Hardware Overview
Combining the Alesis QSR with MIDI drum triggers and a trigger interface, or a pad controller, produces a flexible, low-cost, open-architecture, electronic drum kit.
![](../Images/qsr.jpg)
What hardware do I need?
The QSR Drum Synthesizer system can be configured in many different ways, from simple to complex. The Alesis QSR synthesizer module acts as the system sound module. A sound module receives digital control inputs and generates audio signals that can be connected to any audio system.
You can create a simple system by connecting a single MIDI controller, such as the Alesis Control Pad, to the QSR. Alternatively, or in addition, triggers can be connected to the system using trigger to MIDI interfaces. You can also use multiple QSR synthesizers in parallel to increase the polyphony or storage space of the system.
The QSR Drum Synthesizer Manual discusses the specific system configuration I used to develop my drum synthesizer system. This information will help you understand the possibilities and allow you to design your own system, based on your needs and budget. You may use a different configuration but the principles described here will be relevant.
Alesis Control Pad
![](../Images/control-pad-angle.jpg)
Alesis Trigger iO
![](../Images/trigger-io-angle.png)
Pads and Controllers
![](../Images/Aquarian-on-head.png)
![](../Images/KP65-kick-pad.jpg)
![](../Images/realhat_pedal_640.jpg)
MIDI and Audio Accessories
![](../Images/Motu-midi-if.jpg)
![](../Images/MIDImerge2-large.jpg)