The Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit is PJ Gibbs’ Hardware Product Of 2020, he explains why.

Let's start off by saying. I'm no drummer. But, harking back to my DJ days, rhythm has always been my thing. So, this year I decided I'd invest in a digital drum kit - the Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit - that I could use for general playing and practice, but also connect to my DAW and use for real-time MIDI drum programming.

Entry-level drum kits are so cheap and so good that you start to think every musician should have one. I put on my headphones and play without annoying the neighbours, and, with the year we've all experienced, this electronic drum kit has been the perfect stress-buster. Besides, there's a lot of fun to be had than with an electronic drum kit!

The Alesis Drums Nitro Kit is not new to 2020, and was released in 2018, but, let’s ignore that little detail. The kit comes configured with an 8" dual-zone mesh snare, three 8" single-zone mesh toms, a 10" dual-zone crash (chokeable), two additional single-zoned cymbals (one for hi-hat and ride cymbal), hi-hat controller pedal and a complete four-post drum rack. The kick pad is robust, with steel housing, anti-creep spikes and a single-zone surface, and the kick pedal is nice and chunky too.

The quality of mesh pads shows some of this kit's acoustic properties, with rim-shots and cross stick. The same goes for the crash, which is capable of impressive chokes. Packed with 40 ready-to-play classic and modern kits, 60 play-along tracks and 350+ sounds it has all I really need. Add to that the aux input, MIDI in/out, stereo line/headphone outputs, this kit has an incredible spec - for less than £350. Which is a bargain price!