Just like the electric bass and guitar, the drums have their own electronic version: the electronic drum set. Do you want the flexibility to change your sounds, and access to hundreds of different sounds for each of your drums and cymbals? Do you want the sounds of much more expensive and professional drum kits at a much lower cost? Do you dream of being able to fold up and tuck away your drum kit to get back valuable space in your home? Getting an electronic drum kit from Donner will make all of these dreams come true.
In this guide, we will go through most of the critical information that beginners may or should consider when purchasing an electronic drum kit. You will also learn some details about each part of the drum kit and how they work. Information about future trends of acoustic drums and electronic drums, and their pros and cons will also be provided. As always, if you still have questions after reading this guide, feel free to contact us.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Electronic Drum Kit
Influenced by guitar, many people may think that the relationship between acoustic drums and electronic drums is similar to that acoustic and electric guitars. The truth is more complicated. The principle of the electric guitar is that the string induces a current in a magnetic field. Then the pickup picks up the analog signal and then sends it to the amplifier. No digital signal occurs while playing. Electronic drums are different. After the trigger embedded in the drum head is engaged, an electric signal is generated by the sensor, which is converted into a digital MIDI signal. The audio source then plays the prerecorded sound sample files associated with that drum and the velocity (strength) of the hit carried by the MIDI signal, so that we can hear the sound of the drum. This is why a guitar is "electric" and drums are "electronic". In short, in an electric guitar, you hear the direct sounds of the strings, while on the electronic drum set your strikes on the drum trigger the processor to play prerecorded sounds.
Donner DED-100 Electronic Drum Set
What to Look for in an Electronic Drum Kit
The Module
The drum module is the most significant part of a drum kit. It is like the CPU of a PC. The sounds coming out of the drums are processed in here. It also stores all the prerecorded sounds, special effects, and even sounds of other instruments here. In different electronic drum kits, the quality of a module can determines the quality of the kit. The sounds available may differ in quantity and type. The Module also allows you to adjust parameters like volume output. You can also record your playing and generate audio files that you can edit later on a computer. Also, the module contains several preset drum kits specially set up for different music styles. You can either use the preset kits or you can customize your own kits.
Firstly, when choosing an electronic kit, you should consider the quality and variety of the sounds that the module provides. A fake-sounding kit gradually wears down your enthusiasm for playing the drums . If you need one, there are fantastic modules that allow you to customize your sounds. If you are a beginner that currently has little knowledge of drums, mindlessly going for a top module is not always the best choice. The highest level modules are incredibly complex and feature a high learning curve. Failing to make sounds that you like because of this complexity can really take the fun out of playing. The next thing you should pay attention to is the audio feedback of the module and its latency. High quality modules feature great acoustic drum sounds and low latency, so it feels more like you’re playing the real thing. Good modules are also able to handle a wide variety of dynamics incredibly well. Most modules include adjustable sensitivity so you can adjust the kit to your playing style. You can also change the frequency of every individual part to make sure your sounds blend in the mix perfectly.
As mentioned earlier, if you want to record your playing, a module with a USB port makes it a lot easier for you to do so. Modules with USB outputs ports enable you to send your audio into interfaces so you can record directly and let your bandmates hear your playing. Also, an important part of learning to play the drums is playing along with other songs, so a module with an audio input is ideal. Make sure you are getting the module with the input and output ports that you need.
The Triggers
Triggers and mesh heads are the two main parts of the drum. As mentioned, triggers detect strikes on the mesh head, then transfer signals to the module, which then plays the corresponding prerecorded sounds. You may want to have triggers with multiple sensors because a sensor only triggers a single kind of sound. With more sensors installed in different parts of the drum, you can get several sounds by playing those different parts of the drum.
Cymbal
In a normal electronic drum kit, the shape of the cymbals is identical to acoustic ones. However, in some more affordable models, you may see some cymbals that are only sections of acoustic ones. Cymbals offered by high-end models even move like acoustics cymbals. You will be able to swing and choke your cymbals when needed in your playing. When you look for a drum set, it is always better to choose one that offers multiple triggers in the cymbals. More triggers in the cymbals, more playability, and a more realistic experience playing. It is possible, with the right kit, to translate all of your acoustic drum techniques to an electronic kit.
Besides normal cymbals, hi-hats are also an important consideration. Triggers, in particular, are vitally important. Being able to accurately track and model the opening and closing of the hi-hats is vital. Triggers that more accurately, and smoothly model this transition are ideal in this situation. Bad triggers leads to abrupt changes in sound, which can throw you off and make for worse recordings.
Mesh Heads
Mesh heads serve as the drumhead of electronic drum kits. They play an important role in affecting the physical feel of your playing. When e-drums were first invented, people played on drumheads mad of formica tabletop, which was exceptionally tiring for drummers doing gigs. The hardness of this kind of top fatigues your hands, wrists and arms. In time, the tabletop was replaced by a rubber pad and then a mesh head. Rubber pads have a similar feel and bounce to the muting practice pads you see on the acoustic ones. Usually, rubber pads are all pretty similar because they all have consistent hardness and bounce, making them cheaper to manufacture. As a result, they are more often seen on affordable kits. Among all the drum tops, mesh heads that incorporate a woven surface provide a bouncier feel and desirable dynamics. In contrast to the consistent rubber pads, mesh heads are adjustable in their tension, which makes them nicer to use and more expensive.
Expansion
Drum Amplification and Monitoring
If you plan to do gigs in a band in the future, it is important to have a drum amplification and monitoring system. To be heard by your bandmates , you have to have your module plugged into an amplifier. If you don’t plug in a headset, you will need a speaker so you can hear yourself playing. Placing the speaker too far away from you may cause some disorientation because it might feel like the sounds are not coming from your drums.
If the main use of your drums is to practice at home, a good quality headset is recommended. A headset will give you the most direct sound of your playing and it avoids disorientation. It also reduces noise that may bother your neighbors or housemates. Having a headset with better low frequency response is also recommended so that you can hear the full thump of your kick drum and low tom.
Electric-Acoustic Kits
If you want to combine the worlds of electronic drumming and acoustic drumming, you can add electronic triggers to an acoustic kit (drums and cymbals) to give you both options.
Accessories
If you plan to expand your drum kit, there are some accessories for you to consider. Even if expansion is not your thing, some extra accessories can help you play more conveniently and comfortably.
Drums Amplifier
Although you can hear your playing by plugging in a headset, an amplifier and cables may also be needed if you plan to do a live performance where you can’t plug into the sound system directly.
The Donner DA-35 35 watt electronic drum amplifier is an innovative 35-watt amplifier. It has two signal input ports. It supports line input and microphone input. It is an ideal amplifier for use with computers, mobile phones or any other audio playback device, including your drum module! As you can see, in addition to AUX in, the DA-35 also supports Bluetooth wireless input, and the control knob on the amplifier panel can also be used to control wireless devices. The 2-inch tweeter and 8-inch woofer can play back sound with more detail and dynamics. Simply plug an MP3 player/ mobile phone/ laptop/ tablet into the auxiliary input or connect wirelessly through bluetooth to the DA-35, and you can hear the tracks and play along like you were a member of the band. Use the 1/8-inch headphone output jack for private practice. The enclosed design provides you with a heavy bass response, the edges are surrounded by hard materials to protect the amplifier from damage, and the rubber pad makes it safe and stable.
More Information
This is the end of this electronic drums buying guide. We hope you now have a clearer idea of what you are looking for. After reading this guide, if you’re still not sure about your choice, feel free to contact us.
