Alesis has introduced the SamplePad, a compact four-pad percussion sample playback instrument.
SamplePad is has 25 percussion and electronic drum sounds built in, and lets you load their own samples using a standard SD card. An external trigger input and the ability to mount it on virtually any snare stand or rack make it an easy way to expand a drumset.
SamplePad offers an intuitive interface. You assign sounds by simply striking a pad and dialing to the desired sound. Pad combinations can be saved internally as “kits” for easy recall.
You can tune and add reverb to samples, then assign them to any of the four pads or the kick input. A MIDI output also lets you use SamplePad as a controller for triggering sound modules and software.
SamplePad comes equipped with standard dual 1/4-inch outputs for amplification, and a headphone output for monitoring. Its kick input works with most pads and triggers including the Alesis DMPad and RealHead Kick Pads.
SamplePad will be available in Q1 of 2012 with an estimated street price of $199.00.
Look’s interesting, a cheap solution for those of us that want a SPD-30 and haven’t bought one due to cost. I have heard mixed things about their other drum pads, I would need to see some reviews for this one before buying.
Well, since this is Synthtopia I will be the first to say drum machines are OK and maybe I’ll fix my Midiverb one day, but how about making a brand-new Andromeda synth? 😀