Alesis DM10 Studio Drum Kit Review

The professional DM10 Studio Kit 6-piece electronic drum set supplies natural-feeling RealHead drum pads. The Alesis DM10 kit also includes low-noise-emitting DMPad Cymbals, the groundbreaking DM10 drum module, and a compact, flexible four post stage rack.

DM10 Module
You will notice the DM10 module’s outstanding sound quality, immediately. This drum-sound module contains true drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds, created 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 including: 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 which have fueled the biggest hit records.

The drummer’s discerning ears will notice that each of the Alesis DM10 module’s sounds are 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.

The Drummer can play the Alesis DM10 electronic drum kit with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rim shots, 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 many other variables. The result: 40 different sounds, plus foot chick and heel splash.

The DM10 Studio Kit’s sound module not only has an awesome collection of sounds onboard, it is also the world’s first drum-sound module that enables the drummer to load new sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This means that your sounds will always stay fresh, current, and cutting edge.

The demanding drummer can also use the Alesis 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 MP3 player, and play along.

The Alesis DM10 module has 12 trigger inputs, perfect for creating custom configurations. The DM10′s top-panel mixer gives the drummer easy access to creating custom mixes.

Alesis Realhead Drum Pads
The DM10 Studio Kit features Alesis’ acoustic-feeling RealHead pads in 10″ and 8″ 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 enabled, which allows you to perform rimshots, rim clicks, or assign other sounds such as wind-chimes, cymbals, gongs and cowbells on the tom rims.

RealHead snare and tom pads ared mounted on standard 10.5mm L-rods with low-slip, knurled mounting surfaces.

You can use virtually any single or double kick pedal with the RealHead Kick Pad (kick pedal is sold separately), or split the DM10′s kick input with a Y-cable and connect an optional second kick pad for the pedal feel you prefer.

Alesis DMPad Cymbals and boom stands
The DM10 Studio Kit includes a set of four low-noise Alesis DMPad cymbals. The electronic drum set includes 1 DMPad hi-hat cymbal, 2 DMPad crash cymbals, and a 3-zone DMPad ride cymbal. DMPad cymbals provide a rubberized playing surface for a great balance between natural cymbal feel and low stick-on-pad sound. The ride and crash cymbal feature large choke triggers on the undersides for superior, accurate cymbal control. The DMPad ride also features multi-zone triggering on the bell, face, and edge. The DMPad hi-hat cymbal and RealHat pedal give you continuously variable control from wide open to tightly closed. Cymbals are mounted on awesome boom stands for tons of mounting possibilities.

Alesis four post stage rack-new for 2011!
Alesis equips the DM10 Studio Kit with an awesome, black aluminum four post stage rack. The stage rack is fully adjustable and large enough to easily accommodate adding on additional pads, yet takes up a fraction of the space of an acoustic kit so it’s perfect for studios and rehearsal spaces. It employs standard 1-1/2″ tubing for compatibility with virtually all drum manufacturers’ rack hardware.

The Alesis DM10 Electronic Studio Drum Set Features:

* DM10 high-definition drum module with 12 trigger inputs and mixer
* RealHead 10″ snare and four 8″ toms; dual-zone drum pads with real mylar heads
* DMPad cymbals: hi-hat, two crashes, and triple-zone ride
* Black aluminum StageRack
* Premium sound library of uncompressed samples from real drums and cymbals
* Dynamic Articulation changes sounds’ timbre along with dynamics for realism
* Sound-set loading and use with software drum modules, both via USB
* Play along and record yourself with the sequencer function
* Mix input for practicing with CD and MP3 players

Includes:
* 1 DM10 drum module
* 4 RealHead 8″ dual-zone drum pads
* 1 RealHead 10″ dual-zone drum pad
* 1 RealHead kick pad
* 1 DMPad 12″ hi-hat cymbal
* 1 DMPad 12″ crash cymbals
* 1 DMPad 14″ ride cymbal
* 1 StageRack with mounting clamps and arms
* 1 RealHat pedal continuously variable hi-hat control pedal
* 1 set of interconnection cables
* Boom cymbal stands

This fabulous electronic drum kit gives you more drums, more cymbals, more sounds, more flexibility, and more value to power your creativity.

Rating:
This is one beautiful electronic drum set at a beautiful price. I personally own the 2010 version and love it and I’m thoroughly impressed with this drum kit. I put in a lot research looking at different sets from different manufactures, etc and this kit just fit the bill perfectly. I’m still amazed at the price for such a high quality electronic drum kit that includes adjustable drum heads, a great module, hardware and more…Finally, an electronic drum set that comes stock with more than just the standard, 5-piece set up with only two cymbals on top…The DM10 module is a sophisticated drum brain that delivers plenty of choices and allows the drummer full flexibility. And, being able to load new kits and sounds through 3rd party programs like Toontrack EZ Drummer and Addictive Drums is one of the most impressive features that allows the player endless possibilities and quality, professional, fully adjustable sound sets. This definitely needs to be checked out by all.

One thing…If you pick this kit up, make the investment and get some good studio-quality headphones…It’s night and day difference when listing through pro equipment and picks up every hit, tap, ghost note, thumping bass, etc. These are what I use and absolutely love them:
Audio-Technica Studio Monitor Headphones.

Also, if you really want to turn this into a pro-level recording machine, check out my review on coupling this set with Superior Drummer 2.0 and Addictive Drums…They turn this drum kit into a recording beast.

Remo 5-Piece Rock ProPack Review
The Remo 5-Piece Rock ProPack includes 12″, 13″, 16″ Pinstripe tom heads, 22″ Powerstroke bass head, and a 14″ Coated Ambassador snare head.

Remo 5-Piece Rock ProPack also Includes a FALAM patch.

Rating:
Remo pinstripe heads are the classic, trusted drum head for rock style drumming. I’ve used these heads when playing in rock bands and they sound great. They give a great, punchy low end sound with short sustain and hold up very well to hard playing. A definite winner of a drum head in my book.

Just Released! Pearl E-Pro Hybrid Electronic Acoustic Drum Set with Brass Cymbals Review

* Real wood drums for totally realistic feel
* eClassic brass cymbals
* TruTrac heads
* Pearl Redbox Drum Module
* 1000 sounds & 100 preset kits with 100 user kits
* Ability to import external virtual drumsets from ToonTrak, BFD2, Sonic Reality, Ocean Way Drums, Steven Slate Drums, and Virtual Drumline from Pearl’s website.

Some info from Pearl’s site:

“No more playing on small 8″ pads. e-Pro Live features 10″x6.5″, 12″x7″ and 14″x8″ rack toms with a 20″x12″ bass and 14″x4.5″ snare with white heads.”

“No one makes better hardware than Pearl, and the foundation of e-Pro Live starts with the modified Icon Rack. The tom arms, shells, cymbal holders and rack are all covered under Pearl’s Lifetime Warranty. The rack will accommodate adding more drums and cymbals.”

“e-Pro Live features 6-ply, beautiful wood shells along with robust drum hardware and durable drum finishes. Two finishes available: #31 Jet Black and Pearl’s new Artisan II finish, Quilted Maple Fade #464.”

“e-Pro Live is two kits for the price of one. e-Pro Live is made with real, wood drums and turning your kit into a great sounding acoustic drumset is as easy as 1-2-3. One, remove the top hoop and the Tru-Trac head. Two, replace with a regular drumhead. Three, replace the top hoop, and tune and play!”

“Cymbals featured on the e-Pro Live are Pearl’s E-Classic high-end electronic cymbals, and are made with real brass. The E-Classics feel and respond to your playing just like real cymbals, because they ARE real cymbals. E-Classics feature a 3-zone plus choke 16″ Ride, 13″ chokable crash and super responsive 12″ Hi-Hats.”

“The traditional rubber EPC2 cymbals are also available and feature a 14″ 3-zone Ride, a 12″ Crash, and a set of 12″ super responsive hi-hats.”

“Pearl’s Tru-Trac Electronic Heads feature dualzones that reproduce all of the intricacies a drummer hears when playing acoustic drums. Smooth coating on the heads makes moving from drum to drum fast and easy. The formula used to create Tru-Trac Heads produces a feel virtually identical to acoustic drums.”

“The ultimate goal of a drum module is to reproduce the REAL SOUND of drums. And who better to engineer REAL SOUND than Pearl, the company who knows drums the best. The r.e.d.box. is Pearl’s drum module. R.E.D. stands for REAL ELECTRONIC DRUMS, and it’s also the color of this amazing module.”

“The r.e.d.box features 128MB of RAM. The full memory is used to accommodate the Original Acoustics of 1000 High Definition sounds and 100 High Definition kits. The sound library includes acoustic and vintage drums, electronics from beat machines to modern digital and a variety of orchestral, concert and world percussion instruments.”

“One of the most unique features of the r.e.d.box module is the ability to flash the memory of the module and replace the Original Acoustics with one large and lush-sounding kit. A few easy steps and you’ll be on your way to playing premium kits on your e-Pro Live from the best drum sampling software companies in the world! Visit redboxsoundshop.com to preview and purchase specially designed kits from Toontrack, BFD, Ocean Way, Steven Slate, Sonic Reality, and Virtual Drum Line and download the free software that allows your PC or Mac to communicate with the r.e.d.box.”

Rating:
Wow…It looks great. Pearl quality, real look…this is revolutionary. This kit looks phenomenal. I’m very impressed with the way they have incorporated a “real drum” look. You’ll even be able to buy new drum set sounds, etc. Is it time to cash in my Pearl Acoustic set?…hmmm.

Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Set

The SD5K Electronic drum kit has very sensitive drum pads made of a durable, yet highly responsive, material that accurately captures every hit. All of the drum pads have adjustable rack placement and angle adjustments for unlimited customization to your playing style. This includes two cymbal pads and one hi-hat pad which have height and angle adjustments for a convenient, custom-tailored fit.

The included hi-hat control pedal gives you much better feel of a real high-hat pedal, providing instant hardware familiarity to your playing. Similar to an acoustic drum set, the hi-hat functions as a closed hi-hat when pedal is stepped on, and open when the pedal is released.

Unlike acoustic drum sets, the bass drum kick pad can be located independently from the toms for even greater customization to your body size and playing style.

The SD5K is controlled through an easy-to-read, multifunction LED display that shows all of the parameter settings on your kit so you’ll always know where you’re at.

The sound module contains 237 voices and gives you lots of sounds with which to customize your own drum kits. You can store up to 10 different custom kits, or use the 22 preset kits that come with the module for a head start. Also included are a reverb effect, a built-in metronome, and 48 preset songs to practice with.

The lightweight aluminum construction provides the strength of steel, but without the weight. What does this mean? Easy transportation to and from the audition, rehearsal, and gig. An easy to put together design make setups and breakdowns easier. Specially made locking hinges keep your setup from drifting, ensuring your kit stays exactly where and how you set it up.

Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Set Features:

* Ins/outs and pad connections
* MIDI out
* Hi-hat controller
* Hi-Hat pad
* Crash cymbal pad
* Ride cymbal pad
* Snare drum pad
* Tom 1 drum pad
* Tom 2 drum pad
* Tom 3 drum pad
* Kick drum pad
* Line output (R & L/mono)
* Aux In (stereo TRS)
* Stereo headphones output

Package includes
* Drum key
* Drum sticks (1 pair)
* 9V DC adapter
* User manual
* Assembly instructions
* All connection cables

Bass drum pedal not included

Rating:
Low priced electronic drum set. Simmons have been around for quite some time, perfecting their craft. This electronic drum kit would be good for all types of playing styles and a great practice set due to the multiple drum voices that can be selected. Great for a beginner. What’s kind of cool is that the vendor throws in a free starter pack that’s valued at around $150 which includes a pedal, throne, sticks and headphones…The price on this electronic drum set with that pack is awesome. But, don’t expect the sound that you would find on a “pro-priced” kit…

Drums have been around for quite some time….a long time actually. Well, they’re actually the oldest instrument on the planet to sum it up. There are various types of drums and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Some of the different types of drums include:

Drumsets
Latin drums / Conga drums
African drums
Symphonic and marching drums: Snare drums, bass drums
Various other hand drums like Celtic drums tambourines, etc.

Drums overview:

Drums are of the instrument family “percussion.” The technical term is membranophone, “membra” meaning membrane. Drums usually consist of two membranes called a drumhead or drum skin with a shell in between. These membrane drum heads are struck by the percussionist with either their hands, mallets (in the case of a timpani) or drumsticks on a drum set. Drums are the world’s oldest and most musical instruments. Most drums, like hand drums make a single pitched sound, although a few drums like timpanis and African talking drums, for example, can be manipulated to make multiple pitches. There are many variations of drums throughout the world and each have a unique sound.

Drumsets:

The drums on a drum set most often contain a bass drum, or two bass drums even, tom toms, floor tom and a snare drum. These drums are accompanied by cymbals that the percussionist, or drummer, strikes.

Many factors determine the sound a drum makes, that include drum shell size, drum shell wood and the drum head’s tensioning. Drums come in all shapes and variations. Different genres of music call for different sounds. For example, a jazz drummer may want crisp, clean sounding drums that are a little on the soft side, whereas a rock drummers may want drums that sound loud, deep and heavy with little sustain. The drums for these different genres usually involve different woods in the drum’s makeup as well. A jazz drummer may prefer maple drum shells that ring a little more and are open, whereas a rock drummer may prefer birch drum shells which gives a loud, punchier sound. It’s important to choose carefully the style and sound of drums one will invest in.

Hand drums:

Hand drums are drums that are sometimes meant for portability and consist of one or more drums paired together. Congas, bongos and Djembe drums are some of the most popular hand drums. These drums usually have heads made of animal skins. They are used in many ethnic drumming genres including Latin and African drumming.

Playing drums becomes an engulfing lifestyle to the serious drummer. Some drummers start playing when they’re very young and some drummers start playing drums when they’re older. It’s never to late or too early to start playing drums. Some play drums as a hobby an others use drums as a means to support themselves. Either way, there is a great amount of enjoyment to be had from playing any type of drums.

Prodrumreviews.com is drum review site for drummers of all skill levels and interests.