Trystan Casey
Electronic drum kits are significantly quieter than their acoustic counterparts. Acoustic drum sets have metal cymbals that create an explosive amount of high-frequency sound when struck, and the energy from the strike travels through the entire drum, creating a loud resonance. Electronic drum kits, on the other hand, typically feature rubber or mesh pads that produce a much softer sound when struck, and lack the same level of resonance as acoustic drums. The volume of an electronic drum kit can be further reduced by using mesh heads instead of rubber, which are quieter due to their softer and more pliable nature. Additionally, the use of headphones can minimize noise, and various noise reduction options are available, such as noise eaters and noise isolation floors or pads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volume | Quieter than acoustic drums |
| Comparison with acoustic drums | Acoustic drums can be as loud as 130 dB |
| Factors affecting volume | Drum pads, sound output from an amp, use of headphones, playing style, type of drumsticks, drum beater, soundproofing techniques, volume settings, speaker systems, noise reduction options, noise isolation platforms, type of drum heads |
| Drum pads | Mesh heads are quieter than rubber pads as they absorb more stick impact and vibration |
| Cymbals | Cymbals in acoustic drums are made of metal and create an explosive amount of high-frequency sound when struck. Cymbals in electric drum kits are made of rubber or plastic. |
| Pedals | The hi-hat and bass pedals in electric drum kits produce a thud, vibration, and sometimes squeaking. |
| Examples of quiet electric drum kits | Roland TD-1DMK, Roland TD27 KV, Yamaha DTX 400, Korg PadKontrol |
| Other options for quieter practice | Cover pads with fleece or a towel, use air drumsticks |
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Mesh heads vs. rubber pads
When it comes to electric drum kits, there are two main types of drum heads to choose from: mesh heads and rubber pads. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on various factors, including your budget and desired playing experience.
Mesh drum heads are generally considered to be an upgrade from rubber pads. They offer a more realistic rebound and a more authentic drumming experience, as they emulate the response, feel, and bounce of traditional acoustic drum skins much better than rubber pads. Mesh heads are also easier to tune, as you can adjust the tension to fit your playing style. Additionally, mesh heads are quieter than rubber pads, as they allow air to pass through, absorbing the stick's energy and reducing air movement. They also transfer fewer vibrations to the rack and floor, making them a better choice for maintaining peace in apartments or similar settings. Furthermore, mesh heads are known for their longevity, and the advanced technology integrated into mesh head kits provides an improved drumming experience. However, mesh heads are more expensive than rubber pads.
Rubber pads, on the other hand, are typically more durable and budget-friendly. They are ideal for beginners or those unsure about committing to the instrument, as they are commonly found on entry-level electronic kits. Rubber pads are also more compact, making them perfect for small practice spaces or for those who need a kit that can be easily packed away. However, rubber pads have reduced rebound, which can lead to fatigue in the hands and wrists, especially during long practice sessions. They also tend to produce a louder sound due to the transfer of more vibrations to the rack and floor.
It's worth noting that Yamaha offers a third option with its TCS (Texture Cellular Silicone) pad surface, which strikes a balance between mesh heads and rubber pads. The density of the silicone is cushioned by thousands of air bubbles, reducing stick-to-hand fatigue and bringing down the noise level. However, opting for Yamaha pads ties you to a specific brand.
Ultimately, the decision between mesh heads and rubber pads depends on your personal preferences, budget, and desired playing experience. Both options offer a unique experience compared to real drum heads, and it's essential to consider factors such as noise levels, responsiveness, durability, and cost before making a choice.
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Cymbal pads
The hi-hat, ride, and crash cymbals are presented as rubber or plastic pads, which generate significantly less noise than the metal cymbals used in acoustic drum kits. The high frequencies produced by metal cymbals travel easily through walls, spaces around doors, ventilation, and weak surfaces like windows. In contrast, the rubber cymbal pads on electric drum kits produce a more contained sound, primarily consisting of the impact of the drumsticks against the rubber surface.
While rubber cymbal pads are quieter than metal cymbals, they can still produce noticeable noise. To further reduce the volume, drummers can employ techniques such as adjusting their playing style, using lighter drumsticks, or applying noise reduction measures. For example, covering the cymbal pads with a layer of fleece can effectively absorb and minimise the sound.
Additionally, the choice of drum heads can influence the overall loudness of the electric drum kit. Mesh heads, made of soft and pliable materials, offer a quieter experience compared to rubber heads, as they absorb more stick impact and vibration. However, it is worth noting that cymbals tend to function better with rubber surfaces, and some kits may have a combination of mesh and rubber pads to balance playability and noise reduction.
Overall, the cymbal pads on electric drum kits contribute to a quieter playing experience compared to their acoustic counterparts, making them a popular choice for drummers concerned about noise levels, especially in residential settings.
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Pedals
Electric drum kits are generally quieter than acoustic drums, which can be as loud as 130 decibels (dB). The sound produced by electric drums comes from the rubber or mesh pads being struck, and thuds from pressing the hi-hat and bass pedals. The volume of an electric drum kit can be adjusted using the module, and headphones can be used to minimise noise.
There are several ways to minimise the noise from drum pedals:
- Beaterless kick pedals: These pedals do not have a beater and thus do not strike against a rubber pad, significantly minimising pedal noise. Some electronic drum sets, like the Roland DTX402K, include a beaterless kick pedal. Alternatively, you can choose a set without a bass drum pedal and purchase a beaterless pedal separately.
- Soft beater pedals: A soft beater pedal is an affordable option to reduce the volume of the bass drum. While it does not eliminate the audible thud, it minimises the noise compared to harder beaters.
- Noise eaters: Products like the Roland NE-1 and NE-10 Noise Eaters are designed to reduce ambient vibration and thud produced by drum pedals. They can be used in conjunction with a noise isolation floor or drum riser for even greater noise reduction.
- Tennis ball riser: A DIY solution is to create a tennis ball riser for your pedal, which helps to absorb vibrations and minimise noise transfer.
- Felt or kick patches: Applying a felt patch or kick patch to the pedal can help to reduce the noise, especially on hard floors.
- Quieter beater options: Choosing quieter beaters, such as the Tama's Soft Sound or using Hot Rods, can reduce the impact noise and vibrations when striking the pads.
By utilising these pedal options and noise reduction techniques, you can significantly minimise the noise from the pedals of your electric drum kit, making it a more enjoyable experience for both you and your neighbours.
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Playing style
The playing style of a drummer can significantly influence the noise levels of an electric drum kit. Here are some tips to minimise the sound produced when playing:
Firstly, adjusting your playing style by adopting a lighter touch when striking the drum pads and cymbals can significantly reduce noise levels. Playing with force will increase the sound output, so a softer approach is recommended if you want to minimise noise. This may take some adjustment, especially if you are transitioning from acoustic drums, as the rebound effect of electronic drum pads, particularly rubber pads, can be different.
Secondly, the type of drumsticks you use can also impact the volume. Lighter drumsticks will generally produce less noise when they come into contact with the drum pads. Additionally, the type of beater you use for your bass drum can make a difference. A hard plastic beater will create more noise through clanking and vibration. Instead, a soft beater pedal, while not a standalone solution, will help to reduce the volume. For further noise reduction, a beaterless kick pedal may be the best option, as it will significantly minimise pedal noise.
Finally, the type of drum heads on your kit will also influence the overall volume. Rubber drum heads will generally produce more noise due to their harder surface, whereas mesh heads are softer and more pliable, resulting in a quieter experience. However, it is worth noting that cymbals tend to function better with rubber heads, so you may want to consider a mix of both types of heads to optimise sound and volume control.
While electronic drum kits offer a quieter alternative to acoustic drums, it is important to remember that they are not completely silent. The sound of sticks hitting the pads and cymbals, as well as the thuds of pedals, can still create audible noise and vibrations, especially in older homes or those with thin floors and walls. Therefore, combining the right playing style with the appropriate equipment choices will help you optimise the noise reduction of your electric drum kit.
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Noise reduction techniques
Electric drum kits are generally much quieter than acoustic drum kits, which can reach volumes of 130 decibels. However, there are still several noise reduction techniques you can employ to minimise the sound of your electric drum kit even further.
Firstly, the type of drum heads on your kit will influence its loudness. Mesh heads are made from soft and pliable materials that absorb more stick impact and vibration, resulting in a quieter experience compared to rubber heads. Cymbals tend to function better with rubber heads, so you may want to opt for a combination of both. Additionally, using lighter or thinner drumsticks can reduce the noise produced when striking the pads. If you want to maintain your stick preference, you could also try adding silicone tips to the ends of your sticks to dull the sound.
To reduce the noise from your bass drum, you can use a spongy or fluffy bass drum beater, or wrap a thick towel around the bass drum pad. This will muffle the sound without affecting the trigger. You could also invest in a silent kick pedal, which produces minimal noise.
Another way to minimise sound transmission is to use soundproofing techniques. This can include placing thick foam floor tiles under your kit to reduce noise travelling through the floor, or covering your kit with a blanket or fleece to absorb noise. For a more comprehensive solution, consider purchasing a drum mat like the HoverMat, which is designed to reduce noise transfer to your floor.
Lastly, using headphones can significantly reduce the volume of your electric drum kit, as the sound is contained and does not need to be projected externally.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric drum kits are generally much quieter than acoustic drum kits, which can be as loud as 130 decibels (dB). Electric drum kits produce a fraction of the noise, and the volume can be further reduced by using headphones or soundproofing techniques.
The volume of an electric drum kit depends on the type of drum heads and pads used. Mesh heads are typically quieter than rubber heads, as they absorb more stick impact and vibration. Other factors include the playing style, the type of drumsticks, and the use of noise reduction accessories.
Some electric drum kits that have been mentioned as being quiet include the Roland TD-1DMK, TD27 KV, and TD17-KVX. The Yamaha DTX 400 and Korg PadKontrol have also been recommended for quieter playing, especially when using fingers instead of sticks.
