Everything I get asked about The Hat — compatibility, install, sound, shipping, support.
The Hat is built for the Alesis Nitro family — Nitro Mesh, Nitro Max, and Nitro Pro. Plug it in, the module recognises it, and you get every articulation a hi-hat should give you.
For the Nitro Pro, Nitro Pro XL, and Nitro Pro Ultimate, you'll need a 3.5 mm to 6.25 mm jack adapter. You can add one to your order at checkout.
Probably. The Turbo Mesh uses the same hi-hat pedal, so it should work the same way. The Surge Kit and Command Kit are likely compatible, but not tested yet. DM6 and DM10 are unknown — they may need modifications.
If you have one of these kits and want to help me confirm, get in touch. I'll work it out together.
The Hat mounts on any standard hi-hat stand. What varies between stands is the clutch bolt — the threaded bolt that goes through the top cymbal. Some brands use different diameters and thread pitches.
By default, The Hat ships with an M12 × 1.25 mm mount, which covers the majority of modern stands. If yours is different, add a clutch for guaranteed compatibility. Full list on the Compatibility page.
A few I've tested and recommend:
Note: the Alesis hi-hat cymbal is light. Pick a stand that doesn't fight you — low spring tension, or one with adjustable tension. Full list of supported stands on the Compatibility page.
No. The Hat replaces the hi-hat pedal signal that goes into your Alesis module. The module reads it the same way it always has and sends out audio and MIDI on its own. Nothing in your signal chain changes.
About 10 minutes. The cymbal goes on the clutch, the sensor module clips onto the hi-hat rod, two velcro straps keep it from rotating, two cables plug in. Done.
One 3 mm hex/Allen key (7/64" for the US friends). That's it. A plastic Allen key is included, but a proper one is recommended.
Yes — a full step-by-step walkthrough with photos lives on the Installation page.
A video tutorial is in the works.
No. The Hat is the controller — you bring your own hi-hat stand. I recommend a few on the Compatibility page if you don't have one yet.
No module mod. No firmware flashing. The Hat connects exactly where the included pedal does, and the module behaves the same way it always has.
Closed. Half-open. Open. Chick. All four, straight to your Nitro module.
The Hat doesn't trigger the splash sound.
It feels like a real hi-hat because, mechanically, it is one. The Hat mounts on a standard hi-hat stand, the same hardware drummers play in studios and on stages. Your foot moves through the same range, with the same response, as on any acoustic kit.
Yes. Adjust the height of the clutch on the hi-hat rod to dial in the open/closed feel to your preference. Lower for a tighter, snappier response. Higher for more travel.
No. The Hat is electrically equivalent to the pedal Alesis ships with — the module reads it the same way, in the same time.
The Netherlands. Shipped via PostNL with tracking.
Worldwide. Shipping cost and delivery time depend on where you are.
Dispatched within a week of your order. Transit time after that depends on your country — usually a few days inside the EU, a bit longer everywhere else.
Inside the EU, no. Outside the EU, possibly — customs charges depend on your country's import rules. I can't predict them.
For orders shipped to the US, PostNL collects customs up front — they're included in the shipping fee.
30 days from the day it arrives. Return it in its original condition for a full refund. Buyer covers return shipping.
2 years from the day you receive your order. Covers manufacturing defects and electronics failures. If something goes wrong, I'll repair or replace it.
Email me. The same person who designed and built The Hat answers the messages. No ticketing system, no script — just a human who knows the product.
Send me a message with a description of what's happening and, if you can, a photo or video. I'll diagnose, then either talk you through a fix or send a replacement under warranty.
Lorenzo — electronics engineer, drummer, founder of Drumic. The Hat started as a thing I wanted for my own kit. It's now made for everyone else who plays the same Alesis hardware.
Full story on the About page.
The Hat is designed and assembled in The Netherlands. Plastics are produced in The Netherlands from 100% Dutch recycled material. PCBs are manufactured in Germany.
Because you get a real warranty, a real person at the other end of an email, and a product designed to work well, not to be cheap. I build in small batches, I test every unit, and I stand behind what ships.
That's the difference.
Send me a message. I'll get back to you — and your question might end up on this page.