Alesis Strike Performance Drum Module

General

Alesis present their most complete drum module to date: the Strike Performance. With a library loaded with 45,000 samples, 1,800 instruments and 136 preset kits, we'd say there's plenty of choice! Moreover, a sampler has been integrated that can be used to build your own drum kit, create your own sounds or tweak existing presets to taste.

The Alesis Strike Performance Drum Module

If, for some reason, the great quality on-board sounds aren't really up your alley or if you'd like a few more options to shape your sound during recordings, then there's always the option to use USB/MIDI, which works seamlessly with the Alesis Strike Software Editor to change up the module's drum sounds and stack samples before re-uploading these to the module. After you've registered the purchase of your electronic drum kit via the Alesis website, you can download a free copy of the software from there. Also, the first gigs of storage are on Alesis, since they thoughtfully include a 16GB SD-card to save your user-kits, instruments and samples to.

Colour Display

So, what else does this forceful drum module have to offer? What will immediately strike you is the detailed 4.3" colour display. Next to optimum usability and user-friendliness, the gives you access to the 12 triggerpad inputs, which are compatible with other brands as well, and there's also a hi-hat control input to be found. On the top sit the faders to facilitate smooth mixing and depending on whether you're using the Strike Performance for gigs for studio sessions, there are 8 individual on-board outputs to give you a few more mixing options to work with in combination with an audio interface or mixing desk.

Play Your Most Loved Tracks

If all of the above sounds like unnecessary luxury to your ears, you can also opt to use the two main outputs round the back to send out a stereo signal of the mix you're listening to and enabling you to play over a drum amp for more volume. Playing along to your favourite music is simple too; Alesis have fitted an AUX input for your phone, laptop or tablet and you can even record the whole thing if you'd want, so you can check how your drums sound on a demo or cover.

• Please note: The Strike Software Editor is available via the Alesis website. The software can be downloaded after you've registered the drum module to your account.