Alesis Nitro Drum Module User Guide

Introduction

This guide provides instructions for setting up and using the Alesis Nitro Drum Module. It covers connecting components, selecting drum kits, using the metronome, recording performances, and adjusting various settings.

Setup and Connections

Connecting the Drum Kit: Use the included cable snake to connect the drum module to the drum/cymbal pads of your electronic drum kit. Connect the cable snake to the Cable Snake Input on the module's rear panel.

Additional Pads: If you have extra pads (e.g., an extra tom or crash cymbal), connect them to the module's Tom 4 Input or Crash 2 Input.

Audio Outputs: Connect speakers (sold separately) to the Outputs. Connect 1/8" stereo headphones (sold separately) to the Phones output. Turn the Volume knob fully counterclockwise before connecting headphones.

Power Connection: Connect the included power adapter (9 VDC, 500 mA, center positive) to the module and then to a wall power source.

Powering On/Off: Press the Power Switch to turn the module on. To turn it off, press and hold the Power Button for one second.

Basic Operation

Selecting a Drum Kit: After powering on the module or pressing the Kit button, the Kit indicator and NUM will appear on the display. Use the < and > buttons to select a drum kit. You can preview sounds by pressing the Pad Select buttons. Kits 01-24 are Preset Kits, and Kits 25-40 are User Kits.

Using the Metronome: Press the Click button to turn the metronome (click track) on or off. Use the Tempo button and the < and > buttons to set the BPM (beats per minute).

Modes and Functions

The module has two modes: Normal Mode and Learning Mode. The LED above the Song/Pattern button indicates the current mode. If it's not lit, press and hold Page/Select to switch between modes.

Learning Mode Features:

Beat (BEA): Snare drum only practice.
Rhythm (RHM): Full kit practice.
Pattern (PTN): Full kit practice with musical accompaniment.

In Learning Mode, you can practice without being scored (press Play/Practice) or with scoring (press Start/Stop). Practice sessions are automatically recorded. You can playback your practice by pressing and holding Play/Practice for 2 seconds.

Adjusting Settings: Use the Page/Select button to cycle through settings and the < and > buttons to adjust values. Common settings include Kit Volume (VOL), Reverb (REV), Equalization (EQH, EQM, EQL), Pad Volume (VOL), Pan (PAN), Pitch (PIT), and MIDI settings.

Recording

To Record:

Ensure the LED above the Song/Pattern button is lit (press and hold Page/Select if not).
Press Record. The Record LED will flash, and the metronome will activate.
Press Start/Stop or hit a pad to begin recording. The Record LED will become solid.
Press Start/Stop or Record again to stop recording. The Record LED will turn off.
Press Play/Practice to playback the recording. Press it again to stop playback.

Notes on Recording:

If EPY appears, the memory is empty. Play and be scored to record.
If FUL appears, the memory is full. You can clear/overwrite it by making a new recording.

MIDI Settings

The drum module can connect to external MIDI modules or devices. This allows you to trigger sounds in external modules with your drum kit or trigger sounds in the drum module with other MIDI devices.

Local Mode (LOC): When ON, playing your drum kit triggers sounds in the module. When OFF, it triggers sounds from an external module connected via MIDI Out, bypassing the module's sound library.

General MIDI Mode (GM): When ON, Channel 10 uses General MIDI percussion sounds. When OFF, it uses the module's internal drum sounds.

Accessing Programs: Use an external MIDI device (keyboard or sequencer) to access other sound libraries (programs) like piano, bass, strings, etc., by sending a Program Change message. Channel 10 is reserved for drum sounds.

Recording to an External Sequencer: Connect the module's MIDI Out to the sequencer's MIDI In using a MIDI cable. Connect the sequencer's MIDI Out to the module's MIDI In. Set the sequencer track to Channel 10 and start recording.

Specifications

Tempo: 30 BPM to 280 BPM
Display: Backlit segment LCD
Connectors: 9-trigger snake cable input (25-pin), Headphones (1/8" stereo), Auxiliary input (1/8" stereo), 2 additional trigger inputs (1/4" TRS), Main output (1/4" stereo L/R), MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN), USB port
Power: 9 VDC, 500 mA, center-positive. The appliance is not equipped with a main power switch; the power supply is not completely turned off when the adapter is plugged in. Disconnect the adapter when not in use for extended periods.
Dimensions: 5.8" x 4.4" x 7.2" (147 mm x 112 mm x 183 mm)
Weight: 1.1 lbs. (0.5 kg)

Trademarks and Licenses

Alesis is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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