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Which is Better?

The Nitro Max, hailing from an established manufacturer, is a more well-rounded entry-level e-drum kit with larger pads, Bluetooth connectivity, a better kick type, and more sounds & kits to play around with. Naturally, the AED-403 is still a solid option, offering good specs and components at a more affordable price.

Alesis Nitro Max Kit vs AODSK AED-403 (2024) Head to Head

Alesis Nitro Max

The Alesis Nitro Max and AODSK AED-403 are two solid e-drum offerings for beginner drummers venturing into the world of electronic drums. Falling under the same category and similar price range, both these kits offer something unique for players but which one is better depends on your budget and needs.

Key Differences

The Nitro Max features a kick tower, whereas the AED-403 has a trigger pedal. A tower-style kick is a better alternative for a more realistic playing experience.

The Nitro Max has larger toms, chokeable cymbals, and a larger snare pad (dual-zone), offering better playability.

When it comes to versatility, the Nitro Max offers more sounds & kits, built-in play-along tracks, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Nitro Max also has 2 additional pad/cymbal inputs for expanding the kit as opposed to the AED-403 which does not have the same features.

The Nitro Max allows for onboard recording of internal sounds, something that the AED-403 lacks.

The Alesis Nitro Max is equipped with the Nitro Max Drum Module, while the AODSK AED-403 uses the AED-403.

Kick Type
Tower
Trigger Pedal
Snare Pad Size
10-inch
6.5-inch
Number of Sounds
440
195
Drum Module Name
Nitro Max Drum Module
AED-403
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
No

Key Features in Common

Both kits have 10-inch, single-trigger cymbal pads.

Both kits feature an all-mesh design.

Both sets also have a mounted snare drum.

Finally, both have the same additional features like a metronome and onboard recording.

MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USB
MIDI-over-USB

Check out the Alesis Nitro Max in action.

And here's a video of the AODSK AED-403.

Price Comparison Between The Alesis Nitro Max and AODSK AED-403

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Alesis Nitro Max and AODSK AED-403

Alesis Nitro Max
We have included a head-to-head comparison of the specs and features on both the Alesis Nitro Max and AODSK AED-403.

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
No

Toms

Tom pad sizes
8", 8", 8"
6.5"
Number of Tom Pads
3
3
Tom Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Tom Zones
Single-Zone
Single-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
440
195
Drum Module Name
Nitro Max Drum Module
AED-403
Additional Features
60 built-in play-along tracks, performance recorder
-
Display
Backlid LED
-
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
No
Metronome
Yes
Yes
On-Board Recording (of internal sounds)
Yes
No
Additional Pad/Cymbal Inputs
2
0
Audio Outputs
2 Main Outputs (Left and Right), 1/8" inch mini-headphone output
1 Output
Audio Input (Auxiliary Input)
1/8" inch
1/8" inch
Effects and Sound Editing Capabilities
Average
Low
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USB
MIDI-over-USB
Number of Kits
48
15

Snare

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

Kick

Kick Type
Tower
Trigger Pedal
Kick Pad Material
Rubber
-
Kick Pad Size
5-inch
-

Verdict

Alesis Nitro Max

The Nitro Max and AED-403 are two affordable, entry-level e-drum kits that cater to different audiences. The Nitro Max is the obvious superior choice if you want a well-rounded beginner kit with excellent features and playability. On the other hand, the AED-403 is a solid and more affordable option to go for, especially if price is your main concern.

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.