Alesis DM6 USB Express Kit Electronic Drumset Review | UniqueSquared.com

[@mrcupcake5309]

What I found awesome about these drums is that you can play rockband 3 pro drums with them.

[@DJMerck]

I just got this for Christmas for my 8yr twins daughters to learn on in my home studio. Plus it was a big bonus to see DJ MadFlip doing tha review...Scott sold me my first "REAL" dj set up at Guitar Center in Atlanta off cobb pkwy back in 2000 and was always one of tha best people you could deal with there... Thanks for all tha help through tha years homie....

[@uniquesquared]

Yes it does work as a drum recording solution. I have not put it through the ringer as far as latency but Alesis is very good about providing firmware updates for their drum modules. For more information be sure to check out the UniqueSquared website.

[@Gtchy1230]

How did you get your DM6 to work with your Mac? I plugged mine in via USB and made sure all the settings were correct. Is there a mac driver that I need to download? I've been trying to solve this problem for weeks. Please help. Be specific if you can. Thanks

[@uniquesquared]

@lydpik Hi Peter. I am not sure why your comment got marked as spam, but we are correcting the problem. It is possible to add additional pads and cymbals to the kit. You will have to purchase the additional harness to hook up to the module. The pads are pretty soft and will not bother your neighbors. I recommend using the kit with a set of headphones if you are looking for optimal sound isolation. Glad you like the video. Thanks for watching. Unique

[@cmcampbell1000]

well, on most video editing software, you can set the sound from the video, or audio. you could just sync them up, then turn the video volume all the way down. but make sure that you start recording the audio from the set, at the same time as the video, or you might have problems getting the synced up right. hope this helps

[@uniquesquared]

Yes and you will need to get the Alesis DM6 expansion snake cable to facilitate the addition.

[@uniquesquared]

@joznew1 We used a KRK Rokit 8 for the demo, but the audio for the shoot was recorded directly into an R16 recorder.

[@vaguelyreptilian]

Been looking for an electronic kit for years that'll suit my needs (namely inexpensive but not sounding like garbage) Looks like I've found it. Thanks for the review.

[@uniquesquared]

If the snare rim is not triggering at all then you may want to update the firmware by connecting the brain to your computer and downloading the update from the Alesis website. Just follow the instructions on their website. As for the kick pedal, I would recommend getting some extra velcro for the bottom of the pedal, and putting it on a carpet that will react with more grip. Try putting it on the actual pad stand as well to keep the whole unit from wobbling.

[@Gtchy1230]

@Uniquesquared Thanks so much. I'm using an iMac running OS X. I record in Garage Band 09'. I've hooked up my keyboard and recorded in GarageBand with no problem, but I can't seem to get my DM6 to work correctly. I've connected it through USB and tried messing with multiple settings on the module but I get no signal on the Mac...

[@uniquesquared]

@evilsnakes1 Thanks for your comment. To be fair we are reviewing features of a product that we sell on our website. I agree that we focus on the positives of the product as well, but for the features and quality of the DM6 Express, especially at this price point, it is nearly impossible to find something bad about it. At the end of the day our aim is to address any questions that our viewers and customers might have about the products.

[@uniquesquared]

Yes. The pads and rack are adjustable to fit any playing style.

[@uniquesquared]

The racks bars that extend beyond the main frame of the drum rack are fairly short and may not be able to accomodate two toms in that configuration. We have images on the UniqueSquared website if you need a better look. Thanks for watching!

[@uniquesquared]

@k0ctantic I don't think you can assign the kick to the hi-hat pedal but I'll doublecheck and get back to you later.

[@uniquesquared]

@sickoftryingnfband You can add one more drum and one more tom. The module is the same as the DM6 Performance Kit. Thanks for the inquiry!

[@uniquesquared]

It all depends on the size of your beaters and how far you space them apart. It may take some getting used to but I was able to get two on there.

[@uniquesquared]

@DolphinBrick You can buy from any authorized Alesis dealer locally. We don't stock just the cymbal and tom yet.

[@uniquesquared]

@snoopdog08 You don't have to plug into a computer at all. That's only if you want to use the kit as a controller for virtual instruments. You can plug it into any PA or powered speaker.

[@uniquesquared]

@BlurredGFX The clamps should be included when you purchase the extra tom or cymbal.

[@uniquesquared]

@1wun Unfortunately, it only includes on kick pedal. Although, there's plenty of room on the pad to use one. Thanks for the comment!

[@uniquesquared]

@Kdotlightz Thanks so much for the comment! I recommend going for it with Logic Pro. Fortunately, Macs come with Garage Band which is really great starting point and the software is easy to transition in to Logic. I hope this helps. Cheers!

[@uniquesquared]

The Yamaha DTXtreem III is the only module that I am aware of that allows you to do this. Most modules do not provide the extra memory needed to store additional samples. You may want to look at some sampling devices like the Roland SPD-SX for that type of application.

[@happyorangeanimation]

This isn't a review; it's an advert!

[@uniquesquared]

@doodles4 If you plug headphones in while the output is not plugged in, you will only be able to hear sound from the headphones. There will be some sound heard as you strike the pads.

[@uniquesquared]

It is possible to replace the heads but because of the modification involved here, you will void any warranty with Alesis or UniqueSquared. Because the DM6 brain (module) does not have a dual zone function, the ride does not allow for this feature. Also the ride cymbal itself only has 1 input. You can always get a different brain or look at something like the DM8 Pro for the dual zone feature.

[@uniquesquared]

The cymbals on the Alesis DM6 do not have a choke ability but they are touch sensitive. Other, more expensive kits, will have better velocity control but the DM6 will respond to some degree with how hard or soft you are playing.

[@uniquesquared]

@VozDRazon Not so much because your input on the guitar amp is High-Z and you need a line level input on your amp. I also meant to say that it's the same (High-Z) on the bass amp, too.

[@hyper_chondriac]

Hi, Thanks for the review! This might be a stupid question, but I was wondering if the headphones socket means you can play quietly in your headphones and no external sound is heard (i.e. only the person drumming will be able to hear the sound of the drums). Is this the case? That's the impression I got from reading about the kit on the Alesis website, but just wanted it confirmed. Thanks Dalia =]

[@mrcupcake5309]

i have these drums and i have a problems. on my snare pad i can tap it in any spot and it will make the snare activate at full blast. even when im hitting my hihat it still does it and i dont know why. any suggestions?

[@uniquesquared]

Yes. You can hook up the brain/module via USB to your computer and download the firmware update. The Alesis website has detailed instructions on how to do this.

[@uebergeek]

I'm assuming here you just mean the connector? It does send standard MIDI notes over the USB, correct? (as Alesis website seems to indicate, and I'm assuming that's how it communicates with Garage Band, etc... )

[@uniquesquared]

@1wun If by side stick you mean rim shot, then yes. You can configure the HH pedal for kick as well.

[@uniquesquared]

@BryanRoper Hey Bryan. The kit is in fact expandable with an additional harness from Alesis. This is the brain module from the original DM6 which only supports one dual zone snare pad. The snare pad included is already dual zone. Does this answer your question? Let us know. Unique

[@uniquesquared]

@WeHaveTheVictory Yes, it will work as a universal controller for any drum software.

[@uniquesquared]

Audacity does not support playing, recording, or editing MIDI files. It also does not support saving MIDI tracks in a project file. You can use the 1/8 inch cable from the brain to your computer to record the built in sounds but you may find that limiting when you get farther along in your projects. If you have more questions, make sure to Live Chat with us on the UniqueSquared website.

[@uniquesquared]

@NEMusicSupply @cRazyBassBiTch We're glad you enjoyed our video. Stay tuned as we're going to have a lot more content to come!

[@MrJellyman300]

Okay, I've had the Alesis DM6 for about a year now, and for the past three months I've been starting to experience some problems with the drum set. The problems I've been experiencing I think has to do with the snare. When I hit the hi-hat, the crash, and the high tom with just a little bit of effort, then I can here a snare rim shot mixed in with the sound of the two cymbols and the tom. When I I hit it harder, then I can hear a full snare shot that completely overshadowing the hi hat. Help!

[@fcg81732]

I'm thinking about buying this set. One thing I don't understand is if I don't have my headphones plugged in, where does the sound come out from?

[@uniquesquared]

@skatexATMx It does have an 1/8 inch input for ipod or any other audio device. This rocks!

[@alingh]

@Clapboardstudio i got a reply from a guy who own this kit. he said that you can use the cymbal as ride and crash at the same time

[@TheLovemusic101]

hey just wondering if you add say an extra tom or cymbal to the kit? looks pretty cool thanks!

[@lydpik]

Hi, Thanks for the video! There's only 2 tom pads, is it possible to ad more of the same pads, so I can have 4 toms? Same question with the cymbal pads? Also: how loud are these pads, will it be able to have this kit in an apartment without harassing your neighbors? Thanks. Peter

[@Ceatolei28]

Is it possible to play it as a left handed? I mean, can every pad be on the "other side" so I can play with the "other hand"?

[@TaylorMorken]

@alessiomanes I am not sure if you can change the sensitivity of the pads but I can tell you that they are velocity sensitive. It is difficult to hear a difference if you are striking it like you would an acoustic, but for those softer players, there is an audible difference when striking at different velocities.

[@luckydog2oo7]

Is there an option to tune each drum in the module? Like if I wanted a tighter sounding snare, is there a menu option on the brain to do that?

[@woodstock1111]

Thanks for the demo. How much does it take space in the room, width & depth? Can you fold in the support on the left to make it narrower?

[@TayCoe17]

Ok this is probably a really really stupid question. But im used to acoustic sets and this is all kind of foreign to me. Does the sound come out of one speaker in the set? Multiple speakers where each drum is? Or do you plug in an amp to hear it?

[@uniquesquared]

@iceonaboy Yes, you have a drum mixer on the module.

[@uniquesquared]

@VozDRazon It does not come with an amp. A bass amp would be okay, but you won't have clear highs. Keyboard amps typically work well as an alternative to specific elec drum amplification.

[@BryanRoper]

Hey guys The kit looks like a great piece of gear! However, I have a couple of questions. First off, I'm curious to know if this kit is expandable as it is only a 4-piece with 2 cymbals as opposed to the usual 5-piece with 3 cymbals. Also, does the brain support upgraded dual-zone pads? Thanks

[@saris093]

I don't understand the use of the usb cable... nether I know which amp or recording devise to use... what do you recommend

[@alingh]

can i use the cymbal as ride and crash at the same time? i mean hitting it soft it should sound like a ride and hard like a crash?

[@uniquesquared]

Yes it does. Two toms, a snare, two cymbal pads, and a kick pad. For the best price on Alesis Drum Kits, check out the UniqueSquared website.

[@TaylorMorken]

@LacLavonBand It depends on how much you push the gain on your amp. I would recommend looking into an amplifier or monitor that can handle the low end of the drum kit.

[@LucDaRocka1]

okay thanks, i have recorded the drums before, with the output jack into the microphone jack on my laptop, so i guess i will have to get one of the programs u listed....

[@Kdotlightz]

best review I found! Just small question, which app/software would you reccomend on an Apple MacPro? Thanks!

[@worldclassidiot1]

I have this kit, ive had it for about 6 months now..and im thinking of upgrading. Is it possible to add more pads/cymbals?

[@dm6testa777]

o yes this is the set im drumming on check it out im still learning about this set

[@waynzswirld]

on the site it says they are out of stock will they get more?? i need a compacts set asap and i like this one!!

[@omgtkseth]

Like he suggested, have a video camera record but also use your pc to record. You can sync them in any video editing software, even in windows movie maker...

[@xMrWalkwayx]

Are the cymbals touch sensitive. Like if i hit the crash lightly, will it make a tapping sound? Or if i muffle the cymbal after i hit it, will it mute?

[@Luka38]

will it work if i hook up a usb to midi cable, so i can plug it in straight into my audio card's midi in so i don't have to worry about latency?

[@lydpik]

@Uniquesquared Thanks for the answer. I would like to ad 2 additional toms and 1 cymbal to the kit. But how do I connect these to the DM6 brain module, it doesn't seem to have additional trigger inputs? Thanks

[@iceonaboy]

Hi, great demo, can you adjust single drum volumes in relation to each other?

[@uniquesquared]

You can't import your own samples into the DM6 brain but as with all kits - you can hook this up to a computer via USB or MIDI and use something like EZDrummer, BFD or Superior.

[@farmertml]

Seems a little high latency based on video versus audio. Was that the recording or the actual kit?

[@candydeca8]

also can you change the pitches (tune) of the drum set? the snare sounds kinda low...

[@uniquesquared]

With 108 sounds and 5 slots for user saved drum kits, you can fully customize the DM6 to make it sound however you want. For the best price on all Alesis gear, head on over to the UniqueSquared website.

[@jangel2771]

can this set do the thing where you lay thing on the snare and smack it against the rim? I think its called cross sticking?

[@NyxDiscordia33]

2 things: 1. is there any way to keep the kick pedal from wobbling? 2. my snare rim is impossible to trigger lol

[@saris093]

@saris093 I mean the midi-usb is just for dowloading new sound or it has any other funtion?

[@KTVX94]

Is there any china cymbal sound in this kit's library? Also can you choke the cymbals?

[@MrJohngraduate]

When you use the kit with a software via usb, do the signals become midi in the software?

[@ErnestoSolisChaps]

What is the difference between the dm6 session kit and the dm6 usbkit?

[@natecorning]

ive got a pretty important question about the module that needs answering lol. so my friend just brought his electric set from home and gave it to me at college but he sold the module years ago. will i just need to purchase a module and all the chords from each pad will connect to that? and then will the module connect directly to an amp if i have a normal guitar chord? and is there anything else important that im missing or any other parts i need to buy?

[@TaylorMorken]

@B2LDrummer Kits with MIDI output work with games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Unfortunately this kit only has a USB connection but there are plenty other Alesis kits with MIDI.

[@uniquesquared]

@awaaawii Yes, you would also need the snake for the additional drum and crash.

[@hyper_chondriac]

Hey, thanks for posting the vid. I just wondered if, apart from the size of the kit, there's any difference between the express kit and the full version of the DM6? Thanks.

[@AloeVera84]

my bass drum (the one i hit with the pedal) doesn´t sound very loud, even with the top volume and the rest of the drums lower.. is it because of the amplifier i have? it´s a small bass amplifier

[@alingh]

can i add some additional voices to the pads, and if yes what software would you recommend me?

[@AmbitiousMOnkey1100]

looking for an electric kit, ive been playing for five years now but need an electric to practice during the night, can you make adjust the pads to sound diffrent to make both cymbals crashes, and one of the toms a ride cymbal??

[@uniquesquared]

@machinimaother Yes, it comes with the correct cable to get you connected.

[@uniquesquared]

@natemlb7 You can get one at any electronics or music shop.

[@candydeca8]

umm how much is the whole set? it looks gnarly

[@TaylorMorken]

@cheyennetheguitarist Yes you can. All of the pads and cymbals can be moved to your desired location.

[@joznew1]

@joznew1 thanx man i just wanna know more about electr.drums before i buy one. can u use a guitar amp? 'cause the drum amps are a bit expensive. tanx again

[@Braollus]

Just how loud the pads are? Could someone do a comparison to something, becaus the apartment I'm living in is very poor in noise proof. Anyway thanks

[@Erus0322]

The default pedals can be set up to be double drum pedal?

[@uniquesquared]

Have you installed the latest Firmware update from Alesis?

[@risquezf]

Can you replace the toms for say, Roland VDrums Mesh head toms? Also, can you replace the ride for a dual trigger cymbal? (either alesis or roland ...) Thx.

[@uniquesquared]

These are the differences between these kits. Is there something else you would like to know?

[@celtics1104]

can you hook up an iphone to the mix in playing a song, and jam to it? if so would you need to buy a new cord to do that? how would you

[@Markduderino]

i'm thinking of picking one of these up for MIDI use only (via the USB port), and using it to trigger software like superior drummer and steven slate drums. how would you rate the sensitivity of the velocity levels? is there a lot of variation, or is it essentially soft-medium-loud? also, does the hi-hat pedal send different MIDI notes for how far open/closed it is (superior drummer has some 'half open, half closed' samples), or is it only able to do fully open and fully closed?

[@mrnoobzpwn]

what cord do you plug in to the usb outlet? It is not a usual usb outlet

[@smithles554433]

great useful video! is it easy to install a double kick pedal to this kit and what double pedal should i buy? recently i bought a cheap double pedal which i had to re-adjust a lot due to the right beater slipping out of place and eventually it broke completely so i don't want to waste any money again!

[@pinoyzildjianpride]

Does this need to put in a comptuer whenever you play?

[@MonkeySlapable]

Hey. I got this as a Christmas present at the end of 2011 and I really like it but all the videos of other people playing them on youtube have the tom 3 and the ride. I have one like you with only the tom 1 and 2, the high hat and the crash. I've searched the internet and can't find a tom 3 for sale. I found a ride for $100. I also can't find a chord that could plug into the back of the module with a tom 3 and a ride attached to it. Can you help me?

[@uniquesquared]

It really depends on how loud of a drummer you are. The pads do project a sound that could potentially be audible through a very thin wall. The real problem with drum kits in an apartment is the kick pedal. If you live on the second floor, your neighbors will definitely hear you stomping on the ground. A think rug could help. With all that said if you are a focused and delicate player and not bashing the kit, you could get away with a rather muted tone that wont be a nuisance to your neighbors.

[@jazzavantgarde]

Can you put a double bass drum pedal on the bassdrum pad?