Umair Gaines
Electric drum kits are a great option for those who want to play the drums in a small space or where noise isolation is a concern. When looking to purchase an electric drum kit, there are several things to consider, such as price range, features, latency, and the physical condition of the kit. In terms of price, electric drum kits can range from $300 to $500 for entry-level models, while more advanced and professional-grade sets can cost $1000 or more. It is recommended to prioritize essential features such as drum pads, cymbal pads, a drum module, and a sturdy rack. Additionally, it is important to inspect the kit for any missing or broken parts, especially with less expensive options. Latency, or the time delay between striking a pad and hearing the sound, is another factor to consider, with smaller latencies being preferable. Finally, it is worth noting that electric drum kits may still produce significant noise, and it is advisable to consult with neighbours before purchasing.
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What You'll Learn
Price range
The price of electric drum sets can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and quality. As a beginner, you should ideally be looking to spend no more than around $/£700 on your first e-drum set, but it is recommended not to go below $/£300. Entry-level models typically start in this range, while more advanced and professional-grade sets can cost $1,000 or more.
If you are looking for a budget option, the Yamaha electronic kit is a good choice, offering high-end sonics at a $500 price point. The Alesis Nitro Max is another excellent option for beginners, priced at $/£400. It offers mesh-headed kits, a user-friendly module, and a range of sounds, making it a great value option.
For those seeking a more premium experience, the Pearl e/Merge e/Hybrid kit, created in collaboration with Korg, offers full-sized pads, a sleek module, and impressive samples at a higher price point. Roland is widely regarded as one of the best brands in electronic drums, known for its high-quality kits, but its products tend to be more expensive. Their VAD 307 model, priced at $2500, offers a more affordable option to experience high-level features.
When considering the price range, it is important to prioritize your needs and preferences. Determine if the kit is primarily for practice, music production, live performances, or a combination of these. Additionally, think about your available space, as some high-end kits have a larger footprint than equivalent acoustic kits.
It is worth noting that you may find small discounts throughout the year, especially during key sales events and between October and January, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Buying used equipment can also provide more value for your money, allowing you to upgrade to a better kit without breaking the bank.
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Features
When looking to purchase an electric drum kit, there are several features to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine your available space and budget. Electric drum kits vary in size, from compact beginner kits to larger professional kits, so choose one that fits your available space. Additionally, consider your skill level and whether you intend to use the kit for practice, music production, or live performances. This will help you select a kit with the appropriate features and sound options.
The sound quality and volume of electric drums are important considerations. While electric drums are generally quieter than acoustic drums, they are not completely silent. The pad material, such as rubber, mesh, or silicone, will impact the sound and feel of the drums, with mesh and silicone offering a more realistic feel. Additionally, the number of sensors per pad can enhance the playing experience. If you plan to perform live, ensure you have appropriate amplification, such as a drum amp or PA system, to project your sound effectively.
Another feature to look for is connectivity and compatibility. Consider whether the electric drum kit has Bluetooth or AUX connectivity, allowing you to connect devices and play along to music or backing tracks. Some kits also offer training exercises and learning tools, such as a built-in metronome and play-along tracks, to help improve your timing and skills. Additionally, look for kits with expandable options, allowing you to add additional pads or cymbals as your skills progress.
The durability and condition of the electric drum kit are also important. Inspect the kit for any missing or broken parts, especially if you're considering a used kit. Newer kits may have more advanced features and better connectivity, while older kits might have outdated technology. Finally, consider the visual appeal of the kit, as some professional kits rival acoustic drums in their aesthetic design.
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Maintenance
Electric drums require very little maintenance, with the main concern being cleaning. Use a soft and non-abrasive cloth, such as a standard soft microfiber cloth, to wipe down your drums and hardware. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning and polishing, while plushier cloths can be used to remove last-minute smudges or fingerprints. Avoid using paper towels as they can be too abrasive and may cause scratches. For glossy wrap finishes, use a small amount of drum polish to keep them shining.
If there are any moving parts, such as tension rods or wingnuts, apply a small amount of lubricating oil and wipe off any excess to keep everything moving smoothly and prevent threads from stripping. Additionally, use a hoop protector where your pedal connects to the bass drum hoop to prevent the hoop from being damaged by the bass drum clamp.
If you live in a humid climate or near the sea, take out each section of every stand once in a while and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the bottom two inches of the piping to prevent rust. Regularly check the hardware for any worn-down parts, especially the clamp screws, wingnuts, and screw threads. Keep spare parts on hand, such as wingnuts, washers, and small tools, to avoid any mid-performance disasters.
When replacing drum heads, wipe down the bearing edges and the inside of the shell to remove any dust or wood shavings. You can use beeswax, paraffin wax, or Chapstick, but it is recommended to use a conditioner. Drum shells are crucial to the sound of your drums, so keep them in a controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking due to temperature and humidity changes. Protect your drums during travel or storage with drum cases or padded drum bags to avoid scratches or other damage.
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Brand
When it comes to electronic drum kits, there are plenty of brands to choose from, catering to different budgets, skill levels, and preferences. Here is an overview of some popular brands to consider:
Roland
Roland is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the electronic drum kit market. They offer a diverse range of products, from traditional electronic kits (V-Drums) to those that mimic acoustic kits in size and design (VAD line). Roland kits are known for their superior sound quality, consistent build quality, high resale value, and reliable warranty. The PureAcoustic Ambience and Prismatic Sound Modelling technology give you unlimited control over sounds, making it a favourite among drummers. However, Roland kits tend to be on the more expensive side.
Yamaha
Yamaha is another leading brand in electronic drum kits, often considered the second biggest after Roland. Yamaha kits stand out for their acoustic drum sounds, with 10 preset kit options and over 400 percussion and keyboard sounds. The DTX-PRO module, included with most Yamaha kits, is highly user-friendly and offers fantastic features with app integration. Yamaha kits use silicone pads instead of mesh ones, offering a slightly different feel that some drummers prefer. While still being high-end, Yamaha kits are generally more affordable than Roland.
Alesis
Alesis is a brand that caters to a wide range of drummers, from beginners to those seeking mid-tier options. They offer excellent value for money, with bigger pads and additional features like a second crash cymbal. Alesis recently introduced the Strata Prime as their new flagship kit, which has impressed many with its sound quality and performance. The Alesis Nitro Kit is also a popular choice for those just starting out, offering everything a beginner drummer needs at an affordable price.
Sonor
Sonor is a unique brand that uses beech wood in its products, resulting in pronounced highs from the shells. Their kits are known for their distinct sound and are used by renowned drummers such as Benny Greb, Jost Nickel, and Chris Coleman.
Other Brands
In addition to the above, there are several other brands worth considering, such as EFnote, DW, ATV, 2Box, Simmons, GEWA, and Pearl. Each of these brands offers its own unique features and advantages, catering to different preferences and requirements.
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Timing delay
When it comes to electric drums, timing delay, also known as latency, is a crucial factor to consider. Latency refers to the time delay between striking a drum pad and hearing the resulting sound. This delay is typically measured in milliseconds (ms), and even a few milliseconds can significantly impact the playing experience. Drummers with a keen sense of timing, in particular, can easily detect this delay.
In electronic drums, each additional processing step increases the potential for latency. While up to 6 ms of delay is generally tolerable without any noticeable impact, anything above 10 ms can make playing feel sluggish and disconnected, especially during fast and intricate passages. The human brain can adjust to minor delays, but a latency of 15 ms or more is usually noticeable and can become problematic, especially for live performances.
To optimise latency in electric drums, several factors come into play. Firstly, the quality of the drum module and trigger system is essential. Standalone drum modules from renowned brands like Roland, Yamaha, mimicPRO, and 2box are designed to deliver very low latency, typically under 4 ms. Additionally, the age and generation of the technology can impact latency; older equipment might not offer the same responsiveness as newer models.
Another consideration is the use of external processors and FX chains, which can introduce unnecessary delays. It is advisable to monitor directly from the module and avoid routing audio through multiple devices unless necessary. The MIDI transfer process itself also contributes a slight delay of around 1 ms.
To accurately measure latency, specialised tools like the EDLM iPhone app have been developed. This app connects to the input and output points of an electric drum system and provides precise latency measurements. It is important to note that even with advancements in technology, achieving zero latency is challenging due to the physical limitations of sound wave analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric drum kits can vary in price from \$300-\$500 for entry-level models to \$1000 and up for more advanced and professional-grade sets. Determine your budget and look for kits that offer the best value within that price range. Consider the features you need, such as drum pads, cymbal pads, a drum module, and a sturdy rack.
Check the physical condition of the kit and look for any missing, non-functional, loose, or broken parts. At lower price points, manufacturers may cut corners to keep costs down. As you move up in price, you'll typically find better and more robustly designed components.
Some high-end electric drum kits have a larger footprint than an equivalent acoustic kit, so consider how much space you have available. Many e-drum kits with a moderately-sized footprint can still provide a "full drum set" feel.
Electric drums are not completely silent and can still make quite a bit of noise, especially the kick pedal. If noise is a concern, you may need to add a tennis ball platform or a Tama softsound beater.
