. I did find a second rack online for $35 so I’ve used a few pieces from that to extend the kit to fit my custom Mac mini rig. I thought of doing the same - replacing it altogether - I found a number of used Pearl square post racks online for reasonable $$ - you’d just need the right clamps to mount everything.
@@BustingsticksWithKW ohh ok perfect kevin thanks.
I wonder if this would work on the Nitro Max Kit that just came out... very cool and informative thank you.
A quick look at the manual says YES! They list rim inputs and default midi notes for all 4 tom spots - it's very much the same brain unit with added bluetooth as far as I can tell from the manual.
@@BustingsticksWithKW It wont sadly.
I've also been trying this this week.
The only dual zone on the Max is the snare.
I've split from the snare rim to a cymbal via TRS to dual TR splitter.
The cymbal is recognising the sound barely when I hit the bow of the cymbal very hard, the edge is dead silent and when I hit the cymbal lightly its silent aswell.
I'm beginning to think the module isn't able to change the signal from the snare rim to a cymbal, Alesis has changed something when they found out people were making there Mesh kits Huge. Very frustrating as one extra cymbal (after installing the expansion set) would be fantastic.
You have to use splitters with a resistor in one side. Look for Roland style splitters.
I’m triggering ex drummer kits and hope to add more cymbals. Fun stuff. Thanks for sharing.
So many great options ranging from $29 through $$$ to use and get great sounds from such a value kit!
I mainly practice prog rock and jazz fusion, at least now I know that's it's possible to expand them to match my dream kit more (though I need 6 toms so might as well merge another Alesis Nitro Mesh)
I have something coming soon that might address that!
So if I wanted to add 3 more cymbals I’ll need 3 stereo splitters nd 3 extra cords ??
Yes to splitters. Your pads (depending where you buy them) may or may not come with male to male cables. Keep the gender of the cables in mind when selecting the splitter. I have links to two different ones depending on gender on my website.
@@BustingsticksWithKW I seen some cymbals on Amazon that comes with the cords, so I’m thinking all just need to get the splitter?
I'm liking those album's you have there in the background👍💯%
It a consistent theme in the comments… thanks!
Hi, could you or someone else let me know if you can program the hi hat pedal to be used as double bass?
You’d set the sound (if using stock sounds) or the midi value (if using external sounds) to the same value as the primary bass drum patch for the full down event on that pedal.
@Kevin Williams Perfect. Thank you, Ive been thinking about buying this set and this was on my mind. Didnt really see an answer up until you replied. Thanks a million and great video!!
Is it posible to use the extra tom slot as an extra crash?
Yes - you can map anything to anything!
great drumming
Thank you @GCP333!
Can you map a rides bell into a tom rim?
Only if you put a dual trigger pad up there - only the “snare” and the pad that comes with the expansion kit is dual zone - all the rest are single.
Thanks for the video. Have you tried lemon 3 zones cymbal?
I have not yet - I’ve read positive and negative reviews so I’m a bit in the fence - I also only really want bell and bow for my ride, so there is the matter of figuring out if I can cable that.
@@BustingsticksWithKW ...and you get both (bell and bow) from alesis notro parts? With just one cymbal or more ?
No - we’ll, in Superior Drummer you can do velocity mapping so I can get a bell sound because I hit it harder, but it’s still a single zone pad.
What pad are you using for the double kick drum?
Well… if you have Delorean and can go back to 1985… you too can find an Ultimate Percussion electronic kit and hold on to the pads for 35+ years! I just got tired of moving the stock tower back in place, even with a solid cinder block holding it down.
@@BustingsticksWithKW well my Delorean broke down so I guess I’m out of luck there. LOL. Seems that was a decently sturdy kit other than the movement issue you had. I saw where another guy used a Yamaha KP65 with good results but those seem to have inconsistent reviews.
First time to your channel. You had me hooked before your first word. How? The vinyls of Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures, that’s how :-)
Love it! And those are original - not reissues!
How big is the drum set area by feet
it's about 5 by 4 in total with all my expansions - very small footprint.
Stereo splitter FTW!
So easy!!
Brilliant thinking, thank you for the hints.
Glad it was helpful!
Fan of Rush, I'm a fan of yours :)
Thank you!
whats your kick sir? i notice it had a double kick?
Haha - we’ll - it’s a pad from a kit I bought in 1985! However, I’ve used my double pedal successfully with the stock pad - you just need a double pedal with a beater spacing adjustment.
@@BustingsticksWithKW saw some review that the stock pad can pick up double kicking with higher speed
I hit pretty hard, so I was tired of having to readjust the tower and cinder block I was using to hold it down! It’s surprisingly sensitive for something made in 1985 - I have to adjust my bass technique to stop from double triggering it compared to a real bass drum.
Hi Kevin great video. To get the configuration you have (5 toms 4 cymbals). Can I split Tom 3 into (Tom 3 (pad) and ride cymbal (rim sound ) then Tom 4 into (Tom 4 (pad sound)and Tom (5 rim sound)) using the splitter cables ?
Hmm - the stock kit has 4 “stereo” inputs (rim/pad) but only comes with 1 dual trigger pad. I use that for the snare in the Instamatic video. There are also 2 expansion ports - 1 cymbal port (which is single trigger - not splittable) and a ton 4 port which is splittable. I use the cymbal port and the Tom 4 port and I split 2 of the 4 tom ports. I could actually add 2 more triggers since I only split 2 of the 4 ports!
When you made this video you thought it was crazy that a couple of your videos had 20k views. As I am watching this I see the count on it is 47,827! Way to go. Good content. Keep it up.
Crazy, right? Thanks for the support!
Pieces from Alesis :-)
Love it! I’m all in for a good alliteration!!
How do you use a double base pedal on that small trigger. I have a DW 3000 and it doesn't trigger because it's not in the center
My Pearl pedal has an adjustment to let me get the beaters pretty close so they work. I did replace the bass pad with something I had from 1985(!) because it was more stable and doesn’t move at all.
Hey Kevin, I've got a question for you- I'm going to slave two drum modules together and NOT run it through a laptop or software, My Lyxjam EDM-800 module is almost identical to the Nitro's in most respects with a lot of sounds and functions but the Turbo mesh's is very very basic. Since all of the Lyx's pads are dual triggers, Could I just run a splitter from each Lyx tom ( rim ) to the Turbos toms one for one? My ideal intent is to run one bass, SIX toms, one snare, three cymbals through the EDM-800 and only use the Turbos mod for three cymbals one snare and bass. If this is possible, I would have more options to play with the turbos tom sounds and change them since the turbos brain isn't capable of it. I also just purchased a MAMX3 mixer to help everything out. Any and all input would be appreciated.
Sounds like you have a sound plan! I’m not a fan of the built in sounds, but if you have options there that work, then that’s great! The mixer is a requirement for sure to combine the outputs, even if just to wear headphones.
HI, Do you know if this will work on the newer Nitro MAX kit?
It wont sadly.
I've also been trying this this week.
The only dual zone on the Max is the snare.
I've split from the snare rim to a cymbal via TRS to dual TR splitter.
The cymbal is recognising the sound barely when I hit the bow of the cymbal very hard, the edge is dead silent and when I hit the cymbal lightly its silent aswell.
I'm beginning to think the module isn't able to change the signal from the snare rim to a cymbal, Alesis has changed something when they found out people were making there Mesh kits Huge. Very frustrating as one extra cymbal (after installing the expansion set) would be fantastic.
@@freddie1 Thanks so much for the reply!
I don't have one to try (hint hint - someone drop a line to @alesismusic) - the manual can cabling leads me to think it could be possible, but viewers have been reporting issues and are not having success.
You have to use splitters with a resistor in one side. Look for Roland style splitters.
I just picked up a Nitro Mesh. Any tips on getting the snare positioned properly? It seems like I can't get it high enough to stop hitting my thigh and/or the rim. The rest of the kit seems comfortably placed, but the snare mount seems super low.
So - I'm 5'9", and I've heard plenty of complaints about the whole kit being low to the ground, and they are mostly right.
However, I've had success be adjusting my playing position to be a little further back than I usually would on an acoustic kit.
That gave me more room to swing, use the tips (and less shaft) and have a better angle of the stick to find the center of the mesh on all the pads.
It certainly is an adjustment period if you are coming from an acoustic kit - you do have to adjust your technique at least a little, especially if you are a heavy hitter (like I am) and like to lay a good bit of the shaft into the head when you play - check out my acoustic covers to see. I still whack the crap out of the e-kit - can't help who I am - but the adjustment worked for me.
Usually, my acoustic snare is right between my legs (perhaps obscenely so! ;-) ) and getting the height just right to avoid my thigh was crucial (and easy with a fully adjustable stand).
Random thought - you could always use an actual snare drum stand (perhaps one with an adjustable basket compatible with some of those tiny effect snares) and put your snare trigger in one of those - no rule that says you can't mix and match!
Hope that helps!
--kw
Those Rush albums in the background explain so much! Of course you have a super kit, lol.
Haha thanks! I need to mix them up a bit!
I have 2 of those kits put together as one. 2 midi usb cables into my Mac and logic x using ez drummer in the daw. Im glad I stayed till the end and watched the sounds you had for it. Im gonna check some of your other videos out because whatever you use in the daw sounds amazing 👍
Thanks! MainStage, EZDrummer 2, then eventually Superior Drummer!
Dude! Thank you so much! I was going to not buy this drumkit because I really need two crash cymbals but I honestly don't see the point in spending 5 grand on an electric kit if you could get practically the same thing, especially with a laptop armed with EZ Drummer.
I could add 2 more still!
Ez drummer 2 is nice but you don't learn to play drums that way but if you have no interest in learning to play the drums then yeah ez drummer is good and cheaper.
@@reficul1984 I've been playing drums for a long time and I just need a drum kit for midi. I agree that it's better to practice on an acoustic kit but electric drums are still cool too and EZ drummer is a major sound upgrade for any setup. When you spend more on something, it's usually because of built-in sounds. You greatly reduce the price by introducing a middleman that performs so well, it's almost like not having a middleman in the first place.
Another example of this is the Malletkat vs Pearl Malletstation. One requires a computer but it's also $1500 cheaper. But other than that, they're both identical.
@@synthguy7774 I got the alesis nitro mesh drum kit. It is real nice and if you use ez drummer then the nitro mesh drum kit will be great for you.
We are using EZ Drummer as the sound source - we are not programming drum parts - simply triggering the sounds in EZ Drummer by hitting the pads on the Alesis kit.
Can't see the link
Its in the description box
Do it right and up to 12
15 is the max as far as I know, and I’m at 14!
Good job man! Ihave one question: How did you risolved the famus problem of kick drum pad,in case you wanna use double pedal?I actually using duble pedal but....the problem is still there....Thank you!
In the Instamatic video you can see I did replace the bass tower with a pad I’ve had since 1985… but the stock tower worked just fine as a double kick target as long as your pedal allows you to adjust the distance between your beaters.
this was exactly the answer i was hoping/looking for! i figured its just like most any other edrum set and could be changed up a bit with some diffrent cords and a different brain. endless possibilities
I’m glad I could help! It’s a fun kit!
Great setup
Thanks! It’s fun!
Cheers for these. After over 20 years away from playing I'm going to get these and start ,,up again and these have helped me decide
Awesome! Love to hear this!
Can we do the same expansion as this in the alesis nitro max ?
Not with normal splitters. I tried. Its bad. U have to buy splitter with the 100 ohm resistor. But its hard to find it. I wil try.
@@ROMANOA thanks for such helpful reply bud 🫂 will try to upgrade soon .
I have a Roland set can I add the tombs or cymbals to the kit
Sorry - no idea. You have to investigate the plug and the software - does your existing pad have a rim trigger? Does the module let you program a rim trigger that you don’t have? Is the cable trs (stereo)? All questions to ask to figure out if your kit has inputs not being used you could possibly split and use!
@@BustingsticksWithKW ok thanks
Hey Kevin, is it possible to add a dual zone cymbal so you can have a ride with a bell? Seems like the Nitro brain would have a rim feature on the cymbal cables you could tap into. I use Superior Drummer 3
Totally possible - the issue has been finding such a pad that is bell and bow, not bow and edge. 3zone cymbals exist, and supposedly there are a few you could put a “dummy” plug in one of the jacks on the cymbal, but I’ve yet to figure out what I could get to fulfill that desire!
Check this out. I ordered this from Guitar Center for $79.00 This guy seems to have it working fine. I like that it's 12" as well. So my current ride will be turned into a splah. That will give me 2 crashes, a ride, China and a splash. I have it setup with 2 floor toms as well. I'll send you a picture or a demo when I get it! ruclips.net/video/lG1Cfy9Hdyk/видео.html&ab_channel=pachastudiomusic
WOW
It gets better!
Hi Kevin. I am new to this. When you were showing how to split the cables. Did you cut the plug off and require?
No. Female TRS to split (stereo) male 1/4” mono cable will do it nicely!
My screws are worn, what are the sizes of the screws?
I’d take them to a local hardware store so you can match the threads - they usually have a “tool” in the fasteners section where you can do that.
@@BustingsticksWithKW thank you for the response. That’s what I’m going to do, hate that I have to take it apart but I’m at that point since I literally can’t tighten it at the moment.