Alesis has introduced the Performance Pad tabletop and kit mountable drum pads with a built-in drum machine.
Performance Pad features 233 drum sounds from the Alesis SR-16 percussion module, 50 Presets and 50 User definable drum kits. A large LCD display is included with an easy-to-navigate interface that Alesis believe will reduce configuration time and increase playing time.
Alesis Product Manager Jim Norman told us, “Performance Pad is a really great practice and performance instrument. For the first time, percussionists can have great drum sounds, incredibly responsive pad performance and a compact footprint size at a breakthrough price.”
Alesis includes inputs for a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and a Line-level input to connect a CD Player, iPod, computer, or other audio device so that percussionists can play along with nearly any recorded mix. Built-in rhythm patterns are also included to complement playing.
Performance Pad comes with 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads that utilize Alesis’ Dynamic Articulation technology to add nuance to the feel of every drum hit. In addition, there are industry-standard mounting holes on the bottom for easy attachment to an existing drum kit rack.
The 24-bit, high-quality headphone output on the Performance Pad insures a no-compromise playback experience without disturbing others while connection to keyboards and sound modules is made simple thanks to the integrated MIDI output.
Pricing and Availability: The Performance Pad is is due at music retailers late 2007.