Drummers will often purchase an electronic drum set/kit because they live in a place where the noise created by an acoustic kit is prohibited. Other times, parents will purchase electronic kits for their student because they take up less space and aren’t as loud as acoustic kits.
Besides a kits musical capability, you also have to take its technical aspects into consideration. Higher end kits typically feature responsive pads which feel more like real drums as well as tone modules loaded with sounds and advanced sequencing capabilities. Fortunately, this buyer’s guide will help you understand a bit about the different elements behind these instruments and what separates the good kits from the bad.
Electronic Drum Parts
Drum Pads
Basic kits feature rubber pads with a feel similar to practice pads. More advanced models will have mesh or Mylar heads with a sound closer to real drums.
Bass Drum Pad
The bass drum pad is either free-standing or integrated into the kit. Some kits require a separate bass drum pedal to play the pad while others have electronic pedals included.
Cymbal Pads
Modern cymbal pads can feel and respond similar to actual metal cymbals. Cymbal pads are constantly being improved upon in terms of their quality and responsiveness
Tone Module
The tone module is the brain of the kit, providing you with a library of sound while some models are able to communicate with computers for advanced sequencing capabilities. A good tone module will have multiple options and a variety of pre-programmed sound kits. Some tone modules can also be customized to produce sounds which can then be edited and programmed.
Adjustable Hardware
Electronic drum sets have adjustable hardware similar to acoustic kits which keep the pads in place. Higher end kits come equipped with advanced hardware allowing for faster, more precise adjustments.
Features
Velocity Sensitive Pads
Most electronic kits have pads responsive to different playing velocities.
Realistic Playing Surface
The best electronic kits feature pads with mesh or Mylar heads, rims, and realistic cymbal pads. These heads can often be tuned and are responsive to bounces and buzz rolls.
Multiple Playing Areas
Some pads have multiple playing areas which react differently and create sounds similar to an acoustic kit. Snare drum pads can also generate rim shots and rim clicks based upon where they’re struck. Some cymbals pads will also react to playing on the “bell” or edge portion of the cymbals.
V-Drums
Roland is known for their game-changing V-drums featuring tunable mesh heads which feel like acoustic drums. Yamaha and Alesis also have models which are similar to V-drums in terms of quality and performance. V-drum style kits are drastically more expensive because they feel a lot better to play on.
Bass Drum Pad
Some electronic kits have freestanding bass drum pads which are played with a real bass drum pedal. Most players agree this feature provides a more realistic, acoustic feel but it will also raise a kits price tag considerably.
Realistic High-Hat
Some electronic kits (generally the most expensive) have fully functioning, electronic hi-hat pads mounted on a real high-hat stand to accurately simulate the feel of an acoustic high-hat.
Inputs/Outputs
Electronic kits should include headphone and speaker jacks as well as midi/USB inputs and outputs for connecting to a computer.
Performance
Higher end electronic kits have mesh or Mylar heads which provide a nice bounce and are responsive to rolls and rudimentary techniques. While the capabilities of modern tone modules are creating some amazing possibilities for sequencing and sound production, there will always be a slight difference in feel between electronic and acoustic kits.
Reliability
The physical portions of an electronic drum set are generally very reliable. The thick rubber pads usually don’t wear down enough to affect playability while mesh and Mylar heads don’t break as often as acoustic drum heads. Although certain electronic technologies can quickly become outdated, the best kits are advanced enough to use professionally for many years.
Price/Value
Electronic drum sets are available in a wide range of prices with kits priced anywhere between two hundred to eight thousand dollars. Fortunately, there are several affordable kits available which feature responsive pads and good tone modules. Many companies like Alesis, Roland, and Yamaha make the best overall electronic drum kits, while ddrum and Simmons have a reputation for their great low-budget options.
For the sake of convenience, we’ve divided our picks into two separate categories to accommodate different budgets. For high-end kits look at “Best Overall Electronic Drum Set” and for less expensive models you can refer to “Best Budget Electronic Drum Set.”