Alesis control pad (part 2 of 2)

[Quads1992]

you can download sounds onto this for bass drops.

[CreativeMusicians]

@Quads1992 No, you cannot.

[MrSWEETFEET7]

He sounds like Borat on some points

hahahah

[dj6ixdnb]

Has anyone found a way to turn all Midi notes off, to off. I am trying to trigger long samples and have them play the whole sample, but the midi notes on/off, is just cutting out the sample to just a hit. I've searched the web, to find a solution to this, but have found nothing. I'm begining to think the control pad doesn't allow a feature like this. Am I correct?

[CreativeMusicians]

@dj6ixdnb There is no such feature in the control pad, but I would rather approach this problem from a different perspective. An y sampler should have attack, hold and decay time adjustments. Manipulating the hold time can change the length of the note if sample by itself is not decaying.

[dj6ixdnb]

@CreativeMusicians Thanks for the advice. I have found a software sampler which is capable of playing a long sample.

[jclewitt]

what pedals can you use with it?

[CreativeMusicians]

@jclewitt Simple on/off switches like "sustain" or "damper" pedals for keyboards

[onnolab]

do the 2 trigger inputs, kick and hihat inputs have different midi notes to the 8 pads? so that every patch has 4+8 = 12 samples that can be assigned?

thanks, man, i'm getting one to use with ableton drum rack :)

[CreativeMusicians]

@onnolab Yes, that's correct.

[EvianBaby]

Sorry if this has been asked but can you trigger synth tones??

[CreativeMusicians]

@EvianBaby Sure. Anything that accepts MIDI commands.

[Azaan1016]

would be nice with BFD2 drums



[martillonem7]

how can use this in a live setting?

[CreativeMusicians]

@martillonem7 With external sound module, sampler, or computer.

[carlosdrums1]

the pad has effects like bombs and etc or just drums sound like tombs, cymbal, etc.

[CreativeMusicians]

@carlosdrums1 It doesn't have sounds in it.

[carlosdrums1]

can you do a video we all the sounds that the pad came with



[CreativeMusicians]

@carlosdrums1 

[wuzeb]

thanks a lot for your review!!!

[Disasterpiece111]

So you cant store sounds on it but you can play your own samples throught it, correct?

[CreativeMusicians]

@Disasterpiece111 I can trigger my own samples with it.

[KameronKincadeMusic]

So can add your own noises/effects for playback such as claps, snaps, etc.? If so, where do you download these from? Are they built into programs such as Logic?

[CreativeMusicians]

Depends what package of Logic you got. Otherwise sampler programs/plug-ins have it you you can do whatever you ask. Google "sampler plug-ins" and you find plenty of them.

[RickvanDunn]

Does anyone have any experience of how bad the delay issue is with this machine? I'm planning to use it with my MacbookPro (full option), and I'll probably use Ableton live or Logic as my sample generator.

[CreativeMusicians]

The delay should be the same as any other controller you connect to your system. It is all depends on latency of your sound card, not "this machine". Machine pretty much has no "brains" and just sends a trigger signal to your computer or sound module via midi or USB with very little delay, not recognizable by human senses. The delay is added by computer and its sound card while processing samples uploaded in the software.

[1leftsatisfied]

@CreativeMusicians Can you insert the USB flash with samples andt load them into this pad control? in other words can you play samples from inserted usb flash?

[CreativeMusicians]

@1leftsatisfied No...

[1leftsatisfied]

@CreativeMusicians is it possible to change samples with computer and store those samples in control pad?

[CreativeMusicians]

@1leftsatisfied The Control Pad is not designed to produce any audio signal and cannot store any samples.

[MrHeid007]

hallo!

alesis control pad, is it better in alesis performance pad?

i have a performance pad, but i realy want a percusiens pad!

i tru the control, have many sounds?!

how many had it?

[CreativeMusicians]

No sounds in ControlPad.

[CreativeMusicians]

erg-blog.com/alesis-control-pa­d

Some comparisons for both units

[amoretam]

@CreativeMusicians no love for me???

[amoretam]

@CreativeMusicians ???

[Tarzaneatsdick]

If I buy this performance pad, can i connect it to my computer and assign mp3 or .wav files to an individual pad?

[CreativeMusicians]

@Tarzaneatsdick Yes. But you will need another software, not the one that comes in the package. There is plenty of free samplers on the web.

[amoretam]

I was wondering if you could answer some enigmas.

I want to use this to trigger Toontrack Superior Drummer.

Would I be able to assign all the different snare strikes (different notes) to just one pad so if I hit it in the sides it will respond to that particular midi note?

I hope you understood, maybe it is not well formulated.

Example: Superior drummer sampled snare sounds depending on where you hit the snare and assigned those samples to different notes in my keyboard controller.

THANKS

[CreativeMusicians]

If you want to do it on one pad, it wont work this way. Each pad (out of 8) has only one note assigned to it. You can reassign individual notes but you can not stick several of them on each pad at once. You can use entire surface and assign different notes to different zones or in Superior divide velocity range for different samples, this is how it usually done. But I am not sure that this is what you looking for. If you are talking about rim shots and so, need to use a separate zones.

[amoretam]

Thanks but would you please explain me what you meant here: "You can use entire surface and assign different notes to different zones".

By zones you meant the pads?

[amoretam]

Also this: "In SD divide velocity range for different samples, this is how it is usually done".

I just want to get a not-so- expensive controller for superior drummer but be able what V-Drums do

triggering many sampleswith one pad. (rim shots, intensity, etc )

Thanks for patience

[amoretam]

THANKS A LOT!!

Please explain me with detail , thanks

[CreativeMusicians]

The entire surface of the ControlPad is divided on 8 zones. Each zone can be called "pad", so each zone/pad can be assigned to only one note at the time. The effect on V-drums works with "dual pad" where one note assigned to the rim and another to the head. The patch in the tone generator (brain) changes depending on hit velocities of the two signals combined You can do this trick if you connect the dual zone pad to external inputs via Y-cable But there will be only 2 notes to 1 external pad.

[PanteraFarBeyond]

sounds like borat

[pudgeyman2102]

ok two questions can you put bass boom on it and is this the one thats 160?

[PsSantizlay]

Is there any way to connect this to a Kaossilator Pro?

[scarsontable]

Im going to buy this. Do I have to connect it with my electric drum set?!?

PLZ ANWSER ASAP!

[CreativeMusicians]

@scarsontable Yes. You can connect it to your drum set's "brain" via midi and have additional pads.

[123dystopia]

Hey Great review

Was wondering what stand you were sitting it on?

[CreativeMusicians]

@123dystopia It is just a heavy duty music stand. The control pad has a spot on the back that looks like it designed for a stand with 4 screw holes, more like the one for LCD monitor, but I never used it. Music stand work just fine for me,

[adambyoung]

Hello, I have this unit and am running Logic Pro on an 8 core Mac Pro. I love it but am unable to figure out how to open and close the hi hats. When I step on the pedal it makes the sound of the hi hats closing, but does not change the pad that I am hitting from open to close. Did you have this problem as well. God Bless, Adam

[CreativeMusicians]

@adambyoung There is a controller change, and the "note on" message. If you using sampler like BFD, there is "Learn" function for Hi-hat opening. This option also exist in Battery. You can also change note by selecting "pad note number" by pressing "function" than hitting the pedal-this will show note number it assigned to, and than you can change it with arrow keys.

[LzI]

is there any timbales on it? :O

[BAMBEROO]

What kick pedal are you using on this video??

[amerikansound]

just spend more money and get the roland spds or even the new octapad 30

[jahuuunior]

does this pad have an 808?

[CreativeMusicians]

@jahuuunior

Nope

[guitarpikz]

can this unit sample sound files?

[CreativeMusicians]

Nope.

[Twentysixbillion]

I have 4gig of ram in my computer, but only a stock soundcard, do you think I will have a slight delay problem? I am using Reason 4

[CreativeMusicians]

Depends what you conceder SLIGHT delay. And it also depends on what kind of stock card you have. If it does not have ASIO support, most likely delay will be bad enough that you will not be able to play live with it. But it is not always like that. Some computers do have relatively good sound cards but its hard to say without plugging the unit in and trying to play, cuz most of them do not provide enough technical information in documentation.

[CreativeMusicians]

The best way to do it is to barrow midi keyboard from somebody, plug it in and see how long the delay is. Control Pad should have the same delay as average MIDI keyboard.

[Twentysixbillion]

It seems pretty minimal then, I wont be using it live just creating loops in a more realistic sense. Thanks for the info

[neonelectro]

Brilliant controller. I use it with an Akai S2000 sampler loaded with 60 or so drum hits and electronic noises mapped across the keyboard range. Each pad in each kit is assigned to a different note so I just change kits to get different sounding templates without having to reload samples. Great for a live set-up.

[wannabeKeithMoon]

@CreativeMusicians

aare these good for puting on the side of an acuostic set for an add on?

[CreativeMusicians]

Why not? But you have to remember that you need a stand for it, place for computer or sound module, and speakers.

[Mastodoom]

I play in a band and we sometimes use synth sounding tracks on our CD and want to replicate it live. Is there a way to store a certain track from a computer and play it in a live setting?

[CreativeMusicians]

Only if you will have your computer on stage connected to Control Pad

[20tree]

are there any other brands that have this type of midi controller ?

iam trying to figure out wich one to get

[CreativeMusicians]

Roland has good line of electronic percussion, they all have built in tone generators (as far as I know) therefore the price is higher. Main issue is durability. So far this one still holds together, and it's been 16 month since I got it first time. I use it in the studio though.

[mutic10]

I have a question. Can i have one shot samples or sampled phrases or waves to trigger on this controller?

[CreativeMusicians]

Yes, trigger WITH this controller, you can not put samples ON or IN it.

[SilenceSyndicate]

This is very helpfull. Thank you for posting!

[Bugaboo6290]

Does this need to be plugged into a computer to use it live? or can you program the sounds and plug into a PA live and use it.

[CreativeMusicians]

It needs to be pluged into computer or sound module to make any sound.

[DavePerry2012]

Is the delay (or latency) the same as with a keyboard controller or is the latency worse for some reason on the Control Pad than it would be with a MIDI keyboard triggering the same samples on a PC?

[CreativeMusicians]

Didn't make precise measurements, but latency fill the same as MIDI keyboard. Theoretically it should be the same because it is the same format.

[here2Bunknown]

Very useful explanations. Thanks.

How awkward would these be to play with your hands?

[CreativeMusicians]

It fill a little awkward to play with hands. But it is possible.

[cvesseytoo]

I'd recommend a Roland Handsonic 10 or Handsonic 15 if you're going to play with your hands. Those have a pile of drum sounds built in (both world drums, and kits, as well as special effects) but can also function as a MIDI controller, or as a MIDI-driven sound module for another kit.

[wcvj91608]

can i transfer sounds from a TR-808 saved on my computer to the pad?

[CreativeMusicians]

No. This one is just a MIDI controller. No Sounds in the unit.

[drummertristan1997]

Can you import .wav files into bfd lite to get more sounds? If not, do you know of any free drum software that would work with this?

[CreativeMusicians]

It would be difficult. It is not just transfer WAV, you have to rewrite the patch, and in this soft it is a little comlicated.

Type in google "free drum software" and you will find it.

[drummertristan1997]

Ok, thanks!

[djsmithy]

I think maybe native instruments battery would be the most powerful one for this,

the komplete library comes with about 3 dvds of samples.

[CreativeMusicians]

Device has no sounds. Your computer or tone generator does. You can program anything you want into a sampler or adequate software, but this unit don't have AUDIO OUT. It sends only MIDI data.

[calibur757]

I have a few stupid questions, but you have to forgive me because I don't know too much about electric drumming. Is there a way to get double bass drums sounds into the pad? Does the software run on Windows Vista? After I programed my sounds via software, can I still play the pad without the USB connection? Does it require a drum amp to play the sounds, or can i simply use headphones? Again sorry about the dumb questions, but it looks like something i might get.

[CreativeMusicians]

Ok. Let's do it in order.

1. Double bass sounds. Are you talking about double pedal or running two sounds from one trigger? Both are possible, but in first case you have to add external pads and pedals, in second you have to get more advance software.

2. Vista? You have to check with the seller of the unit, what version of BFD they currently suply with pad, then check compatibility.

3. You can play without USB if you can connect MIDI to your computer.

[CreativeMusicians]

4. You can play through headphones

5. Remember. This unit will not be able to produce any sounds without computer or tone generator connected while playing. The only sound you can get in when it is alone, is drum stick hitting the ruber. But than you can call it accoustic pad:-)

[calibur757]

To clear up confusion

1: I meant double pedal, but I think that it would be a better idea to run 2 sounds from one trigger so that I don't have to drop the extra few $ on another software. Other than that it probably would still be the best bet because I just want to create simple beats and not be a god at drumming. lol. I'm more of the guitar/synth type. Anyway, thx 4 the input, that really helped.

[djsmithy]

If you want to get a drum pad with built in sounds go for the alesis performance pad,

or the Ion IED04 which is the EXACT same unit, except in a different colour.

These have a midi out which you can connect to a pc via a midi to usb cable,

but you wont have features like Velocity curve, and treshold, and also the ability to change drum sounds of a pc program via the unit.

It will work on vista, and there are connections for both headphones AND an amp on it.

[calibur757]

thx alot.

[drummechanic1]

Do you have any suggestions on what software to use to convert MP3 files onto the Control Pad?

[ransisua]

boring is subjective. This is internet. Very idiot and very smart people can comment here. You don't have to reply all stupid comments.

[xJoeledgex]

This guy is not boring, you are simply not interested.

[gandhi328]

This review is very helpful, thanks for posting it! By the way, if you are interested in getting this, I recommend also checking out the alesis dm5pro hh pedal, which can be used as a non-velocity sensitive kick pedal (as in this video). Or if you have more money, you can hook up one or two external trigger pads.

[4uirlious]

I have been wanting a nice drum control interface like this for awhile. Something a step up from the little touch pads on my m-audio axiom. I have been thinking about getting one of these, because it looks pretty awesome. Thanks for making the review guys.

[aalbinsson]

I didn´t think it´s boring! Thank you guys for making this video. It´s been very intresting for me. Because I´m thinking of buying one, and there is not much information on the product

thank you. keep up the good work

[CreativeMusicians]

Thank you!!!

This is exactly what we intended. We could't find a good info on this Pad when we were buying it.

When we got it, we have decided to make a review, not for intertaonment.

We have few more gear and planning to make an review on them as well.

Thanks again!!!

[whoismikey]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz­zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz­zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz­zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz­zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz­zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....sorry i fell asleep

[CreativeMusicians]

We don't think it's boring. We just tried to explain in details.

Anyway, thanks for comment, we will keep im mind for future posts.

[LastTribunal]

Don't pay attention to idiots. Thanks for the post, great stuff!

[mikamulperi]

Very detailed and great review, keep up the good work. Thanks!

[joedaveru]

man this guy is boring