Roland SPD-SX PRO vs ALESIS STRIKE MULTI PAD | Best Drum Sample

The Roland SPD-SX PRO is the ultimate sampling pad. With years of road testing and extensive user feedback from the SPD-S and SPD-SX, the top-tier SPD-SX PRO raises the bar again. Harnessing the advanced sample pad technology of its predecessors, the SPD-X-PRO boasts an array of requested professional enhancements and is built for life on the road. Illuminate dark stages with a large color display and customizable multi-color trigger lights. Expand your performance setup with more audio outputs, additional trigger inputs, and hi-hat and FX expression pedal control. And go further with a massive 32GB memory, 48kHz audio playback, increased pad sensitivity without crosstalk, and a dedicated SPD-SX PRO App for easier kit editing.
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Alesis designed the Strike MultiPad around the drummer’s requirement to be able to sample, edit, loop and perform in a seamless manner. To that end, the Strike MultiPad offers an incredible 7000+ built-in sounds, 32GB of storage and the ability to record samples from any source (smartphone, mic, off the internet, via USB, from virtually any other audio device). The nine velocity-sensitive pads have customizable RGB lights and are easily configured for maximum playing convenience. Centre stage on the Strike MultiPad is an Alesis-exclusive 4.3” color screen to make checking system status or performing edits a snap. This kind of total percussive firepower is simply not available anywhere else, even in multiple units.
Sample. Edit. Loop. Perform.
SAMPLE anything you want-any sound, any effect, from anywhere. Use your mic, your phone, your computer, USB input or another audio device to capture live or pre-recorded samples, even off the internet. We even include 6GB+ of premium in-demand content to get you going.
EDIT your samples and loops with the radiant 4.3-inch color screen, easy-to-use selectors & encoders, A-Link controls and the five built-in effects processors - tweak, shade, color, EQ and compress to your heart’s content. Your sounds will really be your sounds, and no one else’s.

[@tonycarpenter-Makzimia]

The Alesis lasted 2 weeks before power issues got me to send it back. That was in October. I replaced it with the SPD SX Pro, no regrets on extra cost, and it’s still going strong!.

[@travistybor798]

Not surprised here . I have always had problems with Alesia devices, except the hr-16, and the micron . They have terrible quality control, just like M- Audio

[@SuperheroJunior]

@@travistybor798 Roland SPD SX is 10 times better than the Alesis but I personally prefer the Octapads better. I am buying a vintage Roland SPD 8 from the early 1990's.

[@jeffhayes422]

@@SuperheroJunior I wish they would make an octapad 2.0 I love the looping features it’s just so outdated and hard to use

[@eman0828]

Blame Numark after they took ownership of both Akai and Alesis now both brands quality reputation are ruined. The two brands are now known for building junk these days. My Akai MPC 5000 only lasted 8 years before the power supply went out on it. It shares many of the same parts as the Alesis Fusion HD key. Both the Fusion and 5000 has the same power supply issue with over heating. My 20 year old Yamaha MOTIF ES keyboard and 18 year Roland Fantom-XR out lived my MPC 5000.

[@eman0828]

The original Akai company was a Japanese company as all the MPCs from the 90s were better made. The Japanese have nothing to do with the new Akai Professional under Numark ownership. The only thing Japanese is the brand, other than that, it's American owned that builds junk. They started using cheaper components an quality control has declined drastically. I will never buy anything made by Numark aka InMusic ever again. Stick with Roland, Yamaha or Korg that is known for steller quality control. Even the Akai MPK controllers have issues. It's a good thing I own all Roland Midi controllers as they were really built to last.

[@kirkydaturkey]

So glad this video was made! Thank you. I’ve loved my Alesis Multipad but the time to load a kit has always been my biggest annoyance (also not having a dedicated computer app 😤)

[@drumdoug8083]

I have had my Strikepad for a few years now and no issues at all with it. The loading time between kits is annoying and I think the reviewer here is counting a bit fast while the Alesis is loading. I would say the load time is closer to four seconds. Still, that's an eternity when you are on stage waiting for it. I think Roland has made an amazing product as usual (along with an also amazingly high price tag). It's also not a coincidence that the two look very much alike.

[@972madininadistrict]

the Alesis takes time to load factory banks , not if you create your own banks from factory libraries or external usb stick ( it will depend also of the size of the samples used), the loading time is as the roland then faster

[@ChrisBealsProductions]

Latest v1.3 DOES load kist much faster. It DOES ALSO DEPEND on how long and how many samples you have in your kits to = load times. If you have shorter samples and use onboard effects instead of installing longer samples with reverb/effects that extend the length of the samples, you'll be faster to load. ;)

[@seancambern1235]

Thank you very much for sharing this video. I want to let you know that you saved me from disappointment by sharing the information about the kit load time.

[@1t1o1m1m1i1e]

I have the alesis multipad and i have never had an issue with the load times are annoying but for the price point 6 seconds isnt a big deal, never had an issue performing live no power issues or anything.

[@drewmiller3462]

I own both the Alesis Strike Pro SE and the Strike multipad. What she didn't cover is sound quality and the pre-programmed sound samples. The Alesis Strike Multipad has intensely more sophisticated sounds and sampling capabilities. The Strike Pro Se kit is all about the control module. Again the sound sample quality is superior to anything Roland is producing and I really like the TD-27KV2. The quality of the rack on the Alesis Strike Pro is wanting but Gibraltar has the answers for that. I also play a Bubinga kit, a Pearl Master Series Lava Bubinga 7 piece with a Cherry Bubinga Pork Pie snare and Octobans. Not a big fan of Tama hardware but the Star Classic series quick release is quite nice.

[@windowvlogs12]

is buying alesis multi strike pad worthy?

[@UtenteGoogleAnonimo]

What about the sensitivity and trigger activation threshold? Which is the most responsive to minimal force?

[@georgesabi-aad8176]

Hello, thaks Cami for the awesome video ! Ive watch it tons of times. I own both multipads and they are overall great but I'm sorry drew, the spd sx is superior to the strike. Here's a quick rundown : -better kit load time -higher pad sensitivity -much more precise hi hat implementation -more inputs and outputs -the sound card is crazy performant -external trigger and pedal compatibility -EQ and compression per pad -the sheer amount of control and customization possible for each kit -THE EDITOR -the MIDI implementation is flawless -more consistently responsive to lower pressure And regarding sample quality, I've tested out both side by side, and Alesis has some catching up to do. Finally, a word on customer support. Roland answers on forums, rolls out regular updates, and has extensive documentation. That's a huge difference. With that being said, the strike multipad is a fantastic piece of equipment with a bang for the buck that is unheard of. I got mine second hand for 400€ and it might just be the best 400€ I ever spend. 90 % of drummers will never need more than what the alesis offers and I wholeheartedly recommend it. In my opinion, it's a better tool from the user experience perspective : -3.5mm AND 6.35mm headphone jacks in the front -much simpler menu system -clickable jog wheel -simpler FX controls -does the job right out of the box I've done live gigs and rehearsals with it, it sounds good and sits very well in a mix. So yeah go ahead ang get it and have fun with it. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[@psilocypher]

@@georgesabi-aad8176The SPD SX Pro doesn’t have a looper and it doesn’t do tempo sync. That’s a dealbreaker for me.

[@BobBill-kn9on]

@@psilocypherit does tho

[@Materialgirllive]

The same complaints were made about the Strike Pro module. But for me the realistic samples vs COSM modelling always wins. Roland is king of triggering. But I like Alesis for sounds. And 6 seconds is only a problem if you are changing kits within a song.

[@laptoples]

I came on to watch the Alesis vs Roland and HOLY NIGHT !!!!!! That Tama kit at the end !!!!!! I went and got my bose headphones out to listen to them !!!!! Wow !!!!! That drum set sounds AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!!! It looks cool too, which personally, I rarely care about, but that is appealing looking !!! Nice drumming too !!!!! You have mad skills !!! It was a pleasure to hear you behind that beautiful set of drums !!! Wow !!! Thanks for the vs. part of the video too !!! I'm between both... But Roland is so solid. Prolly get that one ! Have a wonderful day !!! :-)

[@garyclement2888]

This is a great video, and you should do more of this. It's amazing that the Roland loads so fast, and the app works well. But I wish that they will add the function of recording samples and looping also.

[@gregmartinez5836]

Bad ass tama STAR kit! ❤ Mad mad skills, much respects 🤙🏼

[@WickedWaiata]

Oh man! Your technique is a joy to my ears!

[@zackyjacky2078]

So cool! Happy new year to you and your family

[@camiloops.official]

Happy new year!! Thanks so much ❤

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

Love the colour of those drums.

[@richardmiller191]

That's a great video! Thanks for posting. I totally agree that the lag loading the kits on the Alesis is a deal breaker. I wonder why Alesis can't or just hasn't fixed this issue? They must have had a lot of complaints about it. Maybe they will update or come up with a new module. Have a good summer thanks again! EXCELLENT video.

[@SBS1890]

You would think Alesis could fix this with a firmware update!? But maybe the processor is not as capable as the Roland, hence why the drastic price difference,.

[@TKbeatwerk]

Really looking foward to getting my Alesis multipad this week

[@Chmied]

i have the foot pedal setup to change kits on my Roland and it loads almost instant, even if you skip through 12-14 or whatever.

[@sdoijhadaoskdjfasokd]

I desperately needed this video thank you

[@SimplicityForGood]

what about the Nord Drum 3P? have you tried making music and loops with that one? it seems really interesting as it is a synth drum machine.. love see you do something out if it 😘 have a nice day!

[@winstondyer655]

The video I’ve been looking for thank you!!

[@oh_rhythm]

that loading issue alone is a deal breaker. Alesis don't know drummers if they think i'm gonna wait for samples to load 😁

[@stevetingley2508]

Hello! Kami really interesting stuff. I have a set of alesis electronic drums in my apartment and it also took a long time to load the sounds I wanted I really enjoyed your video with the blue Tama acoustic drums. I'm hoping to get acoustic drums soon. Keep the videos coming. Thank you in advance. Have a great New year!

[@narendrasagarofficial]

God bless you sister nice video 👍👌👌

[@Neptoid]

That wasn't 6 seconds, just 6 hits together lasting... I'm guessing 1 and 1/2

[@401dB]

5:46 “Roland is just you know…Roland”. Facts!!!

[@TheOneMonk]

The load times of the Alesis are unaccetable. Glad I got the SPD SX Pro.

[@jodyeyre9840]

I also love the expression pedal option to bend note from roland on the pro

[@krisztiangyurko4534]

You didn't mention one thing because I assume you didn't run in to that one. My Alesis just broke COMPLETELY. It had a problem for a while, like when I turned it off it didn't saved my stuff. Then later it didn't turned off AND didn't saved my stuff. Then it also didn't start up everytime, I had to pull out the power cord to restart again, and it starts after several retry. I googled the problem and it seems that lots of people has the same problem, the SD card inside just dies. I found 2 videos of SD card replacement, so I assume it's pretty common. I used it for 2 year, it's not a bad drum, I loved it very much, but yeah....I'm gonna buy a Roland...:)

[@danbunge9787]

The Roland doesn't cut off the sound when you change kits.

[@diminuendo7525]

i dont know anything about sampling pads but i know theyre used sometimes in professional marching band front ensembles

[@logan979]

Hello enjoyed this video. You can loop on the SX pro it is more involved. Thank you !

[@ardlersaint9429]

I think both products are close but I can't bring myself to spend the money for either. The load time seems to actually be 3-4 seconds on the Alesis but its still too long. it's less expensive than the Roland but it's not exactly budget. And Roland have gotta be kidding asking that price for a unit that doesn't do live looping which is surely a given for this kind of product. Guess I'm gonna have to wait and see if one of them can fix first...

[@lickufied]

Great overview, thank you!

[@danbunge9787]

I own both but, I got a mint, used Alesis for 350 and the Roland is expensive.

[@sirius1043]

I really wished I had seen your post before I bought the Alesis, it sucks…even in the looping, you can’t change banks and use other sounds in the looping mode. Your locked into one bank of sounds each time.

[@john-martinson]

thank you!

[@fuishe7]

Nice job! Very useful information!

[@eman0828]

As many may not know Alesis was bought out by Numark aka InMusic that also merged with Akai. The Quality control has went way down hill for both Akai and Alesis as none of them are the same company. They also used cheaper components. I use to own an MPC5000 that had a notorious problem with high failure rates of power supplies. My 20 yar old MOTIF ES6 ad 18 year old Roland Fantom-XR out lasted it. Get the Roland if you want something to last and better quality. I have all Roland Midi controllers built to last.

[@dametherealproductions]

roland will always get the job done, alesis is good at amps and controllers and audio interfaces

[@VJFranzK]

Good! (you're right, Strike has too much load time, complex menus. returned) try 505 or 600 looper, awesomeness.

[@salthedrummer1]

wow you're awesome ! God Bless You!

[@baronsonaslam7979]

I had the Roland SPD SX my navigation buttons started to act up.... and forget tuning an individual sample so I jumped 😖 ship

[@ronaldpalmer3246]

wow thanks so much for sharing. i have to figure out what will work for me not sure yet h aha

[@nittuarya9966]

Awesome

[@chriscirullo161]

So lame that the Roland doesn't have a live loop and layering feature. ITs the only reason I'm buying the Alesis Strike. I own a Roland TD25, so it would have been nice to get the SPD SX PRO.

[@splash0114]

I mean.. is a 6 second wait worth $400 extra?

[@KingzofSwing]

When your jamming yes

[@giorgiostassi6095]

Did you download del new firmware for the Alesis ? It should change the kits faster.

[@jhonthedrummer]

Yeah I saw in the intro of this video that she have firmware version 1.0

[@georgesabi-aad8176]

Yeahhh.... not by much

[@rainbowgaming8441]

the really needed to put the screen on top thats a bad idea one wrong hit and that screen is cracked

[@joeperillo5725]

I appreciate your video. I have seen lots of different answers, but I was wondering. Am I able to use the spd-sx pro app while not plugged into the spd-sx pro? I want to be able to program at a coffee shop and then load it all in when I get back my studio. Thank you for your help.

[@gonzalopeinadoricci364]

Great video!! I wonder which one have the more sensitive pads, cause I have a Maschine MK3 with really good sounds, and my idea is to conect the drumpads to the maschine, so actually I dont care about the sounds and the looping features cause I already have it on my Maschine app; so which of these 2 you think have a better play sensitive??

[@UtenteGoogleAnonimo]

I am in the same situation just tried the last Korg mps 10 and it has really bad sensitivity so it is a no go for me. Did you find out whether the Roland is more sensible than Alesis? I don’t care about sounds either.

[@georgesabi-aad8176]

Hey folks, I got the Alesis first and tried to trigger kits on my MPC one. I was massively disappointed by the midi implementation on the strike multipad. Midi off message all over the place, falty retriggering and dropped notes... it's a mess. Then I got the spd sx pro and just plug the usb into it (or midi DIN if that's your thing) and jam away. Of course you'll need to remap the drum notes on the pads to match that of the Maschine but that's true for all electronic drums. Zero latency, no retriggers or dropped notes, audio over usb (8 in 12 ! out compared to the strike's 2 in 2 out).

[@MarcoPolux]

Thanks for this cool video 👍 confirmed. . . Roland, as always. . . .

[@HalogensNJ]

Do you have these mounted on mic stands? How did you do that?!

[@user-ix7ec8hc4k]

Those looking Baugleich.

[@Smobus]

Bien évidemment que le SPD Pro est meilleur que le Alesis, il a plutôt intérêt vue qu'il est deux fois plus cher. La blague ... En vrai le Alesis par rapport à son prix est juste génial, oublions pas qu'il met a terre le SPD SX. J'imagine que si Alesis sortait une version pro de son multipad strike ce serait pas la même histoire. Comparons ce qui est comparable. Alesis Multipad Strike = Excellent rapport qualité-prix.

[@UtenteGoogleAnonimo]

I am interested in sensitivity and threshold. Which has the most sensitive pads, that activate at minimum force? Thanks very much.

[@gdel5104]

I'm in love! Wawa wee wa..😍 You're awesome, talented and beautiful! Thank you for making this video. I was thinking about getting the Alesis because of the price point but you made it clear very easily. Definitely the Roland kicks ass though it's expensive. I guess I'm gonna need to save some $$$.. I have an old SPD-S which I like but I need to upgrade. Thank you for making this video.

[@voborny]

Are they both midi syncable? Like can you send a master tempo from an external source into them? Also, is it possible to turn the click track off while looping on the Alesis? Also, can you overdub on loops on the Alesis?

[@Drumjam76]

Do you know how I can get some kind of bass sound and swirl sound and hi-hat into a spd-sx? So you can play it like a drum set?

[@joseeduardoanzolim3883]

I've been following some reviews and there are some people who say there's a problem with their start screen, I was totally interested in buying, but I confess that I've already become quite discouraged, I've seen some that even have to open and change the SD card, even others that have reached return it due to a problem with the motherboard, has yours ever had a defect or even something similar, crashes and such? God Bless! Thanks!

[@Digiphex]

Incredibly stupid not to loop on the Roland. It's like the Nord 3P without hi-hat pedal input, a fatal flaw for me.

[@djerickd_official]

Did you ever figure out how to live loop on the roland?

[@sanskriti903]

Which stick use for octapad???

[@paolomoretti9291]

Is the looper limited to 4 bars? Of course the Roland is a better product: it's 1,5x the price. Anyway I think that, especially on an hybrid kit, 9 pads are enough and 6 sec. a reasonable time to switch sounds between one song and another in a live situation. It's annoying but maybe something the majority of the people can live with. One feature that I like on the Roland is that you can send midi cc from the pads to control external gear (samplers, daws, loopers, backing tracks, etc) to do whatever you wish: don't know if the alesis has it.

[@michaelklein4582]

Thanks for this comparison! Is the roland sensitive enough to be played with hands or is this designed for drumsticks only?

[@camiloops.official]

Hey, you can play it with hands and it works really well.

[@michaelklein4582]

Great, thanks!!

[@noelgolez-drumchannel9730]

Hi . Can I use the Roland app to my spdsx?

[@rougefive7380]

Which one has the best pad response?

[@christopherpederson1021]

New roland

[@arbogast4950]

Get the Roland. I've owned the Alesis since launch and I'm not happy with it.

[@wjvocalist]

What are u not happy with it? 😅

[@eman0828]

No surprise as the company gotten bought out by Numark. Both Akai and Alesis are ownd by Numark which now builds junk. Roland always has top notch quality control and is still 100% Japanese company.

[@arbogast4950]

@@wjvocalist the first thing that comes to mind is no sample management software. Have fun working with the unit and a usb drive.

[@eman0828]

@@arbogast4950 You will regret buy anything modern under the Numark/InMusic company. Everything is cheaply made. Those Alesis units aren't going lasted. Roland still the king in Quality control, that's why you pay a higher premium price for something that is simply better made.

[@arbogast4950]

@@eman0828 oh I'm aware. I have an FA08, and a bunch of drum pads.

[@gantswood]

Nice review madam. I want to get a basic entry level percussion pad and don't want to spend much yet. I would prefer a percussion pad rather than play percussion on my keyboard (Yamaha PSR SX900). Does the older Alesis Sample Pad Pro 8 have the same issues regarding loading time when changing kits? It is about 6 seconds between changes? What do you recommend I purchase for an entry level pad? I am London, UK based. Thanks.

[@drumdoug8083]

If you don't need to load your own sounds or samples into the pad, take a look at the Yamaha DTX-12 Multipad. It's cheaper than the Alesis and has a lot of really great percussion sounds. It was also designed to be played with hands or sticks. The pads are softer and much more conducive to using your hands.

[@MarioBruneau]

@@drumdoug8083 But if you want to do double rolls like for a Drumline arragement, you're out of luck. The pads are tooooo soft and the drum sticks don't rebound at all! Got it because of the Drumline sounds that are included in the Yamaha DTX-M12 and only the snare is Drumline like, all the toms, bass drum, cymbals, are ordinary drumset sounds. Weird!

[@SBS1890]

Looking at buying the Alesis. Have they improved the load time with firmware updates?

[@georgesabi-aad8176]

It's still between 5 and 8 seconds... ridiculous. Even with lighter kits btw

[@UnixStudios]

2:02 to 2:05 actually only 3 seconds to load js

[@stevephillips3253]

?, I have an Alesis Sample Pad Pro. How do I connect it to my Alesis Strike module so I can hear both together? What's the input on the module I go in? Thanks

[@metinosman9842]

From your Alesis sample pad headphone output ( 6.5mm ) to Alesis Strike module aux input( 3.5 mm), or you can try to take it from main output L/ R to aux input( you need a stereo cable)

[@pierrefitch]

@@metinosman9842 you mean connect your eDrum kit to Alesis drum pad?

[@metinosman9842]

I said you can connect your Sample Pad to Alesis Strike pro module but you can also connect your EModule to Sample pad Pro......

[@dilankarun9172]

I have the Roland SPD-SX SE (old red model). You can loop with it. I would think the new SPS-SX Pro would loop too ? Anyway, this guy does a demo on how to loop with the SPD-SX Pro. This stuff is so brand new and I'm too lazy to read the manual. Hopefully some one finds an easier way to loop the Pro. Btw, love your Tama kit. Beautiful, and you do justice to it ! 😀 Here's the link to the looping demo kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6aolZybhJuqh5o

[@ardlersaint9429]

I've seen this vid a couple of times. It's a good tutorial but it's loop composition and saving, not live looping at all.

[@kolva8271]

Ok the kids load faster, but the pro is newer. For studio work me alesis is better

[@nechemia2011]

SORRY i personally think that the problems you brought up is clearly not worth the extra 400 dollars for the Roland! im sure theyll come up with a software patch.

[@danbunge9787]

I have both. The Strke pad freezes up and loses data. The Roland is rock solid a d sounds much better.

[@notforyoutube]

I’m Getting major KAREN VIBES CROM YOU. The Alyssa strike pad sucks and so do you.

[@georgesabi-aad8176]

That's rifht. Also Alesis has dropped all firmware support, there will not be more firmware updates and the latest is still subpar

[@DjaYPrinZ]

Alesis: you can’t pitching in real time

[@rom-tb8dp]

you mean change the pitch the note of a single hit element or change the pitch a loop to match a tempo? if pitch a loop in real time (tempo sync) is your intent then SPD SX pro doesn't manage that feature

[@DjaYPrinZ]

@@rom-tb8dp single Hit

[@TripleBProduktionz]

Korg

[@turtlefeet7722]

audio quality… 😑

[@hugo22juniorYT]

:D ♥

[@reshween5850]

Roland is also loading slow with 1 sec.

[@djcoolcliff]

Yeah mess with the Alesis pad and I see Roland had to copy it!

[@WarmasterSidious]

Neat review but omg turn off the reverb on your mic. Sounds awful.

[@mcentertain]

I stopped the time with a stop watch and I measured 4 seconds. After that I did not watch the rest of the video. Happy Easter!

[@D.E.W.MUSIQ_]

Just get a Yamaha DTX Multi12. It kills both of these

[@SamS-ef5ez]

Can you help out why Yamaha and not roland?

[@jimbotran214]

Hi Thank fo r this video. With Roland...can it change the tempo of the recorded loops when playing live.

[@rom-tb8dp]

sadly no, if pitch a loop in real time (tempo sync) is your intent the SPD SX pro doesn't manage that feature