The Alesis Strike MultiPad is a multifunctional sample pad with 9 velocity-sensitive pads and 7000 internal sounds that can be assigned to each pad, plus 32 GB of total memory. Each of the nine pads is equipped with a bright RGB light that illuminates when struck. The 4.3" color display provides comfortable and intuitive operation. The integrated sampler can be powered via USB, smartphone, microphone or other audio sources. The Strike MultiPad can also be used as an audio interface with 2 channels. You can also store your own samples in the internal memory in WAV format, for example, and assign them to the individual pads - this is easy via USB, for example. Five built-in effects processors are used for fast and high-quality processing of internal and external samples in the Strike MultiPad. Four direct 6.3 mm jack outputs, two headphone outputs with individual routing and five trigger inputs leave nothing to be desired. A further highlight are the two record inputs, with which external audio sources such as smartphones or computers can be easily recorded and sampled. Two large Alesis A-Link controls assign individual mixing and effects parameters to the individual pads, and of course a metronome is built in as well.
The Alesis Strike MultiPad is a versatile performance tool with an enormous range of functions. With over 7000 pre-installed sounds and 32 GB of memory, it offers an unimaginable pool of high-quality drum samples and loops. The nine velocity-sensitive rubber pads are all equipped with an adjustable RGB light, so each pad can be assigned a color of your choice. The lights on each pad also indicate the velocity and length of the sample. Of course, you can also store your own samples on the MultiPad. This can be done either via the two recording inputs, where any source can simply be connected, the integrated microphone or via USB. Using the two A-Link controls and the five integrated effects processors (Tweak, Shade, Colour, EQ, Compressor), each sample can be edited and assigned individually. The 4.3" color display promises intuitive operation and simple menu navigation. All samples can take your performance to a new level with the built-in Loop function.
Thanks to the integrated 2-in / 2-out audio interface and the premium software suite, the Strike MultiPad can be used seamlessly on stage as well as in the studio. With two USB/MIDI channels and an extensive sound pool, spontaneous ideas and even high-quality electronic music can be recorded immediately, as any conventional DAW is supported without any problems. The Abelton Live Lite software is even included, so you can record your own ideas in an easy and user-friendly way.
If you want to enhance your drumming with electronic hybrid sounds or play whole backing tracks as playback during the concert, the Alesis MultiPad is the perfect choice. It integrates perfectly into an acoustic or e-drum setup and enhances the performance significantly. Four separate outputs are available for this, which can be routed individually. So you can separate monitor mix and main out cleanly. The sounds can, of course, also be routed to the headphone output in conjunction with the click of the integrated metronome. The MIDI IN/OUT connectors can be used to control an external MIDI peripheral. Of course, pads and foot controllers can also be connected externally. A single zone trigger input and two dual zone trigger inputs as well as a hi-hat and bass drum controller input are available. So you can easily turn your drums to hybrid drums with electronic pads.
More than 7000 samples and loops / 32 GB memory / Integrated sampler via smartphone, microphone or other audio source / 9 velocity-sensitive pads with RGB light / Can be used as audio interface with 2 channels / WAV import via USB / 5 integrated effect processors with A-Link control / Audio routing: Metronome and sounds on each output or headphone / 5 external trigger and pedal inputs
I did extensive research and it seems to live up to the hype. Solid build quality, excellent feeling pads, massive library and extensive features set that will meet everyone's requirements. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a professional quality multipad, particularly for use with your own loops and samples. Now with firmware 1.2 they have resolved the annoying hi-hat issue too, which is great.
Only 2 gripes (1 which is quite significant):
1. No software editor!! Roland (SPD-SX) and Yamaha (DTM M12) have had these for ages and they make a HUGE difference to editing and transferring samples. Alesis simply have to sort this out.
2. It arrived with a 2 prong mains plug, which is no use to me in the UK. This is hugely disappointing as you can't plug it in and play, you have to go off and obtain a 3-pin UK plug lead. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a blow when you've been excitedly awaiting delivery for 5 days but then cannot play it out of the box. Can't be hard to include multiple plug adaptors, Ableton manage it with their Push controller.