Hellfire Electronic Drum System as a new toy. It is the Alesis DM10 Pro Kit.
This post is my review of the new Alesis DM10 Pro Kit. If you would like the technical data, please visit the Alesis DM10 Pro Kit’s web page.
A couple things to keep in mind while reading this review. I am doing this review to two parts. The first part is the unpacking and drum hardware. The second part will be on the DM10 module itself. Also, I have never bought a complete electronic drum kit from a major manufacture ever until now. This kit cost $1500.00 and that is the most I have ever spent on any one electronic drum purchase. My reason for stating this, is to let you know that this is my spending limit on an electronic drum kit and I would guess that I am not the only one out there who lives on a budget. So take that for what it is worth. Lets get this show on the road….
Review Part #1: Unpacking and Drum Hardware
Shipping Package
The kit comes in one box. Yes, you read that correctly. When I first got the package I was a little concerned that a package like that could not adequately protect my investment. It was rather heavy as well. After I started opening the box, I no longer felt that way. Everything in the box is well packed and well organized. Every piece in the box is bagged and either packed with styrofoam (Cymbals) or fitted cardboard inserts (rack bars).
As I took everything out of the packing material, I did a visual inspection of every part. Only two minor things caught my eye. First was, one of the screws on the back of the bass trigger tower was not tightened all the way. Easy fix, just used a screwdriver to tighten it down. The other thing that I saw was the bass drum trigger rim was not evenly tightened in to place. Again, an easy fix. I removed the rim and put it back on. Issue solved.
Setting Up The Rack
It has been awhile since I had to set-up a drum rack. This one took me a little time to set-up. Mainly, because I was trying to get everything in a good position as I went. The first thing when setting up the rack, you will have to locate a drum key. I recommend using the one that is provided by Alesis because it has a nice large sliding T-bar that is easy on the hand.
The rack has chrome plated steel bars and includes both metal and composite (fancy word for plastic) clamps. The upright bars act as cymbal stands as well (nice touch). The metal clamps are used for the main structure of the rack. The composite clamps are used for the “L” mounts, module mount, and the hi-hat cymbal arm. I really like the metal clamps on this rack. It is not really touted as a feature, but you could feed your cabling through the rack tubes because of how the clamps are made (see picture).
Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of composite (plastic) clamps. Over all the clamps work well. With that said, I would like to see Alesis make one small change to the composite clamps. Drop the plastic wing nut and replace it with a standard square drum screw. My reason for this is the fact that the base of the wing screw is tapered. When you try to really cinch it down, the taper ends up cracking the clamp. It does this because the base of the wing screw can’t touch the inside shoulder of the hole (see pictures). The wing screw taper is too large to fit all the way down to the shoulder so, it ends up cracking the edge of the hole. This isn’t a problem with the opposite side screw because, standard drum screws have a flanged base that sits nicely on the shoulder inside the hole. Not to worry however. By adding a couple flat washers under the wing screw, it resolves this problem (see pictures). The washers make the composite clamps a little harder to get on, but now I can tighten them rock solid.
Drum and Cymbal Triggers
I found the drum and cymbal triggers to have a very solid feel (build wise). I think the cymbals are fantastic! You get Alesis Surge cymbals with this kit. If you like the feel of acoustic cymbals you will love these triggers. Each cymbal boom (and hi-hat) come with an anti-rotation device (See pictures). The acoustic noise is about the same as a plain plastic practice cymbal, which tends to be louder then a rubberized cymbal trigger. Just something to keep in mind. The acoustic noise level is not a problem in my house, but for those who live in apartment with thin walls, it might be problematic.
At first my impression of the the drum triggers was not that great. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I knew some on the web have changed out the sensing system to be use with mesh heads. I do think the rubber on the rims is way too soft. Because of this, if you are a heavy hitter, they are not going to last long. Mine were starting to spilt after a couple hours of heavy use. Not a big deal for me. I like them better without the soft rubber rims anyway (can be seen in picture below).
Well, what about the drums themselves? I feel the 8 inch drum pads are a bit small compared to what I am use to. The 10 inch pads I feel are a good size and I would have been happier with 10 inch pads all around. Again, I didn’t think this was that big of a deal. I could always just buy two more 10 inch pads from Alesis when they start selling them. My first impression when I started playing on the pads (without headphones and without the module turn on) was that they acoustically sounded like a thicker REMO practice pad. As I kept playing, I couldn’t help but think I was hitting a plastic bowl filled with foam. Keep in mind I’m not describing the feel of the pad, but the sound was making me believe they felt like a plastic bowl. After I turned the module on and put my headphones on, I was quite surprised! I found that the sound you hear when play actually makes a difference on how you perceive a trigger pads feel. I now noticed that the trigger actually had good rebound. A lot like an acoustic drum but a tad stiffer. I would say they felt like a cross between a rubber pad and an acoustic drum. Softer then rubber but harder than acoustic drums. They really are not that bad to play on. Are they as good as mesh? No, but they do the job really well.
The kick is made the same as the drum triggers. The acoustic sound level of the bass trigger is a tad loud but, much quieter than acoustic drums. I felt the bass trigger had a good solid feel when played and it did feel pretty close to a real bass drum. My favorite part about the bass trigger was the velcro on the bottom of the tower. You put that down on a rug and it will not move. No spikes needed. I thought this was a great feature.
Cabling
When you open the bag containing the cables, you will notice that it is a cable snake. Each cable in the snake is sized (length) for the standard placement of each trigger. Depending on how you see things, a cable snake is a fantastic idea, or it is a horrid idea. I think the cable snake is great for those who like the “out of the box simplicity”. If you like having things set-up in an unconventional way, you will most likely not like the cable snake. You might find some of the cables a tad short.
Conclusion to Unpacking and Drum Hardware
Over all, I am very happy with this kit. I would give this portion of the review an 8 out of 10. I think the above issues that I mentioned are very minor and are easily over shadowed when you consider what you get for the money. If you are using the kit as is, I believe that you would be please with your purchase. If you are a DIY’er, you will be more than please because of the possibilities that this package gets you. As a DIY’er it would be easy to change the stock drum pads to a mesh style if that is what you like. Get new cabling and run it through the rack pipes. Change out the composite clamps with metal ones and add to the rack with standard drum rack hardware. And as a DIY’er, Alesis kind of helps you out in the sense that you will end up with four extra 1/4″ instrument cables. They come with the Surge cymbals, but are not needed if you use the supplied cable snake.
In part two of this review I will go over the DM10 module itself. The ins and outs and the good and the bad so, check back later.
44 users commented in " Alesis DM10 Pro Kit Review (part 1 of 2) "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackHello Phil, that was a very good review. I just purchased and setup the Alesis DM10 the other day. I too thought the assembly was easy and everything, including all screws and rubber rims, were in place. I have some concerns with the sound or volume and with the Mylar heads. I do not seem to get loud and crisp response when hitting the kit components. There are delays and many miss hits for some reason. I am just exploring it now and have not really hit it hard yet but already the Mylar is dented and scratched. I am new to electronic drums. I was expecting more for some reason. I have yet to calibrate my high hat and have not updated the software or firmware yet. Maybe there will an enhancement to the hardware response.
Thanks again for the great review
Brian
Hi Brian,
I’m not have the issues you are talking about. It sounds to me like you might be hitting the drums way too hard if you have denting. It is normally a good idea to use a lighter stick with electronic drums. I use a 5A stick and I have no dents in my drum heads.
I haven’t noticed any delays with sounds. Miss hits are normally a function of your module settings.
Your hit response is because the trigger sensitivity is set too low from the factory. I noticed this when I first turned on the DM10. I have since changed those setting and now everything works as it should. You might want to do the same. Then you will not have to hit as hard.
Thanks for the comments,
Phil
Frankly I have a Looooooong history of disappointment with Alesis Drum Modules. Do an internet search for DM-Pro Sux……
I own two DM Pros….. what a let down.
I am interested in this new unit but unless I am BLOWN away I will likely dump the Pro Modules and buy a TD-10
Hi JimtheProDrummer,
I’m sorry to hear about your disappointment. I’ve owned a DM-Pro myself. Other than the fact it would crash on me, I liked it.
I now have the second review of the DM10 (with video) up. So, you might want to check it out.
Since you use a DMPro you also might want to check out http://www.DMdrummer.com (The Unofficial Alesis Drummer Forum)
Phil,
Nice review! I have a couple of questions and I hope you can help me. I want a edrum kit and want realistic feel and sound. I am considering the DM10 and a Roland kit, maybee the TD-sx, or TD-4sx. My main concern with the DM10 was the sound, and after hearing your video I think it sounds good. I am liking the TD-9sx but it is expensive. How does the sound of the DM10 compare to the TD-9 or TD4? On your Alesis video 2, when you were showing the dual zones, you had “cross talk issues” but you didn’t say anything much about that. Is that a problem to fine tune the set to work? Can you explain what you think? Is this common with Roland kits as well, or just the DM10?
Thank you for taking time to help in my purchase!
Greg
Hi Greg,
The cross talk issues are just a matter of tweaking the kit and I pretty much have eliminated the cross talk that you saw in the video.
The sounds of the DM10 put it between the Roland TD-4 and TD-9. I don’t think many would have a problem with the sounds of the DM10. Keep in mind that the DM10 sound set is able to be changed (unlike the TD-4 and TD-9)
If you really like mesh head triggers, I don’t think you would like the DM10. The DM10 feels closer to a rubber pad than a mesh pad. The good news is that as a DIY’er they are easily upgradable.
The best advice I can give you on your purchase is to find a music store with the kits you are looking at and try them out for yourself. That way, you know what you are getting.
Let us know what you end up purchasing.
Phil
Thank You so much for the expert review! I’m so glad I found this site. Wow, after playing for only 6 months I am in the market for a set. I need to stay in good standing with my family and neighbors. And I hate playing on mutes. I am down between the Roland TD-9SX V Tour ($2500) and the Alesis DM10. I am still pondering, but I may go ahead and spend the extra money and get the Roland’s. The only thing I don’t like about them is the drum heads are even smaller than the DM10’s. I think 6 and 8 inches.
Thanks Again,
Dave
I think you would like either kit. Roland makes a good product (and a lot of people like the mesh head triggers), but the DM10 gives you more control over the sound. It’s a trade off, but I think either one would be a good purchase.
Here’s the million dollar question…as an acoustic player who is a bit of a purist when it comes to feel, how do these drums compare to an acoustic kit in this regard? No one around here will play them if they feel like your hitting plastic (or a trampoline, like the mesh heads).
The other major question I have has to do with sound flexibility. I am used to being able to pull 5 to 7 different and distinct sounds out of an acoustic drum, depending on the angle of my stick, the area of the head I’m hitting, and whether I’m playing the rim in combo with the head or alone. I hear a lot about triggering, but am I just going to get 2 sounds out of an edrum, rim and head, or is it far more flexible than I think it is (we’re not talking volume here, either, just tone)?
I am a long way from a store that carries edrums, and the closest only carry Roland, so all I get is the mesh heads, which don’t work at all for a dinosaur like me (don’t even talk to me about rubber heads…yuck). Before I drive 7 hours to test a kit, I wanna know if it is even worth my while. Can you help me out?
The answer to your million dollar question is easy. Out of the box (though, the DM10 Pro Kit is closer than most) it is not identical to acoustic drums. There is an easy way to rectify this problem if you don’t mind doing a little DIY (and can use a soldering iron and a few hand tools).
As an acoustic player purist you will not like electronic drums no matter how much you spend on them, period. The problem most purist drummers have is, they look at electronic drums as a replacement for acoustics (because most salesmen sell it that way). They are not. Though, very similar to acoustics they are really a different instrument. Your asking what most purist ask. Can it replicate 100% every little nuance as my acoustics. No, they can’t, at least not currently and it will probably be many more years before they can economically.
You may like edrums if you incorporate them along side with your acoustic set-up, but knowing you are a purist I just don’t see you being happy with electronic drums alone (and yes, I have talked about this subject with at least two purists before). I hope that helps.
P.S. Have you checked out the videos under Alesis DM10 Pro Kit‚ A Video Review? It should give you some idea of how it sounds.
Thanks, Phil. The problem I have is that I am under pressure to lower stage volume in the church. The drums are the last bastion of volume, and if I’m going to replace them, I gotta be happy with what I get. I got excited about RET Percussion, who touted having a true acoustic-electric drum, but dealers have told me that they simply don’t work (something about not being able to function with available modules). Seeing edrums as a different instrument helps…a very similar instrument that fills the same function and purpose, but different nonetheless. I’ll keep dragging my feet looking for the right fit, and maybe I can hold out long enough for those who want them to either change their minds or move on.
Thanks again!
chad
Hi Phil!
At first thank you for your really interesting reviews and videos about the dm10! You have to know that I’m looking for an electronic drumkit for quite a long time now. Actually I was on the verge to buy an old Roland-Set (td8 would be my favorite) on ebay, but now I seriously think about waiting for the dm10 (I said waiting, because in Germany it isn’t available yet). In one of your videos you said something about a td8 you own, if I didn’t have undestand it wrong. Now I’m very interested in how you would compare an old td8-modul to the new dm10? I think the sound set could be changed with both modules quite well (or do I have with one module many more editing-possibilities?), but what about the sounds? I thought for myself that the sound of the dm10 has to be newer and fresher, but until now I can’t test it. The problem is, that the dm10 isn’t available yet and the td8 isn’t sold any more in music-stores, so I won’t have a chance to compare both modules. Perhaps you could help me out! (And please excuse my grammatical mistakes, it depends on my German ancestry:)
Yes, I did mention my old Roland TD-8. I sold it over the summer to get the money to buy the Alesis DM10. The sounds in the TD-8 can be edited but the sound set itself can not be changed. The DM10 sounds can also be edited and the base sound set can be changed out. Of course Alesis has not released any new sound sets yet, but there should be some in the future. I can tell you that I prefer the DM10 much more than the TD-8. In my opinion the DM10 sounds better and the editing option are much more in depth. DM10 lets you assign two sound per each trigger zone. The TD-8 can not do that. I hope that helps.
By the way, your grammar looks better than mine and english is my only language!
Thank you very much, Phil, for your comparison! Now it’s easier for me to be patient and wait for the dm10!
hello from portugal!!! Can i put mesh heads in alesis dm 10 kit?
Yes you can but, just changing out the head will not make much difference in the feel of the pad. You will need to rework the pad a little inside. The good news is that it is a fairly easy upgrade and I’m hoping to have a post (or video) up in the next week showing how to do this.
hello
I’m from Holland and I was wondering if the bassdrum also is included when you buy this drumkit in Holland? Because with a lot of drumkits the bassdrum isn’t included.
It was included with the kit I bought. It doesn’t not come with a bass pedal however. You will still need to supply your own bass pedal. I hope this helps.
Hello! Rare question, but very useful because i’m traveling to USA and i need to know the size of the package to figure out luggage issues… since you have the box, could you help me with this question? Thanx!
I just got rid of the box last week. I can tell you the box is about 4 feet long 2-1/2 feet wide and about 1-1/2 feet deep. It weighs 50+ pounds. I hope that helps.
Hey thanks for the tip on the composite clamps. I am unloading my kit as we speak. I was getting frustrated already realizing that these clamps were not doing the job. And having over-tightened things before I knew better. Thanks to you and the internet I am not going to try to fully tighten these clamps just yet. I also noticed these clamps were set up with the drum screws all the way down and the wing nuts all the way up. This stuck me as a possible imbalance situation– unless of course, the wing nut could be tightened down as far as the allen drum bolts. For now I loosened the drum bolts so it would be ore balanced with the wing nuts 3/4 of the way tightened. I guess I’m going to follow your suggestion about the flat washers. Ironically I was just here reading/listening to the review before I finally made the plunge. Seems like the best kit going in its price range. And after selling my nice Tama Starclassic performer kit recently, I have been patiently waiting to pick up some e-drums and have some fun again. Thanks for your site.
P.S. It seems a possible work around to the clamp situation might simply be too loosen the drum key bolts on the clamps 1/2 way. Then tighten the wing nuts 3/4 or so. Then, finally retighten to maximum tension, using the drum bolts instead of the wing nuts. Of course this sort of defeats what I believe to be the purpose of the wing nut design: more simplicity and easier adjustments. One thing I remember though from my last gibraltar rack was simply that the clamps work best when tension is distributed equally between sides of the clamps
After hell and back with this DM10. Can you help me figure out what I can do to quiet the stick sound on the hi hat. I put pillows around the bass drum (i can’t believe I called it that). The pads don’t bother me. The crash is reasonable. I have fat Mackie speakers powering this baby. Yet the hi hat stick sound is too loud. I prefer to play medium volume. And this is one thing that I really like about e-drums. However, i am wondering what all the hoop-la is about the surge cymbals. I mean I hope it’s not the look. And yeah i guess the feel is cool simulating the real thing and all, but if the rubber cymbals are dead quiet than I’m starting to think I mighty have made a mistake. Don’t get me wrong, the dm10 is one hell of a e-drum kit to start out on, but would I be happier with a nice quiet rubber hi hat, maybe on a real stand. I don’t know. Thanks for your consideration.
Without buying a rubber hihat trigger, the only thing I can think of is using a cymbal mute. You can get them at an online music store. You will have to adjust your settings inside your DM10 because the cymbal mute will kill the sensitivity. I hope that helps.
Well I have always been an accoustic drummer I have tried the yamaha td drums and the Roland 12 and never liked them but I read a lot about the dm5 and 10 and thought I’d give it a go at the price I have to admit it’s as near as the feel to an accoustic kit you will come to I’m very pleased with it ok it has a few things an accoustic can’t do but to be honest if I’m going live I can always use accoustic hihats etc if I was that bothered I would reccomend this kit to anyone new or old
Hi! Im french,so sorry if my english isn’t very good. I just bought a alesis dm10 pro kit with surge cimbals, and i wanted to know if i need special tools to change the drum pad feel and calibrage. You said you fixed it, but i’m not sure i could. I have a professional drummer friend, do you think he could be able to help me, or should i call a salesman? thank you very much!!!
Hello Phil
Do you have any idea how long the update should take to load onto the DM10 Module?
Been waiting about 2hrs and its only downloaded 23% on the DM10 updater application so far! Its only a 158mb file – is this usual?
Sounds like there might be a problem. Be sure to check out DMdrummer.com and this thread: So my DM10 Pro came in today. I hope that helps.
Hi phil, what do you think is better for my first drum (i only take two lessons of drumming): Alesis Dm10( 950 euro), Medeli dd508 (650 euro) or roland td4 (1050 euro ? )
Thank you very much
I bought the DM10 ProKit this weekend. Thanks for the tip on the plastic clamps, I was a little diapointed when I saw them next to the metal ones. You said they can be replaced with metal ones, where please?
I’m also having various triggering issues, including a constant roll on the ride which is only rectified by switching the brain on with the two trigger leads disconnected. Not fixed by firmware update (took about 20 mins). Alesis have agreed to replace my brain.
Overall, very happy with the kit.
Has anyone any idea when the software sound sets will be available from FXpansion? Most places I’ve read quote Q3 2009!
Hi Dave,
The best advice I can give is, try before you buy if you can. Each one of those kits have there pros and cons. It is a matter of personal taste.
Any standard rack clamp should work. Most like to use Gibraltar clamps, which should be available at most online retailers. It sounds like your triggering issue is a module problem. Hopefully the new module will fix the issue. If it doesn’t, it might be a bad ride cymbal. I’m sure Alesis would replace it, if that is the case. Unfortunately, I don’t know when the new sound set will be made available. I heard Q2 of 2010. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Hi Phil,
I only had time to read half of this page, sorry if my question is a double.
The fact is I like the DM10 module mostly(sounds & the Dynamic Articulation seams to work good), but I prefer mesh-head pads for electronic drums. Would any third party mesh-head pad would work “properly” with the DM10 module? (i.e. Roland or cheaper Milennium).
One more question: I saw your video about the Alesis DM10, and besides your nice try, i find it hard to understand how much the SURGE Cymbals are(which are interesting to me). I would keep the drumkit at my flat, and i gotta be sure that after 2-3 hours of practicing I won´t find a neighbour knocking at my door for the noise.
Thank you in advance for taking the time for answering my 2 questions. Best regards. Alberto
my 2nd question is not clear as the sentence is not completed:
…i find it hard to understand how LOUD the SURGE Cymbals are…
You can upgrade the pads to mesh. It is fairly simple to do but, it is more than just putting a mesh head on it. Here’s is a video I did showing how to do just that:
http://www.hellfiredrums.com/archives/803
The Surge cymbals have the same volume as tapping your sticks on a desk or table top. I hope that helps.
Hi Phil, what do you think, is possible to add rubber pad on surge cymbals (like the one for the acustic cymbals) to reduce the noise ? I know that there is the studio kit, but i like the surge very much, and maybe when i’m playing in the night i can add it if it is possible…
Thank you Phil !
I don’t see why you can’t. Keep in mind that you will need to change your trigger settings once you put the rubber pad on the cymbal. Anytime you dampen a trigger you need to up the sensitivity. I hope this helps.
Hey Phil,
Alesis are boasting that you can load new sounds onto the DM10 via USB, but they are being extremely vague about how. I’ve been unable to get a straight answer from anyone about this, but I’d like to be able to record my own samples and upload them to the DM10. Every time Alesis mention the uploading, they follow by talking about third party sound manufacturers. Do you know if they’re going to sell new sounds to us or if we can source and upload our own sounds?
Does it say anything in the instructional manual? Did it come with any software?
Thanks!
The short answer is no, you can not upload your own sounds. For a better answer you might want to listen to the interview I did with the product manager of Alesis Jim Norman. Here is the link the the interview: Podcast 8/20/2009 Episode!. I hope this helps.
Phil,
I have just got the Kit and I agree that default sensitivity of the trigger is very low.
Which sensitivity do you recommend for each instrument?.
Thanks!
The best thing to do is to play around with the settings so it play to your liking. I hope that helps.
Hey,
great reviews! i just purchased the dm10 pro and was wondering what tweaks (setting-wise) did you make to make your kit sound that good? My kit is being plugged into an interface for recording on my mac so this question really is more about sensitivity and getting the correct feel.. any advice?
Phil, Thanks so much for such an awesome and comprehensive review. I am going to be purchasing the DM10 within the next month or so. In any event, as a big guy (6′ 7″) do you foresee any issues with the adjustability of DM10 or its size? That is, I’ve read, regarding some lower end “fixed” sets (Roland HD-1 for example) that if the player is fairly tall the kit is definitely not for them. I know that everything is adjustable on the DM10, but thought you may have some additional insight. I know the real answer is to find a demo and check it out, but that’s proving to be difficult in my particular region of New England (NH). Thanks for any thoughts and thanks again for the helpful review and videos.
I don’t think it would be a problem. I’m not a tall person (about 5′ 9″) and I like to sit high on the kit. Even doing that I could still raise the kit up about five inches if need be. If that isn’t enough you could always build a small platform/riser that the kit would sit but you and your drum throne would not. Just a thought. Anyway I hope that helps. BTW, if you get a chance, check out DMdrummer.com (has the largest base of DM10 users on the net). It is a forum site that I set up for people using Alesis drumming products. I hope to see you around.
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