Electronic drum kits have really become good enough to a point where they are starting to compete with acoustic drums in terms of sound quality.
Most drummers will tell you that nothing beats a good acoustic set, and they would be right. However, things are getting pretty close between these two types of drum sets.
Naturally, an electronic drum kit has numerous benefits. You can play more than just drums, and you can do it anywhere you want without causing sound pollution.
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One of the most important components of every electronic drum kit is the drum module. This is the brain which gives the rest of the kit meaning. In essence, it’s a computer which reads the data from the pads, and triggers the sounds accordingly.
We’ve seen a lot of good modules lately, and Alesis DM5 drum module has got to be among the top 10.
One of the Top 10 out there !
There is one constant when it comes to electronic drum kits – if you want good performance and high quality sound, you need to be prepared to pay good money.
What makes Alesis DM5 stand out is the fact that it goes against this rule to a point. It has been one of the best value for the money drum modules you could get. Even though it has been around for a while, it still remains true to this reputation.
Features
What defines Alesis DM5 Drum Module is increased versatility compared to some of its competition. It was never designed to be the ultimate drum module, but rather an affordable entry level machine that offered something extra. In order to appreciate its true value, you need to observe it through this prism.
For an entry level piece of equipment, Alesis DM5 comes with 12 trigger inputs. That is slightly above the average, even for the more expensive modules. Inputs come in form of 1/4 inch TRS. Moving on, we see four analog audio outputs. This again is more than you’d find elsewhere for the same amount of money.
On the front panel you will find a small display surrounded by various buttons. The layout of these controls is very intuitive and simple. It’s a more basic configuration, but one that is easy to use. Once you start exploring the preset library, you will find 548 different sounds available.
There are 21 preset kits in total, along with 21 slots for your own creations. Alesis DM5 Drum Module doesn’t have any effects, EQs or compression available, but you will rarely find that within the price range we’re talking about here.
Performance
Like we have mentioned before, the main appeal of this module comes from its versatility. It’s a simple yet reliable unit which allows you to have a decent practice setup at home at an affordable price. And honestly, that is about as far as this module will take you.
The quality of samples and voices available is decent, but far from anything you would want to use in a professional application.
DM5 is accurate and pretty on point when it comes to triggering, especially the bass drum. As a practice rig, it’s a great choice for everyone looking to play drums in their bedroom.
Recording with Alesis DM5 Drum Module is possible, but has its limits. If you are looking for more organic feel, this is a wrong module for you.
What we like
Increased versatility, decent performance and sound range. Those are the core benefits of this drum module. It’s affordable and has proven to be reliable as well.
What we don’t like
If you consider the purpose this module was designed and built for, there really isn’t much we can criticize about it. It has its limitation, but it was never meant to be a unit you would use on stage or in a professional recording studio.
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To summarize
Alesis DM5 drum module is still one of the most practical and cost-effective drum modules you can get. It comes with more features than most models in its segment, all while costing you the same or even less.
If you are looking for a great module for home use and practice, Alesis DM5 is definitely something you will want to consider.