More information on Samples - using the Strike Pro Module to record samples
Yesterday, I used the Strike Pro module to record several samples. Here is what I found:
The good:
When you record your own samples and save them as an instrument, they are immediately available to use on your kit. You don't have to do anything special.
The bad:
The same name comes up every single time when you save a new sample - New Loop 0000. This sucks if you want to add several toms or cymbals and just change the dimensions (8x8, 8x10 or Crash 16, Crash 18, Crash 20 etc).
The wave editor is rudimentary at best, even with the zoom function. I would suggest editing any samples using a proven wave editor. When you edit a wave sample, you cannot see all of the sustain you may have on the sample. So when you trim it, you'll end up cutting off the sustain because it looks like there is no more output. Also, there is not enough exacting detail to place the start and end points where you would get the actual start/end of the hits. It works, but you have to be precise in your timing of hitting record, striking the pad and stopping the recording.
Very careful level matching is required between your output device and the module. There is a volume control for the output device and an aux in. The manual states to raise the volume on your output device to it's maximum and use the aux in volume control for the level matching. I tried this a ton of different ways, including using a mixer (it's level matched), another module (DM10 for testing), an iphone 6s, a CD player output (level matched)... it doesn't matter. I recorded at volumes around -6db, -3db and 0db on the display. Every single time I got hiss on the playback.
Hopefully Alesis can address this with either the Kit Editor or with a firmware update.