MATRIXSYNTH

ALESIS PERCPAD BRINGS ELECTRONIC DRUMS TO EVERY DRUMMER’S KIT

"Four-Pad Percussion Instrument Enables Drummers to Easily Add Electronics

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 13, 2011) – Alesis, a leading manufacturer of professional audio electronics and musical instruments, announces PercPad, the first four-pad electronic percussion instrument.

The PercPad’s four velocity-sensitive pads with kick input, high-quality internal sounds and compact size make it the perfect choice for drummers and other instrumentalists looking to incorporate electronic percussion into their setups. Drummers can mount the PercPad on a standard snare drum stand or mount it to stands and racks using the Module Mount, sold separately.

The PercPad has a collection of acoustic and electronic drum and percussion that are perfectly suited to the needs of drummers and percussionists. Drummers can easily tune and edit sounds, assigning them to any of the four pads or to the kick input. They can also expand their sound pallete using the PercPad’s MIDI output, enabling them to perform with the sounds from any MIDI sound module or software on Mac or PC. Drummers can use the PercPad with virtually any switch or velocity-sensitive kick trigger or pad including Alesis’ DMPad and RealHead Kick Pads.

Musicians can connect the PercPad to amplifiers, PA and recording systems with the standard dual 1/4-inch outputs, and they can monitor on their favorite headphones.

'There’s never been an ultra-compact multi-pad instrument like the PercPad before,' Dan Radin, Product Manager, Alesis. 'It’s the perfect addition to any acoustic kit.'"

ALESIS EXPANDS MULTI-DRUM PADS WITH PERFORMANCEPAD PRO

"Eight-Pad Electronic Percussion Pad Contains Over 500 Sounds and Sequences

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 13, 2011) – Alesis, a leading manufacturer of professional audio electronics and musical instruments, announces the PerformancePad Pro, a high-end version of the PerformancePad multi-pad percussion instrument. Alesis will unveil the PerformancePad Pro at the 2011 NAMM Show, booth #6400, from January 13-16, Anaheim, CA.

Drummers and percussionists can expand their setups or play standalone with the PerformancePad Pro. With eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, kick and hi-hat inputs and over 500 multi-sampled sounds with Dynamic Articulation™, the PerformancePad Pro is an all-in-one drum station. Drummers can mount the PerformancePad Pro on stands and racks using the Module Mount, sold separately, or they can play it tabletop.

The PerformancePad Pro contains the sequencing engine from Alesis’ best-selling drum machines. This three-part sequencer enables drummers and instrumentalists to program drum, percussion and accompaniment parts for creating complete tracks or playing along with loops.

The PerformancePad Pro features a modern, high-definition sound set with acoustic and electronic drums, percussion, sound effects, bass and more. The PerformancePad Pro also contains powerful Alesis studio effects including Reverb, EQ and Compression for customizing sounds to perfection.

Drummers can also use the PerformancePad Pro as a MIDI controller for playing virtually any sound module, synth or software. Practicing and performance musicians can connect and mix in a music source via the PerformancePad Pro’s input.

'The PerformancePad Pro builds on the successful PerformancePad,' said Dan Radin, Product Manager, Alesis. “Drummers love the layout and feel of the original, and this new version adds a new, larger sound library and powerful new features.'"

ALESIS BRINGS EXTREME SOFTWARE CONTROL WITH QX49

"QX49 Keyboard Gives Commanding, Tactile Control of Music Software

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 13, 2011) – Alesis, a leading manufacturer of professional audio electronics and musical instruments, announces the new QX49 USB/MIDI keyboard controller. Alesis will unveil the new QX49 keyboard controller at booth #6400 of the 2011 NAMM Show from January 13-16, Anaheim, CA.

The QX49 is the perfect choice to take commanding, tactile control over any music production software. Through a standard USB connection, the QX49 receives power while also transmitting MIDI data to Mac or PC software. With its drum pads, rotary knobs, long-throw faders, snappy buttons and velocity-sensitive keyboard, QX49 provides the user with a thoroughly satisfying music-making experience.   

The QX49's array of assignable controls works with virtually all music software and MIDI hardware devices. Whether looking to fire drum samples, tweak a software synthesizer or adjust individual tracks in a mix, the QX49's extensive layout ensures appropriate feel and proper response thanks to its eight sliders and rotary knobs, four backlit drum pads and dedicated transport controls.   

The QX49's 49-note keyboard is perfect for performing and composing with software instruments and samplers while still remaining highly portable. Furthermore, the QX49 provides keyboard players with a full complement of controls including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up/down buttons and the ability to send program changes directly from the keys. The QX49's keyboard can even be split into sections to control multiple instruments at once.   

The compact QX49 controller features USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI jacks for easy connection to Mac, PC and MIDI hardware. The QX49 features two traditional MIDI jacks: one for sending MIDI data directly from the keyboard and the other for routing MIDI data from a connected computer. When not using a computer, the QX49 can also be powered using a wall power adaptor (sold separately) to perform and control MIDI hardware. A footswitch input is also included on the back panel.   

The QX49 comes with a copy of Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for performing, recording, and sequencing music right out of the box.

'Alesis has a long tradition in keyboards and continue to offer the tools musicians need to make music the way they like,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Alesis. “QX49 is compact, affordable and easy to use with the software and hardware musicians use today.'"