Alesis DM10 Pro Kit Electronic Drum Set

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Based around the completely new DM10 sound module, the Alesis DM10 Pro Kit features RealHead drum pads, Surge Cymbals made and an ErgoRack mounting system. Kick pedal not included

You're the kind of drummer who wants the power and flexibility of electronic percussion. You're the kind of drummer who needs the tactile feel of acoustic drums and cymbals, not just cheap rubber pads. You're the kind of drummer who has (and has voiced) a strong opinion about the nylon tips vs. wood tips argument.

Pro Kit

Alesis is pretty clear about their vision for the DM10 Pro. They want it to feel and sound like an acoustic kit but offer a plethora of features that acoustic drums could never compete with. They want it to be the perfect meeting point between acoustic feel and sensitivity and electronic flexibility.

Real Heads

They started by outfitting the DM10 Pro with their unique mylar heads that respond like acoustic drums. They've got triple flanged steel drum hoops and are tension adjustable, allowing you to dial in the precise feel you want from each individual pad. The DM10 Pro even features larger snare and floor tom pads (10" each) to further simulate the feel of real acoustic drums.

Real Cymbals

The Surge Cymbal cymbal pads start as real alloy cymbals before undergoing a sound-dampening laminating process that ensures that they play just like acoustic cymbals...just without the volume. They're mounted like traditional cymbals for a free swinging, natural feel and have features like a 3-way triggering ride that responds differently when struck at the bell, plate and edge. In other words, because there are 3 different sound capabilities built into the read more one pad, it actually plays like a real cymbal. There's even a choke strip along the bottom of each cymbal that provides accurate finger choking and dampening.

With these real feel heads and cymbals, you don't need to adjust your technique to fit the set because it plays like the acoustic drums you're used to.

"So then why don't I just get an acoustic kit?" you say, "what's the benefit to playing electronic drums at all?"

The answer is simple; thanks to the flagship DM10 Drum Sound Module, the DM10 Pro is WAY more flexible than acoustic drums.

Real Sounds


Because Alesis knows you're going to need to be prepared for your Monday night metal band, Tuesday night jazz combo and Wednesday nu-wave group, they built the DM10 drum module with over 1,000 completely tweak-able sounds. And these aren't the lame, flimsy samples you may be used to...these are extremely detailed, nuanced sounds built from different samples played at different dynamic levels so the drums actually change timbre instead of just volume.

The DM10's sound-set is comprised of real drum, cymbal and percussion sounds from genuine samples of classic studio drums and cymbals. Whether you're after the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands, or real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals, or even classic drum machine and electronic percussion sounds, this module's got you covered.

Real Control

To take things one step further, the DM10 gives you a plethora of tools to craft the perfect sound for every possible situation. Add various reverb types for different room sounds or choose between different stick-placements on cymbals and rimshots. Say, for example, you're feeling extremely picky about your hi-hat sound one night. After deciding how open or closed the pedal should be, how hard the plates will be struck and where on the hat your stick hits...you've got about 40 different sound options...plus foot chick and heel splash!

Not only does the DM10 module have an impressive collection of on-board sounds, it's also the world's first drum-sound module that enables you to load new sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This prevents your kit from sounding old or stale as fresh new sounds can be downloaded to keep you current and cutting edge.

You can even use your DM10 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface allowing you to control a variety of drum module software such as BFD, Toontrack and Reason. This means that not only can you expand your library with sounds FROM your computer, you can also use your drums to send information TO your computer for recording, performance and practice. All of the sudden, you're great feeling, great sounding practice kit turned into a full-fledged recording studio super-kit.

Real Stable

The DM10 Pro's drums and cymbals are mounted on Alesis' heavy-duty ErgoRack that is both extremely sturdy and flexible. The ergonomically curved, chrome-plated bars have the standard 1.5" tubing for compatibility with virtually all drum manufacturers' rack hardware...you can even use it to mount acoustic drums, cymbals and other instruments!

Features like quick-release metal clamps, height adjustable, knurled boom cymbal arms and freely adjustable tom mounts make the ErgoRack easy to set up and tear down. It even comes with drummer-friendly wing-screws on all important rack clamps and pads for ease of adjustment without trying to find that elusive drum key...

Conclusion

You owe it to yourself to give the great sounding, great playing DM10 Pro Kit a try because, after all, Alesis doesn't skimp on quality, why should you?
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Playback
- Polyphony: 64 voices
- Memory: 128 MB, linear

Audio and Trigger I/O
- Audio inputs: stereo (2x RCA)
- Trigger inputs: 12 dual zone (12x 1/4 in. TRS)
- Hi-hat controller input: continuous compatible (1x 1/4 in.)
- MIDI: In, Out (2x DIN MIDI)
- Audio outputs: stereo Main (2x 1/4 in. balanced), stereo Aux assignable (2x 1/4 in. balanced)
- Headphone output: stereo (1x 1/4 in. TRS)
- Computer: High-speed USB for MIDI and computer transfer (1x USB slave)

Sound Set and Sequences
- Preset sounds: 1,047
- Preset sound type: 16-bit uncompressed samples
- Preset kits: 100 Preset kits and 100 User kits. 200 kit locations in all.
- Sequencer patterns: 75 preset, 25 user (all patterns can be overwritten). 100 Patterns in all.

SOUND TYPES
Basses: 55
Beatbox: 55
Beat/drum machine: 59
Chinas: 13
Crashes: 36
Hi-hats: 25
One-hits: 349
Kicks: 91
Percussion: 151
Rides: 28
SFX: 31
Snares: 85
Toms: 69

Includes
- (1) DM10 drum module
- (2) 8" RealHead Drum Pads
- (2) 10" RealHead Drum Pads
- (1) 8" RealHead Kick Pad with tower
- (1) 12" SURGE Hi-Hat Cymbal
- (1) 13" SURGE Crash Cymbal
- (1) 16" SURGE Ride Cymbal
- (1) ErgoRack with mounting clamps and arms
- (1) Hi-Hat pedal
- (1) Set of interconnection cables

Kick pedal not included

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5760
Web: https://support.alesis.com

Alesis DM10 Pro Kit Electronic Drum Set

The DM10 Pro Kit is the product of extensive research and development efforts. Based around the DM10 sound module, the DM10 Pro Kit features Alesis' RealHead drum pads, Surge Cymbals made of real cymbal alloy and an ErgoRack mounting system.

Features

- DM10 drum-sound module with 12 trigger inputs
- Premium sound set built from real samples of real drums and cymbals
- Dynamic Articulation(tm) changes sounds' timbre along with dynamics for realism
- Top-panel mixer for customizing drum mix
- Built-in sequencer for practicing and creating drum tracks
- DM10 is the world's first drum-sound module that enables USB sound loading
- Can be used with software drum modules via USB
- RealHead acoustic-feel 8 and 10-inch dual-zone drum pads with real heads
- SURGE Cymbals are acoustic cymbals with triggers
- 12-inch SURGE Hi-Hat, 13-inch Surge Crash with choke, 16-inch Surge Ride with choke
- Ergonomically curved, chrome-plated ErgoRack
- Mix input for practicing with CD and MP3 players

DM10 Module

You will immediately notice the DM10 module's outstanding sound quality. This drum sound module contains true drum, cymbal and percussion sounds, built from real samples of classic studio drums and prized cymbals. Drummers will find some of the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands, a huge arsenal of top producers' go-to snare drums, real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals, and a choice selection of classic drum machine and electronic percussion sounds that have fueled the biggest hit records.

Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. For example, a hi-hat's sound depends on a number of factors: how open or closed the pedal is, how hard it is struck, and other variables resulting in 40 different sounds - plus foot chick and heel splash.

The DM10 module not only has a breathtaking collection of sounds onboard, it is also the world's first drum-sound module that enables you to load sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This means that your sounds will always stay fresh, current and cutting edge.

You can also use the DM10 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface for performing and tracking with software drum modules such as BFD, Toontrack and Reason, among others. For practice, you can play along with the tracks in the DM10's internal sequencer, mix in an iPod or other MP3 player and play along.

The DM10 module has 12 trigger inputs, perfect for creating custom configurations with up to 24 different pads. The DM10's top-panel mixer gives you easy access to creating custom mixes.

RealHead Drum Pads

The DM10 Pro Kit has Alesis' acoustic-feeling RealHead pads in eight and 10-inch sizes. The dual-zone pads feature real mylar drumheads and real triple-flanged counterhoops for the feel you demand. The snare and tom pads are dual zone, enabling you to perform rimshots, rim clicks or assign other sounds such as wind chimes, cymbals, gongs and cowbells on the tom rims.

Surge Cymbals

The DM10 Pro Kit comes with premium Surge Cymbals, the only serious choice in electronic cymbals. The kit includes a 12-inch Surge Hi-Hat Cymbal, a 13-inch Surge Crash Cymbal with choke and a 16-inch Surge triple-zone Ride Cymbal with choke. Comprised of a genuine alloy cymbal coated with a clear sound-dampening layer, Surge Cymbals feel like acoustic cymbals because they begin life as just that. The Crash and Ride cymbals feature large choke strips on the undersides for even more attention to accurate cymbal control. The Surge Ride also features multiple-zone triggering on the bell, face and edge. The Surge Hi-Hat Cymbal offers continuously variable control using the included pedal.

ErgoRack

The DM10 Pro Kit features an ergonomically curved, chrome-plated ErgoRack. It is heavy gauge, heavy duty and supremely adjustable. The ErgoRack is large enough to enable you to add on additional drum pads and Surge Cymbals. You can even mount acoustic drums, cymbals, and percussion instruments on this roadworthy system.

It employs standard one and one-half-inch tubing for compatibility with virtually all drum manufacturers' rack hardware. The rack features quick-release, metal clamps for fast setup and tear down. The Crash and Ride cymbals mount on large, knurled boom cymbal arms that are height adjustable right in the rack down tubes. The DM10 Pro Kit comes with tom mounts that enable freely adjustable mounting. Drummer-friendly wing-screws are present on all important rack clamps and pads for ease of adjustment without reaching for a drum key. The drum pads mount on standard 10.5mm L-rods with low-slip, knurled mounting surfaces.

The DM10 Pro Kit is the flagship of the Alesis electronic percussion line. We've raised - and curved - the bar with the DM10 Pro Kit.

NOTE: Kick pedal not included.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (7 ratings)
Submitted January 26, 2010 by a customer from gmail.xom

"Great product with only a few short falls."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I plan on playing this puppy till it dies...and then buying another one.

Sound
Sounds are amazing. I use it in a cover band and have easily been able to find exact drum sounds used in newer pop songs (shake it, cupid shuffle, etc.) Used them for about 15 gigs, and other musicians said they didn't even realize I was using e-drums until they came up to look. Built in effects are beyond anything I would ever need, but it's nice to have them. I had a DM5 for years and liked the sounds, but the limited editing was frustrating. No longer a problem.

Features
Sounds are great, effects are great, options are great. You get the idea. I am still using an acoustic hi-hat with my set-up. Electric one sounds fine, but the pedal isn't quite "right" even with calibration. I get a lot of quick "chings" when I'm trying to get a closed sound with my foot. When doing quick open close patterns on the hi-hat I don't get the response I want. Choke strips on the cymbals work perfectly. I love the look of the cymbals as well.

Ease of Use
There is definitely a learning curve when you go to set up the triggers. There are many useful options for velocity, sensitivity, etc., but if you're new to it, expect to spend a few hours getting the setup you want.

Quality
The clamps for the rack mount are plastic, with plastic wing nuts. I find it hard to get them really read more tight on the rack and had issues with them slipping. I'm a bit concerned about them breaking, but so far no everything is ok. The rubber on the rims is pretty thin. It feels nice when you're playing them, but the rubber is now gone on my snare pad (I am not a heavy hitter by any means). I also have an issue with the tension rods slipping out on my snare and the bolt coming out from the bottom. Easy fix, but it's annoying looking for the tiny nut on a dark stage at 1:00 in the morning. Other than that, the pads feel great and I'm able to do quick double stroke rolls with great response. I will probably switch this over to my gibralter rack with heavy duty clamps.

Value
Are you kidding me? Worth every penny.

Manufacturer Support
I was having false triggering issues when I first got the set out of the box. Called Alesis, quickly got a REAL person on the phone who walked me through some set-up tips and even emailed me a beta patch that immediately fixed the problem. The representative even left me his email address to get directly to him should I have any future problems (which I have not).

The Wow Factor
Cymbals look real, I love the black drums. The kit just looks smooth.

Musical Background:
Active Musician

Musical Style:
Rock, Pop, Punk
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