Get ready to elevate your drumming experience with Alesis as we dive into a head-to-head comparison of two stellar electronic drum sets: the Alesis Command X and the Alesis Crimson II.
From pad sizes and cymbal types to sound libraries and expandability, discover which kit is your ticket to drumming nirvana.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Alesis Command X | Alesis Crimson II |
| Pads | 14” Snare, 3 x 8” Toms, 3 x 10” Toms, 12” Hi-Hat, 2 x 14” Crash, 16” Ride, 10” Kick | 12″ Snare, 3 x 8″ Toms, 3 x 10″ Toms, 12″ Hi-Hat, 14″ Crash, 14″ Ride, 10″ Kick |
| Cymbal Type | Chokable | Dual-zone |
| Kit Pieces | 22 | 21 |
| Sounds | 600+ | 600+ |
| Polyphony | 64 | 64 |
| Sequencer | 60,000 notes | 60,000 notes |
| Display | Full-color LCD | Full-color LCD |
| Connectivity | USB/MIDI, Aux input | USB/MIDI, Aux input |
| Mesh Heads | Yes | Yes |
| Expandability | 1 additional crash, ride, tom | 1 additional tom |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Overview of the Alesis Command X
The Alesis Command X is Alesis’ flagship electronic drum set. It features an all-mesh drum kit with natural, responsive playing surfaces.
Hardware and Pads
- 22-piece all-mesh drum kit for realistic feel
- 14” Snare, 3 x 8″ Toms, 3 x 10” Toms
- 12” Hi-hat, 2 x 14” Crashes, 16” Ride, 10” Kick
- Sturdy chrome 4-post racks
- Adjustable clamps and cymbal arms
Sounds and Polyphony
- 600+ sounds covering a wide range of instruments
- 64-note polyphony for complex grooves and fills
Connectivity and Storage
- USB and MIDI ports for computer connectivity
- Aux input to jam along with external audio
- 60,000 note sequencer to store patterns and songs
Display and Controls
- Full-color LCD screen shows kit overview
- Intuitive module with drum and cymbal buttons
- Mix, EQ, ambience, and output controls
Overview of the Alesis Crimson II
The Alesis Crimson II is a slightly more affordable electronic kit with excellent playability.
Hardware and Pads
- 21-piece electronic kit with mesh heads
- 12” Snare, 3 x 8″ Toms, 3 x 10” Toms
- 12” Hi-hat, 14” Crash, 14” Ride, 10” Kick
- 4-post chrome racks, clamps, and cymbal arms
Sounds and Polyphony
- 600+ instrument sounds
- 64-note max polyphony
Connectivity and Storage
- USB and MIDI connections
- Auxiliary input for playing external music
- 60,000 note capacity sequencer
Display and Controls
- Full-color display for kit overview
- Module with buttons for sound selection
- Equalization, ambience, and output controls
Also Read: Comaprison Between the Crimson 2 and Crimson 2 SE
Key Differences Between Alesis Command X and Crimson II
· Pads and Hardware
The Alesis Command X comes with an expanded 22-piece all-mesh drum kit, compared to the 21-pieces with the Crimson II.
With the Command X you get larger tom pads (3 x 8” and 3 x 10”) versus only 3 x 8” toms with the Crimson II.
The Command X also includes larger 14” hi-hat and crashes versus 12” and 14” respectively with the Crimson II.
The larger pads on the Command X provide a more realistic and responsive playing experience.
Both kits feature sturdy 4-post chrome rack systems. The Command X’s clamps and cymbal arms feel a bit more durable than those on the Crimson II. Adjustability is excellent on both models.
Overall, the Command X takes the win for its larger mesh pads and higher-end hardware. But the Crimson II is no slouch, providing a quality mesh kit for less cost.
· Sounds and Polyphony
With over 600 instrument sounds each, the Command X and Crimson II are evenly matched when it comes to sonic variety. From realistic acoustic drums to eclectic electronic kits, both deliver professional sounds.
They also have identical 64-note polyphony for playing complex grooves without dropped notes. This amount of polyphony is quite sufficient for drumming needs.
In terms of sound quality, the Command X may have a slight edge with its premium samples. But the Crimson II sounds fantastic as well, considering the lower price point. This one is mostly a toss up.
· Cymbal Feel and Articulation
An important distinction is the cymbal pads. The Command X features Alesis’ Quadra linking that allows for choking the cymbals for realistic playing dynamics.
The Crimson II cymbals are single-zone, without choking capability. This makes the Command X cymbals much more natural and expressive.
Both kits feature real leather cymbal surfaces for an excellent response when you strike them with sticks. But the Command X takes the win for its choke-able cymbals.
· Connectivity and Storage
For connectivity, the Command X and Crimson II are identically equipped. You get MIDI in/out ports for connecting to computers, modules, and other MIDI devices.
USB connectivity allows for integration with DAW software and MIDI controllers. And the auxiliary inputs let you jam along with music from a phone, computer, or MP3 player.
Both drum sets also include 60,000 note capacity sequencers. This allows you to record grooves, fills, and even complete songs internally. Extremely useful for practice and composition.
With the same selection of connectivity options and built-in storage, the Command X and Crimson II are evenly matched here.
· Displays and Module Controls
The Command X and Crimson II drum modules are very similar in layout and functionality. Both feature full-color LCD screens that give you an overview of the active kit.
Below the screens are drum and cymbal buttons for sound selection. You can instantly change the sounds assigned to each pad.
There are also mixing, ambience, and equalization controls to dial in your perfect drum tones. Everything is clearly labeled.
The modules are well-designed for quick sound tweaking. Ease of use is comparable between the two kits.
Also Watch This Review Video:
· Expandability
Both the Command X and Crimson II allow for a small amount of expansion down the road.
The Command X has two expansion ports to add an additional crash or ride cymbal, and one extra tom.
The Crimson II permits connecting one additional tom pad only.
So the Command X offers a bit more flexibility for growth. But just one extra tom option with the Crimson II still provides some expandability.
· Warranty
Alesis provides a 1-year warranty covering defects with both the Command X and Crimson II. This is pretty standard for electronic drum sets in this price range.
· Price
With an MSRP of $$$, the Alesis Command X sits at the higher end of the market. You’re paying for the larger pads, choke-able cymbals, and premium feel.
The Crimson II costs quite a bit less at $$, while still providing excellent quality. It represents a great value for budget-minded players.
Considering the larger pads and cymbals, the Command X justifies its higher price tag. But the Crimson II packs great performance into a more affordable package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Alesis Command X is an upgraded version of the Alesis Command kit. The Command X features larger drum pads with 14” snare and toms, bigger crashes, and choke-able cymbals. It also comes with sturdier hardware including a more solid kick pedal. Overall, the Command X is more responsive and realistic feeling.
The Alesis Crimson II is the successor to the original Alesis Crimson electronic drum set. The Crimson II includes updated sounds with over 600 instruments. It also has an aux input for playing external music. Besides these updates, the Crimson II is very similar in specs to the original Crimson.
Yes, the Alesis Crimson II is an excellent electronic drum set, especially for the price. It features a responsive mesh head kit, great sound quality with 600+ instruments, and robust connectivity. The choke-able cymbals and larger pads make it very playable. Overall, it provides fantastic value for money.
The Alesis Command mesh heads are high-quality and absolutely worth the investment for an electronic kit. Mesh heads like those found on the Command series provide a realistic, bouncy feel when playing. This more closely resembles an acoustic drum compared to rubber pads. The Command’s mesh heads also provide dynamic response, allowing for whispers to crashes.
Final Thoughts
The Alesis Command X and Alesis Crimson II are both high-performing, gig-ready electronic drum sets. With their mesh heads, natural feel, and hundreds of great sounds, they make playing e-drums enjoyable and inspiring.
The Command X takes it a level higher with its larger pads, choke-able cymbals, and premium rack system. Serious players will appreciate its realistic response and enhanced dynamics. But it comes at a higher price point.
The Crimson II offers pro-level quality at a more budget-friendly cost. It’s a great choice for beginners wanting high-end features and intermediate players on a tighter budget.
So choose the Alesis Command X if you want an ultra-responsive and road-ready e-kit with money being less of an object. Or opt for the Crimson II to get excellent quality and playability for hundreds less. Either way, you can be sure you’re getting a high-performance electronic drum set built to last.
