E-Drums374 Product

What you should know about electronic drum kits

Looking to buy an electronic drum kit? Which one’s right for you?

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find the right electronic drum kit at MUSIC STORE professional for every requirement. E-drum kits let you practise quietly without disturbing the neighbours, and they open up huge sound worlds you can tailor to your own taste. Even entry-level kits offer multiple preset drum kits with plenty of sound variations. With an electronic drum set you’re ready for virtually any musical situation: not only can you adjust volume instantly, you can also change the sound character quickly – even mid-song. While older modules focused mainly on synthetic sounds, most modern drum modules now use multi-layer samples that recreate instruments far more realistically.

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E-drum modules with premium multi-layer sounds

One of the most important features of any electronic drum kit is the sound quality. Many e-drum sets come with standard factory sounds from modules that are perfectly fine for practising at home. Professional e-drum kits, however, typically feature higher-end sounds – so-called multi-layer sounds.

For the Fame E Drum Hybrid Pro, star drummers Simon Phillips and Marco Minnemann recorded their own instruments exclusively at different velocity levels. In total, 12,500 individual samples were captured for these multi-layer sounds. The Fame multi-layer library delivers outstanding tone with impressive dynamics and expression.

A real hi-hat on an e-drum kit

If you want to play an electronic drum kit as realistically as possible, a proper hi-hat is hard to beat. With so-called hi-hat controllers, opening and closing is only simulated digitally via a foot switch. A real hi-hat on a standard stand brings major advantages: the feel – especially pedal resistance and the openness range – matches an acoustic drum kit. The result is better expression at the kit and improved dynamics.
A few years ago, a real hi-hat on an e-kit was limited to high-end models. Today it’s also available in the mid-price range. The Fame DD-ONE Professional XT offers a real hi-hat and professional drum hardware at an affordable price.

Digital Drums: multi-function pads with high-end software

Digital Drums is the umbrella term for devices that house drum and percussion sounds in one unit while still being playable with sticks or hands. You’ll find everything from a mini drum kit for kids or beginners (Fame DD-350) to a fully featured percussion pad with sampling (Roland SPD-SX). These solutions combine pads and the sound engine (module/software) in a single device – ideal for simulating a drum kit in minimal space or expanding an acoustic kit with electronic sounds an acoustic set can’t provide. Many units also include inputs for external pads, such as an additional snare pad or a ride cymbal.

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Drum machines: play drum beats and backing tracks

Drum machines are an ideal companion for musicians who need drum beats for accompaniment. If you don’t want to play drums yourself but still want rhythmic backing for your music, this is an easy solution. Devices such as the Boss DR-01S Rhythm Partner or the Korg KR-55 Pro deliver professional beats – and you can even store and play full playbacks or backing tracks.

Buy accessories for electronic drum kits

All parts of an electronic drum kit can be bought separately or expanded, making it easy to upgrade your setup over time. Many e-drum modules already offer additional inputs for drum pads, extra snare, tom and cymbal pads. You’ll also find a wide selection of e-drum accessories, for example mesh heads and drum sticks.

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Buy triggers for acoustic drums – hybrid drumming

Many drummers want to turn their acoustic drum kit into a hybrid setup. Hybrid drumming means combining acoustic drums with electronic drum sounds. To do this, triggers (Roland, Yamaha or Fame) are mounted on or inside the drum shell. They convert hits into electronic impulses, which a sound module translates into drum sounds. You can then blend the module sounds with the acoustic kit – or replace them entirely. This approach is especially popular live, because it can significantly enhance the natural drum sound and expand your tonal options. A great example is our Fame Pro Trigger Stage Set combined with the Fame Hybrid Pro module.

FAQ: e-drums / electronic drum kits