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Posted by Claudette Cooling on 18th September 2018
Electronic drum pads have evolved quite a bit over the years, with early electronic drum pads often having very hard surfaces, and were somewhat noisy and tiring to play. Softer rubber surfaces soon became the norm, with a piezo transducer being attached beneath to detect and transmit shock from the playing surface to the module, or ‘brain’. Electric pads have also been produced using real drum heads, heavily damped, again with piezo sensors. About 20 years ago pads using mesh heads appeared, and these have evolved to become the premium option for electronic drum pad technology.
Essentially, modern electronic drum kits feature either rubber or mesh-headed drum pads, or sometimes a combination to hit a price-point. Rubber pads are compact in design, inexpensive, and are ideal for starter kits, or for space-conscious designs. Mesh pads are generally more sensitive, meaning the player can exercise greater dynamic control over their playing. They are also usually quieter then rubber pads, so playing the kit produces less disturbance to the surroundings. Mesh pads usually feature replaceable ‘heads’ (skins), which adds longevity and value to the product. Worthy of mention is ‘textured silicone’ technology, which is essentially a rubber pad with infused bubbles of gas into the pad material, which softens the feel somewhat.
Modern pads are also often ‘dual-zone’ which provides separate triggering on the head and the rim. This allows for expressive snare drum playing, with ‘rimshot’ and ‘rim click’ techniques available, and allows for extra sounds to be added to a normal-sized kit, e.g. a cowbell on the floor tom rim.
Since their introduction, mesh-headed drums remain the favoured choice, and in particular Alesis have been at the forefront of mesh drum kit design. Their innovations include multiple sensor technology, incorporated in all of their mesh kits, from the stunning new Nitro Mesh, right up to the barnstorming flagship Strike Pro.
All told, electronic drum technology continues to develop, and ever more immersive, responsive and realistic experiences are available with each new generation. Alesis are undoubtedly electronic drum kit masters and have perfected their e-drums range and more importantly the electronic drum pads they use to reflect the very best in sound and sound quality. To learn more and browse through our extensive Alesis e-drum range, click here.
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