Drums are everything in enhancing beats in music and to achieve that powerful bass, you need to have the best in the market.
When the electronic drums made their first appearance in the 80’s, there wasn’t so much to love about them.
Through the years though, they have evolved into magnificent musical instruments and has become every drummer’s dream to own one.
The music industry has experienced the feel and vibe electronic drums provide and doesn’t compare at all to the traditional acoustic drum sets.
They have become digitally powered by software and can easily be connected to your device. Isn’t that all nice! And most importantly, they aren’t loud anymore, so how come?
Well, it’s because they come packaged with headphones (or at least most of them) and have inbuilt jack port suitable for headphones and earphones.
Best Electronic Drum Sets to Buy in 2018
Are you looking to purchase an electronic drum but you don’t know where to start? With a wide variety of the best electronic drum sets, it’s obvious you will be spoilt for choice. Each and every one of them is unique in its own way and carries a beat, a sound, only unique to its design.
However, one thing sticks, to enjoy the satisfaction of drumming, you need to find the perfect fit for your hands only.
Electronic drums are so much fun and better compared to the traditional ones which are louder and heavier. However, this doesn’t apply for electronic drums because they are quieter and much lighter.
For those who have a preowned electronic drum, they may have a rough idea of what they want with regards to what they have.
Do you want a better one? One with more features? An expensive or cheaper one? However, not everyone knows what they want.
For starters, it can be difficult to choose which electronic drum kit would best fit in your taste and preference due to lack of enough knowledge to judge each one by its specs, pros, and cons as well. Since we understand the hassle it can be of settling on a specific drum kit, we have decided to provide a comprehensible guide involving what each of them offers, and its advantages as well as disadvantages.
The real question here though isn’t really about the availability of best electronic drums. Rather it’s all about what you can afford, the good and bad of each electronic drum and the various features you will have the chance to enjoy.
You also need to take note of its features, what it comes with and what it lacks. We took our time and researched on a few of the top electronic drum sets in the market which would be great having them around.
Here is the list:
Roland TD-1KV – #1 Electronic Drum Kit For Beginners & Professionals
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Product Description
The Roland TD-1KV is an authentic electronic drum that produces a well-blended musical output with a rugged durability. Each of the kits in the V-Drums has a role to play and in unison, they deliver an exquisite sound, pleasing to the ear.
If you want to enjoy drumming at the comfort of your home, then the Roland TD-1KV model is a perfect match for you. The different kits in this Roland Model allow one to play any musical style with 15 different expressive drum kits which include EDM, Jazz, Rock among other genres.
Product Features
Product Features
After all, it won’t take much of your space. It’s also quiet and you can practice with it at any time, day or night, due to the beater-less pedals. It also features a Metronome function that produces regularly repeated sounds and a mesh snare head that gives superior rebound and playing feel.
For connectivity with the DT-1 drum tutor and other computer music software, the Roland TD-1KV comes with a USB for MIDI connections. It also has a 3.5mm stereo-jack mix input and headphone for better training and quiet practice. The intuitive user interface also makes playing a whole lot easier and fun.
PROS -> Great sound & quality CONS -> Cheap tone
You can go versatile with this Alesis model and explore with the advanced sequencer and performance recorder that helps you keep track of your progress. Comparing the Alesis Nitro kit to other members of the electronic drums community, it is the cheapest and relating this with what it has to offer, it is an ideal buy for the money. It also enhances recording which you can accomplish in three easy steps. They include while playing, hit the record button then proceed to connect the audio outputs situated at the back to a recording device and record. Finally, transfer the recording to your computer through the USB MIDI talked about earlier.
This kit features three 8-inch tom pads, 8-inch dual-zone snare drum, and three 10-inch cymbals. The snare drum provides a great feel and natural response whereas the cymbals – including a crash with choke – gives a virtually unlimited range of playing expressions. It is easy to make beats with the Alesis Nitro as its drum and cymbal buttons have an arrangement resembling the layout of a traditional drum kit. Therefore, you can assign sounds and create with simplicity. It also features a USB MIDI connection that allows you to connect it to computers and mobile devices. In addition to that, it contains some old school MIDI in and out jacks so that you can connect it to external audio gear (speakers). You can also go solo and use headphones instead for some peace and quiet with your neighbors.
PROS -> Easy to handle module with inbuilt 60 play-along tracks CONS -> lacks advanced features
One of their finest inventions is the Yamaha DTX 522K. It uses laser technology to analyze drum strokes and with the tuned triggering, it results in a more natural feel and smoother snare drum-rolls. The Yamaha DTX522K is a compact electronic drum set that provides an authentic drumming experience with the 3-zone hi-hat, cymbal pads, and smoother snare drumrolls. Enjoy each and every practice session with the aim of building your drumming skills beyond the skies, because the sky isn’t even close to being the limit of enhancing your skills.
The drum trigger module has almost twice the wave ROM and 250+ sounds compared to its predecessor. It features new drum and cymbal samples which widens the chances of learning to play a wide variety of pieces, which have only been optimized for this specific device. The voices have also been updated for improved playability and sounds.
PROS -> 50 preset kits and 50 user kits CONS -> The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t come packed with a kick pedal. Instead, it is sold separately, which means you will have to spend more money acquiring it.
For beginners, it offers a great learning chance since it is easy to use and is versatile in terms of performance. It is also great for practice, teaching, live performances, and recordings.
In addition to that, it has acclaimed V-cymbal’s for crash and ride. The Cy-12C crash provides a natural pendulum movement and accurate triggering for continuous uninterrupted crash performance. On the other hand, the Cy-13R offers a ride with an enlarged bow area and natural play feel with accurate 3-way triggering for the edge, bell and bow. This kit has a hi-hat combination of the Cy-5 cymbal and FD-8. The Cy-5 cymbal features a 10-inch play zone and natural swing movements while the FD-8 hi-hat controller for smooth transactions between open and closed positions. The Cy-5 also offers separate bow and edge triggering.
PROS -> Top-notch sound quality CONS -> Just like the Alexis Kit, the Roland TD-11KV also lacks a kick pad. Therefore making it a little bit more expensive for the budget-conscious drummers.
This Kit is powered by the DTX400 module which features 169 professional acoustic drum and 127 percussions sounds with a pinch of accent articulation for dynamic expression.
As far as the hardware is concerned, it features an actual bass drum pedal and a KU100 kick pedal that brings about authenticity in the drumming procedure. The KU100kick is also meant for the silent bass drum to ensure that it doesn’t make noise at wee hours of the night. In addition to that, the pads feature an oversized 10-inch ride, hi-hat and crash cymbals with the 7th drum pads having been redesigned so as to offer playability, durability, and reliability. It’s easy to operate and by all drummers by the three different levels of expertise’ in the industry. With the free Musicsoft Downloader Utility, you can transfer type 0 MIDI files from your personal computer to the TD400 model through USB. For accessing of pre-recorded material, try the aux in jack pin and plug to your mp3. Another exciting feature is that it has 6.3mm stereo jack headphone and line output, and the 3.5mm stereo jack aux output. This enhances connectivity with external devices for various reasons. The headphone and line output jack are meant to connect headphones or earphones to the electronic drum for a personal touch. Needless say, the stereo jack aux output is viable for connection with external sound output devices for a heightened feel of beat by beat.
PROS -> A decent module with great value for money CONS -> Poor hi-hat positioning The impact-sensitive pads in number 8 Alesis model give the sound a natural musical response that will leave you feeling like you playing a normal acoustic drum set. It is a perfect choice for an aspiring drummer who has the passion and interest who truly learning how to operate the electronic drums. It offers an extraordinary experience of professionalism. Alesis DM6 Kit features electronic drum kits with a new sound module that comes with 189 quality drum, cymbal, and percussions. You need not worry about exterior damage as it has great pads and the hardware and rack system is of high quality.
This kit has been designed with 40 preset practice patterns accompanied by visual to enhance faster and better learning. It also holds a dual-zone snare pad that allows for rim click and rimshot capabilities. Like its fellow counterparts, it has a realistic and natural feeling on the different drum kit surfaces. For reduced vibration feedback, natural rubber has been used to enhance its surfaces. If you are looking for an outstanding sound performance, then the DM6 will leave your mouth wide agape with the internal collection of drum, cymbal and percussion sounds. In addition, you have the freedom to edit and save custom made sounds from the Alesis DM6 and use your smartphone to play or blend it in with a nice music groove. Everything with a rugged touch to it is long lasting and offers great services to users. For enhanced stability and security, the DM6 is mount5ed heavy-duty aluminum rack, which you can customize by adjusting to meet your requirements. Alesis DM6 also features a set of mounting hardware and cables, and rugged kick drum plus hi-hat pedals. USB-MIDI output for sending MIDI information to virtual instruments and programming on your PC.
PROS -> User-friendly interface & easy to assemble the parts CONS -> High hat isn’t that responsive Alesis DM10 comes with a collection of six natural-feeling, real Mylar heads drum pads, a strong leatherback and an excellent sounding DM10 high-definition module. Enjoy the drumming experience with more drums, more cymbals, more flexibility, more sound and every other thing in plenty.
The professional pads include 10-inch and 8-inch acoustic-feeling RealHead pads and dual zone pads with Mylar Drumheads. In addition to that, you can use any other single or double kick pedal as long as it has a Realhead pad. With all the extensive drum kits, it enhances more stability while playing, no matter how hard you stroke the drums, and they’re never going to be displaced from their standing position. For enhanced stability, the DM10 comes packed with a 4-post stage rack that offers your kit extra support with an in-built boom cymbal arms. Since it contains real acoustic sounds, you are obviously in for a treat with a premium sound library of unaltered samples from real drums and cymbals. Added to its great features is that it is class compliant and, therefore, doesn’t need drivers.
PROS -> More than 1000 built-in sounds CONS -> Hi-hat not triggering properly as expected The DTX-PAD snare has the best response to develop your technique and improve your skills. On the other hand, the hi-hat trigger and stand will enable you to position the drum kit to the height and setup posture you feel best serves your needs.
The Yamaha DTX502 offers a wide range of realistic drum sounds and when synchronized with our DTX532K, then it relays the same realistic sounds, for a natural feel. Further looking into the DTX 502 drum module use, we discover that it has 691 high-quality sounds and offers training functions, practice songs, and easy MIDI recording. This implies that you have a lot to learn with the DTX532K based on the traits the 502 has made available to the users. Moreover, you get to record your practice sessions and you can listen to them later, identifying where you might have been wrong and where you did hit the nail on the head. The USB port allows for control over VSTi software, which lets you import custom wave files to widen your performance base. Its hi-hat system embraces a dual-zone trigger pad that mounts on the already included Yamaha hi-hat stand for realistic pedal action and versatile posture. In addition, the hi-hat can bring out different styles of play e.g. open/close position, closed pedal and foot splash. This provides an advanced platform where you can also edge voices for adding subtle nuances to the beat. The cymbals have a low acoustic noise which makes it essential for private practice without worrying about disturbing noises to your neighbors.
PROS -> Choke and mute cymbals before striking CONS -> This electronic drum set doesn’t include a pair of drumsticks, a stool & headphone for this price.
Rockjam RDB205 has a similar setup to the traditional drum sets but is nothing compared to them in terms of sound. It is also designed and built of high-density rubber pads that duplicates the tactile of drumming, which is inexpensive and lightweight.
It is supported by a MS310 sound module which has been accredited the task of translating the impact of stroking into a customizable sound through your connected headphones. It makes it easier to tell how good or bad you are at playing and if you really are making progress as the days pass by. The module also acts as a metronome thus helping the player keep time records. It’s fun to play around with, and is a great way to nurture your drumming skills step-by-step. It comes with 7 electronic drums (2 pedals and 5 pads) which you can easily switch from one sound to the other with its MS310 sound module. You can be playing jazz one minute but the next you are rocking it up. It has an amazing sound quality and is suitable for home performances as an entertainment scheme. Since it is an anodized aluminum electronic drum, you can set it in such a way that it produces a vibrant orange hue, which is meant to impress your audience.
PROS -> Very lightweight & portable CONS -> it’s not responsive to complex patterns The Behringer is an 8-piece electronic drum that comes with everything you need to lay down the groove, including a professional-grade kick pedal with trigger pad, dual –zone snare for standard hear and rim play, three 8-inch single-zone pads, three 12-inch cymbals and a hi-hat control pedal. This is basically what you will expect to find in the Behringer, and well, there’s not much difference from the top 3 brand dogs of the electronic drums industry.
Explore your creativity with the 15 drum sets made available to you and try out what the 123 sounds can actually do and combine them all in your practice. The drumming experience is made worthwhile with the wide range of options on drums and voices which contribute to a more realistic and natural play feeling. Has a USB interface which allows you an easy connection to external devices and any virtual instrument and drum software that can be a perfect match for your XD8USB. Behringer XD8USB has an inbuilt audio input which allows you to connect your MP3 player or another device to the electronic drum. Also has a sequencer which you can put into use and play along with during practice and performance. This makes playing fun and much easier as it’s difficult to play the wrong beats with a guide by your side. It is a convenient electronic drum as it’s easy to setup, and allows for both digital and analog connectivity. Needless say, it’s highly responsive and has good playability. Response to stroking is enhanced by the natural rubber surface on the pads which bring about the feel of natural skin and lowers the chances of a false triggering.
PROS -> Sufficient for novice drummers CONS -> Lacks drum software & poor kick bass sound Clearly, every one of the discussed electronic drums is a must have musical instrument based on their traits, their advantages and the much they tend to offer clients. There are three different levels of skills in the music industry and there is an electronic drum for everyone. They all contain unique features that improve and advances their playability, reliability, and durability. They all perform their function differently and behind their working is a module powering it up. With all that said, I hope that you will find this all helpful in buying the best electronic drum sets for your level of experience and that it’s one that will be lucrative in empowering your skills. It is important that when you go shopping for an electronic drum that you know the right questions to ask your persona and have answers that will help you in settling for a specific one at the end of the day. Hopefully, this article will be helpful to you in your endeavors and you will find the best electronic drum sets for your purpose. Happy shopping!
-> Beater-less pads
-> Compact design
-> Best starter pack for beginnersAlesis Nitro Kit – Best Premium & Affordable Drum Kit For Professionals
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-> Works easily with any modern MacBooks, PCs or laptops
-> Can be used with double bass pedal
-> Sturdy aluminum mounting rack
-> 42 beats to learn with guidanceYamaha DTX 522K – A Wonderful Set for Beginners & Advanced
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-> Get IOS Apps for FREE & easily import songs, training programs
-> Highly customizable, versatile & very Responsive
-> Huge tone & provides great 691 percussion sounds
-> Value for moneyRoland TD11KV – Most Expensive in this List But Great to Consider
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-> control every nuance of your sound
-> 3-effective training functions lack a kick pad
-> Quiet all-mesh availableYamaha DTX 400K – A Complete Drum Kit For Beginners & Intermediates
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-> It’s a descent module
-> USB socket for DAW integration
-> High-quality real prerecorded sounds from actual music instruments
-> TASCAM TH-02-B series multiuse studio-grade headphones
-> Difficult to use on non-carpet floors (pedals)
Alesis DM6 USB Kit – Another Perfect Electronic Drum Set For A Beginner
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-> Great quality for this price
-> AUX input support for practicing with an external music source
-> Headphone & Amplifier outputs for further practicing
-> Option to add 2nd bass pedal
-> Rare chances of getting fall apart
Alesis DM10 Studio Kit – Completely Suits for Professionals
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-> Comes with a headphone & a heavy drum throne
-> Well priced with amazing quality
-> Dynamic articulation makes it sound realistic
-> Excellent audio control
-> Reported software as well as technical problems
Yamaha DTX532K – Best for Sound Excellency & Home Use
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-> Top-notch real high-hat stand
-> Responsive and quiet
-> Great realistic sound qualityRockjam RDB205 – Powerpacked For Newbie/Kids Drummers
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-> Easy to set up & durable
-> Brilliant for beginners
-> Integrated metronome
-> Great value for money
-> Not structured for hard stroking
Behringer XD8USB – Perfect for Home Recording
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-> Very inexpensive kit with free pair of drumsticks
-> Supreme sound quality
-> Easy to assemble each & everything
-> All the heads have rimshot triggers
-> Have to buy drum throne & headphone bundle separately
Conclusion : Our Final Insights
I have been looking for some time for a drum for a musician with big interest but on same time he is a little bit beginner.
This article helps me að lot, really good to get this details from an expert. Now I understand it better.
Would you agree that The Alesis DM6-USB kit would be a good gift for a beginner in this sort of music?
Yes, of course, Alesis DM6-USB kit would be a perfect fit for a beginner as always. Its cost effective, bundled with complete tutorials. Also includes DM6 drum module “brain” and everything you need to get started