While using my Alesis DM10 with some of my other equipment (namely my Alesis Trigger I/O). I learned just how much Alesis made their equipment (what I call) vertically integrated.

The Alesis DM10 has 35 additional sounds that can be accessed with midi. Each one of the 35 additional sound location are totally editable. Meaning FX, EQ, Decay, Layer A B etc. All you need is a couple extra pieces of equipment to access them like, an Alesis Trigger I/O and/or an Alesis Control Pad.

That means you could fill all the inputs of the DM10 (22 zones), add an Alesis Trigger I/O and fill all inputs (20 zones), add an Alesis Control Pad (8 zones), and still have room for 7 mores zones! Here is a picture to show how to connect up these device to get the most from an Alesis DM10:

It doesn’t stop there. You could also have 3 hi-hats using the above set-up. One variable hi-hat on the DM10 and two additional switch type hi-hats. One on the Alesis control pad and one on the Trigger I/O (be sure to set the hi-hat control to switch type with the Trigger I/O). Again, Keep in mind that hi-hats on the Control Pad and Trigger I/O would be switch type only. Also, you can add 2 more external triggers via the control pad’s two external trigger jacks. All of that should use up all 35 additional sounds. Now, that would be one heck of a kit!

Here is an additional chart I put together to show the midi note layout of the DM10:

If you are interested in more information about how to get the most out of Alesis drum equipment (like the DM10, Trigger I/O, DM5, SR-18 and more) please visit www.DMdrummer.com (The Unofficial Alesis Drummer Forum) and become an active member today!