Help with setup

[Gregavi]

Hi, I'm a newbie on this forum and as a drummer. I'm in my 60s and have wanted to take up drumming for a long time. I recently started playing a little bit of Cajon and a couple of my friends who I play with and are accomplished musicians have said that I am pretty good with the basics.
I recently bought a used Alesis electronic drum set. I'm not sure what model it is but I attached a photo. It seems like it came with pretty much everything I need to get started except for the Module and sticks. Based on the photo I attached, any recommendations on which model of modules I should consider. There are several used on eBay, but I have no idea what I should be considering. The guy I bought the set from said pretty much any Alesis module will work. I bought this setup for $35 so I'm not out much if something doesn't work out.
Also, I've watched a little bit of an Alesis setup video because I bought it as a pile of pieces with no instructions, so I will need assistance on setting it up.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Chaser]

Hi, I'm a newbie on this forum and as a drummer. I'm in my 60s and have wanted to take up drumming for a long time. I recently started playing a little bit of Cajon and a couple of my friends who I play with and are accomplished musicians have said that I am pretty good with the basics.
I recently bought a used Alesis electronic drum set. I'm not sure what model it is but I attached a photo. It seems like it came with pretty much everything I need to get started except for the Module and sticks. Based on the photo I attached, any recommendations on which model of modules I should consider. There are several used on eBay, but I have no idea what I should be considering. The guy I bought the set from said pretty much any Alesis module will work. I bought this setup for $35 so I'm not out much if something doesn't work out.
Also, I've watched a little bit of an Alesis setup video because I bought it as a pile of pieces with no instructions, so I will need assistance on setting it up.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the Forum !

It is the Original Alesis Nitro..2015.
This is one of the 1st Kits replacing the (DM7X)...there was also DM6 Nitro which used a Stealth rack and DM6 Pads...
Both used Rubber Pads,the DM7X (Medeli DD512) Module and the DM6 Rack (Non Industry Standard 1-1/8" and 1-3/8 Tubing)
The Nitro (DM7X) and DM6 Nitro (DM7X Session) have been removed from Alesis Data/Knowledge Base.
The DM7X Kits were short lived inbetween DM6 and Nitro...however still remain in the Alesis Data/Knowledge Base.

This is/was when Alesis started Mixing matching Kits/Components...and making a mess of everything..
There have been a total of somewhere between 8-9 Nitro Kits..and (2) Module designs..
There was also the "Upgraded Kit" (Surge)..1-1/2" Industry Stand Tubing/Rack better Kit Pieces etc..and used the same exact Module

You can find Nitro/DM7X Modules everywhere..check ebay.
The Modules will all be identical/Charcoal..except the Firmware version..
The unknown is whether or Not there was a Firmware Change between the Modules (Rubber to Mesh)... with the release of the Mesh Head Kits (2016).
The DB25 Trigger Harness you have was pinned for the Nitro Module and will not work properly with other Modules...otherwise you would purchase a Module with a DB25 harness or a Module with individual inputs..along with the proper cables and lengths.

[Gregavi]

Thanks Chaser.
A lot to digest!
I assume by your recommendation that this one should work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/389967788158

[Chaser]

Thanks Chaser.
A lot to digest!
I assume by your recommendation that this one should work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/389967788158

Yes..
The Standard LCD Screen is/was Blue...the Red LCD Screen indicates a Guitar Center Issue..or an SE..which were All Red..Shells..Module Screen..Cymbals..
So it was probably from a Nitro Mesh SE...

Keep in mind..these are the 1st generation Modules..older sounds , however there is also a GM Section which has another set of sounds..
The Latest Generation has BFD Samples..Bluetooth Audio and a place for an iPad/iPhone etc to sit 

You will also need a Module Mount...the image/Kit you posted in your original post doesn't show a Module mount on the rack..as seen here with this ebay listing

Since you have an older entry level kit.I wouldn't go too crazy spending a lot of money on it....
New... around the Holidays..entry level kits are in the $300-400 range.

[Gregavi]

Thanks again Chaser.
I agree that I don't want to spend a lot on this older kit. I figure I'll have less than $100 into it all said and done.

I'm still a little confused about which modules will work with my set. I know the last one I listed you said will work but considering I already have the wiring harness, I'm not sure if these will work. Will all or any of these work with my setup?

ebay listing no.1

ebay listing no.2

ebay listing no.3

ebay listing no.4

ebay listing no.5

[Chaser]

Thanks again Chaser.
I agree that I don't want to spend a lot on this older kit. I figure I'll have less than $100 into it all said and done.

I'm still a little confused about which modules will work with my set. I know the last one I listed you said will work but considering I already have the wiring harness, I'm not sure if these will work. Will all or any of these work with my setup?

ebay listing no.1

ebay listing no.2

ebay listing no.3

ebay listing no.4

ebay listing no.5

The listings are all for modules that are all Re-Branded Medeli DD401...out of the 30+ Modules Medeli Manufacturers..that is 2nd from the bottom of the line...minimal features..minimal quality...beginners ..more of a Toy module....10 Kits

The Kits the modules are from were mostly discontinued and blown out for $150..or less ..New/1st Released were under $300.
The differences were asthetic..mainly colors..and multiple name changes.
DM-Lite,Blaze,Burst,Debut,E-Drum Total,Turbo  and others..typically sold with FREE Drum Lessons.. Melodics or Drumeo.
They were the cheapest way to see if Kids were interested or not in drumming..if they weren't you weren't out much.
There are some still being blown out for under $140 OBO..free delivery.

ALESIS BLAZE Drum Kit

Those are Not Nitro Modules so you cannot use the DB25 Harness..different pinout.
The Kits that came with those modules are using Mini Stealth Racks,small switch type pedals for the Hi Hat and Kick and chances are the DB25 Trigger Harness is short and your Hi Hat pedal and Kick Tower (Piezo..NOT switch) are not compatible
Typically users upgrade their kit..kits get larger and have a better module,more features as you go up the tier...you are downgrading to a smaller kit and far less features.

If you purchase a Module with the DB25 Harness..it will work with the pads/cymbals.
Your pads/cymbals are all single zone..compatible with majority of Alesis/Roland Modules..NOT Yamaha..
The Module mounting may become an issue... as mentioned..the rack is not Industry Standard 1-1/2" Tubing.
You'll need to make sure it will mount to the Nitro rack..some Modules are only capable of mounting to 1-1/2 Racks.

Going by the image you posted in original post...You only have 3 pads for tom/snare.
You are missing the snare with mount and tube with rack Clamp..so you are short for a basic kit.

[Gregavi]

Thanks Chaser.
In your opinion, should I try to build a decent setup with what I already have, or buy this one: 

Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit - Electric Drum Set

Someone locally is selling this same kit for $150. It's less than a year old.

[Chaser]

Thanks Chaser.
In your opinion, should I try to build a decent setup with what I already have, or buy this one:

Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit - Electric Drum Set

Someone locally is selling this same kit for $150. It's less than a year old.

I don't tell or suggest to users what to purchase.
Everyone wants the biggest bang for the buck without having any e-drumming experience to what exactly they want..so all I can suggest is set a budget and stick to it..
I can tell you straight off.. If Hi Hat and Ride are important to your playing  do not expect much for under $500.
They have gotten better over the years but you aren't going to get multiple zone cymbals etc..a variable Hi Hat...the Ride will be single zone...snare is going to machine-gun.


That's basically the same Kit as the ebay link..same module/rack/cymbals...slightly better hardware (not much)
It's a combination between a beginner and entry level kit..another Alesis mix/match of parts to get as much money as possible for the same module/rack and clear out inventory.
There was also the Express Mesh (Discontinued)..same Kit ...Nitro Module (Medeli DD512)
..changed to beginner module..SAME price..Now Turbo Mesh..
The Express Mesh Kits were Blown out for $199.00 OBO..and had a much better module

EXPRESS MESH


TURBO MESH


Older Kits are cheaper but typically less features and dated components compared to their current successor (if there is one),however some older kits are still better quality than New beginner Kits which aren't built to last
In this case you are comparing a discontinued beginners kit (under many names) and a discontinued entry level kit from Pre-2016 (when Rolands Patent for Mesh Heads Expired)
Apples and Oranges between the 2...
1 kit is Newer.. beginner level with Mesh Heads..minimal features 10 Kits..100 sounds cheapest hardware/triggers available.(same module for the $140 kit as the $300 Kit)
1 Kit is entry level with Rubber Heads discontinued over 10 years ago...40 Kits and 385 Sounds...a better Hi Hat and Kick setup.

The Nitro  Module (Medeli DD512) has more , kits , sounds (Dated 2010)..supports dual zone toms..1/2 open hi hat..Piezo Kick Tower
The DD401 Module has simple coaching but minimal sounds, features..single zone, switch type hi hat and  kick.

Both have small inferior racks.

You have to decide which module/features you are looking for..and rubber or mesh pads.
Rubber plays different than mesh...you are going to have about the same amount of money invested either way.

Watch and Listen to some Youtube Videos so you have an idea what to expect.There are plenty of Sound Demos for those 2 Modules.