Tips for Command kit with new Strike module?

[tpr]

Hi, all. I just upgraded to the Strike module after 4 years of Command kit going exclusively through Addictive Drums 2. The internal Strike sounds are much closer to AD2, which was the main goal so that I don't have to rely on a computer and audio interface, but I have a couple of technical questions. I've done a search on these, but no luck yet.

The Command hi hat supports open, closed and half closed, but I don't think I'm getting the half closed sound from the Strike module. I haven't seen anything in the internal editor or Strike Editor software, but I assume it's there and I'm missing it. I realize that the Command hi hat won't be as versatile as the Strike hi hat. I'll probably upgrade it at some point, but need to live with this for now.

Sensitivity seems to work differently on the Strike trigger settings than on Command. When I lowered the sensitivity on the Command, it had less dynamics but kept the same top volume level. The Strike works from the opposite direction so that lowering the sensitivity brings the top volume down. Is it possible to make the sensitivity operate more like the Command?

Lastly, any recommended sites for decent samples for hand claps, etc? I don't mind paying or donating to a site with good samples. I'm trying to avoid sites that have a few good samples tucked away among hundreds of crappy samples.

Thanks!

[Chaser]

Hi, all. I just upgraded to the Strike module after 4 years of Command kit going exclusively through Addictive Drums 2. The internal Strike sounds are much closer to AD2, which was the main goal so that I don't have to rely on a computer and audio interface, but I have a couple of technical questions. I've done a search on these, but no luck yet.

The Command hi hat supports open, closed and half closed, but I don't think I'm getting the half closed sound from the Strike module. I haven't seen anything in the internal editor or Strike Editor software, but I assume it's there and I'm missing it. I realize that the Command hi hat won't be as versatile as the Strike hi hat. I'll probably upgrade it at some point, but need to live with this for now.

Sensitivity seems to work differently on the Strike trigger settings than on Command. When I lowered the sensitivity on the Command, it had less dynamics but kept the same top volume level. The Strike works from the opposite direction so that lowering the sensitivity brings the top volume down. Is it possible to make the sensitivity operate more like the Command?

Lastly, any recommended sites for decent samples for hand claps, etc? I don't mind paying or donating to a site with good samples. I'm trying to avoid sites that have a few good samples tucked away among hundreds of crappy samples.

Thanks!

The STRIKE Module is Sample based..Multiple Samples throughout multiple Velocity Ranges..No "Machine Gunning".
There are more features to get better dynamics..to try and make it respond like Command would be "Dumming it Down"
Try Adjusting the Velocity>Level.This determines how much the velocity of a strike will affect the layers volume level.
The Medeli DD650 (Command,Crimson/II,DM10 MKII Studio,Forge) are Generally..one Sample. using Amplitude..and tend to "Machine Gun"
Basically the same Sample is used and just gets louder the more velocity you use..that's why you'll hear snares machine gunning if you hit close to the velocity.The sample starts in the same place.

Not all STRIKE Hi hat are Full Range..actually most are not even close and do not have all the samples available assigned the instrument would end up too large..for example..All the HH Samples loaded for the Big Bird HH = around 50MB...25% of the Max allowed per Kit
Often there is a large velocity range and a few samples...sometimes just one.
You can go into the STRIKE Editor and add velocity ranges and samples to the Hi hat..The Big Bird Sample Pool has a large range of 1/2 open.
You can place anywhere into any Velocity Range..create additional Velocity Ranges..whatever you prefer , including adjusting the samples to Pedal Travel..or place more 1/2 open in the Open Range if you require/prefer a more 1/2 open HH...You'll have to Experiment to create what works best for you.
I haven't used the factory Data Base in years..when I designed/setup a special modification for manual control of the HH..the closest to Full Range HH were the Spank and Amp Room .You can look at how those are setup (Velocity Ranges..sample count) in the Editor and use as a Guide..some HH are used repeatedly through all the Kits.
I attached an image of the Big Bird Samples..you can see all of the 1/2 open samples..


Check out FREE SOUND...or Sample Focus...there are a "Kazillion" Hand Clap samples on the web.. if you are experienced enough..you can edit them or slice them up..create your own Multi-velocity samples etc... otherwise if you want multi-velocity you'll have to look at Drum Vsts..or sample library developers.
The difference between good and crappy sound samples depends on the ears of the beholder.


EDIT:
Added Links

[tpr]

Thanks. I was able to get closer to a half open sound by tweaking the pedal curve yesterday, but I need to get more familiar with how the velocity settings work in general. This is the first module I've seen with those settings, so I hadn't dived into them yet. Thanks also for the info on the sample differences between the strike module and the other ones. I'll take a closer look at the Big Bird kit and will see how the hi hat on my kit compares to it (can't remember which hi hat is in my custom kit).

I did find a good clap in the Sample Focus site. I had to scroll through many that sound thin to me, but at least it's easy to quickly hover each one on the web page for a quick listen.

[Chaser]

Thanks. I was able to get closer to a half open sound by tweaking the pedal curve yesterday, but I need to get more familiar with how the velocity settings work in general. This is the first module I've seen with those settings, so I hadn't dived into them yet. Thanks also for the info on the sample differences between the strike module and the other ones. I'll take a closer look at the Big Bird kit and will see how the hi hat on my kit compares to it (can't remember which hi hat is in my custom kit).

I did find a good clap in the Sample Focus site. I had to scroll through many that sound thin to me, but at least it's easy to quickly hover each one on the web page for a quick listen.

The Curve doesn't add samples tho..
Originally the Instrument/Sample base was organized by Instrument/Kit piece..then later it seems there were different people involved as it started to become very unorganized and  starting with V1.3 Single Kit Folders (Power Station Kits) ..
John Emrich came abord (NFUZD..Fxpansion BFD) and did the 15 Kits in v1.4 and the final 5 in v1.5 ending up with Kit named Folders of individual instruments (like Big Bird).
I was enthusiastic with John Emrich and his past history along with InMusic acquiring BFD and keeping the Fxpansion team together and developing the New BFD Player and BFD4..but nothing in 4 years for Alesis/SRTIKE and John Emrich gave notice in Nov 22 ("Time to Move On")  and gone in April 2023.So if InMusic was willing to let that happen..I don't expect much in the near future..

There used to be Kit/Instrument assignment/breakdown charts (attached)..but that ended after v1.2 so the Kit order has changed with the 15 Kits being added , but the Instruments assignments haven't changed..maybe a couple of Kit names..it's been awhile since I looked at all the info I documented..
Here's a short list of the Hi Hats with 1/2 open samples..There are a couple Hi Hats with a big focus on 1/2 open.
I matched up some to their Kits..use the chart to find the rest or other kits using the same hi hat..just mixed differently etc .

NOTE: The chart has a Kick 2...which sparked my interest and I figured out there is a 2nd Kick and how to activate it..

Alesis STRIKE DOUBLE BASS/DUAL KICK

Smashed Hat

Tight Hat (Pop Rock Kit)

Paiste 14 2002 Med (Rose Ann Kit)

Paiste 14 Giant (Da Da Kit)

Sabian 14 AA Light

Sabian 15 AA Regular (NAC Kit)

Trash Hat Stereo..(Dr Acrylic Kit)
(2) levels Each (Semi-Open1 and Semi Open2)..Bow and Edge
29 Samples Each level Bow...32 Samples each Level Edge

Zildjian 15 Instabul

Zildjian 15 K Light.. (Roto Kit)
(3) Levels Each (Semi-Open1,Semi Open2,Semi-Open 3)..Bow and Edge.
24 Samples Each Level..Bow and Edge

EDIT:
Added STRIKE v1.2 Kit Breakdown pdf
Fixed Link

[tpr]

Thanks very much! I appreciate the wealth of information, especially the hi hats list and the kit breakdown. It makes me think I should take a bit of time to document the pieces when creating custom kits. I was a little surprised that I couldn't find that kind of chart on the Alesis site, but I know things fall by the wayside when there are personnel changes.

Thanks also for the bit of history. Some esoterica here - It can be irritating when a large company doesn't keep up with things, but I try to remember that the glut of information grows exponentially as storage allows AND as information tools change (eg, moving from raw spreadsheets on a shared drive to Sharepoint, etc), so information gets lost either because there's so much or because it may be kept in a non-standard location that the replacement employee never sees.

Anyway, a lot to absorb but all appreciated. I've been spending more time bashing away for the past week rather than tweaking, but I'm going to get back to work with trying out more instrument voices and working with the editor software.