A hi-hat controller is one of the basic electronic drum kit parts, just like the snare & tom pads. This trigger is pretty much the electronic version of a regular hi-hat stand. Usually it's a separate pedal that is connected to the drum module. Pressing the hi-hat controller pedal will result in the hi-hat's recognisable 'pedal chick'. Hold the pedal in and hit the hi-hat for a closed hi-hat sound. Without pressing the pedal, you'll hear an open cymbal sound. There are also hi-hat controllers available that can be mounted on a regular hi-hat stand (look under electronic cymbals).
