The kick-mounted unit combines a stereo mic, kick-to-MIDI trigger, 500-plus onboard sounds and up to 50 hours of internal recording for acoustic drummers.
Alesis has packed a drum recording rig into a single unit that mounts on the kick drum. Kitstream gives acoustic drummers a built-in stereo microphone, a kick trigger, onboard recording, Bluetooth and USB-C in one place, so there’s no need for a stack of mics, stands, cables and an audio interface just to get a kit recorded or online.
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From its spot on the kick, the stereo mic picks up the whole kit. For more detail on a particular drum there’s a 6.35mm input for a dynamic mic, so a snare mic, a second kick mic, an overhead or a vocal mic can join the mix. USB-C carries both audio and MIDI to a computer for recording or livestreaming, and the internal recorder holds up to 50 hours, so a practice session or a full gig can be captured without plugging into anything.
For drummers building a hybrid setup, the built-in trigger converts hits on the acoustic kick into MIDI. Six trigger inputs let them add pads or drum triggers around the kit to play the 500-plus onboard drum and percussion sounds. Those sounds are spread across 50 preset kits, with room for 100 user kits and the option to import custom samples, so an electronic snare layer or a sampled clap can sit on top of the acoustic kit at a gig.
Bluetooth audio playback lets drummers play along with songs, lessons or backing tracks from a phone. That suits covers, social videos and online teaching as much as everyday practice, and a 90-day Drumeo subscription comes in the box for structured lessons. Alesis is pitching Kitstream at drummers of every level, from players filming their first covers to teachers running lessons over video, and the first shipment is on its way to Australia now.
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