Author Topic: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working  (Read 247 times)

Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« on: October 19, 2024, 09:56:58 PM »
Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working.

I have a Command X Mesh Set with the chrome rack.
I have an extra cymbal that I want to plug in as a second crash cymbal.
I get nothing when I hit the cymbal with the cable plugged in.
I plugged a different cable (ride) into the cymbal in question at it works just fine.
I took my TRS cable and plugged it into the Crash 2 port of my Nitro set (I'm upgrading) and it the cymbal works/triggered fine.

At first the cymbal sound would trigger every time as I was plugging the cable into the module but the cymbal still would not work.
Now not even that is happening.

I performed a factory reset 3 times.

I tried a TS cable and that did not work either (I saw a post somewhere saying that was the correct cable type)
it's a couple years old so warranty is out of the question I suppose.

Any idea what I can do at this point?

Help please!!

Offline Chaser

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2024, 09:12:06 AM »
Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working.

I have a Command X Mesh Set with the chrome rack.
I have an extra cymbal that I want to plug in as a second crash cymbal.
I get nothing when I hit the cymbal with the cable plugged in.
I plugged a different cable (ride) into the cymbal in question at it works just fine.
I took my TRS cable and plugged it into the Crash 2 port of my Nitro set (I'm upgrading) and it the cymbal works/triggered fine.

At first the cymbal sound would trigger every time as I was plugging the cable into the module but the cymbal still would not work.
Now not even that is happening.

I performed a factory reset 3 times.

I tried a TS cable and that did not work either (I saw a post somewhere saying that was the correct cable type)
it's a couple years old so warranty is out of the question I suppose.

Any idea what I can do at this point?

Help please!!

Welcome to the Forum !

The Module is Based on the Medeli DD650
The Tom 4 and Crash 2 Inputs are TRS...there are Rim and Edge articulations in the Sample Base.
If you use a TS it will work but you'll have No Rim for the Tom or for the Cymbal..No Edge or Choke.
You can use a can of compressed air and see if there is some obstruction or dirt in the Jack and check to see if the Instrument shows on the menu under Trigger and/or Voice along with raising the Sensitivity/Volume.
I noticed there is not much in the way of Dynamics/Velocity changes for the Crash 2 Input compared to the Crash 1.

Did you do a Hard Reset..or Factory Reset from the Drop Down Menu?.

HARD RESET

Press and Hold the < and > buttons while powering on.
You will then see " Erasing all content..." followed by "Reset OK!"

You can run a Test to check the Input...

MODULE TESTS
press and hold Down+Up buttons simultaneously while powering on..you'll see the Alesis splash screen..Firmware Version.. "Booting"..
Then you'll see the main menu...use the up/down buttons to maneuver...go down to pad test which is #2...press enter
There will be a PAD...and Value...
The "Pad" will show which trigger as it's being hit.
To "Exit"..go to 8 erp..the module will power down.

If it was working intermittently and eventually got worse it may also be the Jack has failed internally.
If that is the case there is not much you can do but have the Module Serviced.

One thing to Note..You should Never swap out Triggers or plug cables in and out of Inputs while the Module is Powered On
There is Voltage present and the sound you heard was a Voltage Spike.
Drum Modules "Calibrate" on Startup..some like the Original DM10 will even let you know if they Fail..indicating a Bad or Wrong Trigger being used.


EDIT:
Added Links
« Last Edit: October 20, 2024, 09:32:59 AM by Chaser »

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2024, 02:32:01 PM »
Thank you so very much for the response and information.
.....

oh my... Did not know about plugging/unplugging while hot.  :-[

I did the hard reset with the power button 3 different times.
I can see into the jack very well and I don't see anything that looks amiss compared to the other jack.

I went to the trigger option in the menu.
all the drums and cymbals registered when hit except Splash 2.
Nothing detected at all.

Do I need to contact Alesis prior to sending in for service?
Authorized repair locations?

What is the typical process?

Thank you again!!

Offline Chaser

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2024, 04:20:53 PM »
Thank you so very much for the response and information.
.....

oh my... Did not know about plugging/unplugging while hot.  :-[

I did the hard reset with the power button 3 different times.
I can see into the jack very well and I don't see anything that looks amiss compared to the other jack.

I went to the trigger option in the menu.
all the drums and cymbals registered when hit except Splash 2.
Nothing detected at all.

Do I need to contact Alesis prior to sending in for service?
Authorized repair locations?

What is the typical process?

Thank you again!!

You contact Alesis Support and open a Support Ticket.

I would start with Technical Support First and go through everything again as you now have answers for questions (usually scripted questions)  they are going to ask.Check if you have any options as you posted Not Under Warranty...see if it leads into Service Request and a Guess-timate
A lot of times Parts/Repairs back and forth shipping etc exceed the Value of just Purchasing Another Module.
You can attach a link to this Topic so they can read through everything , however Alesis reps or reps from InMusic tend to want nothing to do with "Unofficial" Forums.

Also Prices vary wildly for New and Used one for example on ebay ranges anywhere from $200-$300.
Some sellers try to get as much for a Used one as a New one...and you never know the life of a used module or a New one that wasn't sold by an Authorized Dealer and with No Warranty.
A complete Kit Brand New is $600 - $800 US depending on model and we are getting into the Holiday Season  Retailers such as Musicians Friend (Guitar Center Brand) have started early Sales as they don't want Inventory by the end of the year (Taxes)..the Command X SE Red is $479.99 with Coupon So it's a judgement call..

Musicians Friend - ebay
20% off with code SHOPGIFTSEARLY
Expires Oct 20.. Max $500.00
US $599.99
US $479.99 with coupon code (Coupons -US $120.00 Apply code during checkout)

Looks like the Red SE isn't as popular as the Black..
Alesis Command X Mesh Kit Special Edition (Red)

EDIT:
Added Links
« Last Edit: October 20, 2024, 04:43:15 PM by Chaser »

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #4 on: October 20, 2024, 05:52:39 PM »
I picked up the entire set for $300. Metal rack.
Everything works but the crash2 port.
Not looking to spend a bunch to fix.

Wonder if I could buy a new jack for a DIY...

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2024, 05:54:39 PM »
Can the extra tom port be assigned a crash sound to plug the cymbal in there?



Offline Chaser

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2024, 06:36:20 PM »
I picked up the entire set for $300. Metal rack.
Everything works but the crash2 port.
Not looking to spend a bunch to fix.

Wonder if I could buy a new jack for a DIY...

Sending anything out of Warranty in to be repaired by an Authorized Repair center is similar to taking a car out of warranty to a Dealership..you are going to pay more than normal.
If you are experienced with Soldering you can check/reflow the current jack in case the jack just became loose or pulled away from the Board...there are 2 Boards when you take it apart , if I remember correctly there is a small harness or a ribbon to connect one to the other.
Once apart you can check for replacement Jack also..
typically Medeli uses the same PCB jack on everything depending on TS or TRS..examples..The Jacks are available everywhere these days..including Amazon.3 Pin= TS (Mono)..4 Pin=TRS (Stereo) just make sure dimensions are correct.The Jacks on a Module PCB Board may be a slightly different style if they are both PCB and Panel Mount w/Nut.
The Jacks on these Modules do not use a Nut/Panel Mount
There isn't a Parts or service Manual to provide this info..only Authorized Alesis Repair Centers have this info and they will Not give out to the Public.

Can the extra tom port be assigned a crash sound to plug the cymbal in there?

You can split the Tom 4 Jack..it is Piezo/Piezo...Head and Rim..No Choke Support
Dual Zone Cymbals or Single Zone with Choke are Piezo/Switch
That would give you the option of a Tom Head and a Cymbal Bow.If you did not split ...using just one cable for a Cymbal you would get one Zone..Bow..you would lose the Edge Zone and Choke as they are on a Switch.. explained in this Topic.
If you have the 10" Cymbals most included are Single Zone w/out Choke.They are marked Underneath "with Choke" if they have it.

EDIT:
Added Links
« Last Edit: October 20, 2024, 07:19:10 PM by Chaser »

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2024, 07:52:28 AM »
I think it's the 10" with the choke if I remember correctly.
I would probably only use the cymbal as a simple crash cymbal.

There are a thousand videos on customizing the Nitro but not many on the Command...

I will try to open the unit it up and see if the issue with the jack is obvious.

Thank you for all your assistance.
I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.


Offline Chaser

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2024, 12:20:36 PM »
I think it's the 10" with the choke if I remember correctly.
I would probably only use the cymbal as a simple crash cymbal.

There are a thousand videos on customizing the Nitro but not many on the Command...

I will try to open the unit it up and see if the issue with the jack is obvious.

Thank you for all your assistance.
I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

The Command,Crimson,Crimson II,DM10 MKII Studio,Forge are all based on the Medeli DD650.
The Modules use the same DB25 Harness. differences are the Firmware,Triggers/sizes and Hardware.

The Crimson Kits and the DM10 MKII Studio are All Multizone..using the DMPad Cymbal Line
The Command,Forge have the smaller 10" Cymbals-Single Zone and a Single Zone Ride.(Firmware Limitation)
The Forge Module is all single zone...which is a Firmware Limitation Not Hardware.

The SE Kits were Typically Guitar Center Issues and Overseas... different Triggers/hardware such as Black Steel Rack.. White mesh Heads and No Sensitivity knob on the Toms

I created a Comparison Chart of the MEDELI DD650 Re-Brands for Quick reference..currently there are/were 9 Kits/Variations..a number of them have been discontinued.



EDIT:
Added Image.. Links
« Last Edit: October 21, 2024, 12:28:30 PM by Chaser »

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #9 on: October 22, 2024, 06:26:49 AM »
Opened the module and the jack was broken but only the plastic part.
I bent the metal pieces into place and now the cymbal is working.  ;D
How can I determine "which" jack I need to purchase to replace the broken one.
I called one of the service locations and they guestimated $200 to replace with shipping.. :o

I have now either created another issue or "found" another issue.
The Volume knob on the front does not change anything.
I don't know if this "worked" prior to opening the module
or if it was like that before.

I have plugged in an audio cable from my computer so I can play along with YouTube
but adjusting the mix between the two is difficult without that volume knob functionality..

This drum set is a tremendous jump in every way from the Nitro Mesh
but in hindsight, I wish I had taken more time checking this set out
prior to purchasing.

Caveat Emptor.....
« Last Edit: October 22, 2024, 06:29:17 AM by ILoveMadoka »

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #10 on: October 23, 2024, 01:13:39 PM »
How can I determine "which" jack I need to purchase to replace the broken one.

Is the picture above enough information? (Alesis Command Module)

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2024, 10:35:59 AM »
Help please...
Help PLEASE.....
HELP PLEASE!!!!

Offline Chaser

Re: Alesis Command X - Crash 2 Port Not Working
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2024, 11:30:54 AM »
How can I determine "which" jack I need to purchase to replace the broken one.

Is the picture above enough information? (Alesis Command Module)

Typically if you don't have a part number you properly Desolder/remove check/measure Dimensions.. pin count (TRS or TS) round or square alignment pins/stand offs (if the board uses alignment holes or just for spacing off the board)..on the housing.
Then match the info up to whatever is on the market..I already provided links (above) with Dimensions including a link to another Topic with a link to a Manufacturer (China) that has practically every 1/4 Jack on the Market.
Make sure you are experienced with Desoldering/Soldering..it's not as simple as soldering 2 wires on a Piezo to a jack ..you can easily lift/destroy the Traces on a PCB if you don't know what you are doing.