should I upgrade straight to a double bass pedal or single bass pedal? Yes the stock pedal is crap! Moves and makes clicking clacking noises 😮 should I master the single pedal before even getting a double?
Update: I was very lucky to find this Alesia set, but an older version, not the Nitro, but another you reviewed just before this one was released. My son is in pure heaven. I found a complete unused set someone, who didn’t have time to play, was selling. He was actually a real drummer in a band. The sweet part about it was he agreed with your reviews and says you are accurate. My 14 yr old son, had been drumming away since and I am so happy I saw your review and went with this version. NOTE: I can hear him hitting the drums with he gets excited, but nothing I can’t live with in our smaller confines.
9:19 Don't worry if you're putting a Nitro Max together and you hear that noise, too. It's the washer under the bolt head snapping into it's recess. Happened on most of mine and, yes, I did check that I definitely wasn't over-tightening. Also, if you're going to leave the clamps loose, so you can move things before finally tightening, then be aware that most of the clamps have engagements to stop them rotating. Make sure they're very loose before trying to turn them.
Have it plus the expansion. Love it. Not using the snare arm, instead a separate snare stand. BUT turn that kick beater around! Even the instructions say to use the plastic side against the tower, and new kits should have the pads tightened up at least 1/2 turn too. Nice presentation. I use a Roland KD-7 so I don't have to worry about tower pad real-estate for double kick action.
You don't need to turn the kick beater around. The kick drum head is rubber, not mesh. The felt won't hurt it. If in doubt, you can always put a kick drum patch on (falam slam are reputed to be the best). My son is autistic, and when I first played the Nitro Max in the living room, he came out when he heard the kick drum (I had the rubber side of the beater facing the pad). That usually means it disturbed him. So I turned it around to the felt side, and I think this is quieter.
Great video! I’m thinking about getting this kit. I am actually a guitar player and have always been a very rhythmatic player and I always find myself tapping out beats, so I’m looking to try something new. I’ve read some reviews of the older nitro kits and as you said, one of the big knocks was the kick pedal. You make mention of an upgrade. Im guessing that this kit supports upgraded kick pedals if needed? Thanks 😊
Hey can you also provide us with a tutorial on how to connect nitro max to a laptop or a pc for recording ? I am a beginner drummer and recently bought this kit and am really looking to connect them for a better experience
The sounds on this are MUCH better than the Nitro mesh kit. The rack shouldn't wobble so much, be aware that the clamps will "give" a bit after being tightened, so keep checking them. I still have an ancient original nitro rack and it doesn't wobble like that - also I could see that you didn't have some of the down tubes 100% square, so that also ads to the unstable feel. It does have a bit of a machine gun sound as is normal in this price range but, a bit of reverb does help. I was thinking of either this or the NUX DM210, which has dual trigger pads, BUT, it doesn't have any EQ whatsoever, whereas this has a 3 band EQ - not bad for this price. It deff doesn't come close to my Roland TD11KV, but deff a lot lighter to carry around to practices. I'm hopefully getting this kit in a day or two, also I have a few spare Alesis cymbal pads lying around so those will go onto this kit immedietly when I get it! The snare tubing deff doesn't look stable enough and I've read it can sometimes even come out of the clamp, so I'm deff going to put a support beam underneath it. Tks, good review. 👍🏻
Ive heard of VST before. but dont know much what it is or what its for. what do you do,go & pretty much drag & drop using a USB ,or is it more complictaed than that. - Guess this is something I need to learn./ @@NickCesarzDrums
I have Fruityloops (which I’ve always used for drums in my songs since I’ve never owned a kit). So when I get my Nitro Max would I be able to just put any samples I own in fruityloops intro the Nitro Max? If so, I’m gonna have some crazy weird fun
You don't need to, the onboard sounds are good enough - IF you have an ear for creating good user kits. The user kits I've built so far leave my TD11KV in the dirt - it might be up for sale soon!
I bought this a few weeks ago. I love it. I'm a guitar player and wanted a kit to bang on. I've been ignoring my guitars to play this. I've had some issues getting my kit to trigger the sounds on BFD though. I'd play the included Dark Mahogany kit all day if I could get my drums to trigger the sounds hooked up to my PC via USB. I set BFD to Nitro Max and it just doesn't recognize my kit for some reason. There's about 20 included kits that I really like on the module. Having a blast.
There's a couple settings you need to change on the module: Loc off and GM on. Sometimes unplugging the USB and plugging it in again will connect the midi properly.
Thanks! I don’t think you can record via Bluetooth. You likely will need to use an external recorder, like an audio interface with a computer using instrument cables via the main outputs, or using a USB cable with virtual drum VSTs on your computer.
Picked this up last Friday as well! Trying a new hobby and went in to pick up the Nitro. The sales guy said they just got in the MAX. Never heard of it and they didn't even have one set up for demo yet. Been having a blast so far. One issue that has been cropping up is the kick pedal. I have mine positioned with the black rubber side forward. All other reviews I see they have the white felt hitting the drum. Never playing drums before I'm getting double hits so it just may be my inexperience. Since this kit has just been out for a few weeks I'll keep watching for more reviews and suggestions that come up. CHEERS!
Being that the kick pad isn't made from the mesh material, you should be able to use the felt side with no issue if it's giving you that double hit problem
Thanks for the video!@@NickCesarzDrums I just got this kit through Drumeo and they recently said on a New Member vid that the plastic side should be out but I am having the bounce issue too and agree with you about the fact that it is non-mesh so why should it matter. My problem is my Ride Cymbal is way too quiet. Will try to adjust sensitivity. Did not know you could do that. Do you have a vid that shows all the things you can do with the controller?
We're getting double hits on our kick pad. I think instructions all state that the black rubber beater should be used. I think our double hit issue is our technique on a new pedal rather than a kit issue🙈
@@neiladdison4457 I don't think it's my issue. I had a cheaper electronic set from Sam's Club and never had this issue and I don't think my technique changed.
I'm a lifelong guitarist, but NEVER played drums before. This is my very first kit ever and for $399 it's absolutely perfect. Just wanted something I could plug into GarageBand to add my own drums that i can play guitar over. Also this kit has an iPad spot on the main module so I can learn with UA-cam lessons or Drumeo and play along. It's really solid and I'm liking it a lot. No regrets at all with my purchase. I recommend investing in a GOOD pair of headphones and don't cheap out on the throne (chair).
I’m getting this kit for Xmas. Was going to get Nitro mesh special edition but apparently it got discontinued right before we l were gonna order it so they gave me a great discount on nitro Max. I had already bought the expansion set for nitro mesh but I assume they’d work on this kit as well.
This is the best review of the Max that I've watched so far. Question: would this be a good option for recording drums on a hobbyist to semi-professional capacity? I want to use this for drum covers on my YT channel, but also for when I have friends who want to come over and record their stuff.
Absolutely, especially if you use it with EZ Drummer 3 or Superior Drummer 3. The kit is VERY small, however. I was constantly hitting my sticks together by mistake while playing because it's very compact and not what I'm used to.
This is what the OSP set I have that also showed up branded Alesis a few years later has obviously evolved into. Same drums as they had 16 years ago, better cymbals, but the kick drum is rather puny. The frame on this thing is also puny and flimsy AF. The frame on mine isn't a 4-leg design, but significantly larger and doesn't wobble.
Hi, i heard complain about the alesis MESH where: •the hi-hat pedal doesn’t feel or operate at all like a real hi-hat pedal. Instead of a gradient of open->closed, it has basically three positions: open, half-opened, and closed. So you won’t be able to learn good hi-hat technique and it’ll sound wonky as hell when you’re playing. What do you think of that ? Is still the case for the nitro max?
NICK - i currently have simmons sd350 which is small and compact. I have a small room so i cant have a nice big ekit (i want roland td07 but that might be too big). I am debating between nitro nax n titan 50. Which one is smaller n more compact? Which one has better sounds? Which kit would u go with between nitro max n titan 50? I know nitro max has weak rack and must use a snare stand so i already have that covered its not an issue. Which ekit is closer to sd350 in size? Thanks!
Was a great video. Very extremely instructive in detail and I liked the fact of setting up the kit from beginning to end, going through the different BFD sounds, and how you pointed out the differences to other drum kits. I like how you wobbled the whole stand while you were sitting there. A person could really not appreciate that fact unless shown to him like you did. I wonder perhaps to land more stability, Some kind of extra tripod on the external legs would help? Much like a tripod steadies the drummer's throne! Also, Like you said it is disappointing, the wing nuts are made with plastic , as they are foundation points for the entire kit!. Good job 👍
Mine doesn't wobble nearly as much as that, but, I am a bit pedantic about it being set up correctly, so I used a spirit level to make sure all the cross beams were 100 % level. The boots on the ends of the vertical posts also weren't put on properly, so he probably hasn't picked that up either. Once it's bee set up, you need to re - tighten the Allen screws a few times as the connectors give a bit over time. Stunning kit, selling my TD11KV!
What would really make this stable is to have some cross supports (looks like an "x" going from top of one post to bottom of the other, and another support going from the bottom of the first post to the top of the other). Three sets of these, or even two, would do it. When I was a boy scout setting up the big long tents we had, which had a center beam and side A-frame posts, they were real wobbly. As soon as we put on the cross supports (which I think were just ropes), they were solid as a rock. All we need is someone to figure out how to do this simply and economically.
Hey there 👋🏻 If you don’t have headphones plugged in, there won’t be any sound. Yes, you would have to connect an external amplifier to play without headphones.
I bought 12 yoga blocks for like CAD $3,50 each at Dollarama: I use them to raise the whole thing because I'm 6 foot 2 inches tall: 8 with their biggest footprint down to raise drum including the kick & hit-hat pedals and the last 4 with their smallest footprint down between the wall and the two farthest poles & the kick drum hit-hat pedals.
Only thing I don't like about it is the snare drum post after a while it's starts to fall and it doesn't stay in place it needs more support because your constantly stopping and having to fix it super annoying so I ended up making a stand to hold it up so that's my only complaint
Thanks. Yes RIP to the Professor. I actually got that painting a few years back, awesome artist Willaim K Stidham www.williamkstidham.com/site_search?search=peart
The day Neil died was the beginning of the end of the world. Not even kidding. I was in Philippines working at the university at the time. I thought it was a shit start t the year, but hey, at least things couldnt get any worse. A week later the Taal volcano erupted spewing ash into Manila. We had to all use N95 masks. Good job we wouldnt need them for anything else. Oh wait, covid landed a week later. Then 2 years of lockdown, a new dictator president, the military being sent to my university to hunt dissidents, Brexit, Ukraine....and now Palestine. Neil was the guardian holding it all back! I can trace everything bad back to the day he died. RIP
I bought Nitro Max two weeks ago and it's good. The question I have here is which IEMs to buy? I am currently using my Sony 720N headphones which lacks in a lot of things. Sometimes I don't hear my snare just because there's a music running in the background. Is there any recommendations for IEMs for around 150 bucks? Thank you :)
For non custom, a lot of people like the KZ ZS10s, I think they’re like $50. I used to use Shure SE215s but the sound is terrible. Drumeo’s earDrums sound pretty good, but the fit is a little off for me.
@@NickCesarzDrums thanks for the suggestions. I literally couldn't hear my hi hat after hitting the crash.. nor do I hear some beats I play while playing along with a song. So I'll go with KZ and hopefully it'll solve all the issues. Thanks 👍
My crash cymbal wouldn't choke, wherever I grabbed it, while the ride cymbal choked! Then I took a look at their bottom, and noticed a sticker stating if it's the single or choke cymbal (they look identical). So I inverted the cymbals, and now everything works fine 🤙
Alesis recommends the HARD SIDE OF BEATER hits the pad, the felt will wear out the pad. Also, if you can you should make sure the wing nuts are facing down bottom and drum mounts on outside of kit not inside. Snares have been sagging and this helps mitigate that. 👀
Hey bro does your bluetooth have light? Mine doesn’t light up even if I am using the bluetooth already, is that normal? Or should I return the module kit?
Would samsung ear buds work with the bluetooth for this kit? I can't play my acoustic set because of neighbors and I need a kit that wouldn't make much noise without headphones or ear buds. thanks
@@NickCesarzDrums Or he could get a little bluetooth module separately (about $5 to $10 from China) which takes an audio input from the module and converts it to bluetooth. The only problem with this might be latency. You don't want the drum sounds coming 1/2 second after you hit the drums!
Hello, watching your reviews. Thank you. My son will be playing this indoors in an apartment. You mentioned this set is loud. I am looking for the best electronic drum set for my 14 yrs old, yet quiet. Where he can put on headphones, play, and not disturb the house. I liked this one but inferred it was loud. What’s your recommendation?
I think It depends a lot on the acoustics of the room. The thicker the carpet, the more cushions, furniture, the quieter it gets. Also it seems the guy has the bass drum pad other way round. That makes it louder. I played this kit at a shop and it was about as loud as washing dishes.
The only semi-loud part is the bass drum (kick). I actually turned the beater around to the felt side (as in this video, I think), which I thought was a bit quieter. I put a carpet under it as well. Its about as loud as a small rubber ball bouncing on the floor.
I just got one n love this vid!!! Do you lose the choke and bell features when you connect to midi drums? How can you add it if you can't trigger the grip for a choke!? I added a snare from the nitro about to see if the rim shot will trigger for a different sound!
You mean to add more toms/cymbals? I'm not sure, but I got the official expansion pack (one more tom and one more cymbal), and they are supported right out of the box. It automatically assigns a deep tom sound to the extra pad and a different crash to the cymbal. They plug into the two extra inputs on the back of the module.
Make sure that yiur cable snake isn't plugged in upside down on the the bottom of the drum module. I did that by accident and couldn't fet any drums sounds out my nitro max in the first day.
I would say just don't even open it return this. This is absolutely trash. I bought it two hours later. I drove it back to the store and return this like I've been playing drums for so long, but this is absolutely junk.
Looking to get this kit,but wondering if the closed hi hat setting works like a real kit or have to always have foot pushing it down,as need to have closed hi hat sound while playing hi hat n snare while using double bass,and help or advice would be appreciated.
I waited for it and waited for it and BAM!! you said I CAN use my double pedal on the kik. that clinched it for me. Ordered. Thanks for the succinct review.
I dont like the sensors being close to the edge of the toms. .. would take some real getting use to, because the E drums Ive platyed most are in the center.
That is strange because all the videos on UA-cam from their official site show the guy demoing the unit with the felt side hitting the drum. I just keep the rubber side out for now. CHEERS!
There's a wing screw under the end of the pedal that you loosen so you can slide the metal edge of the drum part in between the "jaw" clamp on the pedal. Then tighten the wing screw, and that's it. Adjust the beater length with the drum key on the pedal, so it strikes the middle of the drum.
Were you able to sort the issue with the bell ride? I bought one recently and its annoying I cant use the bell... but theres a specific spot where it sounds like there is but you have to hit it just right...
I want to start playing drums and i am torn between this one or donned ded-80 cause this one feels much more upgraded but donner would cost me like twice less so which of these two would you reccomend?
If you’re just starting out, you might be able to make the ded 80 work, but I personally don’t like the kick pedal on that model. it’s difficult to play quicker parts. I think the nitro max will be better in the long run, but you can make the ded-80 work for a bit. If you end up getting serious about drumming, I can guarantee you will want to upgrade later on.
shopping for edrums as we speak, I'm a 78 year old retired drummer of 30 years, want to bang away for fun, and get some exercise and maintain motor skills, this looks like it's worth the money, I'm a hard hitter, need something that will hold up, but don't want to spend a fortune.
@@NickCesarzDrums yeah I'm a 6'1" guy, but I don't have room for a much larger set, it will have to do. I started by looking at rubber pads, then 300 buck cheap sets, but if it isn't something realistic and durable, I'll lose interest, this looks like a good compromise, i figure I can always get a cheap snare stand, and spread out the toms a little. BTW where I live the Alisis set is 500 plus.
@@DEeMONsworld I'm almost 65 (and about 6') and I just gone the Nitro Max (plus the expansion pack). It's my first drum kit, although I played around with some when I was in a band for a year or so, as a young man (was playing guitar then, and still do). I think it's just right for learning. If I outgrow it, I'll still be able to sell it for a reasonable amount and get something else. But I didn't get it for standard drumming so much...I want to use it in recording, for orchestral and world-type percussion. Still, I figured I need to learn the drum techniques regardless.
I like the kit. Took one of the velcro strap to tie the snare stainless part to the bar so it dosen't bend and act weird and always stays solid. I'm 6f2 and the kit is kinda small, it's wide enough if you set up your kit right but it's not tall at all, even with the poles set up at the tippity top it dosent come high enough between the legs. Might try that furniture idea. When I listen to a song in bluetooth to play along I can barely hear the ride and the crash for some reason. Maybe theres a wayu to make them louder in the module didn't check
Cool video about them drums good job on it tho I have the Alesis surge looking to upgrade the sound module to someone better any ideas of witch one Ty for shearing your video
Hey, im thinking about buying this kit for 400$. Only question i have about this set is how do i connect these to my computer so i can record my drumming? Does it have stereo, or only mono when i record it while also having my headphones plugged in?
You can use either stereo or mono out of the back of the drum module via the quarter inch outputs. there also is a connector for a USB cable which will let you record a MIDI performance along with a drum vst, like MT power kit, which runs as a software instrument on your computer. The included BFD player is also great for this application.
I’m not sure I understand what you mean by sound effects. Are you talking about the sounds of the drum set? I record the drum set into my computer at the same time as filming and sync them in my video editing software
No, Bluetooth headphones most likely will never be a thing for anything music related because the latency or delay. The Bluetooth feature on the drum module lets you connect a device like your phone, to stream audio to the drum module, so you can play along with songs.
Can someone help? Can you play the nitro max through a speaker at the same time as listening to it through headphones. The left/right output on the back of the nitro max module to a 3.5mm jack into the speaker and headphones connected to the nitro max module? It won’t work for me 😩
you should be able to play the nitro max through a speaker at the same time you're listening through headphones. to connect the module to a 3.5mm jack speaker, you'll need a stereo breakout cable like this one imp.i114863.net/c/1444535/789347/11319?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FCMP153--hosa-cmp-153-stereo-breakout-3.5mm-trs-to-dual-1-4-inch-ts-3-foot
I am completely new to drums and was setting this up for my 10yo and then after figuring out why there is no sound we can only hear sound via headset or an amp. I wish people reviewing these electronic drums sets would emphasise on this.
➡ Check out the Alesis Nitro MAX at zZounds: www.zzounds.com/a--3988390/item--ALENITROMAXKIT
should I upgrade straight to a double bass pedal or single bass pedal? Yes the stock pedal is crap! Moves and makes clicking clacking noises 😮 should I master the single pedal before even getting a double?
thank you for the warning, I almost bought this.
Update: I was very lucky to find this Alesia set, but an older version, not the Nitro, but another you reviewed just before this one was released. My son is in pure heaven. I found a complete unused set someone, who didn’t have time to play, was selling. He was actually a real drummer in a band. The sweet part about it was he agreed with your reviews and says you are accurate. My 14 yr old son, had been drumming away since and I am so happy I saw your review and went with this version. NOTE: I can hear him hitting the drums with he gets excited, but nothing I can’t live with in our smaller confines.
This is awesome, thank you for sharing!
I was wondering if it's possible to do a single tom on the main bar and putting the extra one as a second floor tom
You should be able to do this but I didn't try it when I had the kit
Where did you use the cymbal with choke?
How would these sound with an amp?
For reference, could you please share your height.
Around 5' 8" or 172cm
9:19 Don't worry if you're putting a Nitro Max together and you hear that noise, too. It's the washer under the bolt head snapping into it's recess. Happened on most of mine and, yes, I did check that I definitely wasn't over-tightening.
Also, if you're going to leave the clamps loose, so you can move things before finally tightening, then be aware that most of the clamps have engagements to stop them rotating. Make sure they're very loose before trying to turn them.
Thanks for the clarification!
Have it plus the expansion. Love it. Not using the snare arm, instead a separate snare stand. BUT turn that kick beater around! Even the instructions say to use the plastic side against the tower, and new kits should have the pads tightened up at least 1/2 turn too. Nice presentation. I use a Roland KD-7 so I don't have to worry about tower pad real-estate for double kick action.
Thanks! Separate snare stand is a great idea.
You don't need to turn the kick beater around. The kick drum head is rubber, not mesh. The felt won't hurt it. If in doubt, you can always put a kick drum patch on (falam slam are reputed to be the best). My son is autistic, and when I first played the Nitro Max in the living room, he came out when he heard the kick drum (I had the rubber side of the beater facing the pad). That usually means it disturbed him. So I turned it around to the felt side, and I think this is quieter.
Great video! I’m thinking about getting this kit. I am actually a guitar player and have always been a very rhythmatic player and I always find myself tapping out beats, so I’m looking to try something new. I’ve read some reviews of the older nitro kits and as you said, one of the big knocks was the kick pedal. You make mention of an upgrade. Im guessing that this kit supports upgraded kick pedals if needed?
Thanks 😊
This was never answered and was my main question, immsplit between max or the surge 😞
Hey can you also provide us with a tutorial on how to connect nitro max to a laptop or a pc for recording ? I am a beginner drummer and recently bought this kit and am really looking to connect them for a better experience
The sounds on this are MUCH better than the Nitro mesh kit.
The rack shouldn't wobble so much, be aware that the clamps will "give" a bit after being tightened, so keep checking them. I still have an ancient original nitro rack and it doesn't wobble like that - also I could see that you didn't have some of the down tubes 100% square, so that also ads to the unstable feel. It does have a bit of a machine gun sound as is normal in this price range but, a bit of reverb does help. I was thinking of either this or the NUX DM210, which has dual trigger pads, BUT, it doesn't have any EQ whatsoever, whereas this has a 3 band EQ - not bad for this price. It deff doesn't come close to my Roland TD11KV, but deff a lot lighter to carry around to practices. I'm hopefully getting this kit in a day or two, also I have a few spare Alesis cymbal pads lying around so those will go onto this kit immedietly when I get it!
The snare tubing deff doesn't look stable enough and I've read it can sometimes even come out of the clamp, so I'm deff going to put a support beam underneath it.
Tks, good review. 👍🏻
Ah ........... so ......... you can have GREAT sounding drums IF you go online & do a bunch of stuff & spend some money,basically?
The BFD Player is free which has some pretty good sounds. Also there’s some good free drum vsts out there like MT Power Drum Kit
Ive heard of VST before. but dont know much what it is or what its for. what do you do,go & pretty much drag & drop using a USB ,or is it more complictaed than that. - Guess this is something I need to learn./
@@NickCesarzDrums
I have Fruityloops (which I’ve always used for drums in my songs since I’ve never owned a kit). So when I get my Nitro Max would I be able to just put any samples I own in fruityloops intro the Nitro Max? If so, I’m gonna have some crazy weird fun
The built in sounds are excellent and you can still upgrade to even better sounds IF you feel like it
You don't need to, the onboard sounds are good enough - IF you have an ear for creating good user kits. The user kits I've built so far leave my TD11KV in the dirt - it might be up for sale soon!
I bought this a few weeks ago. I love it. I'm a guitar player and wanted a kit to bang on. I've been ignoring my guitars to play this. I've had some issues getting my kit to trigger the sounds on BFD though. I'd play the included Dark Mahogany kit all day if I could get my drums to trigger the sounds hooked up to my PC via USB. I set BFD to Nitro Max and it just doesn't recognize my kit for some reason.
There's about 20 included kits that I really like on the module. Having a blast.
Are you using BFD player within recording software or in standalone?
There's a couple settings you need to change on the module: Loc off and GM on. Sometimes unplugging the USB and plugging it in again will connect the midi properly.
This is most useful review that I’ve seen. Agree, Drumeo is a best learning platform. How we can record? Is it possible to do with Bluetooth?
Thanks! I don’t think you can record via Bluetooth. You likely will need to use an external recorder, like an audio interface with a computer using instrument cables via the main outputs, or using a USB cable with virtual drum VSTs on your computer.
Picked this up last Friday as well! Trying a new hobby and went in to pick up the Nitro. The sales guy said they just got in the MAX. Never heard of it and they didn't even have one set up for demo yet. Been having a blast so far. One issue that has been cropping up is the kick pedal. I have mine positioned with the black rubber side forward. All other reviews I see they have the white felt hitting the drum. Never playing drums before I'm getting double hits so it just may be my inexperience. Since this kit has just been out for a few weeks I'll keep watching for more reviews and suggestions that come up. CHEERS!
Being that the kick pad isn't made from the mesh material, you should be able to use the felt side with no issue if it's giving you that double hit problem
Any other feedback or issues you noticed?
Thanks for the video!@@NickCesarzDrums I just got this kit through Drumeo and they recently said on a New Member vid that the plastic side should be out but I am having the bounce issue too and agree with you about the fact that it is non-mesh so why should it matter. My problem is my Ride Cymbal is way too quiet. Will try to adjust sensitivity. Did not know you could do that. Do you have a vid that shows all the things you can do with the controller?
We're getting double hits on our kick pad. I think instructions all state that the black rubber beater should be used. I think our double hit issue is our technique on a new pedal rather than a kit issue🙈
@@neiladdison4457 I don't think it's my issue. I had a cheaper electronic set from Sam's Club and never had this issue and I don't think my technique changed.
I'm a lifelong guitarist, but NEVER played drums before. This is my very first kit ever and for $399 it's absolutely perfect. Just wanted something I could plug into GarageBand to add my own drums that i can play guitar over. Also this kit has an iPad spot on the main module so I can learn with UA-cam lessons or Drumeo and play along. It's really solid and I'm liking it a lot. No regrets at all with my purchase. I recommend investing in a GOOD pair of headphones and don't cheap out on the throne (chair).
Thanks for the insight!
Just a question, does it come with the key?!
@@fernandosaturnino1294 Yes :)
Have you tried midi?
I’m getting this kit for Xmas. Was going to get Nitro mesh special edition but apparently it got discontinued right before we l were gonna order it so they gave me a great discount on nitro Max. I had already bought the expansion set for nitro mesh but I assume they’d work on this kit as well.
This is the best review of the Max that I've watched so far. Question: would this be a good option for recording drums on a hobbyist to semi-professional capacity? I want to use this for drum covers on my YT channel, but also for when I have friends who want to come over and record their stuff.
Absolutely, especially if you use it with EZ Drummer 3 or Superior Drummer 3. The kit is VERY small, however. I was constantly hitting my sticks together by mistake while playing because it's very compact and not what I'm used to.
This is what the OSP set I have that also showed up branded Alesis a few years later has obviously evolved into. Same drums as they had 16 years ago, better cymbals, but the kick drum is rather puny. The frame on this thing is also puny and flimsy AF.
The frame on mine isn't a 4-leg design, but significantly larger and doesn't wobble.
Hi, i heard complain about the alesis MESH where:
•the hi-hat pedal doesn’t feel or operate at all like a real hi-hat pedal. Instead of a gradient of open->closed, it has basically three positions: open, half-opened, and closed. So you won’t be able to learn good hi-hat technique and it’ll sound wonky as hell when you’re playing.
What do you think of that ? Is still the case for the nitro max?
NICK - i currently have simmons sd350 which is small and compact. I have a small room so i cant have a nice big ekit (i want roland td07 but that might be too big).
I am debating between nitro nax n titan 50. Which one is smaller n more compact? Which one has better sounds? Which kit would u go with between nitro max n titan 50?
I know nitro max has weak rack and must use a snare stand so i already have that covered its not an issue.
Which ekit is closer to sd350 in size?
Thanks!
Was a great video. Very extremely instructive in detail and I liked the fact of setting up the kit from beginning to end, going through the different BFD sounds, and how you pointed out the differences to other drum kits. I like how you wobbled the whole stand while you were sitting there. A person could really not appreciate that fact unless shown to him like you did. I wonder perhaps to land more stability, Some kind of extra tripod on the external legs would help? Much like a tripod steadies the drummer's throne! Also, Like you said it is disappointing, the wing nuts are made with plastic , as they are foundation points for the entire kit!. Good job 👍
Thanks for the in-depth comment! I'm sure some ingenious engineering at home could render good results making the stand more stable!
Mine doesn't wobble nearly as much as that, but, I am a bit pedantic about it being set up correctly, so I used a spirit level to make sure all the cross beams were 100 % level. The boots on the ends of the vertical posts also weren't put on properly, so he probably hasn't picked that up either. Once it's bee set up, you need to re - tighten the Allen screws a few times as the connectors give a bit over time.
Stunning kit, selling my TD11KV!
What would really make this stable is to have some cross supports (looks like an "x" going from top of one post to bottom of the other, and another support going from the bottom of the first post to the top of the other). Three sets of these, or even two, would do it.
When I was a boy scout setting up the big long tents we had, which had a center beam and side A-frame posts, they were real wobbly. As soon as we put on the cross supports (which I think were just ropes), they were solid as a rock. All we need is someone to figure out how to do this simply and economically.
Not a drummer ( but a fellow UA-camr ) , a question...... If you don't use headphones, where does the sound come from? Can you hook up external amps?
Hey there 👋🏻 If you don’t have headphones plugged in, there won’t be any sound. Yes, you would have to connect an external amplifier to play without headphones.
I bought 12 yoga blocks for like CAD $3,50 each at Dollarama: I use them to raise the whole thing because I'm 6 foot 2 inches tall: 8 with their biggest footprint down to raise drum including the kick & hit-hat pedals and the last 4 with their smallest footprint down between the wall and the two farthest poles & the kick drum hit-hat pedals.
Only thing I don't like about it is the snare drum post after a while it's starts to fall and it doesn't stay in place it needs more support because your constantly stopping and having to fix it super annoying so I ended up making a stand to hold it up so that's my only complaint
Does it come with headphones?
I don’t believe so. Some bundles on amazon might though
You said this is “the best beginner drum kit you can get” even before you put it together and tried it?
s/o your camera angles for allowing me to watch this in reverse to get all the boxes back in the box correctly lol
yooo glad I could help haha! I've started taken pictures when I do these because it's legit impossible otherwise
Ah man my drum kit is soo saggy and wobbly how’s yours?
I appreciate your setup video. The instructions were lacking in several ways, and your video helped me figure it out.
Great to hear! Thanks Matt
Yeah, the instructions are really sparse and inadequate for first-time users. I had to watch a few videos like this one also.
I like your Picture of Rush in the background at 20:00 Rip Neil 🙏
Thanks. Yes RIP to the Professor. I actually got that painting a few years back, awesome artist Willaim K Stidham www.williamkstidham.com/site_search?search=peart
The day Neil died was the beginning of the end of the world.
Not even kidding. I was in Philippines working at the university at the time. I thought it was a shit start t the year, but hey, at least things couldnt get any worse.
A week later the Taal volcano erupted spewing ash into Manila. We had to all use N95 masks. Good job we wouldnt need them for anything else. Oh wait, covid landed a week later. Then 2 years of lockdown, a new dictator president, the military being sent to my university to hunt dissidents, Brexit, Ukraine....and now Palestine.
Neil was the guardian holding it all back! I can trace everything bad back to the day he died. RIP
looks very unsturdy can see the rack wobbling
Could you just put this kit on a different rack?
I bought Nitro Max two weeks ago and it's good. The question I have here is which IEMs to buy? I am currently using my Sony 720N headphones which lacks in a lot of things. Sometimes I don't hear my snare just because there's a music running in the background. Is there any recommendations for IEMs for around 150 bucks? Thank you :)
For non custom, a lot of people like the KZ ZS10s, I think they’re like $50. I used to use Shure SE215s but the sound is terrible. Drumeo’s earDrums sound pretty good, but the fit is a little off for me.
@@NickCesarzDrums thanks for the suggestions. I literally couldn't hear my hi hat after hitting the crash.. nor do I hear some beats I play while playing along with a song. So I'll go with KZ and hopefully it'll solve all the issues. Thanks 👍
My crash cymbal wouldn't choke, wherever I grabbed it, while the ride cymbal choked! Then I took a look at their bottom, and noticed a sticker stating if it's the single or choke cymbal (they look identical). So I inverted the cymbals, and now everything works fine 🤙
Im torn between nux dm210 or alesis nitro max. Please help me to decide 😢
I’d go Alesis but tbh I haven’t played any of the NUX kits
Does this drum set have to play through a Amp? I didn't see it anywhere
you can use headphones if you like
Alesis recommends the HARD SIDE OF BEATER hits the pad, the felt will wear out the pad. Also, if you can you should make sure the wing nuts are facing down bottom and drum mounts on outside of kit not inside. Snares have been sagging and this helps mitigate that. 👀
what are good headphones for this kit? I bought the alesis brand ones but, they arent so good. thanks
I like Audio Technica m50x
Hey bro does your bluetooth have light? Mine doesn’t light up even if I am using the bluetooth already, is that normal? Or should I return the module kit?
I cant get a sound without headset
Normal. 😊
Would samsung ear buds work with the bluetooth for this kit? I can't play my acoustic set because of neighbors and I need a kit that wouldn't make much noise without headphones or ear buds. thanks
The bluetooth only works with your phone or tablet, etc, for listening to music through the drum module. you’ll need to get wired headphones
@@NickCesarzDrums Or he could get a little bluetooth module separately (about $5 to $10 from China) which takes an audio input from the module and converts it to bluetooth. The only problem with this might be latency. You don't want the drum sounds coming 1/2 second after you hit the drums!
How to increase the volume inside the headphones? I am experiencing very less volume while using
Use a headphone amplifier,
Hello, watching your reviews. Thank you. My son will be playing this indoors in an apartment. You mentioned this set is loud. I am looking for the best electronic drum set for my 14 yrs old, yet quiet. Where he can put on headphones, play, and not disturb the house. I liked this one but inferred it was loud. What’s your recommendation?
I think It depends a lot on the acoustics of the room. The thicker the carpet, the more cushions, furniture, the quieter it gets. Also it seems the guy has the bass drum pad other way round. That makes it louder. I played this kit at a shop and it was about as loud as washing dishes.
The only semi-loud part is the bass drum (kick). I actually turned the beater around to the felt side (as in this video, I think), which I thought was a bit quieter. I put a carpet under it as well. Its about as loud as a small rubber ball bouncing on the floor.
I just got one n love this vid!!! Do you lose the choke and bell features when you connect to midi drums? How can you add it if you can't trigger the grip for a choke!? I added a snare from the nitro about to see if the rim shot will trigger for a different sound!
Seems complicated to put them together!
Thank you for this overview. Very thorough. I bought the nitro mesh but this video I believe still applies as far as setup Thank you.
After owning a Strike module (great sounding with VST samples, awful in any other way) I´m never buying anything Alesis again.
VST instruments are the way to go
Which one is really great between Yamaha tdx 402k or alesis nitro max kit is better?
They are dual zone and choke
Does cable splitting work with the module?
You mean to add more toms/cymbals? I'm not sure, but I got the official expansion pack (one more tom and one more cymbal), and they are supported right out of the box. It automatically assigns a deep tom sound to the extra pad and a different crash to the cymbal. They plug into the two extra inputs on the back of the module.
Make sure that yiur cable snake isn't plugged in upside down on the the bottom of the drum module. I did that by accident and couldn't fet any drums sounds out my nitro max in the first day.
does it come with a usb cable
No usb cable included
excellent presentation best on youtube
Glad you liked it! Thanks!
How much do these drums cost?
$400
Just got mine and not unboxed yet! Thanks for the video!
Have fun! Thanks for watching and dropping a comment. Cheers.
I would say just don't even open it return this. This is absolutely trash. I bought it two hours later. I drove it back to the store and return this like I've been playing drums for so long, but this is absolutely junk.
Looking to get this kit,but wondering if the closed hi hat setting works like a real kit or have to always have foot pushing it down,as need to have closed hi hat sound while playing hi hat n snare while using double bass,and help or advice would be appreciated.
You'll most likely need to adjust the sound of the open hi-hat, as when the pedal is not depressed, it will play the open hi-hat sound
Tip if u want less wobbeling. Fill the legs with dry sand.
Are the headphones loud? Is there a way to play songs and hear them to practice with? Thanks, nice video BTW.
I waited for it and waited for it and BAM!! you said I CAN use my double pedal on the kik. that clinched it for me. Ordered. Thanks for the succinct review.
Just got it from Amazon warehouse. With the savings I got a throne, headphones and sticks for under $400 including tax. Waiting for it to arrive!
Enjoy it!
I dont like the sensors being close to the edge of the toms. .. would take some real getting use to, because the E drums Ive platyed most are in the center.
yeah that was a little strange, I didn’t notice it much while playing but I haven’t seen that before, from what I remember
I love the new module… comon alesis; update the surge now!
Do not keep the felt towards the drum
That is strange because all the videos on UA-cam from their official site show the guy demoing the unit with the felt side hitting the drum. I just keep the rubber side out for now. CHEERS!
This only applies to using felt beaters on mesh heads, which the kick pad is not. It's rubber.
Anybody knows if you can Bluetooth headset?
which kit would you recommend for an advanced drummer that needs to be quiet because of neighbors? thank you.. Do the headphones come included?
Headphones are not included. For an advanced player, I would consider the TD-27KV2. The Nitro Max is a little small IMO.
can the high hat turn into a double bass
I haven't tested that but I think it would work if you set the hi-hat pedal sound to a kick drum on the module
By any chance what size rack is that? I wanna get more clamps in need the size
Can this kit be setup left handed?
I didn’t try it I’m fairly certain this would work with a left handed setup
Thanks for this video! I am trying to put a Nitro Max together right now and I am a little less confused than I was 😊
Alright so I'm probably dense but how does the kick pedal connect to the base?
There's a wing screw under the end of the pedal that you loosen so you can slide the metal edge of the drum part in between the "jaw" clamp on the pedal. Then tighten the wing screw, and that's it. Adjust the beater length with the drum key on the pedal, so it strikes the middle of the drum.
Were you able to sort the issue with the bell ride? I bought one recently and its annoying I cant use the bell... but theres a specific spot where it sounds like there is but you have to hit it just right...
Its triggered based on how hard you hit it for some reason. Hit it harder and you should get the bell sound you are looking for.
I want to start playing drums and i am torn between this one or donned ded-80 cause this one feels much more upgraded but donner would cost me like twice less so which of these two would you reccomend?
If you’re just starting out, you might be able to make the ded 80 work, but I personally don’t like the kick pedal on that model. it’s difficult to play quicker parts. I think the nitro max will be better in the long run, but you can make the ded-80 work for a bit. If you end up getting serious about drumming, I can guarantee you will want to upgrade later on.
@@NickCesarzDrums thanks a lot :D
You mentioned Midi, not audio ....... Can this run out 1/4" & into a tascam recorder
that would work, there are two 1/4” main outputs on the back
shopping for edrums as we speak, I'm a 78 year old retired drummer of 30 years, want to bang away for fun, and get some exercise and maintain motor skills, this looks like it's worth the money, I'm a hard hitter, need something that will hold up, but don't want to spend a fortune.
Definitely is affordable and fun to play on, but a little constrained-feeling
@@NickCesarzDrums yeah I'm a 6'1" guy, but I don't have room for a much larger set, it will have to do. I started by looking at rubber pads, then 300 buck cheap sets, but if it isn't something realistic and durable, I'll lose interest, this looks like a good compromise, i figure I can always get a cheap snare stand, and spread out the toms a little. BTW where I live the Alisis set is 500 plus.
@@DEeMONsworld I'm almost 65 (and about 6') and I just gone the Nitro Max (plus the expansion pack). It's my first drum kit, although I played around with some when I was in a band for a year or so, as a young man (was playing guitar then, and still do). I think it's just right for learning. If I outgrow it, I'll still be able to sell it for a reasonable amount and get something else. But I didn't get it for standard drumming so much...I want to use it in recording, for orchestral and world-type percussion. Still, I figured I need to learn the drum techniques regardless.
Just got this in the mail yesterday. Anyone else’s snare arm just hanging loose? It won’t tighten and it’s literally just hanging there….
I had this initially as well. You have to loosen the clamp further on the main leg of the rack first before setting the arm in place and tighening.
I like the kit.
Took one of the velcro strap to tie the snare stainless part to the bar so it dosen't bend and act weird and always stays solid.
I'm 6f2 and the kit is kinda small, it's wide enough if you set up your kit right but it's not tall at all, even with the poles set up at the tippity top it dosent come high enough between the legs.
Might try that furniture idea.
When I listen to a song in bluetooth to play along I can barely hear the ride and the crash for some reason. Maybe theres a wayu to make them louder in the module didn't check
Good information. I think you can turn up the volume of the cymbals in the module
@@NickCesarzDrums Thanks good news i'll check in the settings been busy all week
Cool video about them drums good job on it tho I have the Alesis surge looking to upgrade the sound module to someone better any ideas of witch one Ty for shearing your video
Good stuff to know for the absolute beginner. Thanks man!🎉
Happy to help!
Great video Nick! Is there a way to plug a 3-zone ride cymbal?
Thanks! I don’t believe so
Very good video, thinking of buying this kit as a beginner and this video really helped 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Hey, im thinking about buying this kit for 400$. Only question i have about this set is how do i connect these to my computer so i can record my drumming? Does it have stereo, or only mono when i record it while also having my headphones plugged in?
You can use either stereo or mono out of the back of the drum module via the quarter inch outputs. there also is a connector for a USB cable which will let you record a MIDI performance along with a drum vst, like MT power kit, which runs as a software instrument on your computer. The included BFD player is also great for this application.
Thank you! @@NickCesarzDrums
Is nitro max can plugged into a simple amplifier , the jbl speaker ?
I have mine plugged into an older JBL speaker from the headphone jack. Works well.
Can you add more cymbal into it?
How do you ensure the sound effects match the visuals so well?
I’m not sure I understand what you mean by sound effects. Are you talking about the sounds of the drum set? I record the drum set into my computer at the same time as filming and sync them in my video editing software
Can’t believe they couldn’t make the kick at least the same size as one of the Toms🤷🏻
True
So the Bluetooth option means you can use Bluetooth headphones with these and not have to use headphones wkth a cord?
No, Bluetooth headphones most likely will never be a thing for anything music related because the latency or delay.
The Bluetooth feature on the drum module lets you connect a device like your phone, to stream audio to the drum module, so you can play along with songs.
Can someone help? Can you play the nitro max through a speaker at the same time as listening to it through headphones. The left/right output on the back of the nitro max module to a 3.5mm jack into the speaker and headphones connected to the nitro max module? It won’t work for me 😩
you should be able to play the nitro max through a speaker at the same time you're listening through headphones. to connect the module to a 3.5mm jack speaker, you'll need a stereo breakout cable like this one imp.i114863.net/c/1444535/789347/11319?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FCMP153--hosa-cmp-153-stereo-breakout-3.5mm-trs-to-dual-1-4-inch-ts-3-foot
@@NickCesarzDrums thank you 🙏
Hello, great video... between this and the Titan 70, what do you like better?
I have a video coming out soon on the Titan 50, those sounds in the module really impressed me. The 70 is probably even better
I’d suggest watching some more vids on that kit. Nitro Max is good, but has its downsides
@@NickCesarzDrumsoh I watched alot of videos on both of them, I just wanted your personal opinion... I'm leaning more towards the titan 70
Shame it didn’t have bars 45 degree across the corners to strengthen the frame
Yeah that would be nice!
Is there a way to turn the volume on certain drums like the snare? Thanks
you should be able to in the module settings
I am completely new to drums and was setting this up for my 10yo and then after figuring out why there is no sound we can only hear sound via headset or an amp. I wish people reviewing these electronic drums sets would emphasise on this.
I'm a little confounded by the question. What is the issue? You can only hear sound via headphones or an amp?
@@NickCesarzDrums I think he was expecting a speaker to be built into the module!
Raisers or Books? For Alexis however
Good video. Definitely gona pick one of these up.
Thanks!
Tell me please - I experience this Kickdrum Double Triggering Issue....Is there anything you can recommend to fix it?
Have you tried adjusted the sensitivity of the kick pad in the module? I had to send this kit back to Alesis, so I can't try it myself anymore
@@NickCesarzDrums What happened?
oh they lent me the drum set for the review
Can I use dual pedal on it??
Anyone know why I’m not getting any audio with and without my headphones
I felt very silly for a while, until I realised the audio out for headphones is actually on the left of the module, not the back ;-)
I noticed Alesis got rid of the name plaque ???
you're right they did I can't remember which kit last had one. I know the Strike Pro has one still
Is this better than the Alesis Command SE ?
Should I get this kit even though I’m 6’2?
I'm 6'0" and it's OK for me. Some have made risers with success. The Surge would be a good option but more $$$.
And I’m a beginner so I would like to know if the benefits of the drummio are worth it for this kit
You can try Drumeo for 30 days free here if you want see how to program works and all the content: drumeo.pxf.io/c/1444535/1272007/14652
I would find a larger e-kit. Look for something used. MusicGoRound.com is a great place to find stuff, also the Sweetwater Gear Exchange.
Does the Surge have Bluetooth?