Alesis Nitro Max Kit Electric Drum Set with Quiet Mesh Pads, 10" Dual Zone Snare, Bluetooth, 440+ Authentic Sounds, Drumeo, USB MIDI, Kick Pedal

I think this is probably the best budget kit available on Amazon. This kit has several HUGE advantages and very few relatively minor issues as far as I was able to notice.Pros:1) High quality construction2) Very good drum module with many features3) A metronome with 3 different sounds to select from - this is HUGE plus! It is also very robust, you do not need to buy any external metronome.4) Bluetooth connectivity works like a charm!5) The module has a holder for phone or tablet, very convenient6) The module allows you to change/assign midi codes for each item in the kit - this is HUGE!7) The module has USB-B midi port, you can use to connect your iPad and leverage on midi integration. This is very useful for games and learning (among other things).8) Additional parts are available for purchasing9) The drums module acts as mixer for your drums and whatever external stereo audio source you may want to use (I usually use Youtube on iPad). In other words, no need to buy separate mixer unless you want to connect microphones or more than one audio source.Cons:1) Included assembly instruction guide is useless. It is impossible to understand anything there. I suggest to watch youtube video "Alesis Nitro Max Mesh Kit setup guide", it should help, but please allocate at least one hour for assembly.2) The kit does not include audio and USB adapters/cables to connect your headphones and tablets (I will list all the additional cables you need below)3) The module does not have standard midi ports, it only offers midi connectivity via USB. Note, only midi can be sent via USB, no audio. For audio connectivity you need to use bluetooth or 3.5mm audio cable.4) Tom-2 has incorrect midi code, you will need to change it in the settings of the module from 45 (low tom) to 47 (low-mid tom)5) User manual for the module is not included, you need to download it from the manufacturer web site6) Audio sound is relatively weak, you may need to buy mini preamp... I am still testing a few options here. This is optional though.7) The electric kit is not completely silent though, people around will hear you hitting toms with sticks. You can buy dumpers for your drumsticks, but dumpers can reduce the noise, not eliminate it.Expansion Pack:I highly suggest to purchase expansion pack from the Alesis, it is called Alesis Drums Nitro Max Expansion Pack.Headphones:You have probably purchased this kit to practice silently using headphones. If you want to teach your child, you may need two pairs of headphones that can be connected to each other, so you can hear your child playing. I picked OneOdio Over Ear Headphone, Wired version. Headphones come with two cords, black (3.5), and red (1/4). You only need the red cord. However, you will need to also buy 1/4 Female Stereo to 2 X 1/4 Male Mono Y Splitter since the module has two 1/4 female mono jacks for left and right channels.For midi connectivity with iPad (mine has lighting connector and headphones jack) you may need:1) USB A Male to USB B Male Cable2) Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter3) I like to use mobile application X Drum - 3D & AR, it has very good midi integration (make sure to change midi code for tom 2 as listed above)For iPad audio connectivity:1) Bluetooth can be used2) Instead I am using 3.5mm stereo male to male Audio Cable to connect module with iPad through iPad headphones jack.My summary and conclusion:I like this kit, and to my opinion it worths its price.

Great drum set, always rated in the top 3 of 4 in every independent review. Easy to program or use preset kits. Bluetooth is great for using backing tracks to practice from a phone or tablet, etc. even the practice modes are great for beginners or to sharpen up rusty veteran percussionists. Headphone port to jam without waking the neighbors. Feels like a real kit, but the rack is a bit unstable (I’m working on a stability fix). Great price for one of the best electronic drum sets out there.

I got this so I can play quietly, whenever I want. I highly recommend getting the expansion pack for the extra cymbal and tom. This kit is very very well packaged. Tons of cardboard and plastic to throw out. The instructions aren't the best. The rack is fairly cheap and wobbly, but works ok. The snare bounces a bit, but really doesn't affect my drumming experience. I'm 6'3" and i was worried about playability given my long arms but I can play it. I placed things as far away as I can when setting it up. I had a difficult time getting my double bass pedals connected to the kick pad, I had to modify my kick pedal mount, and the beaters have to be as close to the center of the pad as possible to work. Now I got it pretty good, but the whole kickpad moves, So ill have to figure out how to keep it from moving. (keep in mind that a single kickpedal, like what comes with the kit will work fine, but you still may find the kickpad moving). Maybe I can put something heavy on it, or affix it to the floor? Anyway, I really enjoy the feel of the drums, you get that feel and bounce just like real drums. With my headphones on, its loud and sounds really close to real acoustic drums and cymbals. It really is quite remarkable. I haven't ran it out to my PA system yet (or "drum amp"), Someday soon. Im sure it sounds like on the headphones. It is nice to not be straddling a snare stand, some people say they prefer using a snare stand to the bouncy mount, but I don't see that I need to at all. Most of the included kits and alternate "voices" are ridiculous, number 01 is the best, most realistic kit. You can change the EQ bands, lows, mids, highs, which is nice. It's easy to change the sound of any drum or cymbal, but it's def limited, and not much realistic choices. I was excited about the Dark Mahogany kit you can get online, but keep in mind the module must be connected to your computer to work, it doesn't "install" the kit unto the module so you can use it anytime NOT connected to the computer. Bummer for me, because I don't have a computer in my jam room, lol. Ill get a laptop I guess for this purpose. The footprint of this kit is WAY smaller than my old acoustic kit which is nice, great for small spaces. It's great for beginners, or advanced players, kids or adults. It's not 100% quiet, my wife could hear the tapping and thumping noises from the other side of the house, but hey, there is going to be a little noise, but it's pretty darn quiet. I guess what i'm saying is that if you think playing at 2am when others are sleeping and the house is dead quiet isn't qoing to bother anyone,, it MIGHT. I might look for another kickpad (bigger and more stable). And the rack could be beefier. Ok, thats it! all my thoughts on it. I do not regret buying this kit! I'm playing everyday now, and I'm not bothering anyone.