Alesis Strata Prime: It's Completely Amazing But Is It Worth It?

[@GC-GrahamCollins]

Thank you for the excellent and honest review Sir. 😎 Finally, one that is not a commercial nor a self-promoting demonstration! A lot of valid points and, importantly.. questions, which as a potential customer for the kit, all were well made and of use to me. So here I am. Someone who played drums from beginner to semi-pro for 10 years, then stopped playing for 25. I restarted for 5 semi-pro years, then have again been mostly in sticks down mode for the last 10. I work as a tour manager, so I am seldom at home sadly and while I am blessed to own some of the best acoustic kits ever made …. I rarely get to play them. Due to that lack of time at home, I also opted to no longer own a property that would allow an acoustic kit to be played at the hours I would want to play, so regretfully, I only get to pull them from storage a few times a year. Therefore, I may well be one of the target markets that Alesis aims at, so why would I personally buy this kit at $3500? 1) I want a single kit ready to play at home whether it is right now, noon or midnight. I cannot do that with any acoustic kit in my collection. 2) It appears to be an excellent build quality, outperforms most other electronic sets both sonically, in functionality and in feel. 3) I need a e-drum kit to excite me, to draw me to it and away to relax from my work, therefore it would need to sound / feel like an acoustic. NB: I built my own e-kit drum set (around a 2Box module, acoustic shells and converted cymbals) 15 years ago which was well ahead of the game, but technology has moved on and the faults with that set are made more visible by a modern full bells and whistles set like this. 4) I am never going to gig this set, so its large footprint / weight is a non-issue. It will be set up and played in the same location. 5) Yes, I could add the module to other shells, but these days I simply don’t have the time to research everything and keep up with the newest electronic drum options. All I want to do is play something out of the box that is as close to an acoustic kit as you can get. 6) Finally, one day, I hope to join a band again and finally get to use one of my wonderful acoustic kits. For now though, I just need to play as often as I can to get my muscle memory back and in shape However, with that long term goal, I want the ekit to replicate the sizes of an acoustic so that I can move as seamlessly as possible from one set to the another. While the smaller Strata Core pads would promote accurate strokes, you would not be exploring the full-size heads as you would on an acoustic. Bottom line, I am not disagreeing with any of your excellent points, simply sharing that frustrated musicians like myself who know quality in drums, want something as close to acoustic as possible without the limiting noise factor. Therefore, ionically, your well-founded questions about who would want or need this kit probably sells it to me more than those pro drummers that Alesis sent the kit to. Those drummers don’t need this product, they have their home studios they can play their acoustic kits in and that is why you don’t see them continue to play the Strata Prime. Thank you once again Sir - Now, where’s my bank card? Good health and happy drumming! GC

[@KeithronPowell]

Loved this response!

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for actually watching the entire video and paying attention to the question. I had to PIN this comment.

[@rjs3617]

Just bought the expansion version of this. Well worth it! Spent about 3k in accessories along with it . For me, I play for fun as a past time hobby. Helps relieve stress, and I love music! It was one of the best investments I've made! Cost me about 7k total, but I'm happy, and you can't put a price on that!

[@KeithronPowell]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it! 😳

[@danavipuzzles7308]

I'm testing the waters with getting back into drumming. I took lessons from age 11 till about 13 or so, and played in high school throughout my teens. I've always lived in apartments and could never have an acoustic set, and back then electronic sets were very expensive and nothing like today's electronic drum sets. As such, after high school I transitioned more to playing the guitar and bass. I'd get various hand drums throughout the years, djembes, darbukas, cajons, etc., and I'd still be able to play them well, but it's not the same as playing a kit. Lately I got a burst of inspiration to try to take up drumming again, since there seem to be a lot of good options with electronic kits today compared to 20-25 years ago. After spending a ton of time doing research, I realized that the Strata Prime would be the ideal drum kit I wish I could get, but I felt it's too expensive an investment for just "testing the waters". If I end up getting seriously back into drumming, doing gigs, recordings, etc., then perhaps I may end up getting it at some point. Or if I'd have a ton of extra money that I could easily spend, I'd probably have gotten it now simply because it's such an awesome kit. Ultimately, I went with the Alesis Crimson II. Still waiting for it to arrive, but there are many things I like about it, despite whatever shortcomings it may have. The size of the drums, the look, the solid frame, and it seems to have pretty decent sound. For me, it's important to have a kit that will inspire me to play each time I see it. Sure, I could practice and get better on a $200 kit or even on some pads or buckets covered in towels to mute them. But I probably wouldn't feel as motivated, especially having limited free time between work and family.

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for watching and have fun. That’s what it’s all avout

[@gamingbros1230]

To me I think that one of the main reasons that someone buys a drumset that sounds and looks like an acoustic set but is electric is because they use it for practice in a place where they cant have the noise that an acoustic set will make and its the closest feel and sound to an acoustic so the practice translates over to a show better than a small electric set would. But thats just my opinion and what I think this might not be true for everyone but I think this is one of the main reasons someone would buy this.

[@KeithronPowell]

I agree with you… but $3500 is too much to practice! If I spend that much I need to be doing something and making money.

[@Iamadrummer]

Not only for home practice, but it is an e-kit that would work and look ok for stage use. The reason a drummer would use an electric set live is not only is it easier to hook up to front of house or to a drum amp, but you can change drum sounds for different songs or effects. Not very many would buy an e-kit like this just for home practice as there are less expensive e-kits that give the feel of an accustic set for easy transition to your accustic set. Not only have I seen the Alesis Strike Pro Se used live. The Alesis Strata Prime is an improved version of the Strike Pro, so why couldn't you use it live? Some drummers play e-kits exclusively and do not even have an accustic kit. I personally have and play an Efnte e-kit that is fantastic, and I have used it live. A good e-kit will feel 99% like playing an accustic drum set and sound just like one. If you think e-kits are just for practice, you need to get out more as many e-kit companies make e-kits for the touring drummer, and many drummers do use e-kits live.

[@mecdrum7]

I love mine great for stage recording

[@andrespalacios588]

es una locura!!!! buen video amigoooo

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks

[@Daluna13]

Man if I didn't get the Simmons Titan 50 B-EX (based on your video btw thank you i love it!) I would totally have saved up and tried to get this bad ass kit!

[@KeithronPowell]

I think the Titan 50 is a great choice and glad you love it! I just don’t feel the Strata is worth it. I’d go with the Strata Core or the Crimson 3. They should’ve just made the module and stuck on the Strike Pro because the Strata is nothing but a Strike Pro

[@keithoconnor1972]

Great video, and Go Blue

[@KeithronPowell]

Go Blue!

[@mecdrum7]

I’ve been playing for 50 years kicked out of so many places because acoustic drums teaching on with headphones no noise. I have an idea how to set up like tv between two players headphones with double connection not bothering anyone outside the teaching room. Teaching on line the best.

[@davidmost5206]

Studio session player: It is too difficult to set up and pack up for road use unless the band has the money for a drum tech. Different kits and different sounds allow the sound engineer lots of choices. You could buy a used acoustic kit and convert the shells to electrical. It's the module and cymbals that are going inflate the over cost.

[@KeithronPowell]

True

[@RockyTop85]

I would argue as a drummer of 25+ years, who had to sell off all my acoustic gear over a decade ago, there is absolutely no way I could get the acoustic drum set that I could even tolerate, with all the cymbals, stands, and pedals for the same price at the Strata Prime and I’m still annoying everyone upstairs. I get your argument there, but it really depends on how cheap you are willing to go on an acoustic set up. Shell packs and snares add up quickly. Was the 7 piece pearl an EXP? When did you purchase it? I bought a yamaha oak custom shell pack back in 2007 - 2009 (that I ended up selling) and with the snare it was a couple grand back then. Sure there is Reverb, this is all subjective. There is absolutely a need for it for sure

[@KeithronPowell]

You're absolutely right. You're absolutely right but… I didn’t say you could get the perfect drum set for that price. I said you can get an acoustic drum set for that price. Min is an Export. I didn’t buy it new but I also had a 5 piece Mapex that I bought new and that one I definitely could trick out for that price. The basic set was (if I can recall) on sale just under a Grand.

[@QQLam]

Can you review the MPs 1000 or the MPs 850

[@KeithronPowell]

They haven’t offered them to me for review

[@videditorEB1]

Great video. I don’t believe it possible for anybody to 1: Buy a full size acoustic kit. 2: buy the microphones and cables and stands. 3: buy the mixer required for the mics, 4: buy the cage required to keep the volume down, and 5: have them perfectly tuned into dozens of playable kits for anything close to $3500. That makes this kit, which sounds better than Yamaha and Roland kits costing almost TWICE AS MUCH, an absolute STEAL!! A no-brainer if you’re looking for an electric kit. Thanks!!

[@KeithronPowell]

As an actual drummer and owner of an acoustic set I know you can buy what’s needed for that much. Also, some of what you mentioned is unnecessary since 90% of the people aren’t traveling or recording.

[@videditorEB1]

@ it won’t sound anywhere near as good on a consistent basis, live acoustic drums means the stage volume had got to be huge, and you’re confined to ONE drum sound all night long. I get it, acoustic has some benefits, but if you’re not a professional musician with substantial engineering and mixing skills, you’ll spend years getting an acoustic set to sound as good as the E kits sound instantly. I struggle to find the negatives of E kits.

[@videditorEB1]

@ What, exactly, are 90% of the drummers doing if not traveling and recording?? Playing in their bedrooms?? Sad if that’s true. Get in a band and go play someplace. ANYPLACE!

[@s.s.goldwing9797]

The strata prime is really great for small churches to have a great authentic sound, but be able to control volume levels easily completely happy with mine!

[@KeithronPowell]

I’d still save and get Crimson, Strata Core or Strike Pro (most expensive) or I’d go Simmons SD1250. I wouldn’t spend that much and I played drums for a total of 20 years in church.

[@airfan_trainfan006]

The felt with the mesh head don’t do it use the plastic side of the kick

[@KeithronPowell]

I think that’s really about preference. I’ve seen others say the opposite

[@ronswanson7996]

@@KeithronPowell Unless you are using a patch on your bass drum head, the felt side of the beater will cause much quicker wear on your mesh head compared to the plastic side. Just a heads up!

[@ronswanson7996]

​@@KeithronPowellAnd great video!

[@davidminter9031]

I up graded my Simmons titan 70 with the cymbals and the bass drum and a double pedal. Other than Maby getting a couple bigger Tom’s Is the one you just reviewed that much better. ?

[@KeithronPowell]

Did you watch the entire video? Did you see why it’s not worth it? Is it better? Yes! Is it worth it? No

[@davidminter9031]

@ I really just wondered how my upgraded titan 70 kit compared. And if their really no need other than like I said maby bigger Tom’s possibly snare . Wanted your opinion

[@davidminter9031]

No need to get any other kit. I guess that is how I should have worded it. Thanks and I love the channel

[@stixx138]

Actually, the triggers are improved from the Strike Pro and the cymbals on the Strike Pro did not trigger 360 and did not all have bell, bow and edge. The Hi-hat is improved and redesigned as well.

[@KeithronPowell]

The 360 trigger is a gimmick and serves no true purpose. And I’m sure they could’ve just updated the Strike Pro.

[@wouldstock1]

​@@KeithronPowellthe 360°triggering is nice, since you don't have to worry about cymbal rotation which leads to missed hits. I tend to hit all areas of the cymbals depending on what I'm playing. Definitely not a gimmick. It's a very useful feature.

[@tonzokinawa]

Honestly one of the reasons I keep considering an electric drum kit is that some day I might not want to lug around my whole drum kit. So actually the Strata Core is more appealing than the Strata Prime to me! Plus the fact I could play with headphones and not bug someone else sounds appealing…. And so many cymbal options! 😂 Also… add the Simmons bass drum to the core and BAM! Instead my more badass haha

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@dblake58]

What are your thoughts on the Hampback Ace 360 and the Hampback Ace 530?

[@KeithronPowell]

I haven’t had the opportunity to play them

[@dblake58]

@@KeithronPowell Thanks for replying, and for all your video reviews they are very informative , love your honest opinion.

[@Iamadrummer]

I think the Alesis Strata Prime is a good e-kit. I do think the Alesis Strike Pro Se is a better-looking e-kit, so it is disappointing they are getting rid of it instead of just upgrading the module. Overall, I do not think the Alesis Strata Prime is worth buying as there are better e-kits on the market for less money. The reason you would choose a good e-kit over an accustic drum set is that not only is it easier to set up an e-kit, but you can change sounds and effects for different songs. With an accustic drum set if you need a different sound, you would have to retune everything and change out cymbals and during a show this would take to long. Some drummers have hybrid kits with multi-pads, and pad triggers to get certain sounds. An e-kit eliminates the need for the extra electronic components as you can have all the sounds you need right on the e-kit. The other purpose of an accustic like e-kit is that it makes practicing drums not only quieter, but it will teach you how to play drums properly. An e-kit where the hi-hat is on the rack, the cymbals are not 3 zone, the cymbals only have a wedge area to play on, the sounds are not great, and the pads are small, will not really teach you very well to be a good drummer. If you play a lower-end e-kit as described and then try to play an accustic drum set you will find you will have a hard time as there is a relearning curve to get used to a proper drum set. If you have a good higher-end e-kit that is pretty much like an accustic kit you can learn to play drums properly and have seamless time switching from the e-kit to an accustic drum set without a relearning curve. Also a good higher-end e-kit looks better, sounds better, and plays better on stage than a lower-end e-kit.

[@KeithronPowell]

I’m shocked… we almost agree on something. The Strata is nothing but a Strike Pro with 2 support de beams, slightly upgraded cymbals and a new module. They could’ve upgraded the Strike Pro and introduced a new module. As usual, you’ll say there’s something better. Have you played the Strata? Do you own these better sets? Where’s your review?

[@Iamadrummer]

The Strike Pro Se I felt was a good kit, and I have tried it. I also was considering getting it. I just felt for the money it could have even been better as I went with the Efnote 3x as it was less expencive, has much better cymbals, and sounds fantastic. I also looked into the Roland TD 27 KVX, but the Efnote e-kit looked better and had bigger cymbals that I feel function better and feel more like accustic cymbals than most others. I also looked into Simmons as I had an old Simmons e-kit that was discontinued and began failing. Sadly Simmons does not make or plan to make an accustic like e-kit. The Strata Prime e-kit I have not played and got my Efnote before it came out. My Efnote 3x has a similar pad configuration, better sounds(although not as many), has similar yet better cymbals, and is less expensive. There are even better e-kits on the market but those are super expencice and way out of my price range. I was only looking at all the available higher-end e-kits you can get for around $3,000.00. There are superior e-kits to even the one I got but spending $9,000.00+ on any drum set is hard to swallow and come up with. I think there are a good handful of e-kits around $3,000.00 that are very accustic like and worth considering. I just feel that Alesis wants a little too much for the Strata Prime when you can get a comparable yet a bit better e-kit for a little less money. @KeithronPowell

[@JeanMarcPustelnik]

Thanks for the review, I might be a candidate for electronic drums,,,, I play a Premier Genista with 24'' double bass, 4 toms and 2 floors, a very loud kit that sounds amazing in big halls but sounds like crap in my basement, it chokes right away and sound like an old Westbury, I spent a fortune on all types of skins and it just does'nt cut it, it's a large room kit and it cant be anything else,,,,, I'm looking at electronic drum to use in a 14X14 room in my basement, I like what I hear so far about the Strata Prime and the Strata Core, almost convinced to buy,,,, I'm not sure about Roland and Simons, they seem to be more expensive for equal quality, Am I right?, what would you suggest besides the Strata?

[@KeithronPowell]

Don’t take this wrong… did you watch the video? 😂 I completely say it’s just not worth it for practice. It’s $3500 and so close to an acoustic that ya may as well have an acoustic. If it were me I’d be on the Simmons SD120, Alesis Strata Core or Alesis Crimson 3. If I could find one I’d go with Strike Pro… but not the Prime.

[@JeanMarcPustelnik]

​@@KeithronPowell Thanks for the advice, I'll check it out. I didnt express myself properly, (to practice I need 1 practice pad) didnt upgrade that budget in 45 years 🙂,,, sorry I didnt mention, but its not really for practice, I'd like to play with friends and not be as loud, accoustic is too much for my room and for my age lolll

[@bernhardhaider2324]

Yo Keith! After watching your Video i'll like to say that the Strata Core seems to be the better Option . Just got most of the benefits of the Prime but a much affortable Price. IMO a Solid Set for a fair Price and the Module is , almost, the Same ... Thnx for Reading and Peace 🥁🥁🥁

[@KeithronPowell]

I agree 100%

[@RoshanDrummer]

What are the sizes of the rack tubes? (What size case is needed to fit the longest rack tubes?)

[@KeithronPowell]

🤷🏽‍♂️ didn’t measure that but I will say if you’ve seen a Strike Pro you’ve seen the Strata Prime. They’re exactly the same size.

[@wouldstock1]

I have the Strike Pro Se, and have enjoyed it for a few years now. I've also played the Strata and Core. GC can't set them up for shit, so the experience was not ideal. I'm sure when properly configured it's a great kit. I did notice though that the cymbals have thinner rubber due to the design, so they're a bit louder acoustically. I'm not a fan of the aesthetics of the Strata pads vs the Strike shells, but that's just me. I'm using the 8" kick pad from a DM10 due to space, and the fact that the 20" kick is also acoustically loud. I do have the 14" kick from the original Strike, but I'm still working on getting that to be as quiet as the 8" kick. My apartment neighbors I'm sure are thankful! 😁😁

[@KeithronPowell]

It’s funny… we want a full sized bass but we forget that that tube is going to resonate and make more noise than the tower bass that come with lesser drums. Plus the more dense the mesh head the more it’ll make noise. Also, you’re correct those cymbals ain’t quiet as some others.

[@rkgrossen]

I can see your point about who is it for. That being said if I had the money I would love to try it. The module really does look amazing and I like the acoustic feel to the design. That's why I got the sd1250 over the titan 70 cause I the the 1250 is more... acoustic ish. 🤷

[@KeithronPowell]

Agreed

[@javisuarez00]

Same here. Keith, when you think Simmons will release the sd1250 updated version? Can't wait for it. Thanks

[@davidmost5206]

After watching many of your reviews I will be purchasing either the Simmons Titan 50 BX or the Simmons Titan 70. Later I will upgrade the cymbals and the bass drum. However, Simmons advertises that the module can handle additional TOM pads. But there doesn't seem to any anywhere on the rack to mount them. Maybe someone should inform Simmons about this flaw.

[@KeithronPowell]

I think they sell the rack mounts separate but don’t quote me.

[@davidmost5206]

@@KeithronPowell The rack mount comes in the box. But there is very limited room to install one. Unless you remove the cymbal mounts and arms. Instead Using cymbal stands. I emailed Simmons tech support the same question. They did not respond. As for additional bars to mount the TOMS. There is no such product on their website.

[@Nostromo7775]

dear friend, why do I have missed SNARE hits from time to time while playing with the band live??, I also did a Reset, and it still happens, from time to time there are missed SNARE hits, in combination while I gather simultaneously with HI HAT ,do you have a solution for help friend???

[@KeithronPowell]

What drum set?

[@Nostromo7775]

@KeithronPowell alesis strata prime

[@KeithronPowell]

Man… that’s crazy. Too much money to be missing. I did have missed but it was because I hit it just right and got the side stick sound. I’d see if there’s a firmware update available. I’m taking mine back on Sunday.

[@Nostromo7775]

@@KeithronPowell Thanks again dear friend for the quick reply, I'm very nervous about the sets, especially live performances 😔

[@mecdrum7]

Most 7 piece drums with zildjian cymbals is about 3,000

[@KeithronPowell]

Yep

[@johnybozor2765]

You should’ve got the strata core

[@KeithronPowell]

Still would’ve taken it back but… yeah.

[@mecdrum7]

I’ve been playing for 50 years kicked out of so many places because acoustic drums teaching on with headphones no noise. I have an idea how to set up like tv between two players headphones with double connection not bothering anyone outside the teaching room. Teaching on line the best.1500 for an equivalent drums and 1700 for cymbals good mics 200. Close to same price but the electric so muchhhhhh in it.

[@SuperheroJunior]

It looks like the Alesis Strata Prime is replacing the Alesis Strike Pro drumset 🥁

[@KeithronPowell]

It’s ad because this is nothing but the Strike Pro with a new module

[@L3AF]

Strata core video when 😅?

[@KeithronPowell]

Next year

[@SlitherOnVr]

I hate being poor

[@KeithronPowell]

Listen this ain’t worth the months get a cheaper drum set you’ll be fine

[@SlitherOnVr]

@ what kind of e kit would you recommend

[@KeithronPowell]

@ I’m always reviewing but it depends on your budget. Have you watched my other videos? Have you decided on a budget?

[@Iamadrummer]

The Strata Core is less expensive. The Efnote 3 or 3x is cheaper.​@SlitherOnVr

[@SlitherOnVr]

@ I’d say my budget is like $700

[@indianajones1747]

It's simple...living in a flat in Europe is very common... impossible to buy an acoustic set without problems with the neighbours!!

[@KeithronPowell]

But $3500 to practice? You can spend way less and still become an amazing drummer.

[@mecdrum7]

I don’t believe it’s to expensive the core is better for some.

[@bernhardhaider2324]

OK.... after watching your Video i am pretty sure that a better Option for me and my needs is the Nitro Pro or maybe the Crimson 3... As long as SIMMONS did'nt have an European Webshop or something like that ... but as it comes to the Crimson 3: There are No Videos or any Kind of Information, Reviews etc... Not even on the official Alesis Website 🤔 Why?? And to come to an End... In the Video it looks like the Bassdrum on this Drumset is "whobbling" like sh** Seriously??? On an 3500€/$ Drumset 🤔🤔🤔 Thnx for Reading and Peace 🥁🥁🥁 With Regards from 🇦🇹🤘🏻

[@KeithronPowell]

It’s not wobbling. It’s sliding on my carpet. That’s my fault.

[@bernhardhaider2324]

@KeithronPowell okee😂 But as always a decent Review! Thnx and Peace 🥁🥁🥁

[@dajzilla]

This is strange. I mean, first he complains about the cymbal being a full cymbal. Does this mean he would’ve been happier if it had hard plastic on the back half of it? I just don’t get it. An odd thing to have a complaint about. But what really is strange to me is the whole question about “why did they make this kid?“ And then goes on to say it sounds so real like… Too real and that this somehow is a negative? And as for the question of “who’s this for“ it’s for people that want a real acoustic drum experience that can also play it at 3 o’clock in the morning and not bother anyone as well as have hundreds or thousands of different sounds to use. Would it be better if the sounds were almost real but not quite there question mark do you want them to sound “electronic“? Very odd. Don’t make any disrespect. I’ve watched several videos and found them informative, so I’m just wondering where this is coming from.

[@KeithronPowell]

This is where this is coming from… with the exception of being quiet at 3am… at this price just buy a real drum. Yes it’s close but they are not perfect. They are very close to perfect but for the money… just get an acoustic. That’s the point. Electric drums are awesome when they stop being authentically electric and mimic to the point of pushing the price that high…. It’s just a waste in my opinion.