A Guide to Electronic Drum Kits

When considering the purchase of an electronic drum kit, several key features should be evaluated to ensure the kit meets your musical needs and preferences.

Firstly, consider the module (or brain) of the kit, which is the central hub where all sounds are processed and manipulated. A high-quality module will offer a wide range of sounds and customisation options, from different drum kits to unique effects, while remaining easy to operate with settings that can be changed at the push of a button rather than a complex menu system.

Pad responsiveness is crucial, as it affects how naturally the kit feels when played. For beginner electronic drum kits look for velocity-sensitive pads that mimic the dynamics of hitting an acoustic drum—the harder you hit, the louder the sound. If your budget is a bit higher, a kit with mesh heads will provide a more realistic stick rebound and dynamic response, along with reduced noise on contact.

Connectivity options are another important consideration. Ensure the module includes USB for connection to a computer for recording, or that is has MIDI outputs to connect with DAW software and other MIDI devices for recording or using virtual instruments. Also, look for auxiliary inputs for playing along with your favourite tracks, and line outputs for connection to an amplifier or active speaker.

Expandability is a handy feature on some electronic drum sets that provides the extra connections for you to add more pads or cymbals, giving you room to grow as your skills advance. This is particularly good for beginners who may start with a lower-cost kit and wish to expand it as budget allows.

Lastly, consider the physical footprint and portability of the kit. If space is limited, or if you plan to transport the kit frequently, look for a compact design that is easy to set up and take down. While all electronic drum kits are designed to be portable, some can be folded away complete, while others require a full dismantling before transport or storage.

Electronic drum kits offer several advantages over their acoustic counterparts, making them a compelling choice for many drummers. One of the primary benefits is volume control. Electronic drums can be played with headphones, allowing for near-silent practice without disturbing neighbours or family members. This feature alone is invaluable for practice sessions as an acoustic drum kit is incredibly loud, so without a soundproofed room you will definitely be upsetting someone.

The variety of sounds is another significant advantage. With the push of a button, drummers can switch between different drum kit sounds from a huge selection of classic rock setups to electronic beats or percussion instruments, providing immense versatility for different music styles. This allows for a level of creative exploration and experimentation that is not possible with an acoustic kit.

Recording convenience is also enhanced with electronic drums. These kits can be directly connected to a computer or sound system, facilitating easy recording without the need for additional microphones, mixers, or interfaces. This plug-and-play setup simplifies the recording process, making it more accessible for beginners.

Furthermore, electronic drums are far more portable than acoustic drums, with most models designed to be lightweight and collapsible, with the obvious difference in physical size being a major factor as acoustic drums require a large vehicle to transport. This makes digital drum sets ideal for musicians who travel often or perform at multiple venues.

The feel of an electronic drum kit can vary significantly based on the quality and design of the pads and triggers used. Lower-end models might not replicate the exact feel of an acoustic drum, as they tend to have hard rubber pads that provide less realistic stick rebound. However, mid-level to higher-end models with silicone or mesh heads offer a much closer approximation to the feel of hitting an acoustic drum skin, with mesh units providing surface tension tuning identical to that of an acoustic set.

Advancements in technology have led to improved dynamic sensitivity, which allows mesh head electronic drums to respond to varied playing intensities, much like an acoustic kit. This means the force with which a drummer hits a pad influences not only the volume but also the tone of the sound produced.

Some electronic kits also incorporate realistic hi-hat triggers and cymbal pads that can detect different strike zones and respond accordingly, further enhancing the natural playing experience. Despite these advancements, there can still be subtle differences in feel, particularly in how the vibrations and resonance behave compared to acoustic drums. Thus, while high-quality electronic kits can come close to mimicking the feel of acoustic drums, subtle differences do exist.

One of the appealing features of electronic drum kits is their ease of setup. Electronic kits are typically far more straightforward than acoustic drums, which require tuning and can be cumbersome to mic properly for live performance or recording. Most electronic kits can be assembled quickly and will connect easily to an amplifier or PA system through a single output cable.

Additionally, electronic drum kits often come with pre-configured settings, allowing drummers to start playing immediately after setup without the need for extensive adjustments. The compact nature of many electronic kits also makes them ideal for smaller spaces, as they can be set up and taken down with minimal effort, making them perfect for gigging musicians who need to transport their equipment frequently.

The pads or heads utilise a simple clamp fitment which attaches to the electronic kits tubular folding frame. The frames are usually adjustable for height, and their lightweight design allows the entire kit to be moved with ease once set up. The drum module to drum pad connections are made with jack plugs for simplicity, and these systems are built to be highly durable.