Beatrice Lang
Upgrading your electric drum set can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your budget and goals. If you're looking for improved sound quality, consider upgrading your drum module to access a wider range of sounds and dynamic ranges. For a more realistic feel, mesh heads can be added to match the bounce and attack of acoustic drum heads. Adding a sampling pad can also enhance your sound options and trigger loops or unique sounds. If you're recording, drum software may be a good investment, while those performing live may want to focus on the aesthetics of their kit. Upgrading headphones, amps, and pedals can also improve your overall playing experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kick pedals | Upgrading kick pedals can improve feel, speed, and accuracy. |
| Drum pads and cymbals | Adding more drum pads or cymbals can give you more sounds to play with. |
| Sampling pads | Adding a sampling pad can open up new sound options and trigger loops to play along to. |
| Mesh heads | Mesh heads can improve the feel of electronic drum kits, making them closer to acoustic kits. |
| Drum modules | Upgrading the drum module can improve sound quality and dynamic range. |
| Drum software | Good drum software can provide flexibility for recording and allow for custom sounds. |
| Drum amp | Upgrading to a new electronic drum amp can improve frequency response and overall audio quality. |
| Headphones | An upgrade to higher-quality headphones can improve the listening experience. |
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What You'll Learn
Upgrade your drum module
Upgrading your drum module is a great way to improve the sound quality of your electric drum set without having to change the entire kit. The module is the brain of your electronic drum kit, and upgrading it can make a significant difference in the overall sound and performance. Here are some tips to help you upgrade your drum module:
First, understand the limitations of your current module. Identify the areas where you feel your current module falls short, whether it's the sound quality, responsiveness, or lack of features. Knowing what you want to improve will help you choose the right upgrade options.
Next, explore the different types of drum modules available in the market. There are various options to choose from, offering different features, connectivity options, and sound samples. You can opt for a direct brand replacement for your module from brands like Roland, Alesis, 2Box, or ATV. Alternatively, you can explore the latest releases, such as the Roland TD-17, Alesis Crimson, or Yamaha DTX6, which offer sample-import capabilities.
Consider the compatibility of the new module with your existing drum set. Ensure that the new module will work seamlessly with your drum pads, cymbals, and other components. Check the connections and inputs to make sure they match your current setup or provide the flexibility to expand.
Decide whether you want to import your own samples or use pre-made ones. Some modules allow you to import custom sounds via USB or memory stick, giving you the freedom to create unique drum kits. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made samples that are readily available and easy to use.
Don't underestimate the power of a good kick pedal. Upgrading your kick pedal can significantly enhance the feel, speed, and accuracy of your playing. Look for a pedal that suits your playing style and provides a comfortable fit.
Finally, enhance your setup with additional pads and cymbals. Adding more drum pads or cymbals will give you a wider range of sounds to work with. You can also include a sampling pad, such as the Roland SPD SX, to trigger loops, play along with backing tracks, or create unique sounds that complement your playing style.
Remember, upgrading your drum module is a worthwhile investment that can transform your electric drum set into a versatile and powerful instrument. Take your time to research and choose the upgrades that best suit your musical needs and preferences.
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Add a sampling pad
Adding a sampling pad to your electric drum set is a great way to expand your sound options and integrate electronics into your setup. Sampling pads, also known as electronic drum pads, are highly versatile and can be used as standalone instruments or in conjunction with your existing drum kit. They typically consist of a compact, self-contained computer component covered by playable rubber pads.
When adding a sampling pad to your setup, you'll want to consider its placement. You might choose to put it by the hi-hat, over the floor tom, or in place of a rack tom. Experimentation will help you find the configuration that best suits your personal style and playing comfort. Additionally, you can adjust the height and tilt of the sampling pad using various mounting options, such as boom arms or tripod-based stands, to ensure it is within easy reach.
Sampling pads offer a wide variety of sounds and allow you to trigger prerecorded audio samples, uploaded music files, loops, and midi for backing tracks. You can connect them to separate sound modules, computers, or production interfaces, and program each pad to generate its own unique sound. This adds a level of dynamism to your playing and makes them particularly useful for music production and recording sessions.
When choosing a sampling pad, the Roland SPD-SX and SPD-SX Pro are industry-standard options that offer a range of features, including customisable LEDs, connectivity options, and expanded memory. Even if you're on a budget, investing in a quality sampling pad can save you money in the long run, as it can emulate a wide range of instruments.
By adding a sampling pad to your electric drum set, you'll be able to incorporate new sounds and explore different musical possibilities, enhancing your overall playing experience.
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Fit a mesh head
Mesh heads are a great way to upgrade your electric drum set, especially if you want to achieve the feel of an acoustic drum set while keeping the volume low. Mesh heads are designed to match the feel of real drum heads on an acoustic kit, offering the same bounce and attack. They are made from plies of woven material, which results in tiny holes that allow air to escape, reducing volume and tone.
When fitting mesh heads, it is important to ensure that the size matches the head of your drum. Mesh heads come in a variety of forms, including 1-ply, 2-ply, and 3-ply options. 3-ply mesh heads, for example, are made with three thin layers to mimic the feel of an acoustic drum head. It is also crucial not to over-tighten mesh heads, especially if your drum rims are made of wood, as this can cause damage over time. Instead, apply even tension across the lugs, similar to the process of tuning a normal acoustic drum.
The tightness of mesh heads will impact the feel and triggering response. Mesh heads with tighter settings will have less bounce and a softer impact, while looser settings will increase the rebound and provide more resistance. It is recommended to experiment with the tension to find the setting that best suits your playing style and preferences.
Additionally, consider the purpose of your electric drum set. Mesh heads are excellent for quiet practice and can significantly reduce the volume of your kit. However, some drummers find that the reduced volume and lack of acoustic feedback affect their excitement and motivation to play. Therefore, it is advised to also practice on an acoustic drum set, especially if you aim to perform live shows.
Overall, mesh heads are a great upgrade option for your electric drum set, offering a more realistic playing experience while allowing you to fine-tune the feel and volume to your preferences.
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Upgrade your bass drum pedal
The bass drum is central to your drum kit's sound, so it is important to have a good pedal and good foot technique. If you're looking to upgrade your bass drum pedal, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to find a pedal that feels right for your feet. You can experiment with different bass drum pedal configurations to find what works best for you. For example, the Pearl P930 Demonator allows for a fully adjustable beater angle, independent of the footboard height, which is a feature that is uncommon in other cheap bass drum pedals. This versatility makes the Pearl P930 the best bass drum pedal under $100, especially for beginners.
If you are looking for something more advanced, the Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide is a fantastic single/double pedal, as is the Speed Cobra. The DW 5000 is another great option, with a standard Turbo Cam and a single-chain pedal. If you are looking for something with a dual-chain, the belt-drive pedals are smooth, silent, and powerful.
Additionally, you can consider upgrading to a double bass drum pedal, which can be done by buying an add-on kit for your single pedal. You could also invest in a Quick Torque Cam, which gives any pedal the feel of a DW 9000 pedal and makes it faster.
Ultimately, the choice to upgrade your bass drum pedal is a personal one, and you should choose what feels most comfortable and suits your playing style.
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Improve your sound with VST instruments
VST, or Virtual Studio Technology, is a powerful way to improve the sound of your electric drum set. VST instruments are software-based and can be triggered using your electric drum set as a MIDI controller. This allows you to access a wide range of high-quality drum sounds and samples, enhancing the overall sound of your kit.
To effectively integrate VST with your electric drum set, you should consider a few key factors. Firstly, ensure your drum module has good MIDI implementation with low latency. This will enable seamless triggering of VST instruments and improve playability. Secondly, choose VST instruments that offer uncompressed, high-resolution instrument sounds. This will result in superior sound quality and a more realistic drumming experience.
There are several popular VST instruments available, such as Toontrack's EZdrummer and Superior Drummer, Addictive Drums, and Steven Slate Drums. These software packages can provide an impressive upgrade in sound quality, sometimes even surpassing high-end drum kits. When selecting a VST instrument, consider your specific needs and research compatibility with your existing drum set to ensure you can fully utilize its features.
Additionally, you can enhance your setup by adding a sampling pad, such as the Roland SPD-SX, to trigger unique sounds and loops. Upgrading your kick pedal to suit your playing style and improving the snare with a mesh head can also contribute to a better overall sound and feel.
By combining VST instruments with strategic hardware upgrades, you can dramatically improve the sound of your electric drum set, unlock new creative possibilities, and elevate your drumming experience to new heights.
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Frequently asked questions
You can upgrade your electric drum set by adding a sampling pad to open up your sound options. You can also replace your snare drum pad with a mesh head-equipped version for a more dynamic sound. If you're using a computer, you can get a program like Superior Drummer 2 and build your own drum set by buying pads individually.
You can upgrade your drum module to improve the sound and dynamic range of your set. Newer modules like the Roland TD-11, TD-15, TD-25, and TD-30 come with the "supernatural engine" software that provides more advanced sounds and dynamic ranges. You can also add hardware like a new bass drum pedal or a quality pair of headphones.
You can improve the sound of your electric drum set by adjusting the sensitivity settings to match your playing style. This will unlock the full dynamic capability of your set. You can also explore VST instruments and trigger samples from an outside source to improve the sound.
