If you’re a new drummer interested in electronic percussion, you’ll want to hear about this Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit review. This compact, lightweight drum kit is great for practicing at home, giving you a realistic drumming experience without needing a full acoustic setup.
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is unique because its mesh heads offer excellent response and feel. It has 40 preset kits and 385 sounds, making it versatile for different drumming styles.
Ready to find out how this electronic drum kit can improve your practice sessions? Keep reading, and let’s explore what makes the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit a must-have for drummers of all levels.
Short Summary
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is an affordable and feature-rich electronic drum set for beginner drummers.
Offers realistic playing experience with mesh heads, 10″ single zone cymbals & extensive sound customization capabilities.
Positively received by users for construction, sound features & customization options.
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit Overview
The Alesis Nitro Mesh electronic drum set has received positive reviews for its realistic feel and affordable price. With its mesh drum heads and responsive pads, this kit offers superior playability and dynamic range.
I remember when I was just starting out on the drums, the Alesis Nitro Mesh electronic drum set caught my eye for its realistic feel and affordable price. It’s amazing how this kit offers so many features, including a wide range of sounds and coaching functions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced drummers.
It is an affordable electronic drum set that comes with 8 pieces (5 drums, a bass drum 3 cymbals) and a powerful drum module.
With its stylish design, small size, and reasonable price, this kit is perfect for individuals just beginning to learn the drums or for young children eager to start their musical journey.
This electronic drum kit offers impressive features, including 385 sounds, 60 play-along songs, a straightforward drum module, and connection options for recording and MIDI functionality.
With such an affordable price, it’s no wonder that the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit has become a popular choice for aspiring drummers.
Components and Design
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit includes an 8” dual-zone mesh snare drum, 3 x 8” mesh toms, a mesh kick drum, three cymbal pads (a ride cymbal, a hi-hat, and a crash cymbal), drum sticks, a kick pedal, power supply, cables, and cable wraps. With all these components, you’re set to start playing right out of the box.
The kit’s design is both stylish and functional, featuring a black-on-black finish and a 4-post aluminium rack that is both stable and aesthetically pleasing. The kick drum and kick tower are crafted from a combination of plastic, rubber, and metal, ensuring durability and stability during play.
The cymbals each have a semi-circle rubber area on the cymbal bow, providing a realistic playing experience.
Portability is also a key aspect of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit. The crossbars connected to the two center posts can be loosened, allowing the kit to be ‘folded’ for ease of transport.
Whether practicing at home or taking the kit to a friend’s house for a jam session, the Nitro Mesh Kit is easy to move and set up.
Target Audience
The Alesis Nitro is a popular electronic drum kit that has received positive reviews from users around the world.
It is specifically designed for individuals who are just beginning to learn the drums, as well as young children. Its user-friendly design makes it an ideal option for those just starting out, allowing them to focus on learning the fundamentals of drumming without being overwhelmed by complicated features.
The kit’s lightweight and compact size make it an ideal choice for young kids, fitting comfortably in smaller spaces while still offering a realistic playing experience.
As children grow and develop their skills, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit can grow with them, offering customization and expansion options to suit their evolving needs.
And having personally used the Alesis Nitro Mesh electronic drum kit, I can attest to its user-friendly design and realistic playing experience, making it an ideal choice for beginners and young drummers.
The compact size and lightweight build are particularly advantageous, allowing it to fit comfortably in smaller spaces without compromising on playability.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate Players
FEATURES: 350+ Built-In Sounds
OTHER INFO: Built-In Coaching
Alesis Netro Mesh Complete Expansion Bundle
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Headphones, drum sticks & stool included
- The cozy sponge and leather pads also cut down on outside noise
- Everything you need to get playing right away
- The trade off for having everything you need is that this is a large electric kit, so you will need a good size space to set-up before playing
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Performance and Playability
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers an enjoyable playing experience with expressive sounds, responsive triggering, and realistic rebound. The mesh heads provide a natural feel and near-silent response, making it perfect for practice sessions at home without disturbing neighbours or family members.
However, the cymbal performance could be improved, as some users have noted that their responsiveness and triggering may not be on par with more expensive electronic drum sets.
The mesh heads also offer a realistic feel, making it easier for beginners to transition from e-drum kits to an acoustic drum kit in the future.
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit provides a wide range of sound options, with 385 drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds, as well as 40 kits, of which 20 are preset, and 15 are user-editable.
However, some limitations exist, such as the pads being all 8 inches in diameter and the hi-hat being a free-floating pedal and pad combination, making it unsuitable for gigging and unsuitable for long-term use.
Nevertheless, for beginners and young drummers, the Nitro Mesh Kit offers an impressive array of features and performance for its price range.
Mesh Heads and Responsiveness
One of the standout features of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is its mesh drum heads. These heads offer a realistic feel and near-silent response, making them perfect for practice sessions.
They can also be tuned similarly to an acoustic kit, and their longevity means they can be swapped out when needed.
The snare drum (I suppose we should technically call it a snare pad!) in the Nitro Mesh Kit is highly responsive to sound triggering, accurately capturing all the nuances of a performance, including ghost notes. The mesh heads also provide a satisfactory stick response, ensuring that even the most subtle strokes are accurately captured.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to mesh drum heads. They may provide an inaccurate rebound sensation, which could be troublesome when transitioning back to a standard acoustic kit. The dual-zone snare pad also is a bit haphazard sometimes.
Despite this, the overall performance of the mesh heads on the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a realistic and responsive playing experience that is perfect for beginners and young drummers.
Cymbal Performance
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit comes with three 10″ single zone cymbal pads, providing a range of cymbal sounds to complement the kit’s drum sounds.
The cymbals mesh drum pads feature indentations to give the pads a more realistic aesthetic, and the ride cymbal has a three-zoned design, providing distinct tones from the edge, bell, and bow.
The hi-hat cymbal feels great as far as e-kits go; but while the cymbal performance of the Nitro Mesh Kit is generally good, some users have noted the lack of dual-zone cymbals as a limitation.
However, considering the kit’s affordable price, this may be an acceptable compromise for those just starting out or on a tight budget.
Customization and Expansion Options
One of the standout features of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit compared to other electronic drum kits in this list is its customization and expansion options. With 385 onboard sounds, 40 stock kits, the facility to load custom samples, and the ability to add extra tom and crash cymbal pads, this kit is perfect for drummers who want to personalize their sound and setup.
Whether you prefer modern, retro, percussion, electronic, acoustic kits, or novelty kits with unique samples, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a wide selection of options to suit your preferences.
As you grow and develop as a drummer, the Nitro Mesh Kit can grow with you, offering an impressive array of features and options to keep your playing experience fresh and engaging.
Sound Customization
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a wealth of sound customization options, with 385 onboard sounds and the capability to create user kits or modify existing kits.
This means you can craft your kit presets for your perfect drum sound, whether you’re looking for a classic acoustic kit or something more experimental.
Additionally, the Nitro Mesh Kit allows for tweaking and editing of the included sounds, such as pitch, reverb, EQ, and sensitivity. This level of customization ensures that you can fine-tune your sound to match your playing style and musical preferences, making the Nitro Mesh Kit a versatile choice for drummers of all skill levels.
Hardware Expansion
In addition to the sound customization options, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit also offers hardware expansion possibilities for custom kits. The Nitro module features two extra pad inputs on the back, allowing users to add two drum pads, two cymbal pads, a kick pad, or a combination of both.
This means that as your skills and preferences evolve, you can expand mounting hardware on your kit to include additional toms, cymbals, or even percussion instruments like cowbells or woodblocks. The ability to expand your hardware setup ensures that the Nitro Mesh Kit can grow with you as you progress as a drummer.
By offering both sound customization and hardware expansion options, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit provides drummers with a versatile and adaptable playing experience that can be tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
Connectivity and Recording Capabilities
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit doesn’t skimp on connectivity and recording capabilities, offering multiple outputs, aux-in, MIDI, and USB Type B connections. These options allow users to record onboard drum samples or MIDI data with drum plugins, making it easy to capture your performances and share them with others.
Whether you’re looking to record demos for your band, practice along with your favorite songs, or collaborate with other musicians, the Nitro Mesh Kit’s connectivity options ensure that you have the tools you need to make your drumming dreams a reality.
Connection Options
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a variety of connection options to suit your needs. The USB MIDI connection can be used to connect the kit to a laptop or desktop computer, allowing you to record performances into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Logic or Pro Tools.
You can make use of the built-in sounds from Alesis’ original Nitro kit drum module with this connection. If you prefer using virtual instruments such as EZ Drummer or Addictive Drums, then that is also an option for playback of your recordings.
In addition to the USB MIDI connection, the Nitro Mesh Kit also features an aux input, allowing you to connect a phone or other device for playback. This is perfect for practicing along with your favorite songs or jamming with backing tracks, ensuring that you can always find inspiration and improve your skills.
Recording and MIDI Functionality
Recording with the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is a breeze thanks to its USB MIDI connection and compatibility with various DAWs. This allows you to capture your performances as MIDI data, giving you the flexibility to edit and fine-tune your recordings in post-production.
For those who prefer to record audio directly, the Nitro Mesh Kit can also be connected to an interface using XLR cables, allowing you to record your drumming as audio tracks. With these versatile recording options, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit ensures that you can capture your best performances and share them with the world.
Comparing Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit with Competitors
When comparing the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit with competitors like the Yamaha DTX402K and Roland TD-1K, the Nitro Mesh Kit stands out for its exceptional value for money, offering features and sound quality at a competitive price.
With its mesh heads, dual-zone snare, and a wide array of onboard sounds, the Nitro Mesh Kit provides an impressive playing experience that rivals more expensive electronic drum sets.
In addition to its competitive price point, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit also offers a range of customization and expansion options that allow users to tailor their playing experience to their individual needs and preferences.
This makes the Nitro Mesh Kit an excellent choice for both novice and experienced drummers alike, providing a solid foundation for growth and development.
Price and Value
Priced at approximately $450, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers excellent value for money, providing a high-quality electronic drum kit at an affordable price. Its impressive array of features, such as its mesh heads, dual-zone snare, and a vast array of sounds, make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced drummers.
When comparing the Nitro Mesh Kit to competitors like the Yamaha DTX402K and Roland TD-1K, the Nitro Mesh Kit stands out as a more cost-effective option, offering a superior playing experience and a wider range of features at a lower price. This makes the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit an excellent investment for drummers of all skill levels.
Feature Comparison
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a number of features that set it apart from its competitors. In comparison to the Yamaha DTX402K and Roland TD-1K, the Nitro Mesh Kit features mesh pads rather than rubber pads, providing a more realistic playing experience.
Additionally, the Nitro Mesh Kit includes a dual-zone snare, kick and bass drum tower, and a wide range of onboard sounds, making it a more versatile and customizable option compared to its competitors.
The Nitro Mesh Kit also offers a range of hardware expansion options, allowing users to add additional drum pads, cymbals, or triggers to their kit.
When considering the price, features, and overall value of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit in comparison to its competitors, it is clear that the Nitro Mesh Kit offers an excellent option for drummers who want a high-quality electronic drum set at an affordable price.
User Feedback and Experiences
User feedback and experiences with the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit have been largely positive, with many praising the kit’s build quality, sound, and features. The mesh heads, in particular, have been well-received for their realistic playing feel and near-silent response, making the kit perfect for practice sessions at home.
However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the kit, such as the lack of dual-zone cymbals and the occasional failure of the mesh pads after a few months of use.
Despite these shortcomings, the overall consensus among users is that the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a great playing experience and excellent value for its price.
Positive Feedback
Many users have praised the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit for its construction, sound, and features, noting that the kit offers a realistic playing experience that is perfect for beginners and young drummers.
The mesh heads, in particular, have been well-received for their realistic feel and near-silent response, making the kit ideal for practice sessions at home without disturbing neighbours or family members.
The Nitro Mesh Kit’s wide array of sounds and customization options have also been a hit with users, who appreciate the ability to tailor their playing experience to their individual needs and preferences.
The kit’s hardware expansion options, allowing for the addition of extra toms and cymbals, have also been praised for their versatility and adaptability as drummers progress in their skills.
The bass drum pedal (and the hi-hat pedals for that matter) feels sturdy and not a million miles away from the feel of acoustic drums. The snare drum pad also feels great (as much as you would expect in an entry-level kit). There are also ways to have a double kick pedal, which is cool!
Overall, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit has received largely positive feedback from users, who appreciate its high-quality components, impressive sound, and a vast array of features. For many, the Nitro Mesh Kit offers an excellent playing experience and great value for its price.
Negative Feedback
While the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit has received largely positive feedback, some users have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the kit. One common complaint is the lack of dual-zone cymbals, which some feel limits the kit’s expressiveness and versatility.
Another issue that has been raised by some users is the occasional failure of the mesh pads after a few months of use. While this is not a universal issue, it is worth noting for those considering purchasing the Nitro Mesh Kit.
Despite these shortcomings, the overall consensus among users is that the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers a great playing experience and excellent value for its price.
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit Review
Summary
In conclusion, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is a great electronic drum kit for beginners, offering good build quality and features for its price. An instrument like this will never feel the same as an acoustic drum set, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice.
When I was playing around with the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit, I noticed that while it may not replicate the feel of an acoustic drum set exactly, it still offers a realistic playing experience that’s well-suited for beginners.
Despite the differences, I found it to be an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable electronic drum kit with a wide range of features and customization options.
Overall, the Nitro Mesh Kit provides a solid foundation for new drummers to develop their skills and offers excellent value for money.
While the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit offers an affordable entry point and versatility for beginners, I’d argue that its durability and sensitivity limitations might not make it the best option for everyone. Specifically, advanced players or those used to acoustic kits might find the transition challenging. Any thoughts on how it holds up over time, especially with intensive use?
I agree with Derrick. It’s a decent kit for starters but doesn’t quite satisfy the needs of a seasoned drummer. I noticed wear after heavy daily use.
been using mine for months, still feels like new!
Sam Jowett, you mentioned the connectivity and recording capabilities of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit. However, you didn’t delve into details regarding its compatibility with other music software and latency issues. Can it seamlessly connect with major DAWs without noticeable delay? It’s crucial for anyone planning to use it for more serious music production.
Just got the Nitro Mesh Kit and I’m loving it! Great for practice in my dorm. Super quiet.
does it really stay quiet? need one that won’t bother my roomies
hey Sam Jowett, nice review! was wonderin how the nitro mesh kit handles more complex beats? like is it responsive enough for fast electronic music patterns? thx!