In the world of music, the electronic drum kit has emerged as a revolutionary instrument. It has transformed the way drummers play, practice, and create music. But what exactly is an electronic drum kit? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this modern musical marvel.
How Does an Electronic Drum Kit Work?
Sensors and Pads
At the heart of an electronic drum kit are the sensors and pads. The pads are designed to resemble traditional drums and cymbals in shape. They can be made from various materials, with a common choice being rubber or a mesh – like material. When you strike a pad with a drumstick, sensors built into the pad detect the impact.
These sensors are highly sensitive. They can not only detect that a strike has occurred but also measure the force of the strike, which is known as velocity sensitivity. This velocity information is crucial as it determines the volume and sometimes the tone of the sound that will be produced. For example, a harder strike on a snare pad will result in a louder and more intense snare sound, just like in an acoustic drum kit.
Drum Module
The electronic signal generated by the sensors on the pads is sent to the drum module, often referred to as the “brain” of the electronic drum kit. The drum module is an electronic device that contains a pre – recorded library of drum and percussion sounds. These sounds can be samples of real acoustic drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments, or they can be synthesized sounds created using digital signal processing techniques.
Once the drum module receives the signal from the pad sensors, it quickly processes the information. Based on the velocity and the specific pad that was struck, it selects the appropriate sound from its library and sends it out as an audio signal. Modern drum modules are incredibly powerful, with some offering hundreds or even thousands of different sounds, allowing drummers to have a vast palette of tones at their disposal.
Sound System
To hear the sounds produced by the drum module, a sound system is required. This can take several forms. For practice purposes, drummers often use headphones. Plugging headphones directly into the drum module allows for silent practice, which is great for late – night sessions or when you don’t want to disturb others.
In a live performance or recording studio setting, the audio signal from the drum module is usually sent to a more powerful sound system. This could be a keyboard amplifier, a PA (Public Address) system, or integrated into an audio mixer. The sound system then amplifies the signal and projects the drum sounds for everyone to hear.
History of Electronic Drum Kits
The 1970s: The Dawn of Electronic Drums
The first electronic drum was developed in the early 1970s. Graeme Edge, the drummer of the Moody Blues, collaborated with Sussex University professor Brian Groves to create this innovative device. It was used in the song “Procession” from the 1971 album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour.
In 1976, Pollard Industries released the Pollard Syndrum, which was the first commercial electronic drum. It consisted of an electric sound generator and one or more drum pads. Despite attracting the attention of high – profile drummers like Carmine Appice and Terry Bozzio, the Syndrum was not a financial success, and the company folded in the following years.
In 1978, the Simmons company was established to produce commercial electronic drum sets. Their most notable product, the SDS – 5, was released in 1981. With its unique hexagon – shaped pads, the SDS – 5 was used by several well – known musicians. Although some at the time described its sound as “awful” or “like trash can lids,” it still gained significant attention in the music industry, especially in the pop and rock genres.
The 1980s – 1990s: Growth and Innovation
In the 1980s, other companies such as Pearl, Roland, and Yamaha entered the electronic drum market. These early electronic drums were similar to today’s entry – level kits. They had rubber – coated sensor pads mounted on stands, which were velocity – sensitive, and the sounds were generated through sampling or synthesized methods.
In 1997, Roland made a significant breakthrough with the introduction of the TD – 10 model. This model had two major innovations. First, instead of relying solely on samples of acoustic drums, it used mathematical models and synthesizers to generate tones. This was a controversial move as some drummers preferred the “pure” sample sound of an acoustic instrument, while others saw the potential for new and unique sounds. Second, Roland introduced a new mesh – like pad in collaboration with Remo, an acoustic drum skin manufacturer. These mesh – head pads provided a playing feel that was closer to that of an acoustic drum, with more bounce and a more natural response.
The 2000s – Present: Digital Dominance
Since the 2000s, digital technology has played an even more significant role in the development of electronic drum kits. Companies began selling digital electronic drum kit sound files, often referred to as “drum kits.” MIDI – equipped electronic drum kits became more prevalent, allowing drummers to trigger not only traditional drum and percussion sounds but also any type of MIDI – compatible sound, such as orchestral instruments, keyboards, or electronic sound effects.
Today, electronic drum kits continue to evolve. They are becoming more compact, more powerful, and more affordable, making them accessible to drummers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Variations of Electronic Drum Kits
Table – top Electronic Drums
Table – top electronic drums are a compact and portable option. They are designed to be placed on a table or other flat surface for playing. These kits usually have a smaller number of pads compared to a full – sized electronic drum kit, often in the range of 4 – 8 pads. They are a great choice for beginners who want to get a feel for drumming without a large investment or for those who need a very portable option for traveling or practicing in small spaces. Some popular table – top electronic drums, like the Roland SPD series, are also used by more experienced drummers as an additional percussion instrument in live performances.
Acoustic Triggered Drum Kits
An acoustic triggered drum kit is a hybrid between an acoustic drum kit and an electronic drum kit. In this setup, traditional acoustic drums are equipped with sensors (triggers) on the heads or rims of the drums and cymbals. When the acoustic drums are struck, the sensors send an electronic signal to a drum module, which then produces an electronic sound. This allows drummers to retain the feel of playing an acoustic drum kit while also having the option to use electronic sounds. It’s a popular choice for drummers who love the natural feel of acoustic drums but want the flexibility to add different electronic tones or effects.
Hybrid Kits
Hybrid kits combine elements of both acoustic and electronic drums in a more integrated way. They may have a combination of acoustic – like mesh – head pads and electronic cymbals, or vice versa. Some hybrid kits also allow for easy switching between acoustic and electronic sound generation. For example, a drummer could play an acoustic snare sound when hitting a certain pad, but with a simple switch, change it to an electronic snare sound. These kits offer a balance between the traditional and the modern, giving drummers a wide range of sonic possibilities.
Motion Capture Kits
Motion capture kits are a relatively new and advanced type of electronic drum kit. These kits use motion – sensing technology to detect the movement of the drummer’s hands and feet. Instead of relying solely on pad strikes, the system can detect the speed, angle, and acceleration of the drumsticks and foot pedals. This allows for a more expressive and nuanced playing experience, as the system can interpret different playing techniques such as rolls, flams, and ghost notes more accurately. Motion capture kits are often used in high – end recording studios and for live performances where a more immersive and dynamic drumming experience is desired.
Features and Benefits of Electronic Drum Kits
Compact and Portable
One of the most significant advantages of electronic drum kits is their compact size and portability. Unlike acoustic drum kits, which can be large, heavy, and difficult to transport, electronic drum kits can be easily disassembled and packed into a relatively small space. The pads are often lightweight, and the drum module is compact. This makes them ideal for musicians who are constantly on the go, whether it’s for traveling to gigs, rehearsals, or simply moving between different practice spaces.
Adjustable Volume and Sound
With an electronic drum kit, you have complete control over the volume. As mentioned earlier, you can use headphones for silent practice, which is a huge plus for those living in apartments or shared housing. Additionally, when connected to an amplifier or PA system, the volume can be adjusted to fit the size of the venue. You can play softly in a small club or crank up the volume for a large outdoor concert.
The sound of an electronic drum kit is also highly adjustable. Drum modules offer a wide range of built – in sounds, and many also allow for sound editing. You can change the tone, pitch, decay, and other characteristics of the drum and percussion sounds to create a unique sonic palette that suits your musical style.
Practice – Friendly
Electronic drum kits are perfect for practice. The ability to practice silently with headphones means you can practice at any time of the day or night without disturbing others. Many drum modules also come with built – in metronomes and practice aids, such as play – along tracks. Some even have the ability to record your practice sessions, allowing you to listen back and analyze your playing, which is a great way to improve your skills.
Cost – Effective
Compared to high – quality acoustic drum kits, electronic drum kits can be a more cost – effective option. Acoustic drums can be expensive, especially if you want professional – grade instruments. Electronic drum kits, on the other hand, offer a wide range of price points. There are affordable entry – level kits that are perfect for beginners, and even the more advanced, feature – rich kits are often priced competitively. Additionally, with an electronic drum kit, you don’t need to worry about the cost of replacing drum heads or cymbals as often, as the pads and electronic components are generally more durable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an electronic drum kit is a versatile and innovative musical instrument. It combines modern technology with the art of drumming, offering drummers of all levels a wide range of benefits. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to the sophisticated and powerful kits available today, the electronic drum kit has come a long way. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy – to – use and practice – friendly instrument, or a professional drummer seeking new sonic possibilities, an electronic drum kit could be the perfect addition to your musical setup.
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