Electronic Drums

Using audio samples from percussion instruments and synth-created sounds, Electronic Drum Kits have revolutionised the drumming industry previously dominated by Acoustic Drums. When thinking about Drums and Percussions, the common conception is of a loud and space-consuming instrument that can be cumbersome to own and difficult for those in the vicinity. However, with the rise of electronic drums, the instrument seems to have rectified most of the problems that arise when owning an acoustic drum set - most significantly, the pronounced noise. 

The electronic drum, powered by a Drum Sound Module (also known as the sound module), is the central control unit that stores the audio data (controlled by a series of buttons and knobs), and the relevant input/output connections. The drum’s trigger pads communicate with this module to produce sound. The trigger pads themselves house sensors and other electronic components to identify strikes and the intensity of the strike. This complex setup helps increase the subtlety of the expression, accurately replicating the sound of an acoustic drum set. The trigger pads in newer electronic drums (mainly the tom pads and snare pad) are made of mesh (multiple layers) to reproduce the play feel of an acoustic drum set authentically. The other components in the set are made with a mix of aluminium / steel for the frame and rubber pads.

Electronic drums are great if you need a quieter way to practice or need a more flexible soundscape. They offer the same level of playability and practice potential of acoustic drum kits, only quieter, and with more versatility thanks to sampling libraries available with many of the kits. Some even let you switch out different pads and samples, load your own, and much more. With electronic drums and pads, there is virtually no limit to what sounds you can produce - including MIDI connectivity for DAW control. Electronic drums are now available at lower price points, helping reduce the entry barriers even further. Owing to its affordability, electronic drums have become the go-to for beginners looking to learn and grow their drumming career.

Can I use regular drumsticks to play on my electronic drums?
Yes, you can. Most modern electronic drums are made with a mix of mesh and rubber. However, we recommend you try out drum sticks made especially for electronic drum kits by Vic Firth,Vater, andRoland.Brushes are also a viable option for electronic drums, but only use nylon wire brushes to keep from damaging your mesh kit.

Can I adjust the tension of an electronic drum kit’s drum heads?
Yes, you can. Just like on an acoustic drum set, you can change the tension of most of the drum heads to replicate the feel of an acoustic kit.

What is latency? Are electronic drum kits affected by latency?
Latency is the time it takes for a strike to register on the amplifier used. Previously, latency used to be the principal reason why drummers opted for acoustic drums instead. However, over years of development and refinement, latency is not an issue to be concerned about anymore. Sound is reproduced immediately. 

What accessories come with an electronic drum kit?
A basic drum kit from any of our brands comes bundled with the main components - cymbal pads, snare pads, tom pads, and a drum module. In our experience, we have noticed that the expensive electronic drums from Roland (and some Yamaha) do not come with a kick pedal, hi-hat pedal, and hi-hat stand. Your favourite online music store in Dubai, MusicMajlis offers some of the highest quality drum pedals and hi-hat stands to pair with your new electronic drum kit.
Moreover, none of these drum kits come bundled withheadphones or speaker/monitor, which are both necessary to play the set. We strongly recommend a keyboard/drum ampand astudio headphone to go with your electronic drum purchase. The kit also doesn’t include a drum stick, but we at MusicMajlis offer a complimentary pair of sticks to our customers as a simple note of thanks. 

What are sensitivity options? Why does the sensitivity of a drum set matter?
Drums are by definition used by striking a stick onto a surface, which inevitably causes a sound. In the right setting, listening to an acoustic drum set can be a pleasurable experience. However, in cases where a drum set is used in close quarters, the loudness can be disconcerting. With the introduction of electronic drums, you can play anywhere, regardless of space and the surrounding sound environment. 

In an acoustic drum kit, the volume is modulated by the force of the strike in contrast to a volume knob on the electronic drum kit. While the volume knob is a welcome addition, the scope of expression reduces considerably. To overcome this limitation, drum manufacturers implemented a ‘sensitivity’ feature. This feature helps enable the audio reproduction level based on the intensity of a strike. Similar to a touch sensitivity setting on a keyboard, the drum sensitivity function means you can opt to strike as light as a feather and replicate the sound of a massive crash (and vice versa). This matters because tone modulation and volume control are an essential aspect of drumming. 

Can I use an electronic drum set without a Drum Amplifier?
No. An electronic drum mainly features mesh and rubber heads as the strike surface. While both these materials replicate the play feel of Acoustic Drums, they cannot naturally amplify sound. While Acoustic Drums use hollow soundboards and noisy surfaces to reverb and produce sound, an electronic drum requires an amplifier to function.

What is the price range of an Electronic Drum Set?
An Electronic Drum Kit starts from AED 1,200 and can go upto AED 32,000 in the professional ranges.