Alesis Strike - 5 Things You MUST DO!!!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

***DISCLAIMER*** Alesis has updated the pad design so if your pad does NOT look like the one in this video (clear center plate and no foam) you should be good to go. You still should check though as dealers will continue to sell old stock.

[@Hillsidekman]

SiREN-DRUMS SiREN-DRUMS Hey I love your channel and your videos are so informative. I just ordered my kit. It will be here Wednesday. So as far as the Pads go, in the video they just look like they’re black and clear. So are you saying the new updated ones have a layer of foam in the middle? I’m just asking so I know what to look for one like it arrives. Thanks for all your help

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@Hillsidekman the new updated design has a clear center plate (you'd be able to see the trigger in the center) and there is black tape going in between the center and outer plate. You wouldn't see the red/black wire like how it is in the video. That's probably the easiest tell. If you see the red/black wire, tape the plates.

[@Hillsidekman]

SiREN-DRUMS Thanks for getting back to me! All right I’ll take a look. Just to clarify you’re talking about the trigger plate in the center not the actual mesh head? Thanks again for your help!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@Hillsidekman yes the plate inside you'll need to take the mesh head off to see.

[@kered45]

@@AtTheSourceStudios So glad I ran into this video, I was starting to steer away from this set due to the problems people were having. I take it the new updated clear plate is much stronger than the previous black plate. Do you think this is a big improvement and it will fix the majority of the problems with this set? Where did you find this information, if you don't mind?

[@LittleBJT]

I don’t even own a SP but I enjoy your comments, guidance and playing videos. The SP FB group is lucky to have you in that forum. I constantly see you provide solid advice and you do it without being cocky. It’s just down right refreshing, which really has me swayed to pick up one of these kits.

[@Katrahpoe]

I want to thank you for making this video. I just bought a used kit. I opened up all the shells and found the snare was starting to crack. I put the tape on the center pickup, and then I transfered the snare with the 14" floor tom which was not cracking after applying the tape to each of the toms. All drums are working correctly and I don't think I'll have any issues with the 14" tom as it isn't a drum I hit very often and especially not as much as a snare would be struck. So thank you again for this video!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

That's good man! I'm glad you caught it before it went out fully. Don't forget to free the wire too! :) Thanks for watching man.

[@Katrahpoe]

@@AtTheSourceStudios I did do that as well thanks again!

[@StopPanakinAnakin]

How have I JUST seen this video NOW?! Siren, youre the friggen man. Good tips.

[@tinobickel]

I download your custom kits a view days ago and I find they are amazing. Thank you for providing them for free. Can you please explain for what the tape is for.

[@JT-gq8wv]

Excellent presentation and Production - Thanks. I subscribed.

[@NDB-Semper]

Thank you for the advice, I'm glad I caught this video before setting up

[@dannyalvarezdrums]

You are awesome..! My strike pro is arriving in 3 weeks ! The fine tuning looks so easy compared to my old Yamaha DTXpress 3, tiny analog screen with 1000 settings that you can’t read made it so hard to tweet, I hated that thing.

[@johnkenerson71]

Ok, the purple sparkle kit is mine and they are set up at the exact same height as my acoustic drums. In fact, I use the same rack for both my electric and acoustic kits. Also, ergonomically speaking I bought these drums so I COULD set them up lower if I chose to. Thanks

[@mattjones9035]

So glad I’ve found your page! I’ve been wanting to buy an electronic kit but a little hesitant but with your tips I’m gonna go for it! Thanks man

[@johnpietrolaj8917]

Cool man... I don't have a Strike Pro but the info is still useful! Thanks!!

[@alexw8774]

SiREN - I'm sure I am not the only one who has asked but it would be great if you did an informative upload on tweaking in the settings for the pads. Great channel and awesome advice I literally bought this kit because of your vids!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

That's a great idea. I may do something like this in the near future as you're not the first to ask about this. Thanks for watching! :)

[@MrChrisDrums]

Lotta go info in this man! Can help with my Roland kit in the future if needed.

[@Super__Goliath]

Could you either explain or link to another of your videos about trigger settings? This is my first electric kit with this depth to it, so I'm a little overwhelmed by all the charts and numbers. I've played with them myself and do notice a difference, but don't really understand how to translate that into my custom practice kit. For context, I'm working on building as close to an authentic acoustic sound as I can

[@handidrummer]

The door drawing 😂

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Fuck head lol

[@ryanwheatman9149]

But its right lol

[@stofzuigzakkie45]

I just ordered this drumkit!!! Tomorrow i can enjoy the Alesis Strike Pro!! And not the cheap drumkit i always had (Millennium MPS-750)

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

It is a really fun kit man. The electronic sounds are top notch as well.

[@stofzuigzakkie45]

@@AtTheSourceStudios I had this kit www.thomann.de/nl/millenium_mps_750_e_drum_mesh_set_bundle.htm SOOOO I just can't wait until I can really have a large drumkit in front of me, where I can just adjust a lotta stuff and play songs. Also, thank you for making a video about connecting two modules to each other!! I'm gonna put together my old and new kit!!

[@Hillsidekman]

SiREN-DRUMS SiREN-DRUMS Hey I love your channel and your videos are so informative. I just ordered my kit. It will be here Wednesday. So as far as the Pads go, in the video they just look like they’re black and clear. So are you saying the new updated ones have a layer of foam in the middle? I’m just asking so I know what to look for one like it arrives. Thanks for all your help

[@mikestein1024]

How is it ?

[@ZaxDrumsandMore]

Cool informative video!!

[@IJustFiguredThisOut]

Also, do not use your felt bass drum pedal beater on the mesh head. I don't know why, but it wares through the mesh a lot quicker than a harder surface, I have tested this.

[@johndef5075]

I use a patch on all my bass drum surfaces. Then you can use whatever beater feels best. Even have small patches on my kd7s

[@Popcorn-vo7ng]

@ 3:35, lmao, your dog is awesome!!!!

[@zdzisekadamiuk22]

great content mate, could u post a list of all your trigger settings?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

I would but it wouldn't do any good since I don't use a stock set up of pads. Sorry man

[@Jeffmd2020]

Does your free custom kits already come tuned? By that I mean like all the settings like the decay and all that not so fun stuff to fine to the kit sounds?!

[@michaelbeheler8261]

Thanks so much for the great info sir. Should receive my strike pro on Monday 11.26.18 and I’m super excited of course. Question..... If I download the newest fixes from Alesis, will this fix everything or should I download the 1.3, 1.4, etc.? Thanks again for the great vids! Happy Drumming.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

What do you mean by "fix" everything? If you mean playing experience like will it be plug and play, yes, either update will give a good playing experience out of the box but I would start with 1.4 as it's the most current and what they currently have on their site. (If you want to try 1.3 I can link you to the files). Congrats on your new kit!! It is pretty awesome!

[@michaelbeheler8261]

SiREN-DRUMS Sorry I wasn’t clear about the updates. What I meant was if I download the most recent firmware update, is that enough. From what I understand the latest update fixes the load times and hi-hat issues, which seems to be the biggest problem with the module out the box. Thank you.

[@bigalTN1]

Man I just purchased a set of these, and I love them! I have followed your videos, and they have been very helpful. I am wanting to add some new sounds that is not offered on module. Can you please tell me how can find, download, and install some new files for my module? I really like wind chimes and bell trees effects. That is what I am looking for, so if you can help me find were to go to find some new sound files to use on my kit that the module don't already offer? I look forward to hearing from you... Peace

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Hey I'm glad you are enjoying your new kit! Unfortunately I only get my samples from a VST (StevenSlateDrums5) so I can't help with finding the specific samples you're looking for. Cool thing is you can't find any you can literally make those samples and put them in the module. Especially with the two you mentioned those would be one shot samples anyway so very easy to record and save in the module.

[@bigalTN1]

@@AtTheSourceStudios can you maybe help me learn how to make those sounds and put them into my module? My email is [e-mail]. thanks, and peace!

[@bigalTN1]

@@AtTheSourceStudios is there a Tutorial video out there that will show me how to record and save the sounds I want to my module? I am new to this, so please forgive my ignorance. Also, do you know if its possible to move sounds from a Yamaha DTXPRESS IV Module over to the Alesis Strike Pro Module? I was wondering if I used a Midi cable and laptop I might could do that. If so, I could get all the sounds I am looking for that way. Anyways, any help would be very much appreciated. Peace!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@bigalTN1 here's how you can record/make/save a sample. Looks pretty easy but I've never done it tbh. As far as getting the actual samples from the Yamaha... I'm unfamiliar with Yamaha but if you can get access to the entire sample and multiple wav files you can import multilayer samples into the strike. Or for a more basic import if the Yamaha has just one .WAV file you can import that too but for regular use maybe just recording/creating a sample like in this video can be a quick fix. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJPFanqMrdVpick

[@spe2800]

So what does the tape do? Also I just purchased the strike pro se in 2021. Is step 1 still recommended? I just found/sub'd to the channel,great content. Thanks

[@spacep0d]

Yeah it's weird to recommend surgery on the drum triggers and not explain why. The tape is for what? I don't know. Guess I'll have to find another video that explains it.

[@nahdrums2459]

Nice work dude

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Thanks Neil!

[@Ultra-Collector]

I’m trying to chose a simple but sweet metal sounding module for my DDrum Hybrid 5 kit which uses Red pro triggers! I want the option to not have to use a CP/Mac! Where should i start? Thanks!

[@brianglaser9215]

I have an alesis command. Can I plug in the strike pro bass drum? And will that fix my double bass problem? That being when I play fast the command bass drum doesn’t pick up every hit. I can’t find this answer anywhere

[@jamesshuler9801]

I'm assuming you tape the kick as well?

[@cleverestx]

Any answer on this?

[@chaseleo2811]

The power ply heads fit on this? I've heard the shells on the original strike aren't standard.

[@manugentoodrums]

I just broke my snare and toms a day ago because I did see this video months after I purchased the strike.

[@FletcherCast]

Working with a drummer that has this kit and everything but the snare sounds good, sounds like it is going through a filter that cuts out the low end, however when using it through a non alesis PA it sounds fine, we called customer service and they are sending a new brain but I cannot wrap my head around why that would be an issue with the brain. Any ideas?

[@jordanhall7530]

Sick video mate. Getting my strike pro next week so it's good info. Just one question- What is machine gunning? Peeps keep saying it and I don't have a clue what it means so I just have to ask. Cheers.

[@andythedrummer9642]

It means the sound of the drum. It sounds like a machine gun

[@davidrivera6017]

I was in a guitar Center and saw someone playing on an alesis kit on display and I noticed everytime he used the bass drum, i also heard a guitar chug so everytime he kicked you’d hear a guitar chug at the same time and it sounded pretty awesome. I’m not 100% sure what the exact model was but I was wondering if you knew anything about that setting?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Hahaha yeah it's from one of the kits in the strike. There's screams and guitar chugs playing and a bunch of craziness. Sounds like a whole band it's playing. It had to be that kit or just one of the samples.

[@davidrivera6017]

SiREN-DRUMS oh nice! I’m definitely going to be purchasing this kit. Can’t wait!

[@spacep0d]

What's the tape for?

[@camilo.venegas]

What’s the purpose of the clear tape you used in the beginning?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

To strengthen the center plate to prevent cracking. It's a little thin from the factory.

[@guilhem8052]

i'ts to avoid the trigger plate from snapping in two

[@jeremiahg2716]

I have the forge . Good kit but leaning towards updating to the strike. What's the difference in strike and strike pro? Would someone have to update the module if its purchased between now and a few months? I like your videos and your playing in amazing ty

[@TheDrummerDude17]

The only difference between the two kits is the number of pads you get. The basic Strike kit gives you 3 toms and 1 crash, while the Strike Pro gives you 4 toms and 3 crashes. Everything else is the same, including the module. It's possible that the module you get with your kit may be updated to the latest version already. You just need to check which version it's running.

[@XXMUZZELFLASHXX]

I’m getting the strike pro se but will it be compatible with sd3? Do you use that? Do you have any knowledge/videos on that topic?

[@scottrocks1000]

Missed what the tape was for. Please explain.

[@jackcurylo6582]

What exactly tape do? Please explain thank you

[@jeffpyzocha5474]

Explain the tape on the triggers?...

[@MikePernicano]

Hi, although I do appreciate the tips, You never stated why the tape, what is it actually doing for us if we do this, Thanks, Mike Orlando Florida

[@NDB-Semper]

I concur, I'm just curious what the tape does if you could please tell us

[@jasono3679]

@@NDB-Semper the center plate is quite thin from the factory and can crack easily, so adding the tape thickens the plate which makes it harder to crack

[@friendlyginger7345]

Do these issues still apply to the Alesis Strike Pro SE?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

If you mean issues regarding the pads, as far as the snare they have reinforced but can't say for sure on the toms. Might want to check just to be sure but either way it's not too much of a hassle to protect your investment? Thanks for watching! :)

[@carpathianhermit7228]

I had the kit since 2019 I think haven't tinkered at all, the snares starting to go, rim shots triggering on the mesh, no Bueno. I got the of version had no idea it was discontinued, got fucked over

[@Zero-py5dr]

What kind of speakers do you use?

[@mikek4288]

My question is, what kit sound would you recommend to get the sound of the drums in this intro song?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

The kit used in the intro is a mix of Steven Slate Drums 5 imported samples and Strike samples (some SSD5 cymbals some Strike cymbals, kick and snare are SSD5 with Strike layer) so it's the Strike module that is the key there. The new Strike SE looks like a great kit although I haven't tried. Either way tho that's what the sounds were in the intro.

[@DDMOLSBERRY]

Any suggestions on how to get the kick drum louder than just the compression techniques? Mines rathe quiet. Any info would be much appreciated!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Should be plenty loud so something's not right. Maybe make sure sensitivity is at a good level. Otherwise sensitivity could be too high on the other pads. (Sensitivity also adds a bit of volume because higher velocities are louder and you get there faster with a higher sensitivity) Sounds like kick isn't dialed in good tho.

[@DDMOLSBERRY]

@@AtTheSourceStudios Hey thanks for the info! After a few more hours of going through the settings i was able to get higher volumes out of the samples. I guess compression mixed with trigger settings is a huge note to take on dialing in sound. I was using standard skull candy headphones too , so I may try a better pair from the music store as well. Thanks for the help!!! Much appreciated

[@lukemclaren4223]

What does the tape do?

[@danielmcmahon2006]

Does anyone know if need to put the tape on the strike pro SE edition? Thanks

[@lucyferina]

Again a set that is called pro should not require that you fix anything as soon as you open the box, until Alesis addresses the quality issues I will not buy a set from them. The other thing that nobody talks about is the horrendous loading times in that module, it's just not up to spec with even cheap modules. Yes you can load vst's, but if you have to wait 10 to 15 seconds between sets it makes it a deal breaker.

[@josephgizzi373]

I ordered the strike pro. Is taping the inside still a necessity?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Checking to see which gen pads you have is a necessity. If you see the red/black wire then do both of the modifications mentioned in this video. If the wire is hidden then you're good to go but be sure to check ALL the pads not just the snare.

[@josephgizzi373]

So if the wire is hidden, I don’t need to tape the inside? Thank you for your reply!

[@DRUMADDICT29]

I noticed you’re using the felt side of your beaters. Not recommended with mesh heads. The friction will wear down the head. Plastic beaters will prolong the life of mesh heads.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Normally yes that is true but not when you use a bass drum patch.

[@DRUMADDICT29]

@@AtTheSourceStudios ahhh yes I see the patch on the SE 20” kick. I was looking at the regular Strike kick and didn’t see it with the black head on it.

[@petergriffinelectricdrums4164]

LOVE YOUR VIDS MY MAN!! Great 👍 info! And YESSSSSS COPY THIS GUYS KITS!!! I use SIREN2173 Custom kits on my TD25 Module and THEY SOUND SOOO FREAKIN GOOD!!!!! Live or Recording!!!!! He’s a Sound engineer Genius!!!!!! Cheers 🍻 buddy P.S. - TD17 Vids?????? LoL 😂 Don’t be shy ☺️ LoL 😆

[@cesarflores4166]

Hi I don’t understand why put tape inside u didn’t explay why or what it is for

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

To reinforce the plate but don't worry if you get a strike now they've improved the design of the pads and durability is no longer an issue.

[@cesarflores4166]

SiREN-DRUMS thanks bro u bought a used alesis strike drum set it had the 1.0 program on the module it’s a older one I’ll do the tape thing hey bro I have a other ? Hope u can help me. I have old modules from the 80’s (Simmons sds8 Roland ddr30 Yamaha ptx8 ) I would like to get some toms and bass kick sounds from dose modules and wav samples it to the strike and get the factory hi hats and cymbals for the strike and make 3 or 4 drum sets (toms and kicks s sounds) of the 80’s modules with the factory hi hats and cymbals can u help what programs do I need here’s my email [e-mail] thanks bro

[@rollinhills6256]

Should be titled. “How to immediately void the warranty with your Alesia strike pro”

[@MrAlanimal80]

Why do you put tape on the inside like that?

[@kilamity]

any advice on Sensitivity settings vs Voice Sound Levels? I want to get my kit as close to real dynamics as possible. Im not sure if its best to reset the settings and then set sensitivity first then adjust the voice volumes after.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

What I would do is get groups dialed in. For example. The two high toms should in real life respond similar so assign the same sample to both then dial one in to match soft to loud to be most dynamic then match the other tom so it responds the exact same. Sometimes that doesn't mean the same sensitivity level. Then do the two floor toms same way, crashes etc. Then adjust volume levels.

[@kilamity]

@@AtTheSourceStudios Thanks I give it try. What do you mean exactly when you say groups?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@kilamity just like set up "alike" pads together like... Get one crash set-up then put the same sample on the others of the same size and make them respond the same. Etc

[@kilamity]

@@AtTheSourceStudios Thanks for taking the time with your answers man. I went through each pad and adjusted the sensitivity using one of your kits I downloaded. Feels and sounds much better. What do you think about those Pintech pads you have? I think thats what you are using for splashes?

[@drudmnd2656]

I ordered the kit and got it with no sound available to any pads and i see the signal being transferred threw but still no sound ? They sent me a new mother board and again no fuckin sound ? Can anyone help plz i been looking at this and im ready to throw it my 2nd story wimdow

[@stofzuigzakkie45]

How do i crank up the volume? I swear i cant hear it haha

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

That's weird is your module up to date? I usually run into a small mixer so it wouldn't be an issue for me ever but when I did plug into the module my phone's volume at about 2oclock is plenty loud enough. The right way to add volume would be to run into a small mixer otherwise you can turn the eq/comp on for each pad/zone and under compression just turn the output up. This would make you have to duplicate each kit though so it's not ideal. Headphones can also be louder or softer one brand to another.

[@stofzuigzakkie45]

@@AtTheSourceStudios I guess i'm just gonna buy a small mixer! Thank you for your answer!

[@stofzuigzakkie45]

@@AtTheSourceStudios and my module is up to date (1.40). Its brand new and i bought it today

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@stofzuigzakkie45 like I said that's weird then. I know some people really like it loud though. I've never had an issue with the volume and this is my second module (sold first one but then got another one used). If you have a mixer maybe hook that up. Or a drum amp with have headphone output and can amp it louder for you.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@stofzuigzakkie45 no problem man. I recommend the Behringer Xenyx 502 it's what I use and sounds great!

[@Lex-oz3mk]

What would you recommend for 1100 euro?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Hmm I'm in the states so I'm just taking a guess that 1100 would be about $1600 here... In that case, if you want the best sounds, dynamic playing experience and feel of the pads - Alesis Strike (base not Pro), if you just want a little plug and play practice kit and don't plan to record anything or play through a PA - Roland TD-17KVX. Honestly those are about the only two options in that price category I would consider. Personally though I would say go with the Alesis Strike regardless as the module is head and shoulders above the TD17 in sounds, pad feel, dynamic response to your playing and overall potential with sample import and other features. If you follow this video you should be set up pretty good. I've had it for a year now and my pads are in perfect playing condition. Happy customer here.

[@Lex-oz3mk]

The Alesis Strike pro costs €2300 and the Stike €1900 euro. I have sell my TD25 and bought a TD9 with a extra crash. Unfortunately i couldn't find a Alesis strike occasion...Thx for answere! And good.luck with your Ddrum 3!

[@arbogast4950]

Step 1, fix the kit before you use it. Lol I'm done with Alesis and their junk. I'd rather fork over more money for a ready to use ekit. I applaud you for this advice though. The strike is a pretty damn good module.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Um well technically speaking nothing is broken to fix so all I'm saying is to prevent possible failures. As a happy user of the strike for a year with no pad failures and now trying a Roland module for the first time in a year the difference is night and day and not in a good way for Roland. I'm not saying I fault anyone for not getting the strike but the half hour it'll take for preventative maintenance is well worth it.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Furthermore Alesis has listened to the customers and updated the pad design to include thicker center plates as well as changed the position of the wire so this shouldn't be an issue for people getting newer stock kits. Of course that doesn't mean they'll be recalling old stock so this video will still apply to many users. Alesis is said to only have to give replacements to 1% of it's strike customers. Squeeky wheel makes the most noise.

[@adams97]

I find it odd how the drum heads are replaced with Roland heads? Personally I'm not going for this cheaper Alesis kit and I know when I purchase my new Roland VAD506 that its gonna be badass and ready to go outta the box. Remember u get what u pay for in life, and I'm sorry but Roland has always made better kits. And with financing for less than a $100 a month, to me it's a no brainer

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

No doubt Roland makes the best pads and cymbals. If you like the Roland sound then you will be very happy with the VAD kit for many years!! Thanks for watching man :) 🤜🤛

[@squidskunk]

HEY!!! are you still alive..? you need someone to post bail..? what up..?

[@bridoc519]

Wonked AF 😂

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

LOL!

[@TheDrummerDude17]

@@AtTheSourceStudios I always cringe when I see a kit look like that in a music store...I mean, who the heck sets them up and plays like that??

[@kikibeldandy]

Only 1 tip, return and go purchase a Roland td17kvx kit.

[@cleverestx]

Crappy module in comparison though.