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Which is Better?

The Alesis Strike Pro SE is a higher-end, more feature-rich option compared to the Surge Mesh SE, offering a comprehensive drumming experience with Its extensive sound library, larger and more realistic pad sizes, and advanced features. The Surge Mesh SE is still a great value option with its compact size, essential features, and quality mesh pads.

Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition vs Surge Mesh Special Edition Head to Head

When comparing the Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition to the Surge Mesh Special Edition, it's clear that the former is positioned as a high-end option while the latter serves the mid-range segment. The choice between the two ultimately boils down to budget, skill level, and personal preference.

Key Differences

The Strike Pro SE features a vast library of 1,800 sounds and advanced editing capabilities. The Surge Mesh SE, however, offers 385 sounds.

The Strike Pro SE boasts larger pad sizes, including a 20-inch kick and a 14-inch snare. The Surge Mesh SE features smaller pads, with an 8-inch kick and a 10-inch snare.

The Strike Pro SE offers a more advanced cymbal setup, with triple-trigger ride cymbals and larger crash and hi-hat sizes. The Surge Mesh SE provides a more basic setup with a single-trigger ride and smaller cymbals.

The Strike Pro SE includes additional output options and the ability to incorporate custom samples, offering more versatility for advanced users.

The Strike Pro SE features a full-sized kick drum and an acoustic-style hi-hat stand, contributing to its premium feel and performance. The Surge Mesh SE uses a more compact and simpler design.

The Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition is equipped with the Strike Performance Module, while the Surge Mesh SE uses the Surge Drum Module.

Kick Type
Full-Sized Kick Drum
Tower
Kick Pad Size
20-inch
8-inch
Snare Pad Size
14-inch
10-inch
Number of Sounds
1800
385
Drum Module Name
Strike Performance Module
Surge Drum Module
Custom sampling
onboard-samplingsd-card
-

Key Features in Common

Both kits feature mesh heads for a responsive and quieter playing experience, suitable for practice in noise-sensitive environments.

Each kit includes MIDI-over-USB and traditional MIDI 5-Pin connectivity, allowing for easy integration with recording software and hardware MIDI devices.

On-board recording is available on both models, enabling drummers to capture their performances directly within the drum module.

Both have dual-zone snare & tom pads, despite the size difference.

MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin

Check out the Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition in action.

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

Price Comparison Between The Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition and Surge Mesh SE

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition and Surge Mesh SE

We have included a head-to-head comparison of the specs and features on both the Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition and Surge Mesh SE.

Hi-Hat

Hi-Hat Size (Inches)
14-inch
10-inch
Hi-Hat Type
Acoustic-style hi-hat stand
Electronic hi-hat pedal

Cymbal Pads

Ride Cymbal Pad Size (Inches)
16-inch
10-inch
Ride Cymbal Zones
Triple-Trigger
Single-Trigger
Number of Crash Cymbal Pads
3
1
Crash Cymbal Sizes
14", 14", 14"
10"
Crash cymbal choke
Yes
Yes

Toms

Tom pad sizes
8", 10", 12", 14"
8", 8", 8"
Number of Tom Pads
4
3
Tom Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Tom Zones
Dual-Zone
Dual-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
1800
385
Drum Module Name
Strike Performance Module
Surge Drum Module
Notes (Cons)
The triggering is fairly low latency but not quite as good as Roland's modules. It doesn't have USB over audio but it has lots of audio outputs.
-
Notes (Pros)
This is one of the best modules out there. The samples sound great on this module, Alesis have released updates with lots of extra sounds also.
-
Additional Features
Strike Software Editor
Built-in learning features, sixty play-along music tracks
Display
4.3" Color Display
Backlit LCD screen
Metronome
Yes
Yes
On-Board Recording (of internal sounds)
Yes
Yes
Additional Pad/Cymbal Inputs
0
2
Audio Outputs
2 Main Outputs (Left and Right), 8 Direct Outputs
2 Main Outputs(Left and Right)
Audio Input (Auxiliary Input)
1/8" inch
1/8" inch
Effects and Sound Editing Capabilities
High
Average
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Custom sampling
onboard-samplingsd-card
-
Number of Kits
135
40

Snare

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

Kick

Kick Type
Full-Sized Kick Drum
Tower
Kick Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Kick Pad Size
20-inch
8-inch

Verdict

In summary, your choice between these two should be guided by your current skill level, space considerations, and specific needs regarding features and expandability. The Strike Pro SE is ideal for those seeking a no-compromises e-drumming experience, while the Surge Mesh SE offers a balanced and accessible entry point into electronic drumming with room for growth.

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.