For drummers who want to share their playing online, record practice sessions, or experiment with new sounds, capturing a full acoustic drum kit can be a challenge. Microphone placement, audio interfaces, cables, and recording software can quickly turn a simple idea into a complicated setup. The new Alesis Kitstream acoustic drums streaming module is designed to make the process more straightforward, combining a built-in stereo microphone, kick drum trigger, recording features, and streaming connectivity in one compact unit.
An All-in-One Recording and Streaming Solution
The Kitstream mounts to your kick drum, providing a centralized recording and streaming system without requiring a separate collection of microphones to capture your kit. Its built-in stereo microphone is designed to pick up the overall sound of your drums, making it a practical option for recording practice sessions, creating performance videos, and sharing your playing online. With its compact design and straightforward operation, the Kitstream is intended to help drummers spend less time setting up equipment and more time playing.
Record Your Playing and Keep Your Ideas
The Kitstream includes up to 50 hours of onboard recording storage, with individual recordings lasting up to 60 minutes per file. That gives you room to save practice sessions, work through song ideas, and capture performances without needing to transfer every recording immediately. When you're ready to work on your audio outside the module, USB-C connectivity supports recording and streaming workflows, with stereo audio and MIDI connectivity for integration with compatible equipment and software.
Add Sounds, Effects, and Your Own Samples
Beyond capturing the natural sound of an acoustic kit, the Kitstream offers 500 onboard drum and percussion sounds and 50 kits. Integrated reverb, compression, EQ, and other effects provide options for shaping your sound, whether you're preparing a recording or experimenting during practice. You can also import up to 99 of your own samples, allowing you to bring additional sounds into your setup. Bluetooth audio input lets you play audio from a compatible phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth source, which can be useful when practicing along with songs, backing tracks, or lessons.
Expand Your Setup as Your Needs Change
The Kitstream supports additional electronic triggers, giving you the option to expand beyond its core acoustic drum recording setup. It can accommodate up to six single-zone triggers or three dual-zone drum and cymbal triggers. This flexibility can be useful for drummers who want to incorporate extra electronic sounds or trigger-equipped drums and cymbals into their playing. The unit also includes a 1/4-inch dynamic microphone input, offering an additional connection for a compatible microphone.
Software and Accessories to Get Started
The Kitstream includes Ableton Live Lite, providing an entry point for working with recordings in music production software, along with a 90-day Drumeo subscription for drumming lessons and educational content. The included accessories—a protective carrying case, six-foot USB-C cable, cable wrap, and drum key—help make the package ready for setup, transport, and everyday use. Together, these additions give drummers useful starting points for recording, learning, and developing their playing.
How the Kitstream Compares to Yamaha's EAD Series
The Yamaha EAD10, EAD20, and EAD50 offer alternative approaches to capturing and enhancing acoustic drum performances. Their configurations use a sensor and separate module, whereas the Kitstream combines its core components in a single kick-mounted unit. The models also differ in their recording capabilities, sound libraries, connectivity, and expansion options. For example, the Kitstream emphasizes onboard storage for longer recordings, Bluetooth audio input, and a compact setup. Yamaha's EAD20 and EAD50 offer 8-in / 10-out USB-C audio, while the EAD50 includes five XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power. The EAD50 also has the largest onboard sound library of the four models in this comparison.
| Alesis Kitstream | Yamaha EAD10 | Yamaha EAD20 | Yamaha EAD50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup / Form Factor | One kick-mounted unit | Hoop sensor + module | Hoop sensor + module | DSU50 sensor + module |
| Onboard Recording | 60 min per file, up to 50 hours of storage | 90 sec (90 min to USB drive) | 90 sec (90 min to USB drive) | 90 sec (90 min to USB drive) |
| External Mic Input | 1/4" dynamic mic input | No | No | 5x XLR/TRS combo, +48V |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| USB Audio | USB-C, stereo + MIDI | USB-B, stereo | USB-C, 8-in / 10-out | USB-C, 8-in / 10-out |
| Onboard Sounds / Kits | 500 / 50 | 757 / 50 | 2,203 / 51 | 2,317 / 70 |
| Software Included | Ableton Live Lite + 90-day Drumeo | Rec'n'Share app, Drumeo | Rec'n'Share, EAD Touch | Rec'n'Share, EAD Touch, Cubase AI, Drumeo |
Choosing the Right System for Your Drumming
The best system depends on how you plan to use it. Drummers looking for a compact, kick-mounted recording and streaming solution with substantial onboard recording storage may find the Kitstream's combination of features appealing. Those who prioritize a larger sound library or more extensive multichannel USB audio connectivity may want to explore the Yamaha EAD models, particularly the EAD20 and EAD50. Comparing setup requirements, recording time, available inputs, sound options, and software compatibility can help you identify which system fits your playing and recording workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alesis Kitstream?
The Alesis Kitstream is a kick drum-mounted recording and streaming system for acoustic drummers. It combines a built-in stereo microphone, onboard sounds and effects, recording storage, and USB-C connectivity.
Can the Kitstream record acoustic drums without additional microphones?
Yes. Its built-in stereo microphone is designed to capture the full kit. You can also connect a compatible dynamic microphone through its 1/4-inch mic input.
How much recording time does the Kitstream offer?
The Kitstream provides up to 50 hours of onboard recording storage, with recordings of up to 60 minutes per file.
Can I use the Kitstream for livestreaming?
The Kitstream is designed for recording and streaming, with USB-C connectivity for compatible computer-based workflows. Your specific setup will depend on the streaming software, computer, and connections you use.
Does the Kitstream include electronic drum sounds?
Yes. It includes 500 drum and percussion sounds organized into 50 kits, plus integrated reverb, compression, EQ, and other effects. You can also import up to 99 user samples.
Can I expand the Kitstream with additional triggers?
Yes. It supports up to six single-zone triggers or three dual-zone drum and cymbal triggers, allowing you to add compatible electronic playing options.
Does the Kitstream support Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth audio input allows you to play audio from compatible mobile devices and other Bluetooth sources, making it convenient to practice with backing tracks, songs, or lessons.
How does the Kitstream compare to the Yamaha EAD10, EAD20, and EAD50?
The Kitstream uses a single kick-mounted unit and provides up to 50 hours of onboard recording storage. The Yamaha models use a sensor-and-module configuration and have different recording, connectivity, and sound-library specifications. The EAD20 and EAD50 offer 8-in / 10-out USB audio, while the EAD50 also provides five XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power.
What software and learning resources are included?
The Kitstream includes Ableton Live Lite and a 90-day Drumeo subscription. These provide starting points for recording and music production, as well as access to drumming instruction.
What accessories come with the Kitstream?
The package includes a protective carrying case, a six-foot USB-C cable, a cable wrap, and a drum key.
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