Best Electronic Drum Kits | Summer 2023

Better pads and smaller processors have ushered in an eDrum renaissance in recent years, with today’s electronic kits being sleeker, more powerful, and more affordable than ever before.

Whether you’re in the market for your first eKit or searching for the most transformative drumming experience money can buy, now is a great time to be an eDrummer. Below are Sweetwater’s top picks for the best electronic drum kits available today.

But what earns an electronic kit the honor of being named one of Sweetwater’s best kits of 2023? Here are six factors we considered:

Value: How much “kit” do you get for the price?Sound: How many sounds come stock and of what quality? Is it possible to get that “kit-in-a-room” response through headphones or speakers?Response: How responsive are the pads and module? Is there perceptible lag? How do the pads perform? Do they rebound similarly to acoustic drumheads?Durability: How well does the kit hold up?Extras: Does the kit have any standout features? A large display? Onboard practice and training tools? USB MIDI control? Importable user sounds?Replay: How likely is a player to hang onto the kit and continue playing it down the road?

Want to learn how to buy the best electronic drum kit for you? Check out our Electronic Drums Buying Advice below!

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Best Electronic Drum Kits Under $1,000Best Electronic Drum Kits Above $1,000Best Electronic Drum Modules

Best Electronic Drum Kits Under $1,000

Alesis Surge Mesh Special Edition Electronic Drum Set

All-in-one, entry-level eDrum

Everything you need right from the start at an exceptional price — that’s the Alesis Surge Mesh Special Edition electronic drum set! One of the best electronic drum kits in terms of value, this Special Edition set goes the extra mile with high-quality, tunable mesh heads atop each of the four dual-zone drum pads and bass drum tower for stunningly realistic rebound and playing feel. A trio of 10-inch cymbal pads (including a chokeable crash) plus convenient kick and hi-hat pedals complete the package. And with two dozen factory kits, 16 custom spaces, and hundreds of percussive sounds to choose from inside the Surge module, matching your grooves to specific genres is easier than ever. Practice your time, rudiments, and more with built-in metronomic features. The Surge Special Edition Mesh is a real winner for beginners and those searching for no-nonsense, entry-level electronic kits.

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Product:Alesis Surge SE MeshSnare:1 x 10-inch Dual-zone Mesh SnareToms:3 x 8-inch Dual-zone Mesh TomsKick:1 x 8-inch Mesh Kick TowerCymbals:1 x 10-inch Hi-hat, 1 x 10-inch Crash with Choke, 1 x 10-inch Ride with ChokeNumber of Kits:40 (24 Preset, 16 User)Audio over USB:NoPros:Loaded with inspiring sounds and practice features White mesh heads and black powder coated hoops borrowed from Alesis’s flagship eKit Assignable tom rims that double up the number of sounds available per kitCons:Unfortunately, there’s no way to import user drum samples. For sample importing, consider the Alesis Command Mesh Special Edition electronic drum set.

Roland V-Drums TD-02K Electronic Drum Set

A firm foundation for any drumming journey

Drummers looking for a more streamlined kit from Roland — a kit that is easily stored in a closet between uses — will want to check out the Roland V-Drums TD-02K electronic drum set. This slim kit delivers exceeding value for its size and price. Its quiet rubber pads are formulated to rebound like acoustic drumheads without transmitting sound to the floor below. Pads and cymbals mount to a sleek tri-post rack stand to give players ergonomics and stability once locked in place. Onboard the intuitive TD-02 drum module, players will find 16 quality V-Drums kits and many ways to learn, jam, and play. Bluetooth and aux connections allow drummers to shred along to their favorite tunes. On the training side, an interactive coach function includes several exercises for improving timing and feel. But connect to a laptop or tablet, and the Melodics software suite guides players from their first steps to their full sprints. The TD-02K even offers MIDI and audio over USB for recording straight into a DAW or controlling third-party drum software from a single cable.

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Product:Roland V-Drums TD-02KSnare:1 x 8-inch Rubber SnareToms:3 x 8-inch Rubber TomsKick:Bass Drum Trigger PedalCymbals:1 x 10-inch Dual-zone Hi-hat, 1 x 10-inch Dual-zone Crash, 1 x 10-inch Dual-zone RideNumber of Kits:16Audio over USB:YesPros:• A compact kit worthy of the V-Drums name• Quiet rubber pads for natural rebound without shaking the floors below• Onboard coach tool, external Melodics lessons, and audio and MIDI over USB to maximize replay valueCons:This product lacks the user-assignable drum kits of the Roland V-Drums TD-07DMK electronic drum set.

Roland V-Drums TD-07DMK Electronic Drum Set

High-value sound and expression

Are you looking for top-level V-Drums performance at a budget-friendly price? End your search with a Roland V-Drums TD-07DMK electronic drum set. This drum kit’s claim to fame is the proprietary TD-07 module, which provides 25 of Roland’s realistic preset kits and 30 effects, including panning, muffling, tuning, and more. Despite its roomy size, the TD-07DMK’s sturdy, compact stand easily integrates into any pre-existing setup. It makes a great addition as a MIDI drum controller in home studios and onstage. Apart from a snare, three toms, a hi-hat, a crash, and a ride, you’ll get an included KD-2 bass trigger pad, conveniently sized for use with up to two pedals — perfect for bass-heavy licks and fast-paced beat keeping. Topped off with realistic velocity pads, bounce action, and swaying cymbals, the TD-07DMK is the best electronic drum set for maintaining a realistic, comfortable punch.                                                    

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Product: Roland V-Drums TD-07DMKSnare: 1 x 8-inch Dual-zone Mesh SnareToms: 3 x 10-inch Single-zone Mesh TomsKick: 1 x KD-2 Trigger PadCymbals: 1 x 10-inch Hi-hat, 1 x 10-inch Crash with Choke, 1 x 10-inch Ride with ChokeNumber of Kits: 50 (25 Preset, 25 User)Audio over USB:Yes, StereoPros:• Expressive pads and sounds right out of the box• Low-profile design that doesn’t skimp on stability• Makes a superb plug-in controller in the studioCons:6-inch toms could feel a little cramped for acoustic players. For a more spacious feel, consider the Roland V-Drums TD-17KVX Gen 2 electronic drum set below.

Yamaha DTX6K-X Electronic Drum Set

Kits aplenty and a stellar snare

The Yamaha DTX6K-X electronic drum set is powered by the next-level DTX-PRO module and expressive 3-zone ride and snare pads. It’s loaded with enough practice and performance tools to take your stage and studio skills to the next level. Inside, you’ll find 40 fresh preset kits captured in a world-class studio environment. A trio of one-knob Kit Modifiers allow you to punch up any kit with room reverb, compression, and genre-bending multi-effects with the touch of a dial — no menu diving required.

Module aside, a highlight of this kit has to be its 8-inch XP80 snare pad. The XP80 features Yamaha’s Textured Cellular Silicone (TCS) playing surface, which not only feels great on the joints but also responds intuitively to backbeats, rimshots, and cross-sticks, just as if you were playing a traditional snare. Other standout features include a large, 3-zone, chokeable ride cymbal and a robust, millimeter-thick steel rack stand for pro musicality and set-surviving durability.

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Product:Yamaha DTX6K-XSnare:1 x 8-inch TCS Tri-zone Textured Silicone SnareToms:3 x 7-inch Single-zone Rubber TomsKick:1 x 5-inch Rubber Kick TowerCymbals:1 x 10-inch Hi-hat, 1 x 10-inch Crash with Choke, 1 x 13-inch Tri-zone RideNumber of Kits:240 (40 Preset, 200 User)Audio over USB:Yes, StereoPros:• 40 studio kits powered by Yamaha’s next-level DTX-PRO drum module• Simple one-knob Kit Modifiers for compression and reverb• Tri-zone TCS snare that delivers expressive strikes, rimshots, and cross-sticksCons:The rubber pads may be too loud for sanctuaries and quiet stages. For mesh toms, consider the Yamaha DTX6K3-X electronic drum set.

KAT Percussion KT-300 5-piece Electronic Drum Set

Mesh pads and easy to adapt to

For acoustic percussionists looking for a stress-free and affordable transition to electronic drumming, the KAT Percussion KT-300 5-piece electronic drum set is your solution. With the natural feel of Remo mesh drum pads, each piece of this 5-piece puzzle offers impressive playability for the price. Seasoned drummers will appreciate details like the large, multi-zone cymbals with natural spin and sway that supply a genuinely familiar feel. Additionally, a healthy dose of kits and practice functions aboard its master module enables various drumming directions for you to go in. And it’s all here: pedals, pads, power supply, and more — even a set of sticks to help you start grooving right from the get-go!

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Product:KAT Percussion KT-300Snare:1 x 10-inch Dual-zone Mesh SnareToms:3 x 8-inch Dual-zone Mesh TomsKick:1 x 9-inch Rubber Kick TowerCymbals:1 x 12-inch Hi-hat, 2 x 12-inch Dual-zone Crashes, 1 x 14-inch Tri-zone RideNumber of Kits:48 (30 Preset, 18 User)Audio over USB:NoPros:• Large pads with Remo mesh pads that will be easy for acoustic drummers to adapt to• Shock-absorbing kick pad that reduces unwanted double strikes• Full-surface cymbals that are free to spin and sway as you playCons:There is no audio over USB, which could be a deal-breaker for studio drummers looking for a quick recording solution.

Best Electronic Drum Kits Above $1,000

Roland V-Drums TD-17KVX Gen 2 Electronic Drum Set

As expressive and intuitive as they come

The 2nd-generation Roland V-Drums TD-17KVX Gen 2 electronic drum set uses the same synthesis-based (as opposed to sample-based) Prismatic Sound Modeling engine as Roland’s flagship TD-50X kits. And let us tell you: it shows. The cymbals are expressive, the pads are fun to play, and the response across the kit is dynamic and lightning fast. There is almost no perceptible lag between striking the pads and hearing the sound. Paired with the module’s single-touch Ambience control, this creates an impressive psychoacoustic response through headphones. The 12-inch mesh snare, tunable mesh toms, and pedestal-based kick pad have a quiet and lively feel that mimics real heads. And, of course, you can always crank the pads for even greater rebound. A streamlined interface provides quick access to such features as sensitivity and ambience. Meanwhile, importable WAV sounds and onboard training tools are sure to cement the TD-17KVX Gen 2’s place in eDrum history.

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Product:Roland V-Drums TD-17KVX Gen 2Snare:1 x 12-inch Dual-zone Mesh SnareToms:3 x 8-inch Dual-zone Mesh TomsKick:1 x 10-inch Cushioned Rubber Kick TowerCymbals:1 x 10-inch Hi-hat, 2 x 12-inch Dual-zone Crashes with Choke, 1 x 14-inch Tri-zone RideNumber of Kits:100 (50 Preset, 50 User)Audio over USB:Yes, StereoPros:• Extremely low latency — never any lag between striking pads and hearing sound• Ample 12-inch snare that supplies realistic backbeats, buzz rolls, cross-sticks, and rimshots• KD-10 kick tower that remains solid and quiet in a performance settingCons:This set lacks the stage kit look of something like the Roland V-Drums VAD307 electronic drum set.

Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition Electronic Drum Set

Prograde mixing built in

With its fusion-sized wood shells and polished-chrome rack, the Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition electronic drum set has the look and response of a retrofit hybrid setup, which makes it perfect for traditional band outfits and stage setups where you’d expect to see an acoustic drum kit. Low-noise mesh heads and rubber rim triggers give the Strike Pro SE’s toms and snare multiple strike zones, which means you can trigger dynamic hits (rimshots, tom skanks) or even percussion effects, depending on where you strike the instrument. The kit also comes with a full-size, 20-inch kick pad! The Strike sound module now includes 115 hyperrealistic kits and over 2,000 instrument sounds with firmware v1.5, along with onboard sound sampling and sound import capabilities, so you’ll never find yourself wanting for inspiration.

One feature we at Sweetwater particularly enjoy about the Strike module is the mixer-like layout, which gives the drummer full control of the kit to blend into headphones and out to front of house. “Hammered” cymbal pads, stand-mounted hi-hats (hi-hat stand not included), and a 3-zone ride with bell/bow/edge triggers complete the ensemble.

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Product:Alesis Strike Pro Special EditionSnare:1 x 14-inch Dual-zone Wood Snare with Mesh HeadToms:1 x 8-inch, 1 x 10-inch, 1 x 12-inch, 1 x 14-inch Dual-zone Wood Toms with Mesh HeadsKick:1 x 20-inch Wood Bass Drum with Mesh HeadsCymbals:1 x 14-inch Hi-hat, 3 x 14-inch Dual-zone Crashes with Choke, 1 x 16-inch Tri-zone RideNumber of Kits:136Audio over USB:NoPros:• Delivers an authentic acoustic-like playing experience• Discrete outputs that give you complete control of drum mixes live or in the studio• Strike software editor that lets you import samples and layer sounds and build custom kitsCons:There is no audio over USB. You’ll want to invest in an 8-input audio interface for recording, such as the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB audio interface.

Yamaha DTX10K-XRW Electronic Drum Set

Large wood shells and 70 factory kits

A combination of shallow, real wood shells and the in-depth PROX module gives the Yamaha DTX10K-XRW electronic drum set a special percussive flare all its own. Dual-zone TCS heads supply the snappy rebound you’re looking for to master genres of all corners of the musical world. Each wood shell and tri-zone cymbal pad comes with dedicated mounting hardware for secure and adjustable integration into the Hexrack II drum rack system. Additional hardware, like a snare basket and hi-hat stands, are included as well. As for the PROX drum module centerpiece, its expert mixability and staggering 70 factory kits with 200 user spaces are ready to scratch just about any rhythmic and tonal itch you encounter.

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Product:Yamaha DTX10K-XRWSnare:1 x 12-inch Dual-zone Wood Snare with TCS Silicone HeadToms:2 x 10-inch, 1 x 12-inch Dual-zone Wood Toms with TCS Silicone HeadsKick:1 x 12-inch Wood Bass Drum with Mesh HeadsCymbals:1 x 13-inch Hi-hat, 1 x 13-inch Tri-zone Crash, 1 x 15-inch Tri-zone Crash, 1 x 17-inch Tri-zone RideNumber of Kits:270 (70 Preset, 200 User)Audio over USB:Yes, StereoPros:• Mixer-style layout that gives drummers a custom mix from the front panel• Features genuine wood shells finished in Yamaha’s acoustic drum factories• Tri-zone crashes and ride perfect for expressive cymbalistsCons:The robust rack stand occupies almost as much space as a traditional acoustic kit. For a slimmer option, check out the Yamaha DTX8K-XRW electronic drum set.

Roland VAD507 V-Drums Acoustic Design Drum Kit

Top-tier acoustic looks and sounds

Roland’s VAD series fuses the look and feel of a traditional acoustic kit with the groundbreaking electronics of its cutting-edge modules and pads. It gives you a conventional, two-up/one-down configuration of full-sized drum and cymbal pads. The hardwood shells of the Roland VAD507 V-Drums acoustic design drum kit sport premium wrapped finishes and Roland’s legendary tunable mesh heads. Cymbals feature soft rubber V-Drums playing surfaces for ultra-quiet performance and a natural cymbal rebound. All pads feed into an included TD-27 drum module, giving you a breezy browsing experience using its intuitive, hands-on interface and deep levels of customization using Roland’s powerful Prismatic Sound Modeling engine. Factor in Roland’s latest multi-sensor digital pads (14-inch PD-140DS snare and 18-inch CY-18DR ride), and the VAD507 is one hybrid kit that’s engineered to stand the test of time.

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Product:Roland VAD507 V-Drums Acoustic DesignSnare:1 x 14-inch Multi-zone Digital SnareToms:1 x 10-inch, 1 x 12-inch, 1 x 14-inch Wood Toms with Mesh HeadsKick:1 x 20-inch Wood Bass DrumCymbals:1 x 14-inch Hi-hat, 1 x 14-inch Dual-zone Crash, 1 x 16-inch Dual-zone Crash, 1 x 18-inch Multi-zone Digital RideNumber of Kits:100 (55 Preset, 45 User)Audio over USB:Yes, MultichannelPros:• The ultimate hybrid kit playing experience• Full-sized wood shells powered by Roland’s top-tier sensors, heads, and modeling• Includes cymbal stands and tom mounts for added valueCons:Some players may find moving separate stands and shells around a room more difficult than rackmounted eKits. For comparable sounds and features in a rack system, have a look at the comparable Roland V-Drums TD-50KV2 electronic drum set.

Pearl e/Merge e/Hybrid Electronic Drum Set

Impeccably accurate, real-world responsiveness

The unmatched responsiveness of the Pearl e/Merge e/Hybrid set makes it a Sweetwater favorite among our picks for best electronic drum kits. Thanks to its built-in Wave Trigger Technology and PUREtouch drum pads, the e/Merge e/Hybrid offers a command that stands out from the electronic drum kit pack — drummers of all backgrounds will agree! The wide and shallow wood tom design contributes to the comfortable playing surface. The MDL-1 module is the e/Merge e/Hybrid’s command center, featuring a streamlined interface that makes it a breeze to navigate, choose, and design with the 700 onboard sounds. There’s even a wet/dry Ambience drawbar! And with its 16GB memory, the MDL-1 can record and save up to 12 hours of your ideas, demos, and backing drum tracks.

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Product:Pearl e/Merge e/HybridSnare:1 x 14-inch Dual-zone Wood Snare with Mesh HeadToms:1 x 10-inch, 1 x 12-inch, 1 x 14-inch Dual-zone Wood Toms with Mesh HeadsKick:1 x 18-inch Wood Bass Drum with Mesh HeadsCymbals:1 x 14-inch Hi-hat, 1 x 15-inch Dual-zone Crash with Choke, 1 x 18-inch Tri-zone RideNumber of Kits:85 (35 Preset, 50 User)Audio over USB:NoPros:• Wave Trigger Technology that packs surpassing response speed and realism• An entire library of multi-sampled modern and vintage Pearl drum kits• Poplar shells and steel Icon e-Rack that deliver classic Pearl looksCons:Fewer physical controls on the module could require menu-diving for advanced editors.

Best Electronic Drum Modules

Do you already own a set of pads you love playing? Perhaps you’re converting a spare acoustic kit into a hybrid kit. In these cases, outfitting your existing pads or shells with a modern drum module can be just what your kit needs for a 2023 refresh.

For maximum compatibility, it’s best to match brand for brand (in other words, Roland pads with a Roland module) when considering a module upgrade. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help verify compatibility if you’re unsure.

Roland V-Drums TD-50X Electronic Drums Sound Module

A true drum module juggernaut

When it comes to advanced and extensive eDrum brains, Roland is in a league all its own with the Prismatic Sound Modeling (PSM)–based Roland V-Drums TD-50X electronic drums sound module. Packed with 70 fantastic factory kits and 900 assignable instrument sounds, you’ll find constructing a unique drum set that speaks your language to be a piece of cake. Its compatibility with Roland’s latest digital triggers and 14 analog triggers — including six drum pads, four cymbal pads, and four aux jacks — means it’s ready to handle massive eDrum kit setups with ease. Going beyond sound design, however, the TD-50X module possesses some impressive loop- and click-based practice features to keep your chops sharp. For recording, you can multitrack up to 32 channels via USB to your Mac or PC, send pre-mixed audio with balanced XLR or unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs, or jam along to your favorite songs via the 1/8-inch aux input right from your phone!

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Product:Roland V-Drums TD-50XSnare:N/AToms:N/AKick:N/ACymbals:N/ANumber of Kits:70 PresetAudio over USB:Yes, MultichannelPros:• PSM synthesis that gives you total control of shell dimensions, material, overtones, and more• 32-channel USB recording that makes studio dates a snap• Convenient mixer-style module layout that lets users dial in a custom kit mixCons:This sound module is pricier than other options on this list. If you’re working within a budget, then consider the PSM-based Roland V-Drums TD-27 or TD-17 electronic drums sound module.

Yamaha DTX-PRO Drum Module

Affordably modifiable and packed for practice!

For the price, we’re confident you’ll enjoy the wide selection of sound presets and impressive mixing controls that the Yamaha DTX-PRO drum module has to offer! Initially designed for the Yamaha DTX6 series, the DTX-PRO houses 40 kits of varying genres from Yamaha with space for you to create up to 200 kits on your own — take your pick from one of the 400 onboard sounds! There are multiple inputs for all your triggers, too. Want to polish those presets a bit? Look to the DTX-PRO’s trio of Kit Modifier controls, arraying Ambience, Compression, and Effect knobs to dial in that precise acoustic result — from tight and crisp studio tracks to concert hall settings with long decay. Advancing drummers will also dig the onboard training tools, unlocking 37 practice songs, 10 functions, and recording space for referencing those custom exercises.

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Product:Yamaha DTX-PROSnare:N/AToms:N/AKick:N/ACymbals:N/ANumber of Kits:240 (40 Preset, 200 User)Audio over USB:Yes, StereoPros:• Rich library of 40 studio-captured kits• Simplified layout that lets users dial in room ambience or compression with the roll of a knob• Onboard backing tracks and training tools great for building grooveCons:This Yamaha drum module is not quite as robust as Yamaha’s flagship DTX-PROX drum module.

Pearl Mimic Pro Drum Module

Premium acoustic samples with mic blending

No matter how many triggers are in your electronic drum kit, the 16-in/16-out Pearl Mimic Pro drum module is happy to oblige in professional quality. Serious eDrummers will appreciate the thorough quality of each sample in the 60 preloaded kits, all expertly captured with industry-leading microphones from the Steven Slate Drums 5 library. It’s also pro-playable, using advanced sensors and in-depth velocity and sensitivity controls to eliminate lag and false/failed sound triggering. Effortlessly navigate its 7-inch color multi-touchscreen display and inject each kit with your favored degree of studio microphone blending to nail that lifelike acoustic sound. It’s also compatible with most major eDrum manufacturers, allowing the freedom to customize your setup in the most comfortable way. You can also load your USB sounds and SD card to airdrop one-shots stress-free!

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Product:Pearl Mimic ProSnare:N/AToms:N/AKick:N/ACymbals:N/ANumber of Kits:60Audio over USB:NoPros:• 60 massively multi-sampled kits from the Steven Slate Drums 5 software library• Intuitive 7-inch touchscreen that eliminates clunky controls• Plenty of ins and outs to accommodate your kit and workflowCons:This drum module comes with a learning curve that may not be the best suited for new eDrummers.

Electronic Drums Buying Advice

Electronic drums can add substance and versatility to any stage or studio drummer’s arsenal. This buying guide includes information that can help you choose the right electronic drums for your needs — whether you’re a drummer, studio owner, or novice!

How Do Electronic Drums Work?Acoustic Drummer’s Introduction to Electronic PercussionSound PresenceLatencyPad FeelDynamic ResponseStriking TechniquesDifferences Between Rubber Pads & Mesh HeadsDrum TriggersDrum Machines Examined5 Benefits of Owning an Electronic Drum KitHybrid vs. Fully Electronic: Which Is Right for Me?

How Do Electronic Drums Work?

The operating principle of an electronic drum is really quite simple. It consists of a rubber pad or a mesh head, underneath which is a sensor. When the pad is struck, the sensor relays a voltage value to a sound module (sometimes called a “brain”). The sound module translates that value to trigger a particular sound, whether it’s a drum, a cymbal, or just about anything else, depending on the module’s features. The module also translates the velocity of the strike into a dynamic value so that it can reproduce softer or louder articulations that are part of the drummer’s performance.

Some electronic drum and cymbal pads have two or three sensors underneath the surface. This gives a single pad the capacity to produce more than one sound. That allows, for instance, a snare pad to produce both a head sound and a rimshot, or a cymbal pad to deliver the sound of a bell, a bow, and an edge hit.

Acoustic Drummer’s Introduction to Electronic Percussion

Electronic drumming differs from traditional acoustic drumming. Classically trained percussionists may need to adjust their playing style to get everything their eKit has to offer. That said, there are ways to minimize the differences to make your transition easier. Here are five top issues acoustic converts are likely to encounter with electronic kits:

Sound Presence

Something that throws off many acoustic drummers when they first approach electronic percussion is that the sounds emanate from a distant source, such as a stage monitor or the house sound system. Sitting at an acoustic drum kit, you’re right on top of the drums and cymbals, with the sounds “in your face.” With electronic percussion, you’ve joined the world of amplified instruments, and while keyboard and guitar players are old hands at hearing their output come from a speaker that’s often several feet away, it will be new to you. One of your most important tools is a good monitor system that can return a sense of presence to your ears. It doesn’t need to be especially loud — in fact, a pair of small monitors work great because they fit into your setup and can be stand mounted.

Latency

MIDI is capable of handling several hundred notes per second. Still, you might experience a sensation of delayed response when you play an electronic pad. Part of this is psychoacoustic (the presence issue we discussed above), but there is a delay of a few milliseconds between the attack and sound. This just takes a bit of experience for your ears to adjust.

Pad Feel

Rubber pads and mesh heads have different attacks, rebounds, and stick responses than acoustic drumheads, cymbals, or percussion instruments. But rubber pads have a familiar “practice pad” feel. They require you to make some adjustments in dynamics, and their identical rebound characteristics from pad to pad aren’t like the changes you experience, say, in toms, where head tensions can vary.

Mesh heads, on the other hand, can be tensioned to different degrees and offer more “give” when struck. They can also present some additional creative options.

Dynamic Response

Percussion instruments can be whisper-soft or deafeningly loud. Translating this dynamic range to electronic pads has always been difficult. This is an issue of the sound module’s ability to deal with the signal coming from the pads. Most modules restrict dynamic range to the MIDI standard 0 (silent) to 127 (maximum velocity). What many drummers never explore is the ability of most modules to be adjusted both for sensitivity and velocity curves. This gives you a much more playable kit.

Striking Techniques

There’s no real commonality between playing a conga drum with your hands and striking a pad with a stick. Playing a guiro, for example, involves sliding a scraper over the notches at varying speeds and tensions. It can be disorienting to strike a pad once and hear the entire envelope of the guiro sound play back. Some alternative controllers offer a surface for easier hand playing.

So, then, are electronic kits different from acoustic instruments? Of course — so are MIDI keyboards and wind controllers. But with a little adjustment time and the suggestions we’ve made above, you may just find that you prefer the advantages of your electronic percussion kit to the limitations of “real” drums.

Differences Between Rubber Pads & Mesh Heads

Since the pre-MIDI days of Simmons electronic drums, the prevailing design of most pads followed the rubber “practice pad” paradigm. Then, Roland introduced mesh heads that emulated acoustic drumheads. There are plenty of applications for both types. Here’s a rundown of the qualities of rubber pads and mesh heads.

Rubber pads are:

Economical: Rubber pads tend to be more cost effective than their mesh or silicone variants. Sweetwater offers kits with rubber pads for all budgets. And with so many dual-trigger pads available à la carte, you can add onto your setup with a minimum investment.Compact: If you’re adding electronic sounds to your acoustic kit, then you may feel a bit challenged by space. But a pad can slip into the smallest spaces — and even fit discreetly over the rims of your acoustic drums. A compact kit can easily fit in an apartment or a dorm room.Consistent: Many players prefer their controllers to have an identical response and rebound as they move from pad to pad, as opposed to the varying tensions of acoustic drumheads as they move from snare to toms. When using percussion controllers for alternative sounds, including triggering sustained tones or loops, often a pad is more appropriate. The consistency of rubber pads is a plus in these situations.Better than ever: Years ago, many pads felt too hard — sort of like a tabletop — and didn’t offer the give and rebound many drummers expected. But improved pad designs with reformulated rubber provide more “give” when struck and have a much more natural bounce.

Mesh heads are:

Realistic: For emulating drums, you can’t beat mesh heads. They’re remarkably close to traditional drumheads in feel, “give,” and rebound.Sensitive: When used with a module that supports these features, mesh head controllers offer a wide range of sound responses based on where the head is struck. Depending on the sound module, you can even play brush sweeps on some heads.Tunable: One of the immediate advantages of mesh heads is the ability to adjust their tension to achieve a feel and rebound that suits you. This allows you to have, for instance, a reasonably tight, bouncy snare head even though the sound you’ve selected is a 1970s-style, slack-tuned, heavily muffled deep snare.

So, as you can see, there’s room for both options in the electronic percussion world. As we often say in these situations, the “best” choice is the one that fits your needs, your expectations, and your budget.

Drum Triggers

Triggers mount on the rims of acoustic kits, resting against the heads, and transmit hits to a sound module. They offer you a virtually unlimited choice of drum, percussion, and other sounds while allowing you the familiar feel of your own drums. In the studio, using triggers allows your performance to be recorded as MIDI data so that, later on in the mixing process, sounds can be changed as needed for both corrective and artistic reasons.

SHOP DRUM TRIGGERS AT SWEETWATER

Drum Machines Examined

At this point in music technology, the days of hardware may seem to have given way to software. But there’s still a demand for drum machines. They’ve been a staple of hip-hop and rap for 30 years. They also provide the rhythm section for single-person bands. Another scenario for using a drum machine is for the singer/songwriter who wants to record or perform music and has no interest or desire to learn how to program drums. A lesser-known use for drum machines is as a practice tool for bass players, guitarists, and keyboardists.

SHOP DRUM MACHINES AT SWEETWATER

5 Benefits of Owning an Electronic Drum Kit

Keyboard players and guitarists long ago embraced the technology that has allowed them to take their music in new directions. It’s time for drummers to recognize that they have the same potential. Here are some points that illuminate the advantages of owning an electronic kit:

Sonic versatility: Nothing beats the ability to dial in just the right drum kit sounds to suit the music! If you’re a working drummer, chances are you get calls for gigs that cover a number of different styles of music. Tonight’s pop singer might turn into tomorrow night’s jazz trio, with a 1970s cover band rehearsal in between. Instead of carrying and maintaining a collection of acoustic kits, you can stick with the setup you like while delivering the appropriate sound for the gig.Live gig convenience: An electronic kit can solve many problems associated with live playing, from small clubs to churches to concert stages. In environments where you’re frequently pressured to play quietly, you can do so easily — thanks to the near-silent performance of the pads — while still getting the sounds you want from your module. And on the large stage, you can play without requiring mics, which means no feedback, no bleed from other instruments, and no jumble of stands around your kit.Recording flexibility: An electronic kit gives you the power keyboard players have had since the early days of MIDI sequencing — the ability to play your track and edit individual notes or instruments to your liking. That allows you to capture the groove you want but still be able to nudge a late hit into place or balance the velocities of a tom fill.Freedom to practice: If your neighbors were reading this, they’d buy you a kit! All drummers have encountered complaints and resistance when they try to practice. An electronic kit gives you practice pad–quiet volume while you can hear yourself through headphones. Plus, most modules feature built-in metronomes and practice songs so you can play along to actual music. Many include auxiliary inputs so you can plug in a CD or MP3 player to practice along to your favorite artists.Portability: Whether you’re on the road or practicing in your apartment, you can’t beat the compactness and portability of an electronic kit. Even a big kit fits into a soft case or two! These kits weigh less and require less space in the van than acoustic drums. And at home, when you’ve finished practicing, your kit folds down to take up minimum space in a closet.

SHOP ELECTRONIC DRUM KITS AT SWEETWATER

Hybrid vs. Fully Electronic Kit: Which Is Right for Me?

One additional consideration is whether you want your next kit to be a hybrid kit — acoustic shells outfitted with triggers and a sound module — or a traditional, fully electronic kit. Both styles have their distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Hybrid kits:

Are great for providing that real-kit look and feelIntegrate seamlessly into a live stage setDon’t require any change in technique or approachCan be converted to an acoustic kit at any time

On the other hand, fully electronic kits tend to be:

More compact in a room or studioA lighter weight and easier to set upMore self-contained ecosystems

What Are Hybrid Drum Kits?

Acoustic vs Electronic Drum Sets: Which Should You Choose?

Need Help Choosing an Electronic Drum Kit? Call Sweetwater!

Love eDrumming as much as we do? Let us know what you’re looking for in your next electronic kit. We’ll help you find the perfect match, whether it’s one of the electronic drum kits on this page or something entirely customized for your needs. And since there’s so much to consider when purchasing electronic drums, don’t hesitate to contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700for more information.
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