The Control Pad features 8 velocity sensitive pads with gum rubber surfaces for excellent stick response as well as two trigger inputs for connecting external pads such as the Alesis Drum Pad and Cymbal Pad expansion kits. Further, there are two switch pedal inputs to accommodate open and closed hi-hat as well as kick drum. Percussion setups are stored to internal memory and are accessible via MIDI program change commands. In addition to being USB bus-powered (eliminating the need for an external power supply while connected to a computer), the Control Pad includes an AC adapter for use without a computer. The Control Pad is a compact drum/percussion system that functions equally well as a recording tool and as an on-stage electronic "trap table." It is a must have item for serious recording musicians and a valuable tool for percussionists seeking to lighten the load in terms of the number of accessory instruments they carry. Comes with BFD Lite drum module The Control Pad is bundled with FXPansion's BFD Lite, a professional drum module with high-quality acoustic and electronic drum kit libraries. Applications The Alesis Control Pad is limited only by the sound sources connected to it. As a MIDI controller, it can trigger samplers (sampled sounds and sampled sound effects), drum machines, and synthesizers. Melodic percussion (mallet instruments such as vibes and marimba) can be played by assigning the desired MIDI note numbers to the controller's various pads. The Alesis Control Pad is perfect for the following applications: • Programming of drum and percussion parts with a MIDI sequencer • Studio recording • Live performance--primarily as an expander instrument for shakers, congas, bongos, etc.