Alesis Strata Prime Electronic Drum Kit w/Touchscreen Module

Get Primed for Success with the New Alesis Strata Prime Drum Kit

Strata Prime represents a significant advancement in electronic drum technology. It has been meticulously crafted to emulate the immersive experience of playing an acoustic drum kit while offering the expansive versatility of a vast drum library. At its core lies a cutting-edge module equipped with the complete BFD3 sound engine and innovative trigger-processing capabilities, boasting 75 swiftly accessible kits with ample room for personal customization. Every aspect can be fine-tuned via the sizable 10.1” touch screen, boasting over 1092 articulations, extensive effects processing, and more – all easily accessible at your fingertips. Furthermore, a revolutionary magnetic Hi-Hat system and 360-degree triple zone cymbals introduce unprecedented levels of responsiveness and playability to the realm of electronic drums.

FEATURES:

OVERVIEW:

• Ten-piece all-mesh kit including kick, snare, 4 toms, hi-hat, ride and 2 crash cymbals
• Multi-zone heads, 360-degree ARC cymbals and magnetic hi-hat technology
• State of the art touch screen module running the BFD sound engine with 75 kits

DRUMS:

• 14” Dual-zone mesh snare
• 8” / 10” / 12” / 14” Dual-zone mesh toms
• 20” kick drum with mesh head
• Four post steel rack with locking clamps
• 360-degree triple-zone cymbals and hi-hat
• 14” active hi-hat system with magnetic stand-mounted controller
• Two 16” crash cymbals and one 18” ride

CYMBALS:

• 10.1” touch display
• BFD sound engine running on a multi-core processor
• 75 factory kits / virtually unlimited user kits, over 440 kit pieces, 1092 articulations, thousands of samples with multiple microphone channels
• Over 40GB of included content on 128 GB of internal storage
• Revolutionary new customizable trigger engine with automatic crosstalk filtering with presets for all modern Alesis electronic triggers

MODULE:

• 90-day free subscription to Drumeo
• 30-day free subscription to Melodics Premium with 60 exclusive lessons
• BFD Player desktop application with virtual drum expansion pack

FAQ about the Alesis Strata Prime Drum Set

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What comes with the Strata Prime Kit?
2. Is a hi-hat stand provided?
3. Do I need to update the module firmware?
4. Is there a specific kick pedal recommended?
5. Does the kit include pre-loaded sounds and content?
6. Can I add more content to the module?
7. Can I edit all sounds and kits directly on the Prime module?
8. Are there any initial settings to adjust when setting up the kit?
9. Will this kit work with pads from other Alesis kits or third-party brands?
10. Can I record and add my own samples?
11. What are Stacks?
12. Are there recommended sticks for use with this kit?
13. Will I need to adjust volume levels when switching kits?
14. How do I save custom user kits?
15. Are there internal effects like reverb or compression?
16. Can I use the kit to trigger drum software on my computer?
17. What is crosstalk and how can I prevent it?
18. What is "Learn XTalk" and how do I use it?
19. Why is my hi-hat triggering randomly or missing hits?
20. Does the Strata Prime module have Bluetooth?

Detailed Answers

What comes with the Strata Prime Kit?
The Strata Prime kit includes:

• Strata Prime Drum Module
• 14" dual-zone snare pad
• 8" dual-zone tom pad
• 10" dual-zone tom pad
• 12" dual-zone tom pad
• 14" dual-zone tom pad
• 18" triple-zone ride cymbal
• (2) 16" triple-zone crash cymbals with choke
• 14" moveable hi-hat cymbal
• 4-post steel rack
• Double-braced snare stand
• Cable snake
• Cable wraps
• Drum key
• Drumsticks
• Power supply
• Kit assembly guide

Please note that a hi-hat stand and kick drum pedal are not included.

Is a hi-hat stand provided?
No, the Strata Prime kit does not come with a hi-hat stand. However, the hi-hat cymbals and control module are compatible with any standard hi-hat stand, allowing you to use your preferred hardware for optimal comfort and feel.

Do I need to update the module firmware?
Yes, we recommend installing the Day 1 performance firmware update when you receive your Strata Prime kit. This update enhances stability and performance, ensuring a better overall playing experience.

Is there a specific kick pedal recommended?
Almost any kick pedal will work with the Strata Prime kit. We suggest using plastic or wood beaters for optimal performance. Felt beaters can cause premature wear on mesh drum heads due to friction. If you have dual-sided beaters, we recommend using the plastic side or switching to beaters made entirely from plastic, wood, or metal. The beater material will not affect the sound, unlike with acoustic drums.

Does the kit include pre-loaded sounds and content?
Yes! The Prime Drum Module comes with over 40GB of new, multi-layered factory content from BFD Drums, as well as access to the BFD Player.

Can I add more content to the module?
Definitely! The Strata Prime module has 128GB of internal storage. With 40GB reserved for factory content, the remaining 80+GB are available for you to add your own samples. You can use an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card formatted to exFAT or FAT32 to upload your own content.

Can I edit all sounds and kits directly on the Prime module?
Yes, you can edit your kits directly on the Prime module in real-time. This includes changing samples, adjusting parameters like attack and tuning, balancing mic channels, and layering articulations (Stacks) for each kit piece.

Are there any initial settings to adjust when setting up the kit?
The Strata Prime kits are optimized right out of the box, so most users can start playing immediately without needing to tweak settings like sensitivity or threshold to suit their playing style.

Will this kit work with pads from other Alesis kits or third-party brands?
The Prime Drum Module includes over 60 trigger presets for current Alesis triggers and some third-party ones. If your trigger isn’t on the list, you can fine-tune and save custom presets for most third-party triggers. Alesis will continue expanding the preset list in future updates. If you encounter issues, feel free to reach out to Alesis support.

Can I record and add my own samples?
Yes! The Prime Module features a Backing Track mode that allows you to record audio using imported files, the aux input, or even your own drumming. You can play along to your favorite tracks or record your own sessions.

What are Stacks?
Stacks let you layer up to three additional sounds or articulations on top of the main kit piece sound. You can load individual sounds (like a Ludwig 14x5 Snare Rimshot) directly to a specific trigger zone (like Snare Center or Rim). Experiment with stacking multiple sounds to create your own signature sound!

Are there recommended sticks for use with this kit?
Any of your favorite sticks will work just fine! While some companies offer sticks designed specifically for electronic kits, they aren’t necessary. Both wooden and nylon-tipped sticks are suitable, and nylon tips can help reduce wear on mesh heads. However, unlike acoustic drums, the stick material and tip shape won’t impact the sound.

Will I need to adjust volume levels when switching kits?
No, the kit’s fader levels will automatically match your current settings, so you won’t need to re-adjust the volume each time you switch kits.

How do I save custom user kits?
It’s simple! Enter Kit Edit mode and tap the Save icon next to your kit’s name. A keyboard will appear, allowing you to name your preset kit and save it.

Are there internal effects like reverb or compression?
Yes! The Strata Prime features the complete BFD3 and AIR effects catalogs. Each instrument and mic channel can have up to three effects applied. With these options and the mixer window, you have the same level of control as you would in your favorite DAW.

Can I use the kit to trigger drum software on my computer?
Absolutely! The module can send MIDI data over USB to trigger your favorite drum software in your DAW. It’s class-compliant with both Mac and Windows, so no drivers are needed. The kit is also designed to work seamlessly with the BFD Player right out of the box.

What is crosstalk and how can I prevent it?
Crosstalk occurs when hitting one trigger causes another to sound unintentionally. The Prime module includes default crosstalk filters that should handle most situations. If further adjustments are needed, you can use the Learn XTalk feature in Trigger Edit mode to remove any remaining crosstalk.

• Ensure that drum and cymbal pads aren’t touching each other or their clamps.
• Tighten clamps securely, but avoid over-tightening.
• Adjust cymbal wingnuts—too loose can cause unwanted vibrations, while too tight can transfer force directly to the rack.
• Use a soft, carpeted surface to reduce vibrations through the drum rack.

What is "Learn XTalk" and how do I use it?
Learn XTalk is accessed through Trigger Edit mode and allows you to filter out unwanted vibrations that cause crosstalk. Simply select the trigger causing the issue, follow the on-screen instructions, and let the module learn and filter out the crosstalk.

Why is my hi-hat triggering randomly or missing hits?
Hi-hat setup can vary based on the pedal or stand being used. To ensure your hi-hat responds correctly, follow our detailed optimization guide available in the Strata Prime Kit’s support resources.

Does the Strata Prime module have Bluetooth?
Yes! The Strata Prime module supports Bluetooth, allowing you to stream backing tracks wirelessly or connect supported MIDI devices.