Alesis Configuration File Lets USB Pro Drum Kit Controller and SR18 Drum Machine Work Together

To use SR18 with a USB Pro Drum Kit, drummers need only an inexpensive MIDI cable and a custom configuration file, available for free download at the Alesis website. Using SR18 as a sound source enables drummers to take advantage of a host of special features.

Drummers have full access to SR18's new, high-resolution sounds, including acoustic and electronic drums, ethnic percussion and bass. They can play along with the patterns on SR18 and create their own patterns using drum pads. Many sounds feature Alesis' exclusive Dynamic Articulation™ velocity cross-switching technology, which alters the timbre of the sound to reflect differences in playing dynamics, enabling access to a wider dynamic range and the utmost in realistic response.

Drummers can program custom drum kits from scratch using SR18 sounds and the built-in Alesis studio effects. Dual-zone trigger inputs enable two different sounds to be triggered from the snare and three tom pads, and full functionality is supported with SURGE Cymbals, including choke and dual-zone triggering. SR18's line input enables drummers to mix in audio from their iPod, MP3 player or CD player and play along.

USB Pro Drum Kit combines the popular Alesis Trigger|iO trigger-to-MIDI interface with high-end drum pads and SURGE Cymbals, giving a superlative feel to the kit. A dual-zone snare pad, three tom pads and a kick pad each feature an eight-inch mylar, tension-adjustable drumhead and a 2.3mm triple-flanged counterhoop for the most accurate representation of acoustic drum feel. SURGE Cymbals are made of brass cymbal alloy and feature built-in triggers. Because they are true, lathed cymbals rather than rubber pads, SURGE Cymbals offer the most natural cymbal feel available on any electronic drumset. A 12-inch Hi-Hat, a 13-inch Crash with choke capability and a 16-inch dual-zone Ride with choke capability are included.

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Acoustic sound is reduced greatly through the use of high-density dampening foam under the drumheads, thick rubber sleeves on the counterhoops and a proprietary clear dampening layer on the cymbals.

All hardware in USB Pro Kit has been engineered and developed for professional performance and flexibility. Every effort has been taken to reduce weight where possible to ensure that the kit is easy to transport from practice room to stage.

"We heard such great response from drummers on the sounds in the SR18 that we felt it was necessary to find a make it work as a drum module," said Alesis Product Manager Jim Norman. "As it turns out, not only does the combination work flawlessly once tweaked with the custom configuration file, it also gives drummers special functionality, such as being able to playing a cowbell sound on the rim of the rack tom."

For more information, visit their web site at www.alesis.com.