The Alesis SamplePad Pro is a percussion and sample triggering instrument with eight velocity-sensitive stereo pads and blue LED backlighting. Out of the box, it offers more than 200 professionally recorded sounds that are arranged into ten pre-configured drum kits for quick access. In addition, up to 512 of the user's own sounds can be loaded via SD card (up to a maximum of 32GB) and saved in 89 individual kits. As a special feature, it is also possible to layer two imported samples per pad and trigger them either simultaneously or individually with different playing velocities. Thanks to the selection of trigger inputs provided, the SamplePad Pro can be expanded by adding two external drum pads, one pedal each for kick drum and hi-hat, and a footswitch for control. It is also compatible with MIDI-enabled pads, triggers, sequencers, and instruments.
The Alesis Samplepad Pro's spectrum of internal sounds ranges from drum and cymbal samples to percussive sounds and unusual synth sounds. Each sample can be individually adjusted with parameters such as pitch, balance, and reverb, and all settings are made using the illuminated display and the four cursor keys. Amplifiers, sound systems, or audio interfaces can be connected via the Alesis Samplepad Pro's 6.3mm outputs, in addition to which a headphone output with its own volume control is provided for monitoring or undisturbed practice sessions. A stereo input - also with a separate level control - allows the connection of a smartphone or MP3 player. The SamplePad Pro can also be connected directly to a PC or Mac via USB, which lets the user drag and drop samples directly onto an SD card.
Compared to similar products from other manufacturers, the Alesis SamplePad Pro is an extremely affordable and therefore very beginner-friendly instrument. The range of functions is impressive thanks to the Samplepad's expandability and MIDI support, despite which the device can still be quickly understood thanks to its simple operating concept. Beginners can first familiarise themselves with the controls, the basic features, and the internal sounds, and then later experiment with their own samples and put together completely new kits. The casing of the SamplePad Pro is robust and the pads feature a durable high-quality rubber coating, which means this device is also suitable for regular use outside of the rehearsal room or studio. On top of that, the blue LED backlighting of the pads not only looks cool but also makes the pads easier to hit accurately on dimly lit stages.
Alesis was founded in 1984 by Keith Barr in Hollywood, California, and has become one of the leading manufacturers of signal processors, drum machines, synthesizers, and other studio equipment. The company’s most successful products during its early years were the MIDIverb, the HR-16 drum machine, and the ADAT multitrack digital recorders. In 2001, Alesis was acquired by Numark owner Jack O’Donnell and is now part of his InMusic parent company alongside brands like AKAI, Denon, and many other well-known names in the audio manufacturing industry. Alesis has also been a major player in the field of e-drums for many years and offers a large choice of products in all price ranges.
The range of possible uses for the Alesis SamplePad Pro is very expansive: On the one hand, users have the option of expanding an existing electronic drum kit with additional pads and new sounds. On the other hand, an acoustic set can easily be transformed into a hybrid kit in a heartbeat. This allows the player not only to access a large electronic sound library but also to play their own sound effects, loops, and complete backing tracks via the SamplePad Pro. Of course, it can also be used as a standalone digital instrument, e.g. for practising at home or for club gigs on small stages. Upgrading the SamplePad Pro with additional pads and pedals virtually turns it into a full-fledged electronic drum kit, and last but not least, it can also be used as a conventional MIDI controller.