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At a Glance

The Alesis Command Mesh SE trumps the Alesis Surge Mesh SE, offering extensive features that cater to players who value a wide range of sounds, larger physical components, and the ability to integrate custom samples into their playing. The Alesis Surge Mesh SE still stands as a solid option for players who seek quality and reliability in a more straightforward package.

Alesis Command Mesh Special Edition vs Surge Mesh Special Edition Head to Head

When comparing the Alesis Command Mesh Special Edition with the Alesis Surge Mesh Special Edition, it's clear that both kits are very similar in terms of design and components but still differ in a few ways that might make one better than the other.

Key Differences

The Command Mesh SE offers a vast library of 671 sounds, compared to the Surge Mesh SE's 385 sounds. This difference not only provides a wider sonic palette but also enhances the ability to customize the experience.

The Command Mesh SE boasts a larger 10-inch kick pad, offering a more realistic feel and response, particularly for drummers who transition from acoustic to electronic kits.

Exclusive to the Command Mesh SE is the capability to use a USB flash drive for loading custom samples. This feature greatly enhances creative flexibility

The Command Mesh SE is equipped with the Command Advanced Drum Module, while the Surge Mesh SE uses the Surge Drum Module.

Kick Pad Size
10-inch
8-inch
Number of Sounds
671
385
Drum Module Name
Command Advanced Drum Module
Surge Drum Module
Custom sampling
usb-drive
-

Key Features in Common

Both sets come with mesh snare and tom pads, providing a more realistic feel and responsiveness.

Both offer comprehensive MIDI connectivity options, including MIDI-over-USB and MIDI-5-Pin, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of music production environments.

Each kit includes on-board recording capabilities, allowing drummers to capture their performances directly within the drum module.

Both kits feature the same number, size, and triggering technology for their pads, apart from the kickpad size.

Lastly, both offer the same additional features such as a metronome and additional pad/cymbal inputs.

Kick Type
Tower
Tower
Snare Pad Size
10-inch
10-inch
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin

Check out the Command Mesh SE in action.

And here's a video of the Surge Mesh SE.

Price Comparison Between The Command Mesh SE and Surge Mesh SE

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Command Mesh SE and Surge Mesh SE

We have included a head-to-head comparison of the features on both the Command Mesh SE and Surge Mesh SE.

Hi-Hat

Hi-Hat Size (Inches)
10-inch
10-inch
Hi-Hat Type
Electronic hi-hat pedal
Electronic hi-hat pedal

Cymbal Pads

Ride Cymbal Pad Size (Inches)
10-inch
10-inch
Ride Cymbal Zones
Single-Trigger
Single-Trigger
Number of Crash Cymbal Pads
1
1
Crash Cymbal Sizes
10"
10"
Crash cymbal choke
Yes
Yes

Toms

Tom pad sizes
8", 8", 8"
8", 8", 8"
Number of Tom Pads
3
3
Tom Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Tom Zones
Dual-Zone
Dual-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
671
385
Drum Module Name
Command Advanced Drum Module
Surge Drum Module
Additional Features
You can use USB flash drive to record songs, load samples, save kits, and load kits from it
Built-in learning features, sixty play-along music tracks
Display
-
Backlit LCD screen
Metronome
Yes
Yes
On-Board Recording (of internal sounds)
Yes
Yes
Additional Pad/Cymbal Inputs
2
2
Audio Outputs
2 Main Outputs(Left and Right)
2 Main Outputs(Left and Right)
Audio Input (Auxiliary Input)
1/8" inch
1/8" inch
Effects and Sound Editing Capabilities
Average
Average
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Custom sampling
usb-drive
-
Number of Kits
74
40

Snare

Snare Mount Type
Mounted to Rack
Mounted to Rack
Snare Pad Size
10-inch
10-inch
Snare Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Snare Zones
Dual-Zone
Dual-Zone

Kick

Kick Type
Tower
Tower
Kick Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Kick Pad Size
10-inch
8-inch

Verdict

In summary, the choice between the Alesis Command Mesh SE and Surge Mesh SE should be guided by individual needs, such as the desired range of sounds, the importance of physical pad sizes, and the interest in custom sampling capabilities. Both sets offer quality and performance, making them valuable investments in their respective niches.

Matt Taylor

Matt Taylor

I'm Matt Taylor, a guitarist with a genuine love for music. I've had the pleasure of playing in a few bands and collaborating with some amazing artists along the way. As a music journalist, my goal is to share my passion and learnings with you while keeping my finger on the pulse of emerging trends and talents.