Alesis Samplepad 4 B-Stock
Sampling pad
- 4 impact-dynamic playing surfaces
- 25 integrated sounds
- 10 preset kits
- Add samples via SD card slot
- Up to 512 sounds and 91 drum kits
- Blue illuminated pads for good visibility in the dark
- 6.3 mm stereo jack outputs (L / R) for connection to speakers or mixing consoles
- 6.3mm stereo jack headphone output
- 6.3mm stereo jack input for additional pad
- USB port to upload samples directly from Mac or PC
- USB-MIDI interface for direct connection of Mac or PC
Four of a kind
The Alesis Samplepad 4 is a percussion and sample triggering instrument with four velocity-sensitive stereo pads and blue LED backlighting. Out of the box, it offers a library of 25 popular percussion instruments and e-drum sounds that are arranged into eight pre-configured drum kits for quick access. In addition, up to 512 of the user's own sounds can be loaded via SD card (up to a maximum of 32GB) and saved in 91 individual kits. As a special feature, it is also possible to layer two imported samples per pad and trigger them either simultaneously or individually with different playing velocities. Thanks to the trigger input provided on the rear side, the SamplePad 4 can be expanded by adding an additional external pad, and the device is also MIDI-compatible.
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Simple operating concept
The Alesis Samplepad 4's spectrum of internal sounds ranges from bass drum, snare drum, and percussion sounds - electronic as well as acoustic. Each sample can be individually adjusted with parameters such as pitch, balance, and reverb, and all settings are made using the illuminated display and the four cursor keys. Amplifiers, sound systems, or audio interfaces can be connected via the Alesis Samplepad 4's 6.3mm outputs, in addition to which a headphone output with its own volume control is provided for monitoring or undisturbed practice sessions. The SamplePad 4 can also be connected directly to a PC or Mac via USB, which lets the user drag and drop samples directly onto an SD card.
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Right on the mark
Compared to similar products from other manufacturers, the Alesis SamplePad 4 is an extremely affordable and therefore very beginner-friendly instrument, and the device can be quickly understood thanks to its simple operating concept. Beginners can first familiarise themselves with the controls, the basic features, and the internal sounds, and then later experiment with their own samples and put together completely new kits. The casing of the SamplePad 4 is robust and the pads feature a durable high-quality rubber coating, which means this device is also suitable for regular use outside of the rehearsal room or studio. On top of that, the blue LED backlighting of the pads not only looks cool but also makes the pads easier to hit accurately on dimly lit stages. After it is played, the respective pad's backlight also brightens slightly to provide a useful visual response.
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About Alesis
Alesis was founded in 1984 by Keith Barr in Hollywood, California, and has become one of the leading manufacturers of signal processors, drum machines, synthesizers, and other studio equipment. The company’s most successful products during its early years were the MIDIverb, the HR-16 drum machine, and the ADAT multitrack digital recorders. In 2001, Alesis was acquired by Numark owner Jack O’Donnell and is now part of his InMusic parent company alongside brands like AKAI, Denon, and many other well-known names in the audio manufacturing industry. Alesis has also been a major player in the field of e-drums for many years and offers a large choice of products in all price ranges.
A versatile sound box
The range of possible uses for the Alesis SamplePad 4 is very expansive: On the one hand, users have the option of expanding an existing electronic drum kit with additional pads and new sounds. On the other hand, an acoustic set can easily be transformed into a hybrid kit in a heartbeat. This allows the player not only to access the onboard electronic sound library but also to play their own sound effects, loops, and complete backing tracks via the SamplePad 4. Of course, it can also be used as a standalone digital instrument, e.g. for practising at home. Users who want to have a wider array of sounds at their disposal at all times will probably prefer the Samplepad 4's bigger brother, the Alesis Samplepad Pro, however. This model features a full eight pads, more than 200 integrated sounds, and a significantly higher number of trigger inputs for external pads and pedals.
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