News just in about the performance drum module from Alesis that features 110 kits and over 1600 multi-sampled instruments and a 4.3" color LCD screen. The firmware has been updated to 1.2 and has some significant (read: not to be sniffed at) features.

Without further ado...

Here's What's New in Alesis Strike 1.2:

Important: This update is required in order to use the Strike Editor software. 

USB mass-storage capability: Communicate with the Strike Editor software and edit your Strike module’s SD card contents directly from your computer.

Sample Mode: Added Internal and Internal+Aux input recording modes. Sample yourself playing solo or playing along with music from your Aux input.

Loop Mode: Each of the two layers on each trigger can be set to loop its playback. One strike starts the loop, and one more stops it. You can turn this on or off for each layer independently in the Voice menus. If you want the loop to play indefinitely, set its Decay to 99.

Layer Velocity Limit High/Low: In the Voice menus, configure a layer to play in certain velocity ranges only. For example, set a trigger to loop or an ensemble “hit” sound from Layer B only after high-velocity strikes.

Metronome Output Routing: Route the metronome to the Main Out, the Hdph Out, or both. Set this Output setting in the Utility > Metro menu.

Adjustable Splash Performance: Adjust the consistency of the “splash” sound to compensate for your hi-hat pedal design. Set this in the Triggers > Pedal menu. The default is 70, which accommodates most hi-hat pedal setups. Lower numbers generally provide easier or more frequent splashes. If you are generating too many splashes, increase this value.

Factory Reset: Hold the Stop and Enter buttons while powering on the Strike module to reset to the default Triggers and Utility menu settings.

General trigger performance enhancements. Improved dynamic range for a more realistic acoustic kit experience, allowing lighter and more articulate playing when desired.

If you prefer a less dynamic feel (i.e., an easier way to get a louder sound), go to the Utility > Trigger menu and set the Trig Sensitivity to High. Alternatively—or additionally—adjust the Sensitivity parameter for each trigger (in Trigger Mode). 

If an instrument in a specific kit isn’t responding with the desired “feel,” adjust its Velocity > Level parameter (in the Velocity tab in Voice Mode). Lowering this value reduces its dynamic range, resulting in a “hotter,” more compressed sound, which can suit some types of instruments or playing styles. 

Finally, remember that you can use the sensitivity knobs on the sides of each of your Strike toms and snare drum. This is a subtler but easier adjustment that makes the drum more or less sensitive while also effectively “resizing” the “strike zone” on the mesh head.   

Added Utility Kit folder, containing an empty user kit (for creating new kits from scratch).

Minor bug fixes:

Minor user interface updates to improve navigation.