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Hi-Hat Controller Sensor on Alesis Surge

Wiring, module settings, and tips for the Hi-Hat Controller Sensor when used with the Alesis Surge.

The Hi-Hat Controller Sensor works on the Alesis Surge as a switch hi-hat: open/closed only.

Continuous Open Closed

Wiring: 1× TRS (pad) → Hi-Hat connector on the cable snake + 1× TRS (pedal) → the hi-hat pedal lead on the cable snake

Same Nitro-family hi-hat platform. Pedal input is not documented as Roland VH/FD compatible — treat as open/closed.

Connect a ¼″ TRS cable from the hi-hat pad to the Hi-Hat connector on the cable snake.
Connect a ¼″ TRS cable from the hi-hat pedal controller to the hi-hat pedal lead on the cable snake.

Hit the hi-hat pad, or press its Hi-Hat Pad Select button, to select it.
Press Utility, then press Page/Select until SEN (Pad sensitivity) appears; use the < and > buttons to set it.
Press Page/Select to THR (Pad threshold) and set it with < / >.
Press Page/Select to S-S (Hi-Hat "splash" sensitivity) to tune how easily splash sounds trigger.
Press Save to keep the settings.

No pedal curve options are available — the module uses a fixed pedal response.
S-S (Splash Sensitivity) controls how easily splash sounds are triggered.
Open/closed transitions may feel less nuanced than modules with pedal curve tuning.

Hi-Hat Controller Sensor also fits 69 other drum modules — see setup

Other compatible drum modules

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