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What do I have to consider when buying an electronic drum set?
Regardless of whether you have been using an acoustic drum kit for years and now want to switch to an electric set because of noise-sensitive neighbors, or whether you are a beginner who is opting for an electric drum set due to space constraints: the selection is huge and the technical terms are numerous. That's why we're happy to be able to answer a few questions with our buying guide for electronic drums and hopefully ensure that you find the perfect drum set.
What is an electronic drum set?
An e-drum set is an electronic drum set and basically consists of three components, the module , the pads and the rack . We list the different drums and cymbals that we have summarized for you under the term “pads” in the graphic. In addition to the individual components , there is also a wide range of useful accessories for e-drum sets .
The module
The module is the heart of the e-drum set ; this is where the sounds are generated, which you can later hear through the headphones or which are output to you via an external e-drum loudspeaker . Modules usually have various prefabricated drum sets saved - so-called presets - which offer you a sensibly compiled selection of sounds. The sets can therefore be played directly and do not have to be laboriously programmed. Important factors when choosing a module are memory for sets, sound quality , the quantity of inputs and outputs , and the ability to edit the sounds.
The pads
A pad is a playing surface that is equipped with a pickup , called a trigger . This trigger turns every hit into a signal, which can then be recognized by the module and converted into audible drum sounds. Some pads are operated with the drumstick and others with the foot. The following criteria are important when selecting pads : size of the pads, surface material and quantity of playable zones .
size of the pads
The size of the pads is a double-edged sword. The larger the playing surface of a pads , the more natural the distances between individual pads become, meaning that usual movement sequences from an acoustic drum set can be implemented more easily. However, with every inch of pads diameter , the weight and space requirements of the electronic drum set also increase. Tom and snare pads (the pads that replace the drums on an acoustic drum kit) come in sizes from 6 inches all the way up to 14 inches. Cymbal pads (the pads that are used instead of metal cymbals ) are available from a diameter of 5 inches and up to a diameter of 18 inches.
Surface material
The surface material is crucial when it comes to the feel of an electronic drum. A drum covered with a drum head creates a recoil with every hit, and drumming thrives on implementing this recoil. The more realistic this recoil is recreated, the more authentic the feel of the game will be. There are generally three possible surface materials: rubber, silicone and mesh fabric.
Rubber has the advantage of low cost and relatively long durability, but this often comes at the price of very harsh, non-variable recoil and relatively high noise.
Silicone surfaces are characterized by a more realistic playing feel compared to rubber, but they are also more expensive. The durability is quite high, similar to rubber pads , but the surfaces are not replaceable here either. The noise development is also not significantly lower than with rubber pads.
At first glance, mesh fabric surfaces look very similar to real drum cases, but they differ significantly in terms of volume development. Mesh means that the fabric is arranged in a grid-like structure in such a way that, although a continuous playing surface is created, it has enough tiny openings through which air can escape, making a strike very little audible. Similar to a real skin, the tension of a mesh skin can also be changed, which changes the feel of the game and allows you to adjust the usual recoil behavior. The advantages of mesh fabric pads are noise development and a very realistic playing feel, but larger mesh skin pads in particular can quickly become expensive purchases.
Playable zones for e-drum pad
The pads of an electronic drum set are usually divided into different zones and are equipped with sensitive sensors. This allows the player to produce different tones and levels of intensity on the same pad. Take the ride-cymbals for example.
With high-quality cymbal pads we have four zones . That would be the bell, the middle, the rim and even a sensor that simulates stopping or holding the cymbal with your hand. In order to enjoy this gaming experience, you have to pay attention to the compatibility of your drum module when purchasing it. Not every device supports these zones. Most pads come with two zones . In the case of ride-cymbals with a bell and rim and in the case of drums with a head and rim .
All available pads can usually reproduce different intensity levels, not just loud and quiet, but also a dynamic cymbals or drum sound. With hi-hat pads that consist of two cymbals lying one on top of the other, the sensors even notice whether the hi-hat is being played in the open or closed position.
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The rack
A rack is a stable frame structure into which pads and modules can be hung and screwed so that they do not move even under heavy use. racks are structures made of metal tubes that are connected with metal or plastic connectors. A good rack is characterized by stable connections between the individual tubes, a low center of gravity to minimize the risk of tipping over and sufficient space .
Electronic drum sets
That's really a lot of information. If you're unsure how best to put together an electronic drum set, the manufacturers have already done the job. Here you will find a large selection of ready-made e-drum sets, there is something for every budget.
Important questions that you should answer yourself first:
How much space do you have available?
Space is an essential factor when choosing an electronic drum set. A top-class professional set often requires 2.00 x 1.70m of space, while a portable set for mobile use can easily be stored in 60 x 60cm.
How loud can the noise be?
The answer to this question allows you to narrow down the surface material of the pads and accessories early on, because although an e-drum set is quiet, it is by no means completely silent.
Which possible uses are important to you?
Do you want to use the set primarily as a practice drum kit in the music room of your apartment or is it also a set that you can take with you on stage and use live? Are you planning to record your drums or connect them to other devices?
As you can see, there are a few things to consider and question before buying an electronic drum set. If you are curious and want to look a little further into the theme of e-drum sets, you will find a large selection of products and matching accessories in our web shop. For further and comprehensive specialist advice, simply stop by our branches in Frankfurt and Walldorf and speak to our salespeople. We will be happy to help you with our #sessionKnowHow and answer any questions you may have.