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Our Verdict

The Command Mesh SE is a stronger competitor than the Alesis Nitro Max, offering advanced features and greater capacity for customization. That being said, the Alesis Nitro Max presents itself as an excellent entry-level option, offering a blend of essential features and technology integrations.

Alesis Nitro Max vs Command Mesh Special Edition Head to Head

When comparing the Alesis Nitro Max and the Command Mesh Special Edition, it's evident that each kit is designed with different user profiles in mind. The Nitro Max, with its Bluetooth connectivity and a vast sound library, is tailored toward beginners who prioritize versatility. In contrast, the Command Mesh SE, with its larger kick pad, more sounds, and custom sampling capabilities, is geared towards more advanced players.

Key Differences

The Nitro Max offers a solid foundation with its 440 sounds. On the other hand, the Command Mesh SE boasts a more extensive library of 671 sounds, providing a broader palette for sonic exploration.

The Command Mesh SE features a more substantial 10-inch kick pad compared to the 5-inch pad of the Nitro Max, offering a more realistic feel.

The Command Mesh SE allows custom sampling via USB drive, a feature not available on the Nitro Max.

The Nitro Max offers Bluetooth connection, a handy feature for wireless audio streaming from devices, which the Command Mesh SE lacks.

The Command Mesh SE includes both MIDI-over-USB and traditional MIDI-5-Pin connectivity, providing more versatility in studio and live settings.

The Alesis Nitro Max is equipped with the Nitro Max Drum Module, while the Command Mesh SE uses the Command Advanced Drum Module.

Kick Pad Size
5-inch
10-inch
Number of Sounds
440
671
Drum Module Name
Nitro Max Drum Module
Command Advanced Drum Module
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
No
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USB
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Custom sampling
-
usb-drive

Key Features in Common

Both kits feature all-mesh snare and tom pads, ensuring a responsive and dynamic playing experience that closely mimics an acoustic drum feel.

Each kit includes a dual-zone snare pad, allowing for both head and rim shots, adding to the expressiveness of your playing.

Both sets come with 10-inch hi-hat and cymbal pads, maintaining consistency in the playing experience across the kits.

The ability to record your performance directly on the module is available in both models, which is great for practice and composition.

Kick Type
Tower
Tower
Snare Pad Size
10-inch
10-inch

Check out the Alesis Nitro Max in action.

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

Price Comparison Between The Alesis Nitro Max and Command Mesh SE

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Alesis Nitro Max and Command Mesh SE

We have included a head-to-head comparison of the features and specs on both the Alesis Nitro Max and Command 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
Single-Zone
Dual-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
440
671
Drum Module Name
Nitro Max Drum Module
Command Advanced Drum Module
Additional Features
60 built-in play-along tracks, performance recorder
You can use USB flash drive to record songs, load samples, save kits, and load kits from it
Display
Backlid LED
-
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
No
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), 1/8" inch mini-headphone output
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-USB
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Custom sampling
-
usb-drive
Number of Kits
48
74

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
Rubber
Mesh
Kick Pad Size
5-inch
10-inch

Verdict

Choosing between the Alesis Nitro Max and the Command Mesh SE ultimately depends on where you are in your drumming journey and what aspects of electronic drumming you prioritize.

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.