Question 1

I am not receiving any sound in my headphones connected to the auxiliary input and I have no visual feedback on the panel when I hit a pad

Accepted Answer

You are experiencing two issues that may be related but require separate diagnostics. The lack of visual feedback (LED) when you hit a pad is the most critical issue, as it indicates that the module is not detecting your pads. The absence of sound in the headphones may be a direct consequence of this problem or a separate audio issue.

First, check the pad detection (LED). The Alesis EDrum Total receives signals from each pad via the multicore cable connected to the back of the module. Ensure that the multi-pin connector at the back of the module is properly plugged in and secured. If this connection is loose or disconnected, the module will not detect any pad and no LED will light up when you hit. Completely unplug this multicore cable, inspect the contacts to ensure they are not dirty or oxidized, and then plug it back in firmly. You should hear a crisp click when reconnecting.

Next, check each individual pad cable. Each pad connects to the multicore cable via a 6.35 mm jack connector. Carefully unplug and replug each pad cable (one by one), starting with the kick or tom for testing. When you reconnect a cable, you should hear a small click. Hit that pad and see if a LED lights up on the top panel of the module. If only one pad has visual feedback, this confirms that the other cables are faulty. Also test the pedals (hi-hat and kick) in the same way.

Next, check the overall volume of the module. Even if the pads are detected (LED on), you will not hear anything without volume. Press the Volume button (the large round knob) on the top panel and turn it to the right to increase the volume. Raise it to at least halfway. If the volume is set to minimum, no sound will come from the headphones, even if the module is functioning normally.

For audio output to the headphones, use the 3.5 mm stereo jack connector labeled “Phones Output” on the back panel. Ensure that your headphones are properly connected and that they work on another device. The headphone volume is adjusted with the same Volume knob as the main output. The auxiliary input (Aux In, also 3.5 mm stereo) is meant to receive sound from another device (phone, CD player), not to send it.

If after checking all the cables and increasing the volume, no pad shows a visual LED feedback, one or more pad cables or connectors are likely faulty and will need to be replaced. Contact Alesis support (alesis.com/support) for replacement cables or spare parts.

Question 2

No sound is coming from the EDrum Total pads even though the metronome and panel are working correctly

Accepted Answer

If the metronome and control panel are responding correctly but no sound is coming from the pads, the issue is likely with the audio setup or connections. Here’s how to diagnose:

1. Check the headphone output first

Connect headphones to the 3.5 mm headphone jack at the back of the module. Turn up the Volume knob at the top of the panel and hit the pads. If you hear sound in the headphones, the module is working - the issue is with the speaker connection.

2. Check the speaker connections

Ensure that the Main Outputs (6.35 mm mono connectors at the back) are fully plugged in
Check that the other end of the cables is connected to an active (powered) speaker or amplifier, and that it is turned on
Try swapping the two output cables to rule out a faulty cable

3. Check the multipin cable of the pads

You mentioned tightening the multipin cable - that’s good. But also make sure that the connectors are fully inserted into the back panel of the module. An incomplete contact prevents the pad signals from reaching the module.

4. Reset if necessary

If everything is connected properly but there is still no sound from the speakers, try completely powering off the module (hold the Power button for 2 seconds) and then turn it back on. This sometimes resets the output detection.

Diagnostic summary: Sound in headphones OK = speaker cable issue. No sound anywhere = check the multipin cable or contact Alesis support.

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