Really? So, as you’re playing it, it won’t let you slightly open and close it to create the usual sound variances that an opening and closing acoustic (metal) hi-hat would?
You can strike the hi-hat and then hit the pedal (“close” it) while it’s ringing, which does damp the sound like an acoustic one does, but it’s all software magic; the pedal isn’t doing anything physical to the hi-hat disk itself. I don’t think that you can strike it while it’s closed and then open it to change the sound, or at least I haven’t been able to achieve any timing of strike & pedal that does that. I also don’t think you can “slightly” open/close it – I think there’s just a binary switch in the pedal that is either open or closed.
It’ll probably depend on the kit. The hi-hat trigger I have (which is just a pedal–the hat itself is just a normal cymbal pad that doesn’t open or close) does allow at least three different levels: open, closed, partially closed (and, of course, a “foot” hat.) I’m not sure how many levels of partially open/closed it distinguishes. If you just have a binary response, that’s something you can almost certainly upgrade.
Ah, interesting, thanks for both repsonses.
Curious if there’s other electronic cymbal types, like for chinas, splashes, etc. (google-fu is failing me.)
Any more opinions from markn+ or anyone else on the Alesis kits? I’m going to order the Nitro Mesh soon for the kids and me to bang on. Going to get a bunch of O/T w/ holiday pay tomorrow, and Five Four (and 3/4) suggested I go ahead and get it.
Hey markn+, how’s the drummin’ comin’?
…don’t they have machines for that now?
— Uke, horns and keyboard
Ya heard about the drummer who thought “five to the bar” meant the combo was taking a break?
…sorry, coming in late. Have all the drummer jokes already been made?
i only have one:
whats the difference between a drummer and a drum machine?
you only have to punch the instructions into a drum machine once.
anyhoo, excellent thread - i’ve been fascinated to read about mark’s journey into drumming and all the expertise on offer here 
Reviving the thread -
with all the time freed up from lack of commuting and social distancing, I bought a practice pad and some drum sticks (not quite ready to invest in an entire kit. Also, I live in a condo, so my neighbors (who are also social distancing) might not be huge fans)).
A lot of the links are to drumeo - are they good? or just really good marketers? Could I follow, say, their rudiments lessons to start?