Thanks for all the info. You got me thinking about the Strike multipad.
Does it fully function as a module for you? I can use my edrumin to trigger all of my pads if I need to as the multipad doesn't have enough inputs. I know it doesn't have an editor, which is a pretty big drawback for me, but I think the convenience would make it worth it.
Could I trigger a full Strike pro using the multipad and my edrumin? Do you think this could be a good solution? I would sell the strike module and only use the multipad.
Multipad/Samplepads are not drum or sound modules.You can setup a mini kit but understand they are intended for complimenting a kit or as a percussion module add on.
Multi/Sample pads are as designed..sampling,looping,usually short one shot samples, do not have all the trigger settings..and low VOICE polyphony.The Multi/Sample pad dedicates resources/processing for looping/sampling.
The Majority of drum modules currently are around 64-128 VOICE Polyphony...Multi/Sample Pads are much lower.
The SMP is 32 VOICE Polyphony Mono..16 Stereo...even the NEW Roland SPD-SX PRO is 32 VOICE Polyphony and no mention of stereo in the manual so importing stereo wav is unknown..usually manufactures point that out.Users are upset as some features (Time Stretch) were dropped that previous Roland models had.
Modules and Multi/Sample Pads usually have a Priority setting..Low..Med..High so you can select what you want dropped when Polyphony starts getting maxed out.There are users that claim they exceed the STRIKE max kit size with no noticeable issues , but you'll read complaints about cymbals dropping out etc.Cymbals and low toms ring out the longest..so first to drop out.
The STRIKE Module has the features of a Multipad..onboard sampling,slicing ,loop creation and quick instruments.
The sample recording feature streams audio directly to and from your SD card. This means that the time limit for Sample Mode is now based on how much space is available on your SD card.
I haven't found any documentation or a response from support about the STRIKE module Polyphony , so I presume it's 64-128
Alesis Drum Module Polyphony Examples:Crimson/II/Command/DM10 MKII Studio/Forge (Medeli DD650) 16 bit..64 VOICE Polyphony
Older modulesDM10 16 bit..64 VOICE Polyphony
DM Pro 20 bit..64 VOICE Polyphony..
DM5 18 bit..16 VOICE Polyphony..
As far as the STRIKE Multipad being labeled as Powered by STRIKE (STRIKE Module uses Blackfin processors) and in the STRIKE lineup..it's really not.
Like the DM10 MKII Pro and the original DM10..the only thing in common is the name.
The STRIKE Multipad is more related to the DM10 MKII Pro..
They both use the Medeli A5 chip and A/B layers with Velocity switching.
The module has a sample size limit for individual samples and per Kit.
The SMP does not have sample size limits...but has 1/2 the Polyphony.
Both require samples be placed in the ROOT Directory (importing).
I have also found discrepancies in Alesis Polyphony claims and never recieved any answer when I inquired..
The Medeli A5 chip is known for 256 VOICE Polyphony in their high end keyboards...but the Alesis manuals don't match the Medeli..
The STRIKE Multipad User Guide clearly states under the Priority settings it's 32/16
DM10 MKII Pro (Medeli DD680)
Alesis User GuideMaximum Polyphony 256 voices
Kits 80 (50 preset + 30 user)Sounds 758 sounds/voices (drum, percussion, effect)
Up to 99 user-loaded samples, 16 MB
Sequencer 100 preset patterns20 preset hits 30 preset taps 5 user songs
Up to 99 user songs in 1 folder on USB flash drive (MP3 or WAV) 192 ticks per beat Real-time record Approx.
15000 notes per user song
Medeli DD680 User Guide
Maximum Polyphony
64
Drum kits
Kit: 80 (50 Presets + 30 Users)
Instruments
Preset voice: 700(Drum Voice, Percussion Voice, Effect Voice)
User voice: maximum 99 samples with 16M Byte in total.
Sequencer
Preset Pattern: 100
Preset Hit: 20
Preset Tap: 30
User Song: 5
Audio files with mp3 and wav format: 99 maximum under one folder in USB flash drive.
Tick: 192 ticks per beat
Record: Real-time Record
Data Capacity: About 15000 notes for each user song
I use the SMP as an Audio/MIDI Interface...STRIKE Module Audio/5 PIN MIDI IN...Tablet/iPad USB Audio/MIDI IN and the SMP Audio OUT..eliminating a lot of cabling and an additional Audio Interface.
There are also some issues with the SMP.
I ran across all of them (2018 PRE-ORDER MODEL) and applied my own solutions and have had no problems since.
One of them ..SD Card corruption..in the 1st month I had it the SMP went into a Boot Loop.
The SD Card/filing system,more specifically the WAV Folder which consists of 100 (0-80,126-127) folders each up to 100 files for the DATA (wav files),HEAD (.had files) and 9 sorting lists.
The .had files are similar to a sin file in the STRIKE module...only they are not named but numbered..the file names,wav location etc are listed in the file itself.(as of v1.3)
When a sample is imported the name is placed on a sort list(s) , however the user sample (and .had file) is renamed a number and placed in a folder..randomly..whichever wav folder has room and the folders are in numerical but do not hold the wav files alphabetically or by instrument.
Users complained about the amount of samples that could be imported so there was a feature update (Sample Manger) to allow a massive amount (250?)..problems rose when you went to delete a sample(s) or load/save a user bank with kits that exceed 4GB.. as no sample size limt and a FAT 32 system cause problems..Once the file system (any of the lists or a wav during editing,deletion) get corrupted the SD Card must come out.
v1.3..Sample Manager..saving user kits/samples (replace/save complete bank only)
v1.2..Setlists,browsing without pre-loading,improved Loading times.
v1.1..more sample rates and editing..HH groups
When I ran into the SD Card being corrupted the 1st month I had it (Boot Loop).
I elected to disassemble and correct it or find a better solution which I did, including external access (and eject) for the internal SD Card and while I was in there.. removed the reflection plate tech(very similar to the Realheads) for the upper pads..removed/replaced the 6 larger pad/triggers using a different piezo along with a decoupler and machined/added sensitivity knobs for each pad.
Now I use smaller SD Cards,pre-built banks/sets..basically plug-n-play.
I have backups of the Factory Card so if I corrupt a sample or SD Card I just pop it out and start over.
I don't belong to any Social Media so I am not aware of any other issues that may have been found and posted on the STRIKE Multipad Group Facebook page..It is Private.
EDIT:Fixed Link