In the past, the musician community didn’t hold electronic drum kits in high esteem. However, with new and innovative technology the quality and outlook of electronic drums have improved dramatically. True, you still will not get the pure acoustic sound from an electronic kit, but you’ll get a pretty close realistic sound. And remember, drummers don’t only use electronic drums for practicing quietly, rather these drums open up new possibilities and creativity.
In kinds of acoustic drums, I have another choice for a hand pan drum-like steel tongue drum. But those for travelers and silent and sweet tone lovers.
The electronic drums are great for beginners, for professionals, whether for live stages, for recording, or for practicing. They are more portable, easy and quick to set up and adjust, take less space and make less noise. With the best electronic drum set, you have control over your performance and sound. And this reliability makes them such popular choices for many musicians nowadays.
So, let’s go look at some electronic drum sets available on the market, shall we?
Best Electronic Drum Set for Beginners
As a beginner starting to learn to drum, you need to go through rigorous training of daily practice. But no one is happy with a drummer practicing nearby. In this case, electronic drum sets are the answer to your plight, as you’ll make little to no sound while playing. Also, you won’t have to worry about complex set-up and tuning or even space constraints. Electronic drum sets, specifically the portable electronic drum sets are great starter kits for children who want to take up drumming.
So, whether you are an adult or the parent of a kid beginning their drumming experience and looking for a kit, there are a wide variety of suitable models available for you.
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is one of the best entry-level electronic drum set due to its affordable and feature-heavy nature. The complete 8 piece set comes with an 8″ dual-zone mesh snare pad, three 8” single-zone mesh tom pads, three 10” cymbals – ride cymbal, hi-hat, crash (with choke) and a Nitro drum module. It also includes custom-designed hi-hat and kick pedals, durable 4-post aluminum rack, drum sticks, and drum key. All of these come together to deliver the most realistic, responsive and immersive playing experience.
The Nitro drum module is loaded with 385 percussion sounds, 40 different kits, and 60 built-in play-along tracks to help you practice. The built-in metronome can improve your precision and control over rhythm. The kit also features a sequencer and performance recorder. There are also ports for headphones, stereo, and AUX input, along with USB and MIDI In/Out ports. These enable you to connect your computer with your drum kit to access a synthesizer and software for creating music.
Not only just appearance, but the mesh heads also produce a natural feel and ultra-quiet response similar to an acoustic drum set. With this kit, you’ll be able to make a blast with your playing without even disturbing the neighbors.
Overall, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit has everything a beginner needs to start their own musical journey.
Pros
- Great Value for The Price
- Secure and Well-Built Design
- Quick and Simple Kit Editing
- Realistic Feeling Mesh Pads
- High-Quality Drum Module
- Beginner Friendly Features
Cons
- Slightly Confusing Assembly
- Relatively Large Footprint
Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Set
From the brand Roland comes the reliable full-sized kit, Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Set. It features the usual snare, toms, crash, ride and hi-hat pad. The drum module provides 15 preset kits in any musical style with the V-Drums sound.
With the built-in metronome, Roland’s Rhythm Coach feature and recorder, you can improve your playing by practicing along with the tracks. Also, you can create and record your music by connecting your computer through USB and MIDI port.
Upgradability is another great feature of this kit. There are many upgrade options for the components from the manufactures. As your skills and budget improve, you’ll be able to upgrade parts for better. The sturdy construction and ergonomic design make it portable and easier to fit in tight spaces. Also, beater-less kick pedals produce less noise while playing which is ideal for practicing at home.
Pros
- Good for Beginners and Intermediate Players
- Upgrade Options for Enhanced Performance
- Intuitive User Interface
- Acclaimed V-Drums Sound and Performance
- Responsive and Expressive Sound Module
- Quick and Easy Height Adjustment
Cons
- Slightly Expensive Than Entry Level Sets
- Not Very Responsive Kick Pedal
Alesis Turbo Mesh 7 Piece Electronic Drum Kit
The latest model from Alesis, the Turbo Mesh Kit is suitable for someone trying to get into drumming. The complete 7 piece kit offers an 8″ mesh snare drum, three 8″ mesh toms, three 10″ cymbals, custom-designed hi-hat pedal and kick pedal. The aluminum rack further ensures sturdy and durable construction.
The Turbo Electronic Drum Module is preloaded with 100+ in-demand percussion sounds, 10 ready-to-play kits, and 30 built-in play-along tracks. Also for newer players, 40 free drum lessons from Melodics are included. The exclusive mesh heads truly deliver the lifelike feel and realistic sound. The pads on this set are quiet enough to not produce much sound even when playing and the over-ear stereo headphones let you practice silently.
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is great as a beginner starter kit but it’s also useful to professionals for practice.
Pros
- Both PC and Mac Compatible
- Easy Setup and Quick Height Adjustments
- Excellent Value for Money
- Extremely High-Quality Pads
- Wide Spectrum of Great Sounds, Effects, and Kits
- Unique Sound Options
Cons
- Presets Having Too Much Reverb
Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Set
The Yamaha DTX402K is solely aimed at helping beginner drummers improve their skills. The kit consists of the usual pieces – a snare, a bass drum, three toms, and three chokable cymbals. The pads are made of rubber and the two free-floating pedals also function as controllers.
The drum module packs an impressive selection of 287 high-quality drum and percussion sounds, 128 keyboard sounds, 10 customizable kits, and 9 reverb types. The 10 built-in interactive training modules including Pad Gate, Rhythm Gate, Fast Blast, and Recording function help you to improve rhythm and speed. Yamaha’s free DTX402 Touch app further allows you to engage the module for editing kits, training or testing your skills. You can connect the DTX module to your computer via USB to record and create audio software.
With the DTX402K model, you’ll get the feel of acoustic sound but not the noise. You can practice quietly in peace without disturbing others. The rack is sturdy enough and the kit is suitable for limited space. As the kit is small and compact, it is transport-ready as well.
Pros
- Comes with A Quality Headphone
- Ability to Plug-In Smartphone or Music Mp3-Player
- Free App for Interactive Training
- Perfect for A Quiet Practice
- Variety of Quality Sounds
- More Flexible Than Some Cheaper Options
Cons
- Silent Kick Different from Standard Pedals
- Limited Tom Positioning Options
PylePro Portable Drums, Tabletop Drum Set
The PylePro Digital Drum Kit is a nice portable drum set. Usual for a tabletop model, it features 7 touch-sensitive drum pads including snare, toms, hi-hat, cymbals with a kick drum and hi-hat pedal controller. You can have access to a wide range of sound as it comes with 25 preset drum kits, 215 percussion voices, 5 user drum kits, and 128 GM (General MIDI) voices.
The PylePro PTED01 can be connected to the computer using USB cable and can even function as a MIDI controller for your computer software. You can play along to the built-in songs and the metronome helps with your rhythm. By increasing the volume through speakers you can easily perform in front of a crowd. But when you are in a mood of a quiet night of practice, then just use the headphones and there’ll be little to no sound. It can be powered in two ways such as using AC adaptor or batteries.
Being such a lightweight, portable and customizable option, the PylePro Tabletop Drum set is really suitable for any and all situations.
Pros
- Touch-Sensitive Drum Pads
- Convenient LED Control Display
- Inexpensive
- 2 Different Voice Metronome System
- Ultimate Tabletop Kit
- Large Range of Functions
Cons
- Short Battery Life
- Controls a Little Confusing
Pyle Electronic Roll Up MIDI Drum Kit
Similar to other roll-up drum kits, the Pyle Electronic Roll-Up MIDI Drum Kit comes with the 7 touch-sensitive drum pads, plus 2 digital foot pedal controllers. The kit also preloaded with music, including 12 pre-selected demo songs and 7 sound styles. Using the playback option, you can easily record your drumming sessions.
You can transfer and upload your music files to the computer through the built-in USB MIDI connection. This Pyle Kit is equally suitable for practice and performance. The full-range stereo speakers help you project loud quality sound and you can use headphones when you want to practice quietly.
You can even play with your hands instead of sticks using the hand percussion mode. The drum kit being ultra-light and compact makes it a great travel companion. As this kit is extremely cheap, you don’t have to invest much to buy this model. If you are on a tight budget and just a beginner looking for drums to practice on, then it’s a suitable match for you.
Pros
- Highly Inexpensive
- Tempo and Volume Adjustable
- Effective Reproduction of Drum Set Sounds
- Unique Design for Instant Drumming
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Compact and Portable
Cons
- Speakers May Produce a Hissing Noise
RockJam Mesh Head Kit
RockJam may not be as popular as other high-end brands, but their products are in no way any less quality than the brand ones. The RockJam Mesh Head Kit delivers top-quality performance with flexible features at an even less price than popular models.
The full-sized 9 pieces electronic drum set consists of mesh headed toms and snare, high-quality rubberized hi-hat and cymbals, and hard-wearing pedals for bass and hi-hats. The velocity-sensitive pads and chokable cymbals help you produce and control realistic sound with a natural feel in it. The drum module contains 30 authentic drum kit voices and multiple demo songs. You’ll be able to explore multiple genres and styles and be able to experiment with your sound. With its USB, AUX and MIDI connectivity, you can easily connect to different devices like your computer, smartphone, MP3 player etc.
The mesh pads make very little sound while playing so you’ll be able to practice in peace without annoying others. For budding musicians, whenever and however you want to play without taking care is a great bonus.
If you compare the features with the price it comes with, the RockJam Mesh Head Kit is the most affordable drum kit available on the market.
Pros
- Best Value for Money
- Suitable for Beginners As Well As Intermediate Players
- Universal Compatibility to Exterior Devices
- Real Drum Kit Experience
- Velocity Sensitive Pads for Great Feel and Natural Response
- Various Authentic Drum Kit Voices and Multiple Demo Songs
Cons
- Warranty Problem for Some Users
Alesis Compact Kit 7
Offering ultimate portability, the Alesis Compact Kit 7 is your typical tabletop electronic drum kit that you can take anywhere. The drum kit comes with 7 velocity-sensitive drum pads that deliver realistic drum sound and 2 pedals for hi-hat and kick drum.
The Compact Kit 7 has access to an impressive 45 pre-set drum kits, 5 locations for user drum kits, 265 percussion voices and over 100 play-along songs. The built-in metronome helps steady your rhythm. If you want to record your sessions or use the software, you can use the USB/MIDI ports to connect to your computer. There is also a headphone jack that comes handy for practicing silently.
Another interesting feature is the hand percussion mode which is perfect for ethnic percussion kits including bongos, tablas, congas and more. In this mode, you can play using your hands instead of sticks. The drum kit is powered by either AC adaptors or batteries.
No wonder Alesis Compact Kit 7 is one of the best tabletop electronic drums sets out there.
Pros
- Lightweight and Portable
- Good Sound Quality
- Wide Range of Functionality
- Great Value for Money
- Seamless DAW Integration
- Authentic Drum Response
Cons
- Pedals May Delay a Bit
PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set
One of the cheaper models on our list, the PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set is a tabletop drum kit. It features 7 touch-sensitive pads including 1 SNARE, 3 TOMS, 1 CRASH, 1 RIDE, and 1 HI-HAT. You can play 5 timbres, 8 demo songs, and 3 rhythms and can also play Bass Drum using the 2 Foot Pedals.
The best feature it offers is the versatility to play loud or quiet. The dual sound speakers provide great sound quality and bass effect. However, if you want to practice quietly, you can just plug in headphones to not disturb others. The set comes with a USB port, headphone jack, mp3 plug-in, and the port to connect the pedals. It is powered by a 2400mAh rechargeable battery with up to 8-10 hours playtime per charge.
The roll-up unit is small and lightweight so you can take it anywhere you go. The surface is waterproof and easy to clean too. The PAXCESS is suitable for kids, but it’s also perfect for beginners as a great practicing kit.
Pros
- Easy to Set Up and Space Conscious
- Long Battery Life and Quick Charging
- Made of Non-Toxic Materials
- Portability and Mobility
- Complete Sounds at an Affordable Price
- Great for Children and Beginners
Cons
- Pads May Be Too Small
- No Labels for Configuration
Best Electronic Drum Set for the Money
Currently, there are so many electronic drum sets available on the market, and all with distinct features in the different price ranges. So, if you are under a budget and looking for a cheaper option, don’t worry. You can easily choose your pick from a variety of models with budget-friendly prices. Or you want to upgrade your model and searching for high-end drum sets, there are also many expensive models for professional use as well.
For your convenience, here we have reviewed multiple models of electronic drum sets under low, mid and high price range.
Under $500
This range is only for beginners or entry-level musicians looking for budget-friendly options.
Yamaha DD75AD Portable Digital Drums
The Yamaha DD75Ad Portable Digital Drums has a drummer-friendly and stylish design. It comes with 8 touch-sensitive pads, 2 drum pedals and the AUX In lets you connect to an MP3 player and play along the track.
The DD-75Ad features a huge variety of drum voices and kits inherited from the DTX series, including570 drum voices, 30 phrase voices, 75 preset drum kits, 10 user drum kits, 105 preset songs. Also, the built-in 4-track recorder lets you record and create your own music.
Using the Hand Percussion Mode, you can dab with a variety of ethnic percussion kits and music genres from around the world. You can have full control over the system volume whether you use the built-in stereo or the headphones to practice.
Being compact and battery-operated, the DD75AD drum kit is lightweight and extremely portable. Moreover, the specially designed snare stand makes it easy to set up and securely mounted to use in the studio or at gigs.
Pros
- User-Friendly Display Interface
- Easy to Set-Up And Transport
- MIDI Connectivity for External Tone Modules
- Onboard High-Quality Speaker System
- Easy-Playing Layout for Expressive Drumming
- Realistic Drum Sounds Based on Motif Synth and DTXTREME III
Cons
- Subpar Pedal Quality
Alesis Surge Mesh Kit
The Alesis Surge electronic drum set is the improved version with mesh heads instead of rubber heads. The all-mesh heads provide a natural playing response similar to acoustic drum sets. Even the cymbals can be choked as in you can mute the sound just like a traditional drum set.
The Surge drum module is powerful and versatile to include 40 drum kits (24 preset kits + 16 user kits) with over 385 sounds, 60 play-along tracks, and a built-in metronome. Not only that, but there are also on-board effects (Reverb plus 3-Band equalizer), an LCD display, and an on-board sequencer with 80 songs. You can use the module as a MIDI controller kit too. Just connect it using USB and upload tracks on your computer. You can play, edit, record and practice. These features can actually help improve your timing, rhythm, and techniques.
The mesh pads produce less sound and being an electronic drum kit, it is really a perfect practice partner. Also, you can easily fit it into your home without taking much space for its easily collapsible chrome design. If you consider the price range with the flexible features, the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is a great value for money for beginners and advanced drummers alike.
Pros
- Sturdy 4-Post Chrome Rack
- Practical Fit for Limited Space
- Easy Setup Even for Beginners
- Great Response Time
- Engaging Interface with Instant Feedback
- Various On-Board Coaching Tools
Cons
- Limited Number of EQ Options
Pyle Pro 9 Piece Electronic Drums Set
The Pyle Pro Electronic Drum Set is a complete 9 piece full-sized drum kit suitable for beginners. However, if you have just started your musical career and looking for a budget-friendly option for live gigs; this model will not disappoint you.
The Pyle Pro PED021M drum kit comes with 5 drum pads, 2 cymbal crash pads, hi-hat, and bass drum digital pedal controller and an adjustable and customized frame to fit the player. The pads are highly sensitive because of the 128 level force-velocity and the cymbals have choke capabilities to effectively reproduce natural drum set sounds. The digital sound module includes 33 preset drum kits and 4 customized kits to play along to different music styles. With the recording option and built-in metronome, you can practice and improve your playability.
The drum kit has connection options including a USB port, AUX input, headphone jack, MIDI output. You can connect to external devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, synthesizers, DJ controllers, etc. And you don’t even need to buy external speakers as it comes with built-in speakers.
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight Design
- Adjustable Volume and Customizable Pad Sensitivity
- Rhythmic Style and Audio Tempo Configuration
- Digital Sound Module with LCD Display
- Easy to Assemble
- Rugged Angle Adjustable Drum Pad Heads
Cons
- Drum Pedals Not Realistic
Donner DED-200 Electric Kit
The Donner DED-200 Electric Drum Kit is one of the most professionally designed kits with premium features. Its diverse aspects are different from those of the usual Alesis, Yamaha, and Pyle drum sets have to offer.
The complete 8 piece ensemble consists of an 8” snare, three 8” toms, a 10” hi-hat cymbal, two 12” ride and crash cymbals and an 8” kick drum. Along with the kit, you’ll get both kick and hi-hat pedals, a headphone, drum throne, drum sticks, and audio cable. The all-mesh drum heads give a feel closer to a real drum and the silicone cymbals have a stable and well-distributed tone response.
Using the French Dream’s sampling technology, the DED-200 digitally records the sound of real instruments and the sound quality of the original sound drum. There are 225 timbre and 30 demo songs to go with different styles of music for practice. Efficient software algorithms and computer chips can avoid sound delay and repetition.
The collapsible steel stand can be easily folded to save space. Also, the mesh heads have a better feel and a longer life instead of deformation and slackness. You can just lower the volume to conveniently practice at home. Ideal for beginners and seasoned drummers, The Donner Electronic drum kit is suited for both practice and stage performance.
Pros
- Unique Mesh Drum Head Hoop Technology
- More Realistic and Excellent Sound
- Steady and Safer Drum Stand
- Custom Sensors with High Sensitivity and Dynamic Response
- Dual-Trigger Technology for Balanced Performance
- Easily Adjustable to Fit Preferred Position
Cons
- Slightly Expensive as A Starter Pack
Under $1000
Now the mid-range options are for intermediate or advanced players. These drum kits offer more upgraded features at a higher price.
Alesis Command Mesh Kit
The Alesis Command Mesh Electronic Drum Kit is perfect for intermediate drummers as it is a step up from entry-level electronic drums.
The complete 8 pieces electronic drum set features dual-zone mesh snare, toms, cymbals and kick tower pad with pedal. All the drums and cymbals are positioned strategically and conveniently.
The Command drum module is packed with features as customized kit configurations, loading drum, melodic, bass, play-along tracks, and FX samples which add limitless sonic possibilities. It is preloaded with 70 drum kits (50 factory + 20 user) with over 600 sounds, 60 play-along tracks built-in and even an onboard metronome. The USB MIDI connection lets you easily record MIDI data directly into your computer.
Along with its professional features, the ultra-robust build also makes it suitable for live gigs. The chrome 4-post rack is easily collapsible and perfect for travel. Along with the sound, this electronic kit is similar to the appearance of an acoustic drum set, so it doesn’t look out of place on the stage. That is why the Alesis Command Mesh Kit is favored by professional drummers.
Pros
- Very Professional Design
- Sturdy and Durable Construction
- Ample On-Board Sound Options
- 40 Drum Bonus Lessons from Melodics
- Unmatched Response and Playability
- Superb Sample Control
Cons
- No Training Functions
Pyle Pro Electronic Drum Kit
Pyle boasts off the all-in-one design with its model of Pyle Pro Electronic Drum Kit.
The 7 touch-sensitive drum pads and the 2-foot digital pedal controller are capable of producing a wide range of realistic drum sound. The 55 preset, 10 custom preloaded drum kits, 300+ cymbal/drum sounds add more versatility to this model. Also, the volume and adjustment tools for tempo, rhythm, beat, and EQ processes integrated into the model increases the playability.
The Drum Trainer Mode feature is a great learning mode for beginners. You can easily connect the kit using a USB cable to your computer to mix, edit, and record sounds. You can even connect and stream audio from external devices. The Pyle PTED06 is powered by batteries and has a very compact tabletop design, which turns it into extremely portable.
All these built-in and customizable features make it truly perfect for auditioning and practice.
Pros
- LED Digital Display with Button Control Center
- Hundreds of Built-In Sounds and Preset Kits
- Hand Percussion Mode
- Built-In Metronome
- Useful Learning Mode
- Customizable Sound and Compact Portability
Cons
- Pedals Not Well Responsive
Yamaha DTX522K Electronic Drum Kit
The DTX522K Electronic Drum Kit is the new and improved addition to Yamaha’s DTX series.
With triple-zone snare and cymbal pads, the full drum kit includes three toms, three cymbals, a snare, a hi-hat, a drum module, and a complete rack system with hardware. Along with a foot pedal for the hi-hat, both bass and kick pedal are included. The kit is designed with innovative features like the new and improved DTX-PAD and a textured silicone head. These make it a very responsive drum set with great realistic sound.
The DTX502 drum module includes versatility with its adjustable sound. It comes preloaded with 32 note polyphonic tone generator, 691 Drum and percussion sounds, and 50 preset drum kits from a wide span of genres, plus layer and import options. It also has an impressive training option to help you build up your skills. Through Yamaha’s free SongBeats app and the free MusicSoft app, you can create customized music and import MIDI music files directly into your module.
Whether you are a newbie or pro player, the Yamaha DTX522K can help you practice accuracy, endurance and keep up to the rhythm.
Pros
- Excellent Drum Trigger Module
- Instantaneous Playing Response
- Ability To Mute Cymbals
- Good Dynamics and Sound Quality
- Laser Technology to Track Drum Strokes
- Great With Stereo Setups And Recording
Cons
- Hi-Hat Pedal A Little Slow
Under $2000
The high range is more for professional drummers who don’t mind investing a lot for the best of the best drum kit. These are suitable for studio recording or stage performances.
Alesis DM10 MKII Pro Kit
If you already have an electronic drum kit and thinking about upgrading your model, then the DM10 MKII Pro is an excellent option.
The complete 10 piece kit features tightly woven black mesh drum heads. There are 6 pieces for dual-zone snare, toms and kick pads and 4 piece cymbal set. You can adjust the sensitivity of the mesh head for fine-tuning to perfectly suit your playing style. The 4-post quick-lock chrome rack is stable enough that it doesn’t move around even with hard drumming.
The Alesis DM10 MKII advanced drum module offers a wide array of versatile and convenient features. There are 74 preset drum kits with 671 instrument sounds in total. You’ll be able to customize the sound from the reverb to the pitch and thus creating the perfect mix.
This DM10 MKII Pro Kit has been specially designed for professional drummers. No wonder it has come so close to duplicating the feel of an acoustic drum sound and their natural rebound better than any previous Alesis electronic drum kit. However, the mesh drum heads dampen the noise making it an ideal choice for quiet late-night practices as well.
Pros
- Perfect for Both Live Performances and Studio Training
- Superior Quality and Premium Level Chrome Rack
- Durable and Long Lasting Construction
- USB-MIDI connection and AUX Input
- Larger Drum and Cymbals Pads
- Great Response and Rebound from Mesh Heads
Cons
- Some Parts Can Be A Bit Fragile
Roland TD-17KV-S Electronic Drum Set
From Roland, you can always be sure of high performance and quality products, and the Roland TD-17KV-S is no exception. It’s upgraded from earlier mid-range kits and the Roland V-drums technology artfully reproduces the acoustic drum sound. The expansion option lets you upgrade and customize the kit according to your personal style.
The TD-17 module provides access to versatile features with 50 pre-set kits, 310 percussion/drum sounds, and 50 slots for user customization, etc. You can integrate effects into the music including ambiance, tuning, 3- band equalizer, snare buzz, muffling, strainer, and multiple effects. Even if you are a pro drummer, you need to practice daily. Keeping your need in mind, Roland has included a Coach Mode in the module. This feature can help you warm up, develop your sense of groove, tempo, and timing and increase your playing stamina.
What makes it different from other electronic drum kits is the Bluetooth technology. You can pair up your device with the kit using Bluetooth and be able to import your own sample. With Roland TD-17KV-S Electronic Drum Set’s sound quality, high-end features and solid playability, it’s the best learning partner you can own.
Pros
- Wireless Bluetooth Access
- Tunable Quality Mesh Heads
- Ambidextrous Playing Possible
- Authentic and Realistic Playing
- Easy to Assemble and Stable Construction
- Expressive Foot Control and Pedal Technique
Cons
- Not Many Presets
- Need to Purchase Additional Accessories
Buying Guide
Benefits of an Electronic Drum Set
Before buying your own electronic drum set, you should know what it has to offer. There are many benefits of owning one, and here we have highlighted some of them.
Versatility
Pro drummers need the versatility the electronic drum kits offer because usually, they have to cover a wide range of music styles on gigs. Electronic drum sets normally have libraries with hundreds of tones and sound selection. So, even if you are just practicing, you can easily switch between different styles and genres. That way you can experiment with your sound without any fuss.
Recording and Editing
Another benefit that electronic drum kits give you is the freedom and power over your sound. You can play, edit, mix and record your sound however you want. Using electronic drums, you can also upload your recording sessions straight onto your computer. However, for acoustic drums, you need to buy separate recording equipment. That’s why electronic drums are best for practicing and recording demos as they are less time consuming and hassle-free.
Compact and Portable
Compared to acoustic drum sets, electronic drum sets are more lightweight, compact and, portable. They are easy to store, transport and set-up. Whether on stage or at home, they need minimum space. Usually, electronic drum kits weigh less than 30kg even though traditional drum sets vary from 40-50kg range. Therefore you can conveniently fit them in cases or bags and carry around without much hassle.
Learning Benefits
Nowadays most electronic drum kits have a built-in preset that can help you learn to play. Some drum modules have special learning tools and built-in metronome functions which help you to develop your timing and rhythm. You can use software and apps to play and edit songs by connecting your drums with your devices. These training exercises actually help improve your coordination and skill level.
Practice and Live Gig Convenience
Electronic drum kits are not completely silent per se, but they produce less sound compared to acoustic drums. The rubber pads make a very little sound and you can control the volume as well. Therefore you don’t have to deal with noise complaints while practicing at home. Electronic drums perfectly suit live playing as well. You can play on large stages even without a mic so no feedback or distorted sound. Moreover, they are easy to set up and less cluttered space on stage. It doesn’t matter the musical setting, with electronic drums you’ll be able to play loudly or quietly without compromising your sound.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Electronic Drum Set
Types
Currently, there are mainly two types of electronic drum sets. The electronic tabletop drum set or the full-sized drum kit.
The electronic tabletop drum sets are portable and compact. They are lightweight and have a different feel compared to the full-sized kits. The playing experience is also different for both drum sets. The full-sized electronic drum kits are more similar to acoustic drum kits. These have mesh heads and sensors installed in them. They need more space and can’t be moved freely. However, full drum sets produce more realistic sound and great for performance.
Tabletop drum sets are more suitable for beginners and children. These are light machines better suited for practicing or small gigs. If you are looking for a high-end pro kit, then the tabletop model won’t be enough. You’ll need a full-sized electronic drum kit.
Purpose
There is an abundance of electronic drum sets on the market offering distinct features and utilities. You may feel confused about which one is the most suited for you. For that, you need to consider the purpose of your buying the drum kit first. All drum kits fulfill basic requirements but different models serve different purposes better.
Most musicians end up buying an electronic drum kit because of three reasons – practicing, performing live and recording. We recommend you to understand the functionality and practicality of the drum kit so that you don’t regret buying it later.
Practicing
For practicing purposes only, it is better if you look for something cheaper. Also, you don’t need a drum kit with complex features; basic simple functions will be enough. Rather you should consider the dimension of the kit for it should be compact and space-friendly. Look for a model that can fit into your home suitably and doesn’t make too much noise. Some drum sets come with extra features like a built-in metronome, recording function, and training mode, etc. These features help you improve your playability and rhythm.
Performing Live
If you are planning on playing electronic drums on gigs then you need to look for high-end expensive models. They come with a wide range of preset sound and inbuilt songs which can be customizable. This way you can access different styles of music and genre while playing on stage. Also, transportation is a huge factor for gigs. If your kit takes too much time to set up on stage and a pain to carry everywhere, the magic will start to diminish. So, consider a sturdy but portable option which is easy and quick to assemble.
Recording
If you are planning on recording with your electronic drum kit, then make sure it supports connecting to a computer. A drum kit with MIDI output can be a great help in this manner. You can have access to unlimited sound through computer software and be able to mix, edit, customize and record according to your wish. Now, most electronic drum kits offer decent recording options, so you don’t need to spend too much money on having this feature.
Configuration
Normally a full-size drum consists of seven or eight or nine pieces, depending on the model or type. The main parts are kick drum, tom, snare drum, hi-hats, and cymbals. However, for electronic drum sets, other components also play an integral part in the performance. Some of these to look out for:
Mesh Heads
Mesh heads are a relatively recent addition to drum heads. They have highly sensitive 1-3 sensors. This sensitivity effectively responds similarly to an acoustic drum. Mesh heads tend to be slightly expensive than normal rubber pads. But if you want to quietly practice and don’t mind the cost then mesh heads is the solution.
Rubber Pads
Rubber pads are the traditional types of drum heads that imitate a normal skin drum. As they are made of rubber, they are more affordable and easily attainable. For practicing purposes, rubber heads are very cost-effective. If you are on a tight budget but need to practice on a sturdy hard surface, then you should look for a model with rubber pads.
Electronic Cymbal Pads
Electronic cymbal pads make more noise compared to normal pads. They are often shaped like a part of a cymbal or completely look like a traditional one. Many cymbal pads have sensors in them to give them a more realistic feel. Modern electronic cymbal pads can even choke, roll, crash or repeat and produce sound.
Drum Modules
As the control center, the drum module is essential for an electronic drum set. All models have drum modules installed in the instrument for they control basically everything on the drum set. They are responsible for producing sound. Drum modules typically come with preset sounds. And you can control the volume, twist the preset patterns and add effects however you wish. The smart idea is to start practicing on drum kits with simple modules with fewer features. After you learn how to control the module, then you can gradually move up to a more complex module. That way you won’t feel out of depth with your drum kit.
Extra Features
You get more than you pay for with an electronic drum kit with additional features. These features make your playing experience easier and convenient. If you are a beginner and looking for a drum kit to practice with, then it’s better to invest in a model with built-in learning mode. This module lets you practice various learning exercises to improve your playing. Likewise, the built-in metronome helps you hold your tune and rhythm.
Another trick is to search for drum kits with USB/MIDI ports. These ports let you connect your kit to your computer or digital devices. You can have access to a wide range of tutorials and training options along with software. Audio input for external music players allows you to practice along with other tracks. It’s even better to have a recording function. This way you will be able to record your sessions and playback later. Also, if you want to upgrade your features later on, then look for a drum set that is expandable and customization in nature.
Brand Preference
While brand preference may seem like a trivial factor, but for some, it is one of the essential factors to be considered. Brand value is actually a thing to be considered and satisfied users hardly want to change their brands. If you already own a drum set and content with its performance, chances are you’ll buy the next one from the same company models. There are already many established brands o the market catering to electronic drum sets and Roland, Yamaha, Pyle, and Alesis are some of the most prominent among them. Each of these brands is famous for different features and has something more and exceptional to offer with their products.
Final Verdict
After reading up on the best electronic drum sets, now you know almost all is there to know about different models, their pros and cons and factors to consider before making a purchase. So, choosing your own drum set isn’t that difficult if you know what to look for. You just need to trust yourself and go shopping. Who knows, your drum set may find you instead!
