The Alesis Turbo Mesh kit is a slightly better alternative, offering larger pads, better connectivity, and enhanced practice sessions. However, the AED-400 is still a viable option given its more approachable price range and slightly more built-in sounds and kits.
Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit vs AODSK AED-400 (2025) Head to Head
In this head-to-head comparison, each kit presents distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit stands out for its use of exclusively mesh pads for a more realistic drumming experience, larger pad sizes, and a more comprehensive drum module. On the other hand, the AODSK AED-400 offers a greater variety of sounds, more drum kits, and a compact form factor which might appeal to users with limited space or those seeking portability.
Key Differences
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit features an 8-inch snare pad, larger than the AED-400's 6.5-inch, potentially offering a more realistic playing experience.
The AED-400 leads with 150 sounds compared to the 120 available in the Turbo Mesh Kit, providing a wider sonic palette.
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is equipped with the Turbo Drum Module, noted for its integrated drum coach, enhancing practice sessions. The AED-400 offers more drum kits but lacks the coaching feature.
The Turbo Mesh Kit includes larger cymbal pads and a hi-hat (10 inches) compared to the AED-400's 8 inches, aiming for a more expansive playing experience.
Both kits offer MIDI-over-USB, but the Alesis also includes a 5-pin MIDI out, offering more versatility in connectivity.
The Alesis kit focuses on mesh for all pads, emphasizing a realistic feel, whereas the AED-400 uses rubber for its tom pads.
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is equipped with the Turbo Drum Module, while the AODSK AED-400 uses the AED-400.
Key Features in Common
Both kits have a trigger pedal for the kick drum.
Each kit has single-zone pads for simplicity and straightforward performance.
Both feature electronic hi-hat pedals, maintaining a compact setup.
Each kit has an audio input for auxiliary devices, allowing for play-along sessions.
Both offer basic sound editing capabilities, keeping the focus on playing rather than tweaking.
Check out the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit in action.
And here's a video of the AODSK AED-400.
Price Comparison Between The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit and AODSK AED-400
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit and AODSK AED-400
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Overview
Verdict
Choosing between the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit and the AODSK AED-400 depends on what aspects of drumming you prioritize. If the feel and size of the pads are crucial, and you appreciate the extra help from an integrated drum coach, the Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit could be the better choice. However, if you're leaning towards a wider variety of sounds and a more compact design, the AODSK AED-400 might be the way to go.
Matt Taylor