Alesis i/o need some infor before purchase

[TAKnipe]

Hey Guys, Does anyone own one of these? I am thinking of making one but I want to know more and see if it fits what I am looking for? Thanks, Tom

[Jman]

There have been quite a few posts on the unit at vdrums and edrumming ..... I think JoeK had a pretty informative thread. Evidentally the one important question is how it will work with the particular pads you use.... J
http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33201&highlight=Alesis+Trigger+IO

[TAKnipe]

Thanks J, I need to read up on it. Very seriously considering one for recording and for other avenues of interest. ;D

[OverLord]

There will be a lot of these beasts at FutureDrum. That would be a good place to check them out if you can wait that long.

[TAKnipe]

I can wait, I can wait ;D

[Hope Drums]

Pintech sent me one to test with their kit, acoustic triggers and some other things....I like it, but I can see where it has its limits. I can't decide if I want to go with it or with another drum module. Its pros are that it is light-weight, easy to use and fairly inexpensive. Its cons are that it relies soley on BFD or similar program (which is not the best option for live play in clubs/bars), it has no sounds itself, it only has 10 inputs (and I believe the hihat pedal takes up 1 of those) and it has no midi in to allow for say an Alesis control pad.

In the end, I'll probably still end up buying one, because they are such a handly little device and only cost $150.

[codeJockey]

I've been using one of these for a few months now & (for the most part) I really like it. It has the major advantage of recognizing piezo-type rim triggers, unlike the Roland TD10 which only likes switch-type rim triggers (except for the Snare input). I plug my Pintech toms into the I/O & it has no problem recognizing both head & rim hits. I MIDI-out from the I/O to the TD10 and have suffered no lag time between the triggers connected to the I/O and the triggers connected directly to the TD10. The only issue that I have had with the I/O if for it to recognize cymbal clutches using a Pintech PC dual trigger crash, but I never spent much time trying to figure out what the problem was.

[ghostman]

I was looking at the I/O and the DM5. I decided the I/O didn't have enough inputs. The I/O can still trigger a MIDI source like a keyboard. I did like the connectivity to computer, and BFD looks like a great product. Cheap solution, tho - $150. Two of them might do the trick for $300!! And, there is a 'upgrade' to the full BFD, probably, $200 or so (a GUESS, I have no idea). so, 2 I/O's and full BFD, $500.. 20 inputs.

The DM5 has more inputs, on board sounds AND can trigger MIDI. And, with a MIDI-USB cable, I can still trigger to my computer. BFD Drums is $400. total investment, ~$800 (DM5, $350, USB cable, $50, BFD $400).

Or, one of each. for $500, plus $200 if you upgrade BFD.

So, that's my geek cost analysis. or ROI.

[ghostman]

You could always download the PDF Manual:
http://www.alesis.com/company/media2.php?download_id=DGMHZABsAmc%3D

I think that one big downside is the lack of a MIDI/IN/Thru. You can't chain 2 together, you have to have a second module. Unless you can chan them via USB or something..

[Axe_Grinder]

"I decided the I/O didn't have enough inputs" - "The DM5 has more inputs"

The DM-5 has 2 more mono inputs... The I/O will take d/z as well as stereo pads, if split, a total of 20 compared to the 12 on the DM-5. The sounds on the DM-5 IMHO aren't worth the extra money. However, to just sit down and jam... It is always a benefit to have on-board sounds.

"I think that one big downside is the lack of a MIDI/IN/Thru. You can't chain 2 together, you have to have a second module. Unless you can chan them via USB or something"

The I/O can be ran in sync to your computer. Why would you want to hook them together? There are no on-board sounds.

"The DM5 has more inputs, on board sounds AND can trigger MIDI. And, with a MIDI-USB cable, I can still trigger to my computer"

There is no usb on the dm5... you are limited to midi which in my opinion is fine... I prefer a midi connection over usb.


Again, this is just my humble opinion....


-R-

[ghostman]

"I decided the I/O didn't have enough inputs" - "The DM5 has more inputs"

The DM-5 has 2 more mono inputs... The I/O will take d/z as well as stereo pads, if split, a total of 20 compared to the 12 on the DM-5. The sounds on the DM-5 IMHO aren't worth the extra money. However, to just sit down and jam... It is always a benefit to have on-board sounds.


I didn't realize the I/O were dual inputs. Thanks! And the on-board sounds for just sitting and playing, we agree on that..


"I think that one big downside is the lack of a MIDI/IN/Thru. You can't chain 2 together, you have to have a second module. Unless you can chan them via USB or something"

The I/O can be ran in sync to your computer. Why would you want to hook them together? There are no on-board sounds.


I was thinking that if I wanted 20 pads to go to the computer, I could chain other modules, using MIDI-thru:
i/o -> i/o -> 'puter.
instead of:
i/o -\
\---- 'puter.
i/o -/

And this would require a USB Hub or multiple USB inputs - which is no big deal.


"The DM5 has more inputs, on board sounds AND can trigger MIDI. And, with a MIDI-USB cable, I can still trigger to my computer"

There is no usb on the dm5... you are limited to midi which in my opinion is fine... I prefer a midi connection over usb.

I know there is no USB on the DM5, but I have a MIDI-USB cable.


Again, this is just my humble opinion....
-R-


Thanks for your thoughts, they pointed out oversights on my end, and now, I am thinking the I/O may be a great 'extender' module.. instead of 2 TD-8s or something, I can get a TD-8 and an I/O for more pad/sound goodness..

I am thinking my new setup may look like this:
I/O USB-> Computer (optional)
I/O MIDI -> TD-8 Midi-Thru -> Korg Keyboard

so, another question, and this breaks the thread topic of the Alesis I/O a little, can the Roland modules trigger non-mapped sounds via MIDI? In the map above, can I set the I/O to trigger a TD-8 sample for a pad, and a Korg sample from another? Based on MIDI note mapping, I may have an issue with two sounds at once, but if I define a drumkit on a TD module, are there still sounds available beyond the 'active' sounds? Did that question make sense?

Damn your logic, now you're making me think!

Anyway, thanks Rogue!

[ghostman]

OK, I bought one. I was holding out for a TD-12 or the Yamaha DTXreme III, but I won't have the cash for that for a while.. So I gotta wait for my next bonus or tax refund or something. So, I bought a I/O from RMC Audio - I figure it'll make a good 'add-on' module for when I get around to get the other one. Anyway, my drums are sitting in storage since I am redoing the room they belong in, but I can play with it and my laptop, and my Korg keyboard and a pad or two. I also got some pinTech e-cymbals (Brian posted a clearance sale, so I got some..).. Anyway, once the stuff comes in, I'll start playing with it. If anyone has any requests on tests or anything, I'll do my best to answer to the best of my ability.

So, I am officially taking requests for tests / questions you want answered.