This drumset is really spot on for the money.
Got it at a very low price; but even if you would pay it 399 as the MSRP advertised, it would be a good purchase.
First of all, this is a cheap drumset; do not expect anything beyond what you pay for; but this does not mean that it is a bad item. It is aimed at first timer, to anyone that wants to try electric drumsets, and to anyone that have fun playing videogames like Rockband, since you can connect this drumset to your console (more on this later on).
The overall setup is pretty simple; there is a module with a ton of cables, each cable goes into one sensor. They are all looking similar, except that 3 are toms, so they have only one hit area (the pad), while one is a snare, so you get the center area and the rim area to hit. Same for the crash, which has 2 hit zones, while the other 2 plates has just one.
Then you have the pedals, one attached to a sensor, which simulate pretty well the kick (it looks solid and it is chain operated), while the other pedal is used to control the hi-hat, so you can use it solo or in conjunction with the hat sensor. The cables are all labelled so can't do any harm.
Everything is set on a structure made of aluminum, from what I can tell. It is pretty solid and you don't need much force to tight the connections. Just be aware that the connectors are made of plastic; so if you take it apart often, you may damage it considerably.
The module is pretty nice; big display and controls are pretty simple. At least the selection of sounds and such. I didn't really feel like assigning new sounds to the various pads, mainly because I use it connected to my computer via USB, and not stand alone, and second because there are a lot of buttons to do a lot of various operations; which may come handy if you hook up a pair of speakers to the output, and use it as stand alone. I didn't buy it for that purpose, so I can't say much about all the various options, beside the sound selection, recording/playback functionalities and the metronome.
There are some songs on the module, that you can play along; nice idea but there is no clear teaching process while you do that, so I would not really consider it useful, for newbies. The module has plenty of connections, you can connect it directly to the AC adapter, or via USB; in which case it is used as Midi device via USB. Then you have 2 midi in/out ports; which are great for connecting other midi instruments, or to connect it to an adapter, so you can use the drumset with a gaming console and play compatible games (like rockband or guitar hero world tour). You need an extra module, since the main module has no wireless connection; but they are cheap and easy to find.
The pads overall are very responsive; I did use it as game controller, and it was pretty good, once you set the delay (since the message goes via Midi, you loose something as lag, but you can set your game sync options to compensate for it). Every pad feel good, and there is not much to say about the quality; since I didn't use it much; but beware that the pads get marks and scuffs when you play it. The pedals are also responsive and fun to use. I didn't play too many real drumsets, but feels about right. This is not a toy for sure.
As standalone, the variety of sounds is pretty good; you can use either a pair of monitor speakers or headphones to hear the sounds. It is not that loud, unless you connect it to an amplifier. Headphones are plenty loud; and the variety of sounds is really good; for a drumset in this price range.
The best though is when connected to a computer. If you have cubase or similar programs, you can drive any instrument (mainly drums, but you can do whatever you like), via the Nitro kit; and it is much better than using buttons or small pads on a keyboard, to play drum parts. Many VST instruments did work right out of the box, no need to configure much.
Overall a great beginner set. I am not planning to do anything out of the random session with my game console or to record some drum parts for my compositions; plus it is kids friendly, so you can use that as first drumset for your kids, and avoid to have noises in your house while they play (the drumset is pretty quiet, but still, you bang on plastic pads, so it is not super silent).
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Alesis Nitro Kit - Introduction with Texas Tim
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This Item  Alesis Nitro Kit | Electronic Drum Set with 8" Snare, 8" Toms, and 10" Cymbals |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $269.99 | $419.99 | -15% $254.99 List: $299.99 | $599.00 | $269.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Easy to assemble | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| Sold By | — | GL0BAL INSTRUMENT | Donner Music | DonnerDirect | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| material | Aluminum,Rubber | Iron, Silicone, Polymer, Metal | Silicone | Alloy Steel, Plastic, Silica Gel | mesh | Metal |
| model name | FBA Nitro Kit | UAED-403 | DED-200 | DED-80 | — | — |
| connector type | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | — |
| body material | aluminium,aluminum | Silicon,Plastic,Nylon,Iron | Metal | Iron | — | Metal |
| weight | 12 kilograms | 28.66 pounds | 53.57 pounds | — | 50.93 pounds | 13900 grams |
Reviews with images
Wow! Just an amazing value for an analog drum experience.
One word... Wow! Why "wow" you ask? Because for $300 you get what would cost you nearly $700-$1000 to get a similar value in another brand (like Roland). For $299 Alesis has done all aspiring drummers a huge favor. That is to say, given us a true analog drum experience, with all the upside of a way more expensive digital drum kit.I've had my Alesis Nitro for over a month now and I'm back to drumming as well as I did 30 years ago when I drummed as a kid. It was always a goal of mine to drum again, but between the noise of a drum set, the cost and the issue of where to put an actual drum set, I put it off. But after 30 yrs of longing to drum again the Alesis Nitro kit has me back at my former level and able to practice anytime day or night without bothering my family or the neighbors.It should also be noted that since I received my Nitro kit, I've tried my brother-in-laws more expensive Roland kit (around $500) and this Alesis is superior in every way. My friend who drums in two local bands LOVES it. And after trying mine, went and bought his own Alesis Nitro after setting aside his analog set and dumping his Simmons electronic kit (Simmons kit cost him $500 at a music store). Finally, I went to Guitar Center to check out some of the more professional versions of electronic drums only to see a higher price also meant, heavier, less compact and very little improvement in sound-for-the-money.I can practice anytime day or night. The sound and adjustable "kits" are great. The teach, record, playback, mp3 input, etc of the head unit are very feature-rich. And best of all, the buid quality, setup feel, real pedals and overall experience put the user in the ananlog drum set world! For the price, I couldn't be happier.
Top reviews from other countries
Con la ele
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Is it good? Firstly the slightly annoying things - the instruction ...
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