This post was updated on: April 19th 2024
Do you know that one of the most popular electronic drum brands today is Alesis?
This famous brand has shown their professionalism and outstanding design in the two different models of Surge and Nitro electronic drum sets.
Alesis Surge vs Nitro competition has been occurring for a long time.
At the end, which one should be the better option for you? Let’s have a deeper insight into their quality and features through this article! It’s time for us to discover!
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 14:47 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Alesis Surge Vs Nitro Mesh Kit
Right in the way these models are stated, you probably know their first feature in common. Surely! It’s about all-mesh drum heads.
Because the Alesis Surge and Nitro models are developed with the same drum module, they do have the shared feature of onboard recorders and 385 sounds.
Furthermore, Alesis Nitro vs Surge combat within the field of built-in play-along tracks is a draw!
There are up to 60 tracks in each drum set. Not yet, these models of mesh kits feature aux input and USB MIDI connectivity technology.
One of their differences belongs to the hardware component. While the Alesis Surge’s rack is made of chrome, the material to make Nitro’s rack is aluminum.
The element of chrome will make the rack more professional in performing and learning.
Another difference is the size of the snare drum. The Alesis Surge is 10 inches while that figure is just 8” in the Nitro snare drum.
The bigger a snare drum is, the more realistic you can feel when using that mesh kit. And now, it’s time for further details.
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 09:39 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alesis Nitro Overview
Tunable Mesh Heads
These turnable heads help us feel more authentic during the set usage. “Turnable” implies that users can flexibly adjust the level of sensitivity and rebound.
These outstanding features greatly help with the electronic drum players’ authentic feels.
Although Alesis Nitro’s kick pad and cymbals are made of rubber, it’s not a big deal with a high-end electronic drum set.
Software
40 drum lessons from Melodics are waiting for you to explore!
Alesis and Melodics have collaborated to bring about 40 bonus lessons once you register your Alesis drum sets. You’re excited to hear?
Moreover, you can enjoy 60 tracks available on this device.
If you’re a tech lover, with the MIDI connectivity, which allows users to connect the Alesis Nitro drum set to your computer, you’ll feel nothing but satisfied!
Nitro Mesh Kit
Hardware
Even though the Alesis Nitro’s pads are not as large as several of its competitors, it is still easy for starters to get acquainted.
With this model, you will get drum pads, a kick pad together with cymbal pads.
The Snare pad is 8 inches in size, and there are 3 tom pads available.
A crash cymbal with choke, 1 ride cymbal, and hi-hat are what you will also get when making this purchase.
Recording
MIDI outputs can also be great in help with your recordings. If you want to record sounds, here are 3 options for you to choose from:
- Hit the “record button” while playing
- Use the MIDI outputs to make a connection with the sound module
- Use the audio outputs to connect to recording tools.
- Feel The Difference Mesh Makes – All mesh electronic drum Kit heads deliver the most realistic, responsive and immersive playing experience drummers demand
- Premium Eight-Piece Drumset - 8 Inch dual-zone snare pad, (3) 8 Inch tom drums and (3) 10 Inch cymbals: ride cymbal, hi-hat, crash w/choke
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 14:47 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Buy Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum Kit?
Thanks to the Alesis Nitro mesh kit’s simplicity but modernness in design and usage, it will be perfect for users at the beginning and intermediate levels! Easy to use, clear functions, simple to operate! At the same time, it is still cool and professional from the outside.
Alesis Surge Overview
Hardware
With the premium chrome 4-post rack, the model of Alesis Surge ensures the whole mesh kit solid and secure.
Hence, drummers can easily express themselves to the fullest without any fears of breaking the components or loss of positioning.
Software
Just like the Alesis Nitro, this Surge model is equipped with 40 drum bonus lessons from Melodics.
The cooperation between Melodics and Alesis really does a great job in satisfying drum learners’ demand!
In order to get these lessons, you can simply follow the steps listed in the same section about Alesis Nitro.
There must be something for you to learn, no matter what level you are at!
Learning with apps can become a trend and interest of drummers in the present time. Are you ready to become a tech lover?
Surge Mesh Kit
The Ins And Outs
One of the most important features favored by these Surge users is its variability in connectivity.
In particular, users can connect any aux-compatible devices, such as smartphones, MP3 players, to the Surge drum module.
You can also use the MIDI in/out ports to make the best use of your MIDI-compatible devices.
Additionally, the Surge’s onboard USB output will be great for you to take command of your virtual connections.
The Drums Module
The powerful Surge module is so-called the soul of this Alesis Surge.
With it, the model features up to 385 sounds, 60 play-along tracks.
So there are a lot of choices as references and examples for you to listen to. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
An Effective Kick Pad
Apart from the turnable mesh heads as those of the Alesis Nitro, a kick pad will probably be the next outstanding feature we would like to introduce here.
The set features a single snare and toms with a size of 10 and 8 inches, respectively.
And its kick pad’s diameter is only 8 inches. Although many people can think this is a weakness, the small size, on the other hand, is good and compact.
- Natural feel, premium response; 8” mesh kick drum Tower with kick drum pedal (included), 10” dual-zone mesh snare and three 8” dual-zone mesh Tom pads
- Express yourself: (3) 10” cymbals: Ride cymbal, hi-hat, Crash with choke
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 09:39 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Buy Alesis Surge Mesh? A Good Choice
This model will be suitable for a large number of drummers. Thanks to the learning apps, a huge range of sounds, and the mesh heads, it can benefit beginners a lot! However, don’t forget this is a really high-quality product. It is designed for all intermediate and advanced players!
Alesis Surge Vs Nitro - Which Is Better?
As far as we have explored, there are a lot of excellent features of Alesis Surge and Nitro models. Sincerely, they feature a lot in common, and both utilize high-end tech and convenient design.
However, after considering each model’s detailed features, we have to say that the Surge mesh kit is a bit more favored.
Have you noticed what separates these two modern electronic drums sets? Yeah, you’re right! The first thing is that the Surge’s rack is made of premium chrome while the Nitro’s rack is made of aluminum.
Hence, in this battle, Surge is the winner!
The second feature we can’t miss here is the Surge model has a bigger kick drum pedal than the Nitro. With the Alesis Surge, you can take advantage of its double bass pedal compared to the Nitro's single bass pedal.
Besides, the snare pad size of 10 inches is another plus point for Alesis Surge, because that figure of the Nitro is only 8 inches.
These are not the only ones for differences but the typical ones for picking the best candidate in this competition.
And if there is only one winner, our choice is the Alesis Surge.
FAQs
How To Connect Alesis Nitro To Computer?
The Nitro mesh kit features a USB/MIDI connection, and these hold the key to connecting the drum set to your computer.
Utilizing the USB port is quicker and more simply because the only thing to do is connect two ends of the cables to the USB ports.
In case you wanna use the MIDI connection, certain software installed on your computer for recording sounds or other tasks are required.
How To Use Bluetooth Headphones With Alesis Nitro?
First and foremost, you will need a Bluetooth wireless transmitter.
Then plug its micro USB port into the wall. Another port is for a headphone cable.
Hence, it would be best if you plugged this into the headphone port on your drum module's back or front.
This device will send the Bluetooth signals of your audio coming from the module. The simple step to do is press the button on the transmitter to pair these two devices.
How To Factory Reset Alesis Surge?
In case you wanna factory reset your beloved mesh kit, follow these steps.
First of all, turn off the drum module. Secondly, press and hold the “Stop” and “Enter” buttons while you’re powering up the drum module.
At that time, one the screen of the module comes “Resetting factory defaults…”. After that, let’s wait for 5s and let go of the buttons.
By these steps, you can easily restore the module’s factory default setting.
In Conclusion
In the end, have you decided which one should be best for you yet?
We believe that the answer is yes.
The final answer should come with your financial status, personal preferences, and aesthetic taste.
For us to recommend, the Alesis Surge has the edge over its rival in the competition Alesis Surge vs Nitro.
It is because of the Surge's component's materials, the double bass pedals, and its size of the snare pad.
Further Reading:
https://www.schoolofrock.com/resources/drums/beginners-guide-for-how-to-set-up-a-drum-set
https://drummagazine.com/back-to-basics-how-to-set-up-your-drums/
http://thevault.musicarts.com/four-essential-drum-tips-for-beginning-students-of-all-ages/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_kit