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Description
Unleash your rhythmic creativity with the Alesis Performance Pad, a compact powerhouse that combines a versatile drum machine with eight velocity-sensitive drum pads. Whether you're a seasoned drummer looking to expand your kit or a beginner eager to dive into the world of electronic percussion, this low-profile, self-contained unit has you covered. Indulge in the joys of crafting your own beats or enhance your practice sessions by playing along with the built-in grooves.
Designed for flexibility, the Alesis Performance Pad features inputs for a bass drum pedal and hi-hat pedal, allowing you to customize your setup to match your playing style. Plus, the integrated line-level input lets you seamlessly connect and jam with your favorite tunes from an MP3 or CD player. Experience an expressive playing session with the innovative Dynamic Articulation technology, which adds realistic nuance and depth to every hit.
Navigate effortlessly through the settings on the large LCD display and tailor your sound with 50 preset and 50 user drum kits. With 233 sounds assignable to any pad, you'll never run out of creative possibilities. For those late-night practice sessions, the 24-bit high-resolution headphone output ensures quality sound without disturbing others. And with MIDI output, you can easily connect to external sound modules and keyboards for an even richer sonic experience.
Key Features:
- Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads with Dynamic Articulation
- 50 Preset / 50 User drum kits with 233 assignable sounds
- Two inputs for external kick and hi-hat pedals
- Stereo input for external audio devices
- 24-bit high-resolution stereo and headphone outputs
- MIDI output for external device connectivity
- Large LCD display with intuitive interface
- Lightweight and durable design
Product specs
| Brand | Alesis |
| Model | Performance Pad 8-Zone Electronic Drum Pad |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Percussion Pad Controllers |
FAQs
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How many pads does the Alesis Performance Pad have?
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The Alesis Performance Pad features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, allowing for dynamic playing and a wide range of expressive possibilities.
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Can the Alesis Performance Pad be used with external MIDI devices?
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Yes, the Alesis Performance Pad can be connected to external MIDI devices, making it versatile for integrating into larger electronic drum setups or controlling other MIDI-compatible equipment.
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Does the Alesis Performance Pad come with built-in sounds?
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The Alesis Performance Pad includes a variety of built-in percussion and drum sounds, providing users with a wide palette of tones for practice and performance without needing additional equipment.
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Is the Alesis Performance Pad suitable for live performances?
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The Alesis Performance Pad is designed for both practice and live performance, offering responsive pads and a range of sounds that can enhance live drum setups or be used as a standalone instrument.
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Can I connect the Alesis Performance Pad to an amplifier?
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Yes, the Alesis Performance Pad can be connected to an amplifier or PA system using its stereo output, allowing for amplified sound suitable for rehearsals or performances.
Videos
Alex Video & Music
Alesis Performance Pad
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis Performance Pad.
Software and compatibility
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Ableton Live 8 and Reaper are suggested for MIDI use with the Alesis Performance Pad, both offering free trials for initial testing.
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KVR Audio is recommended for finding free plugins compatible with DAWs, which can expand the Alesis Performance Pad's sound library.
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Users discovered that the Alesis Performance Pad sends specific MIDI notes like C1 and D1, which require manual mapping in Ableton for proper functionality.
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Use cases and applications
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The Alesis Performance Pad can be effectively used for live playing with an acoustic drum set when paired with appropriate MIDI software.
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Initial owner experiences with the Performance Pad suggest it's suitable for casual desk play, though its full potential in band settings remains untested.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
410
Basic but useful
It's a pretty basic drum pad by today's standards. Essentially a HR16 sound engine, so it's limited but if you are after some 80s sounding drums, it can be ideal...I just hammered the hell out of it for an early EBM style track (think early NIN/Ministry/Nitzer Ebb) and it was perfect for that vibe.
It's simple, it works, it'll even work as a MIDI trigger pad which adds to the usefulness, but don't go expecting anything great in terms of response or dynamics. The pads are hard, small and sometimes cross trigger. Sound wise, it has a fair amount of sounds onboard covering, well, the sounds of an early 90s drum machine. Big rock snares and toms, rock kicks, cymbals, percussion. Not much of interest for the more electronic producer.
It is what it is. It's old skool. It sounds old skool. It plays old skool.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a picture tweeted by Barend Kok, one of WRLD's band members from his other music group 'Ocean Element', David Lawson (WRLD) can be seen sitting at his set, which displays an Alesis Performance Pad above two synthesizers. Barend adds in, "awesome setup /@wrldmusic".
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Alesis Performance Pad, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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