Expanding on the popular SR-16 drum machine, Alesis has incorporated eight velocity sensitive pads and released the Performance Pad. The kit-mountable Performance Pad comes with 2 inputs for external kick and hi-hat pedals along with a line-level input for attaching your iPod of CD player. A MIDI output (but not input?) is also incorporated.
The 233 included sounds are mappable to any pad. A selection of built in rhythm patterns complements the 50 presets and 50 user definable drum kits.
The Alesis is an apparent attempt to compete with the Roland SPD-20, which sports some more robust features. The Performance Pad should be available this upcoming holiday season as a possible budget alternative.