Best bang for your buck sample pads?

[Flamacue]

Like those electronic drum pads, normally with 6 sequencers.. Which ones are the best value; basically what's a cheaper module that you don't have to pay a grand for, but still get good quality and ability out of?

This is one area where I don't have much knowledge.

[jdtdrums]

Like those electronic drum pads, normally with 6 sequencers.. Which ones are the best value; basically what's a cheaper module that you don't have to pay a grand for, but still get good quality and ability out of? This is one area where I don't have much knowledge.

I found this little guy. Check it out. $119 at sweet water and it sounds pretty good! I'm thinking to add this to my acoustic rig to expand my sound!

[K_KЯaMeR]

Alesis SamplePad Pro
Alesis SamplePad 4


Cheap
No frills
Gets the job done
Can add your own sounds
Can plug in additional pads

[denis021]

Alesis strike multi-pad is currently the best, check out the review

[StickS707]

Alesis strike multi-pad is currently the best, check out the review

There are some pretty cool features on the new Alesis Strike Mulitpad...and it is WORLDS apart from their highly anticipated, but ultimately disappointing, earlier entries (SamplePad 4 and SamplePad Pro). The same site denis021 posted above did a shoot-out of the top three pads (SPD-sx, Yamaha Multipad, and the Strike (link to the review ), and while the Strike slightly had the points, the top spot went to the SPD-sx...mainly due to factors that work better, or more reliable, in a live situation.

To answer the OP, I will say, though, that the Strike definitely looks to be what the SamplePad pro was expected to be....an alternative to the SPD-sx, and it is SUPER close, so I would say that the Roland SPD-sx or the Alesis Strike would be the way to go. However, if all you plan on using the sample pad is for percussion sounds and quick hit sound effects (bass drops, sirens, gunshots, etc), then the Alesis SamplePad and SamplePad Pro will do the trick.