Launched in 1995, Millenium Drums is the in-house drum brand for Thomann, a major music instrument retailer in Europe. Known for offering affordable entry-level products, Millenium has become a staple in school music rooms and practice spaces across the continent. The MPS-850 E-Drum set is a standout example of the brand’s commitment to providing a high-quality yet budget-friendly option for drummers.
The MPS-850 is packed with features that exceed expectations given its reasonable price point. This review covers the impressive capabilities of the kit, starting with the generous amount of hardware included. The kit boasts four mesh tom pads (2×8” rack toms and 2×10” floor toms), a 10” snare pad, and 4×12” cymbal pads (hats, ride, and two crashes). Additionally, the bass drum tower uses an 8” mesh pad. Mesh heads are beneficial as they can be tensioned to adjust the feel of each pad, offering a more comfortable playing experience compared to rubber pads.
Typically, entry-level e-kits include only one crash cymbal and three tom pads, so this 10-piece setup is quite impressive for its price. The kit also comes with a bass drum pedal and a full hi-hat stand (instead of a separate foot controller), which is another feature typically found on more expensive kits. The hi-hat is controlled by a pressure sensor that reacts to the top hi-hat pad, offering a more realistic movement than a fixed pad setup.
Each pad is dual-zone, meaning it offers separate head and rim sounds for the drums and bow and edge sounds for the cymbals. The ride cymbal pad is triple-zone, distinguishing between the bell, bow, and edge playing areas. The ride pad is designed with a more pronounced bell shape, which adds realism to the playability. All cymbals can be choked (muted) by hand, providing additional control for the player.
The sound module offers an impressive selection of features, including 550 individual voices, 30 preset kits, and space for 20 user kits. It also includes 100 built-in songs, metronome, recording functionality, in-built FX, USB MIDI, USB memory, MIDI in/out, volume faders, separate master and headphone outputs, aux input, and custom sample import—an uncommon feature at this price range.
Assembling the kit is straightforward, even for beginners, thanks to clear instructions. The sturdy four-poster rack can be set up quickly, occupying only 56cm (22”) in depth and 132cm (52”) in width, making it a relatively compact option for a 10-piece kit. Once the drum and cymbal pads are mounted, the cables are easily connected to the pre-labeled loom, which then attaches to the module. It’s worth noting that two pads—tom 4 and crash 2—require separate 1/4” jack connections.
The MPS-850 comes with almost everything you need to get started, including a pair of sticks. The bass drum pedal, which is often excluded from entry-level kits, is a welcome addition. It offers solid performance and features a double-sided beater with felt on one side and plastic on the other. Millenium recommends using the plastic side on the mesh head to avoid damaging the mesh with friction from the felt side.
Despite its impressive features, the MPS-850’s sound module does have some limitations. The factory kit presets, while diverse, are fairly basic. Some of the hi-hat sounds can be sharp, though this can be adjusted using the faders on the module. The presets offer a 50/50 mix of acoustic and electronic style kits, spanning genres like pop, rock, hip-hop, and house.
For casual players who aren’t overly concerned with top-tier sounds, the MPS-850 is a great option, especially given its affordable price. The ability to create and save custom kits using the 550 voices available in the module allows players to personalize their sound by selecting preferred drum and cymbal combinations. Additionally, the built-in EQ, compression, and reverb provide options for further tweaking.
The MPS-850 can also serve as a capable MIDI controller for VST software like Superior Drummer, Steven Slate Drums, or Get Good Drums. By connecting the kit to a laptop via the MIDI in/out ports, users can trigger sounds within the software for even more customization.
The module also includes numerous play-along loops that cover a wide range of genres, making it an excellent tool for practice. The aux input allows players to connect external devices, further expanding the kit’s versatility.
In terms of overall playability, the MPS-850 delivers a satisfying experience. It has a reasonable dynamic range, and the pads respond well with minimal latency. However, there are a few issues, such as occasional inaccuracies with the hi-hat control and some “machine gunning” effects when playing fast double-stroke rolls on the snare.
One consideration for potential buyers is the acoustic noise of the drum pads. While not noticeable when using headphones, the pads can be loud when struck, which could be disruptive for neighbors or housemates. Additionally, striking the rims with force produces a noticeable “crack” sound.
Overall, the Millenium MPS-850 E-Drum set is an excellent choice for drummers looking for an affordable yet feature-packed e-kit. Despite some minor sound module limitations, its impressive hardware, ease of use, and customizability make it a strong contender for both beginners and intermediate players.
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