Chapter 6: External Triggering

UNDERSTANDING HI HAT PEDAL MODE

This is a feature for hardcore drummers. It’s a little complicated, but hang in there— the DM5 finally gives you a way to get truly realistic hi hat effects with electronic drums.

An acoustic hi hat produces three main types of sound:

•Open hi hat. The pedal is up so that the upper and lower cymbals do not touch. Striking the upper cymbal causes it to ring until it is struck again, or until the pedal begins closing.

•Foot closed hi hat. This is the sound generated by pushing down on the pedal; it is not initiated by hitting the hi hat with a drum stick, but by the sound of the upper cymbal striking the lower one.

•Closed hi hat. Once the hats are closed (pedal down), then striking the upper cymbal with the drumstick produces the closed hi hat sound.

To replicate these individual effects:

➀Patch a drum pad (the “hi hat” striking surface) into DM5 Trigger input 1 and a footswitch (for “opening” and “closing” the hi hat) into the footswitch input. Hi Hat Pedal must be selected for the footswitch mode.

➁If it isn’t assigned already, assign an open hi hat sound to the note triggered by Trigger Input 1.

➂Press the [EXT TRIG] button until the display shows the Footswitch Close note. This is the note that will be played when the footswitch is pressed. If it hasn't been assigned already, assign a closing hi hat sound to this note. This will give the hi hat a realistic closing sound, as opposed to an abrupt switch from an open sound to a closed sound.

Note that you don’t necessarily have to use hi hat sounds while using this mode. If you wish, you can use any sound available in the DM5.

➃Press the [EXT TRIG] button until the display shows the Footswitch Held note. This is the note that will be played when Trigger 1 is struck AND the footswitch is held. If it hasn't been assigned already, assign a closed hi hat sound to this note.

➄Using the Group function (see page 31), assign all the hi hat sounds to Group 1 so that you can’t have two different hi hat sounds ringing at the same time. (The hi hat sounds could be assigned to Group 2 if you’re already using Group 1 for other drum sounds.)

If you strike the hi hat pad while the footswitch is not pressed, you’ll hear the open hi hat sound. Pressing the footswitch triggers the foot closed sound (at the same velocity as the most recent open hi hat hit); just like a real hi hat, you don’t have to strike the pad—simply “closing” the hi hat by pressing the footswitch triggers the sound.

Striking the pad while the footswitch is held down plays the closed hi hat sound.

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DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis DM5 manual Understanding HI HAT Pedal Mode
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DM5 specifications

The Alesis DM5 is a renowned drum machine and percussion synthesizer that has garnered acclaim for its versatile features and high-quality sound. Embracing both the beginner and professional musician, the DM5 serves as an ideal platform for creating drum tracks, enhancing live performances, and adding depth to music productions.

At the heart of the DM5 is its comprehensive sound engine, which boasts a library of over 1,000 pre-recorded samples. These samples encompass a diverse range of instruments, from acoustic drums to electronic beats, allowing users to explore various music genres seamlessly. The DM5 features 25 of the most popular drum and percussion sounds that can be played via a MIDI controller or the built-in pads. This wide selection provides musicians with the flexibility to craft unique rhythms and textures.

An essential aspect of the DM5 is its user-friendly interface. The backlit LCD screen enables easy navigation through the vast array of features and settings. Users can quickly select sounds, adjust parameters, and create grooves with intuitive controls. The built-in sequencer is another standout feature, allowing musicians to record and edit patterns with precision. It supports up to 99 preset songs, enabling easy recall of favorite patterns for live gigs.

The DM5 also includes MIDI capabilities, facilitating seamless integration with other music production equipment. Users can connect external MIDI devices, triggering sounds directly from their keyboards or controllers. This interconnectedness promotes a fluid workflow in studio and live environments.

Furthermore, the DM5 offers a variety of built-in effects, such as delay and reverb, which enhance the overall sound. These effects provide additional depth and richness to drum tracks, ensuring that the final output remains polished and dynamic. The unit also supports audio outputs for connecting to mixers or amplifiers, making it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances.

In summary, the Alesis DM5 stands out as a powerful drum machine and percussion synthesizer. With its extensive sound library, user-friendly interface, integrated sequencer, MIDI capabilities, and built-in effects, it provides musicians with the tools to create and perform with ease. Whether in a home studio or on stage, the DM5 remains a versatile choice for anyone looking to explore the world of drum programming and music production.
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