Electronic Drums
Electronic drums are instruments that add versatility to any studio or live performance while helping to reduce the potential for unwanted noise. When choosing between electronic drum kits by makers such as Roland, Yamaha, and Alesis, it is essential that you deliberate the primary reasons for your purchase. Theres so much to consider, such as whether you want it for practice, production and recording, or live performance.
How do electronic drums work?The principles behind electronic drums are not that complicated. A rubber or a mesh pad is fitted behind the drum head where there is a sensor. The sensor relays note voltages to the sound module when the pad is struck. The sound-module, also known as the brain, translates the value to trigger a sound, such as that of a snare. The sound module has the capability of reproducing soft or loud articulations depending on how the drummer performs. Some electronic drum models have more than one sensor underneath the pads. This modification allows the instrument to produce more than one frequency. For instance, the cymbal can produce a bow, a bell, or an edge hit. The sound unit translates the hit velocity into the different frequencies.
Can you use regular drumsticks?Any drumsticks, whether they have wooden or nylon tips, should work with electronic drum kits. The materials used to make the drumsticks will not have any effect on the quality of notes produced.
However, not all drumsticks are created equal, and the sticks you use will largely depend on your personal preference and the type of music you play. Still, there are qualities that define good drumsticks such as thickness. The thickness of drumsticks will largely depend on the type of music you play. If you play jazz, you will prefer thinner sticks, but if you play rock, you will find thicker sticks appropriate for your electronic drums.
How are electronic drums powered?Like most electronic devices, you plug and play your electronic drum kit. There is a DC-in jack in the rear end of your sound unit. To power on the drum kit, use the included AC adapter to connect your kit to the nearest power socket. It is important to note that there are models that are battery powered or hybrid and would not need to be hooked to the wall. From there, you can plug in your favorite pair of headphones and start making music.
Can you incorporate your electronic drums into your acoustic kit?Absolutely. One advantage of this is that it will enable you to expand your range of audio options and capabilities to a whole new level.