We receive a small kickback from our partners when you click through and purchase the great gear we recommend. Details
If I had to buy a new electronic drum kit for my home studio for under $500, I would get the Alesis Nitro Mesh electronic drum set. It has more features and flexibility than most similar kits available today, with a loyal following. The mounts and clamps are sturdy as hell, and the drum module is realistic, responsive, with great tone.
We like the Nitro Mesh Kit because there is a lot of room to grow and upgrade as your needs and skills evolve. It is hands-down the #1 best selling electronic drum kit on Amazon, with tons of great reviews.
The Alesis Nitro module (the computerized brain that makes the sounds) has 1/8’’ stereo input jacks that make it so easy connecting to your iPod or CD player and do some heavy mixing, or play along with your favorite tracks.
One of the things our reviewers noted about the Nitro Mesh is that, for its relatively low price, has superior hardware. In particular, the tubing on which the drum pads are mounted, are remarkably sturdy. Most (if not all) of the others in this price range have rather flimsy tubing, which means the whole drum set can wobble and shake during heavy playing. Dawson Music noted this in their testing as well:
For those who are serious about learning drums, the DM Nitro Mesh is one of the best (and low cost) options you can choose from. The fact that it’s an 8-piece kit with 40 ready to play drum kits built-in, as well as 60 built-in practice tracks with a sequencer to capture every performance.
Alesis have made sure to include a dual zone snare sensor for those rim shots as well as the coveted cymbal choke detection which offers unprecedented realistic response for a beginner/practice kit.
Ready for the ‘Cadillac Model’? The Strike Kit Special Edition is the flagship electronic drum set by Alesis. One of my drummer friends remarked how the RealHead Pads provide an exceptionally realistic feel. Just look at them in the video below – they even LOOK real. You won’t just be hitting on rubber pads, you get the bounceback feel of real drum heads.
The other great thing is the drum module (again, the computerized brain that makes the sounds) has individual channels for each piece.
If you already have a considerable amount of drum experience and price is not an issue, you should definitely consider the Alesis Strike Kit. You can throw pretty much anything at it without worrying about needed upgrades. It’s got everything you need. Check out this video of the Special Edition Pro:
The best thing you can do is think about your needs as a drummer. If your requirements are slightly different just move up or down accordingly.
However, our pick is guaranteed to give you maximum playability for the money you spend. It sounds great and is super reliable.
Happy drumming!
DM Nitro Mesh | Plus aux input for playing w/ external audio |
Snare | Dual-zone 8-Inch |
Toms | Three Toms |
Cymbals | Two Cymbals |
USB-MIDI Output | Send drums to your DAW! |
Number of Sounds | 385 Total, 40 kits, 60 play along tracks, & metronome |
Also | hi-hat pad, kick pedal, hi-hat controller, 4 post aluminum rack, & cable snake |
more specs |
If I had to buy a new electronic drum kit for my home studio for under $500, I would get the Alesis Nitro Mesh electronic drum set. It has more features and flexibility than most similar kits available today, with a loyal following and great reviews. Mounts and clamps are sturdy as hell, and the drum module is realistic, responsive, with great tone.
If price is not an option, get this. It will handle pretty much everything you throw at it. It's also sturdy as hell and can grow with you as a drummer.
“The Alesis DM Nitro Mesh kit is the successor to the Alesis DM6, and a step up in terms of quality and playability. For those who are serious about learning drums, the DM Nitro Mesh is one of the best (and low cost) options you can choose from. The fact that it's an 8-piece kit with 40 ready to play drum kits built-in, as well as 60 built-in practice tracks with a sequencer to capture every performance. That's a LOT of options and a great way to learn! To offer that "real feel" playing experience, Alesis have made sure to include a dual zone snare sensor for those rim shots as well as the coveted cymbal choke detection which offers unprecedented realistic response for a beginner/practice kit. The thick 8" pads are comfortable to play whilst you smash through 385 drum and cymbal sounds and learn how to play or hone your skills with the dedicated learning mode.”
DM Nitro Mesh | Plus aux input for playing w/ external audio |
Snare | Dual-zone 8-Inch |
Toms | Three Toms |
Cymbals | Two Cymbals |
USB-MIDI Output | Send drums to your DAW! |
Number of Sounds | 385 Total, 40 kits, 60 play along tracks, & metronome |
Also | hi-hat pad, kick pedal, hi-hat controller, 4 post aluminum rack, & cable snake |
more specs |
Did we miss a recommendation? Is there something you'd like to see us review? Typos? Mistakes? If so, drop us a line.