Electronic Drum Set Reviews

ddrums-electronic-drum-setElectronic drum sets have become extremely popular in recent years, partly because they are more affordable now than they were a few years ago, and also because of the incredible advancements in this technology. Electric drum kits can now be used during live performances as well as in studios recording songs. Manufacturers provide these drum sets in various price ranges making them avalibale to drummers with different financial standing. Edrums can be used by professional drummers as well as beginners. While entry-level kits may provide a lot of help to those learning to play the drums, the more high-tech drum sets provide professional players the ability to record high quality drum tracks in studios. The drum modules that come with these kits can contain songs with the drum tracks removed making it easy for the player to practice.

 

What is an electronic drum?

An electronic drum is designed to mimic the sound(s) of acoustic drum sets. The electronic drum set usually has similar arrangement to an accoustic kit. It consists of a number of pads that are mounted on stands or a rack. The pads were first made of rubber, but lately newer models are made with real drum heads such as the DM10 series from Alesis. Each pad is hooked up with a sensor which generates an electric signal when the player strikes it. Each pad is connected to a module via cabels that transmit the electric signals. The module then translates the signal and produces the sound that is associated to the particular pad. Cymbals work the same way.

History of the electronic drums!

The first electronic drum was designed by Graeme Edge and Sussex University Professor Brian Groves. Graeme Edge was the drummer of The Moody Blues.

The first electronic drum kit was called the Pollard Syndrum and was invented by Joe Pollard (drummer of Beach Boys and Grass Roots). It was a great success and many well-known drummer endorsed the product. Among the endorsers were Carmine Appice, Terry Bozzio, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro or Roger Taylor. After the success of Syndrum, other manufacturers such as Yamaha and Roland decided to develop their own electronic drums.

Continued development has brought about many new features in electric drum kits. The professional kits provide sound and playing experience that is almost indistinguishable from a high-quality acoustic drum set.

Alesis DM10 Studio Kit

Typical features & equipments of an electronic drum includes:

  • Drum modules or drum machines that provide thousands of high quality pre-installed drum sounds. Some of these modules allow drummers to mix and create their own sounds.

  • Positional sensing which means that the drum module is able to detect which area of the drum head or cymbal is impacted.

  • Realistic cymbal and Hi-hat sounds. The module is able to detect the movement of the Hi-Hat cymbals. For cymbals there are zones created for ge, bow and bell strikes, with choking capability.
  • Multiple outputs allow to independently mix the different percussion groups.
  • MIDI connection.

Advantages & Disadvantages of an electronic drum set

  • Edrums produce less “noise” than an acoustic kit. This is very important since it makes practice easier and neighbours less angry :)
  • Thousands of drum sounds in one kit.
  • No need for complicated microphone arrangements; easier to use in small studios.
  • The built-in metronome and Play-along songs that can be added are useful for beginner players. Advanced electronic sets also provide teaching assistance.
  • Most drum modules allow PC connections to record your drumming.
  • Electronic drums can be played at a lower volume level, so there is no need for the rest of the band to turn up the volume to match the drums.
  • One of the main disadvantages of edrums is that it’s still not 100% accurate compared to acoustic drums.
  • The very advanced and high-tech features are only available in higher price models.
  • If you want to use an electronic drum set in live gigs, you will need an amplifier and the quality of sounds will depend on the quality of your audio system.

If you decide to purchase an electronic drum set, you’ll need to take a look around and investigate all your options. The best way to find out which kit is for you is to check out some Electronic Drum Set Reviews that provide useful facts and comparisons about the different types of electronic drums available.

Some things to consider before buying:

  • Yamaha, Alesis, and Roland are the most prestigious brands.
  • Sound Quality, stored or pre-installed sound samples and Portability are also important.
  • Included hardware (number of pads, cymbals)
  • Type of drum machine