Without a doubt, electric drum kits have revolutionized the world of percussion instruments in the same way that synthesizers have brought endless possibilities to keyboards. Unlike its traditional acoustic counterpart, an electric or electronic drum set can produce almost an infinite range of sounds. For hardcore drum lovers, this difference is enough to convert them.
What is an electric or electronic drum set?
If you’re new at drumming and don’t know what an electric drum set looks like, just remember that it has three main components: the trigger, the module, and the output. The whole system works when the trigger sends a signal to the module, also referred to as the brain, which then registers the intensity of the signal and assigns it a sound, which in turn is finally transmitted to the output. The trigger usually comes in the form of a drum pad struck with stick; the output comes in the form of speakers (or headphones). The module contains pre-programmed virtual drum kits, which you can customize as desired.
What are the differences between the electric kit and the acoustic kit?
Basically, the use of an electric drum set on your end is similar to the use of a traditional acoustic drum set. The key differences lie in the sounds produced and the feel of striking an actual drum head, as opposed to striking an electronic drum pad. Every module your electronic drum set has can be connected to different triggers; this is how electric drum sets are generally built. Also, because there are more components involved, electric drum sets tend to be more costly than their acoustic counterparts.
What are the benefits of using the electric or electronic drum set?
But why an electric drum set in the first place? This modern invention offers an array of benefits. In terms of sound adjustment and recording, things are made easier in the electric version. The acoustic version only produces a single sound and is only variable depending on the hardness of the hit and the tuning of the drum, which means it doesn’t give you a lot of options. On the other hand, an electronic pad can be assigned in order to trigger any sound you desire. Since configurations can be changed in an instant, you can be playing a subdued jazz kit one minute and a reverberating rock kit in another. If you’re new at playing the drums, you might want to consider getting starter electronic drums.
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