Thanks a lot! I reached this conclusion as well sifting through the forums. My next question would be could I potentially work around this by using something like an edrumin to SMP midi in? I've seen this guy chaser post on the forum a lot talking about connecting the strike module to the strike multipad and using the multipad to expand the module, but the logistics are a bit confusing to me. If I use something like an edrumin with the SMP, how would it be configured?
The Alesis STRIKE module and SMP are not expandable (as are majority of drum modules)..they both have exact amount of MIDI notes to match the trigger inputs/zones...few modules such as the Original DM10 had an extra amount of MIDI notes outside of the trigger inputs that can be assigned samples/voices and also have full editing features.
The best you can do to add kit pieces is to split triggers.
You can use a TMI or if you have an extra module laying around (with the ability to re-assign MIDI notes) and connect using 5 PIN MIDI then assign the extra MIDI notes (20 ) used for the unused external pedals/triggers using the PAD CUE feature on the SMP.
The eDRUMin is a Universal Trigger to USB MIDI Interface with 4 trigger inputs, a pedal input, and a full-size MIDI out and currently is priced at $149 USD + ship.
The Ultimate TMI would be the eDrumin 10 which is a Universal Trigger to USB MIDI Interface with 10 trigger inputs, 2 pedal inputs, full-size MIDI in/out, and a USB MIDI Host Port and allows compatability between a number of manufacturers triggers...currently priced at $329 USD.+ ship(currently out of stock)..
If you don't have an extra module and wish to wait for the eDrumin 10 to get back into stock,for a temporary solution you could pick up a Trigger IO/DDRUM DDTI for usually around $100.00..there is usually one on eBay.They don't have as many features (Trigger IO is 14 years old..Alesis liscensed to DDrum) as the eDrumin but will get the job done..
Depending on the complexity/size of your MIDI rig keep in mind the eDrumin and the Trigger IO/DDRUM DDTI have both 5 PIN and USB MIDI..but only have 5 PIN MIDI OUT so you wouldn't be able to do a MIDI loop and they would have to be at the start of a MIDI chain if chaining multiple devices/hardware.
The eDrumin 10 has both 5 PIN MIDI IN/OUT so it can be in a loop or inserted anywhere..
after that it's just a matter of setting up the MIDI channel or channels..MIDI thru etc..assigning MIDI notes..Voices/samples..
Using the STRIKE module with an SMP and/or an additional TMI and an iPad makes powerfull compact setup with minimal cabling.
The SMP is an audio interface and sends bi-directional USB MIDI and Audio so if you place the SMP and an iPad in a MIDI chain/loop not only can you play onboard samples of the STRIKE module and the SMP but you can simultaneously trigger apps/samples/songs etc on the iPad...from simple layering to complex performances with DMX lighting.