While the Surge Mesh is a fine electronic drum set for a beginner, we think you should consider looking at Roland or a higher-end model from Alesis. Solution home Alesis Support Alesis | Frequently Asked Questions Alesis Surge Mesh Kit | Frequently Asked Questions The Surge Drum Module equips the kit with a powerful brain that brings your playing to life. Play one of 40 drum kits (24 presets and 16 user kits) that feature 385 individual sounds that can be custom-assigned to any pad trigger or cymbal. Dynamic expression is slightly limited but playability is plenty good enough for a beginner through to intermediate drummer. The hi-hat pedal response is basic. There is a half-open option, although it’s not the most natural, whilst splashing the hi-hat proves a little too much for the module and produces some unwanted triggering. For beginners, the module features a training mode for learning and even will give you a score upon finishing. It’s super helpful for getting your timing to be spot on.

Now that being said, it is rather difficult to replicate everything you can do on an acoustic drum kit, so I’m still happy with what you get with the Alesis Surge Mesh. Why do the more expensive Roland electronic drums sound so much better, you may ask? I have bought this drum for my home studio. I live in the apartment so I have to keep things quiet. This is an ok drum in it's budget range. But don't expect a superb product because it's not. The module sound/kits are cheesy (but let's be honest - so is 99% of other modules), so I recommend using the VSTs. With this kit you get a free BFD Player + basic library (Mahogany Kit). The VST is also ok, but nothing spectacular (has basic options for mix, but honestly - that's all you need, especially if you just want to jam out or you don't want to spend an eternity to mix your own drums in the song). The only downside of this VST is that it has some kind of "humanize" option added to it which I couldn't turn off, so the hi-hat varies in loudness when you play it. I guess they didn't want to have that machine gun effect, but they got carried away with it. I believe the Alesis kit uses the exact same sample across all dynamic ranges; it just changes the volume rather than the actual sample. This means, that you’re getting a different sample of the same drum when you tap the drum near the rim versus hitting it hard in the center. Now don’t get me wrong. I do like a lot of products that Alesis makes, but I have never been too big on their electronic drum kits. They have always seemed very cheap to me, but I believe they are beginning to turn themselves around.

The responsiveness from the Surge Mesh is wonderful and even will allow you to use a double bass pedal. Module user guide – the built in user guide is ok, see our note below about more detailed, unofficial user guides Overall this is a solid budget e-drumkit for beginners + you get a solid VST that is plug and play - already programmed for this alesis kit. Note: This appliance is not equipped with a main powerswitch. Even when the appliance is turned off,the power supply to the appliance is not completely turned off when the power adapter is plugged in. Disconnect the power adapter when not using the appliance for long periods.

Yes! there are 2 ways of practicing on this module, the first is not being scored. Second is with a scoring system. Below are how to set them up accordingly. The Surge drum module allows you to edit some overall kit characteristic as well as individual sounds. This allows you to do a little bit of sound editing and craft the sound of the kits to your liking. Alesis offer 40 free drum lessons with this kitfrom Melodics their software partner. Once connected, the software recognises the drum kit and will show the players performance and progress in real time. Many styles are covered and it makes learning fun.After a small amount of mixing (mostly turning the cymbals way down), the kit balance sounds good and every note is complemented by the feel of the mesh heads. The hi-hat pad had a little too much movement for our liking but this was easily rectified by adding an extra felt to hold it in a more secure position. The selection of kit patches is decent, although there are a few, let’s say less inspiring, choices - particularly the toms on the jazz-style kits. If you already own the Surge Mesh, or a similar kit, it’s very easy to expand the sounds of your drums. The crash pad is also a single zone pad and it also has a choke. It plays like a basic rubber pad and there’s nothing really all that special here.