How to Connect Triple zone ride to Alesis Command Module

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poprobotproductions

New Member
I saw a similar thread from a couple years ago regarding triple zone ride problems with the Nitro and there was some confusion about the number of inputs on the pad and capability of the Nitro module to even offer a bell sound. So I am starting a new thread because that one wandered and didn't quite desxcribe the same issue I am having. I know I will be able to get to the bottom of this and hopefully help others who might have a similar problem.

I recently purchased the Alesis Command X - got it second-hand for a steal! ($400)
Really wanted a more versatile ride, so I bought the Alesis triple zone 14 inch ride pad.
(Also ordered the Go e-drum hi hat controller from Taiwan which will make this a super kit when it arrives in 3 weeks!)

When I connect the ride cable from the Command's proprietary snake into the ride pad input, it triggers the typical dual zone (bow, edge) of the cymbal.
But when I connect a 2nd TRS cable to the cymbal pad's bell input and the module's "Tom3" (extra input), I get the tom sound in conjunction with the ride's bow sound.
I assume the layering is a crosstalk issue which I can adjust - but the problem is, I want to be able to change the sound of that tom to a ride bell, without altering the tom3 sound of the actual tom pad.

I often use this kit to trigger midi notes in EZ Drummer2 as well (sounds soooo much better than the Alesis patches), which would make any patch programming in the Command module a moot point. But When I strike the ride pad's bell, it doesn't show up in the Command's data window as a separate trigger than the ride, so I don't know what midi note the bell is triggering. I only know it is triggering a tom3 sound, but I don't want to alter that midi note for fear it will change the actual tom.

I'd love to be able to program the module to accept the ride's bell as a unique trigger so that I can assign a bell patch in the Alesis - but even more-so, I want to be able to grab that midi note so I can assign it to the ride bell in EZ Drummer.

Anyone out there know a solution?
 
Afaik the Command doesn't support 3-zone rides. The 3-zones are one circiut with only one piezo and two switch sensors, so they cannot be separated. It needs a module (Crimson, DM10, Strike) that can understand their combination. If you give up the edge, it could work as a bow/bell with the other socket. As for splitting the tom4 input (e.g. for adding a splash) you need a stereo trs to dual mono ts (left and right) splitter cable. I'm curious how the Goedrum works out for you, on my Surge it didn't (was only open-close), but it's very nice on the Strike.
 
Thanks for the info Doraemon! I rarely use the Command's internal patches - Since the Command interface only shows one midi note for the ride pad, how would you recommend assigning the 2 zones that the ride input does utilize to midi notes that I can assign in EZDrummer?

I also have my doubts that the GoeDrum hi hat controller in conjunction with the Command module is going to satisfy. If I were to purchase a Strike module only, would I be able to use all of the dual zone mesh pads from the Command kit? In addition to enjoying the improved GoeDrum hihat and triple zone ride pad?
 
poprobotproductions said:
Thanks for the info Doraemon! I rarely use the Command's internal patches - Since the Command interface only shows one midi note for the ride pad, how would you recommend assigning the 2 zones that the ride input does utilize to midi notes that I can assign in EZDrummer?

I also have my doubts that the GoeDrum hi hat controller in conjunction with the Command module is going to satisfy. If I were to purchase a Strike module only, would I be able to use all of the dual zone mesh pads from the Command kit? In addition to enjoying the improved GoeDrum hihat and triple zone ride pad?
Click to expand...
You can assign whatever midi note you want in the module. The defaults for ride are 51. 59 (edge). 53 (Bell). It should not show only one, is it possible that one is just not mapped right? Someone here made some detailed lists of various EZ maps:

It is likely most pads would work with a Strike, you can even use Roland triggers. I have my old Surge pads, a few Pintech cymbals and a ride from a DM10. The sounds are pretty decent, too (maybe not as good as a VST). As for Goedrum, even if you get limited functionality now, the controller on a hh stand feels better than a pedal.
 
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Hey sorry to bump a two month old thread but you said you were waiting on the GoEdrum module to use on the alesis command. It's really difficult to find documentation of that combo. Did you buy the ghc-an, and how is it working for you?

Thanks!
 
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