Drums – My New Microphone

Electronic drums have become a viable alternative to acoustic drums, not only for quieter practice at home but also for enhanced timbral variety thanks to sampled and synthesized sounds. When it comes to choosing the best electronic drum kit (or single drum for your kit), there are plenty of options. In this article, we'll consider the top 11 best electronic drum brands in the world today. Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I've done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order): Company reputationVariety of electronic drums/drum setsPerformance of the electronic drumsLongevity of the electronic drumsThe company/brand must currently be in operation With all that being said, let's list out the brands. The top 11 best electronic drum brands in the world are: RolandYamahaAlesis2Box Music ApplicationsBehringerCarlsbroKurzweilKAT PercussionPearlLaurin DrumsEFNOTE Let's get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best electronic drum brands. I'll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable electronic drum set, and a link to their official website. Click here to return to My New Microphone's articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers. Roland Roland has been a major player in electronic instruments for over half a century. The brand's drum machines are legendary, as are their electronic drum kits. The V-Drum (virtual drum) line from Roland features some of the best options on the market, often blending acoustic and electronic elements together to achieve natural yet forward-thinking instruments. From the studio to the stage and back to the practice room, Roland's high-end electronic drums are among the best in the business. Notable electronic drums: Roland TD-50KV2 (link to check the price at Sweetwater) Roland TD-50KV2 The TD-50KV2 is Roland's flagship electronic drum kit for the V-Drums (virtual drums) line. It features world-class pads and cymbals, offering nuanced and realistic playability. The TD-50X sound module utilizes Roland's proprietary Prismatic Sound Modeling technology to deliver unmatched tone, feel, and response. This kit offers an acoustic-like response while also allowing for deep editing within the TD-50X to really make it your own instrument. The top-notch digital snare, ride, and hi-hat pads are beyond enjoyable, rounding out the kit nicely. This is undoubtedly one of the best electronic drum options on the market. Official website: roland.com The Roland Corporation was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in 1972. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Hamamatsu, Japan. Yamaha Yamaha is well-known worldwide for creating outstanding acoustic instruments. That being said, not everybody knows that Yamaha is also a relentless innovator, always trying to push the boundaries of musical instruments further. In this innovation path, Yamaha has invested largely in silent instruments so players of all kinds can play their hearts out regardless of where they are and what time it is. Drums are no exception, and the DTX line by Yamaha is one of the best-sounding in the market. Try one today before making a decision. Notable electronic drums: Yamaha DTX10 (link to check the price at Sweetwater) Yamaha DTX10K-XBF Yamaha makes amazing acoustic drums that can be seen on stages worldwide. But what if you could combine the best of that hand-picked birch and blend it with state-of-the-art technology to create the ultimate virtual drum? Well, that is exactly what the DTX10 is. Every sound in the instrument was recorded in the best studios in the world and is accessible through an easy-to-use module. Finally, playability and response to nuances are among the best in the market. If you want the best, you have to give Yamaha's DTX line a try before buying. Official website: yamaha.com Yamaha was founded by Torakusu Yamaha in 1887. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Hamamatsu, Japan. Alesis Although mainstream recognition for Alesis came when the company released the now-famous ADAT technology, Keith had been manufacturing amazing electronic musical instruments for a long time. Nowadays, the company focuses its creative power on only a few categories; electronic drums are perhaps the most important. In this vein, the famous SR-16 and the DM5 are among the most sought-after pieces of electronic equipment even today. Alesis is a well-kept secret in the electronic musical instrument market; checking them out before making any decisions is paramount. Notable electronic drums: Alesis DM10 MKII (link to check the price on Amazon) Alesis DM10 MKII The natural evolution of the already amazing DM5 is the DM10 MKII. Indeed, this electronic drum offers the player 10 pieces of Alesis' dual-zone technology in mesh drum heads. This gives the drummer unprecedented control over the sound of every beat and unheard-of expression when playing. Moreover, the mesh material used in every trigger resembles the feel of beating a drumhead because of its rebound. Finally, it is an electronic drum kit perfect for live performances, studio work, and late-night practice. Try the evolution of the DM5 today; it might surprise you how far Alesis has gone. Official website: alesis.com Alesis was founded in 1984 by Keith Elliott Barr. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA. 2Box Music Applications DDrums was a pioneer in electronic drums in the eighties. Taking that leverage upon leaving their former company, 2Box founders designed and manufactured some of the most groundbreaking electronic creations for drummers in the market. Nowadays, the company is still growing and releasing amazing gear revolutionizing the way drummers approach their instruments steadily. If the Drummit phenomenon hasn't already hit you, try one today; you'll be impressed. Notable electronic drums: 2Box Speedlight Kit (link to check the price at Sam Ash) 2Box Speedlight Kit The Speedlight Kit is the pinnacle of current 2Box electronic drum technology. Although full specs and features would take their own post, this modern wonder can be described with only three. For starters, it features an open sound architecture which means you can upload any sound you like via USB and trigger it with your drum pads. This instrument is compatible with pads from other brands allowing you to create your own electronic drum fortress. Finally, you can download the sounds created by some of the best-known drummers in the world free of charge. If that isn't enough, go here and check out the full specs of this modern wonder. Official website: 2box-drums.com 2Box Music Applications was founded in 2006 by former DDrums employees. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Sweden. Behringer Uli Behringer is a prodigious child who built his first synthesizer at age 16. The company he created to pursue his passion has been one of the rare cases in which the price tag doesn't necessarily match sound or craftsmanship quality. Indeed, Behringer made a name for itself for being the best affordable option for musicians in the world. Therefore, what you can expect every time you look at a Behringer product is great quality at an affordable price. So, if you are searching for a great performance with a limited budget, Behringer is a must-check before you buy. Notable electronic drums: Behringer XD80USB (link to check the price on Amazon) Behringer XD80USB The Behringer XD80USB packs everything a drummer needs in a powerful and affordable package ready for rehearsals, live shows, or studio work. To begin with, you get dual zones in every pad, including cymbals. Also, the sound module, Behringer's HDS240USB, comes fully equipped with 15 drum kits and 175 sounds to choose from. Finally, it is a completely tool-free setup which means you can be rocking literally minutes after you got the box. If affordability and good quality are your main interests, this is the electronic drum to try out. Official website: behringer.com Behringer was founded in 1989 by Uli Behringer in Willich, Germany. The company is owned by Music Tribe (also founded and chaired by Uli Behringer), which is based in the British Virgin Islands. Carlsbro Carlsbro is a brand that became famous in the sixties and seventies for being the choice of bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Later on, during the nineties, it rose to fame again due to appearing in Oasis concerts. Although a long time has gone by since that moment, the brand still enjoys today the reputation of being the best-kept secret of generations in the UK. These decades were not lost but invested in the research and development of some of the most amazing electronic drum kits on the market. In case you haven't already, check out Carlsbro kits before buying anything else. Notable electronic drums: Carlsbro CS D600 (link to check the price on Amazon) Carlsbro CS D600 The Carlsbro CS D600 is the current flagship of the company, with the best quality in hardware, software, and an intuitive user interface. This electronic drum comes with dual and triple-zone mesh pads and rubber cymbals. All of them are connected to the brain of the operation, the Commander 600, which offers the player 20 user-defined drum kits, 30 preset drum kits, 20 demo songs, and 408 high-quality percussion voices. Finally, you can apply reverb and EQ to any channel. The CSD600 by Carlsbro can be your ultimate companion for long jamming sessions in late hours; try one today. Official website: carlsbro.com Carlsbro was founded by Sheila and Stuart Mercer in 1960. Currently, the company's headquarters can be found in Mansfield, United Kingdom. Kurzweil The beginnings of Kurzweil were very different from the status the company holds today. Indeed, it all started as an attempt to build the best reading machine to help blind people. Although Kurzweil was very successful at it, by 1983, and borrowing from the technology they had been developing for the reading machines, the K250 synthesizer made it into the market to critical acclaim. From that moment on, the company kept growing, holding a reputation for being a trustworthy, bold innovator pushing the boundaries of music technology always forward. Kurzweil is a brand you can trust. Notable electronic drums: Kurzweil KD1S 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set (link to check the price at B&H Photo/Video) Kurzweil KD1S The KD1S is a great choice for searching for the quintessential drum kit with no flaws or anything to spare. To begin with, it offers the common configuration of 5 drumming pads along with a hi-hat, a crash, and a ride. Also, it comes equipped with two pedals, one for the drum kit and one for the hi-hat. Finally, it features 30 drum kits as factory presets to play any style anywhere, anytime. If you are a beginner or advanced player needing quiet practice time to hone your skills, this might be the perfect choice for you. Official website: kurzweil.com Kurzweil was founded by Stevie Wonder and Ray Kurzweil in 1982. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. KAT Percussion KAT Percussion was one of the companies that helped push the MIDI revolution to its limits in the eighties. Indeed, products like the MalleKAT, DrumKAT, and later on, the DITI (Drum Intelligent Trigger Interface) proved the company has always been a couple of steps ahead of its time and competition. Nowadays, with a plethora of products, a hybrid approach (acoustic and electronic drums combined) as well as E-Drum sets, KAT Percussion is going as strong as ever. If you haven't already, sit and play with KAT Percussion's E-Drum kit and see what this legend is made of. Notable electronic drums: KAT Percussion KT-300 (link to check the price at Guitar Center) KAT Percussion KT-300 KAT Percussion did it again with this KT-300 drum set that is ready to silently take any drummer's playing to the next level. Each pad is equipped with REMO mesh heads for the ultimate rebound feeling and exceptional sound. Plus, they are tested to withstand over a million strokes. Also, the triggering happens in dual zones, including the rim and the head, so you can fully express yourself with every hit. Finally, cymbals are two-zone pads with a choke, while the ride is a three-zone pad. If you haven't already, check the KT-300 before buying, it might surprise you. Official website: katpercussion.com Kat Percussion was founded by Bill Katoski in 1985. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Oxnard, California, USA. Pearl Pearl was one of the first brands to supply the world with the much-needed drum kits for the rock n roll revolution to happen massively in the fifties. Although demand became exponential overnight, it was the perfect opportunity for Katsumi's dream to turn into tangible reality. Nowadays, the company's logo and name are synonyms for quality, sound, reliability, and sturdiness and can be found in garage band rehearsals and arenas alike. Moreover, by taking the leverage of seeing countless stages and applying it to a new concept, Pearl's electronic drums have been designed to live up to the legend. Notable electronic drums: Pearl e/MERGE (link to check the price at Sweetwater) Pearl e/MERGE Pearl teamed up with Korg to create a one-of-a-kind product: the e/MERGE allows drummers to mix acoustic and electronic drums seamlessly. Every pad is a dual-zone except for the ride that offers 3 zones to play. Also, Pearl's Wave Trigger Technology, along with the acoustic-like PURETouch Electronic Pads, make playing this electronic drum set the closest to the real thing possible. Finally, thanks to the module's 8 outputs, this drum kit becomes a great studio tool for any musician. Everything you could expect from a brand like Pearl is a reality in their new creation; try one out and see it for yourself. Official website: pearldrum.com Katsumi Yanagisawa founded Pearl in 1946. Currently, the company's headquarters can be found in Chiba, Japan. Laurin Drums Laurin Drums creates state-of-the-art electronic drum pads not only incorporating the latest technology to them but also uncanny designs. Moreover, you can order your favourite crash or ride shape with some graphics on top. These high-end pads are compatible with most electronic drum modules and are mostly created as one-off handmade works of art to add colour and engage the wow factor in your electronic drum of choice. Notable electronic drums: Laurin Drums Bronze Cymbal (602) (link to check the price at Laubin Drums) Laurin Drums Bronze Cymbal (602) This dead-silent yet super sensitive cymbal by Laurin Drums is made from a real cymbal covered by a rubbery material and sensors to be compatible with an electronic drum module. As a result of this hybrid approach, this cymbal offers you the robustness and shape you miss every time you sit to play with an electronic drum kit. Finally, it comes in crash, ride, or hi-hat shape and size and is guaranteed for one year. Official website: laurindrums.com Laurin Drums was founded by Robert Laurin in 2007. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Saint-Alexandre, Quebec, Canada. EFNOTE EFNOTE set out in a complex endeavour to make state-of-the-art technology and traditional acoustic beauty meet in the perfect hybrid instrument. Although it is indeed something that could sound like a chimera for most people, they achieved a level of sound perfection and ease of use that is hard to overlook. Furthermore, EFNOTE drums keep improving as the lines go up 3, 5, and the newly-added 7. If you are an acoustic drummer looking for a way to make the transition, this is the perfect electronic drum for you. Notable electronic drums: EFNOTE 7 (link to check the price at e-Drumcenter) EFNOTE 7 This is a real-deal, full-scale, gorgeous-looking drum kit finished in jaw-dropping white sparkle. The only thing that separates this one from any other drum kit is that it is fully compatible with the module attached, allowing the player a huge palette of sounds at the twist of a knob. Moreover, you can go from a vintage sound to modern, sampled, or otherworldly sounds in a matter of seconds, and, since it looks and feels like a real drum set, only you would know where it all comes from. Enjoy the pinnacle of electronic drumming technology and the best of the vintage flavour in one instrument; try the EFNOTE 7 today. Official website: ef-note.com EFNOTE was founded by engineers with over 20 years of experience in 2008. Currently, the company's headquarters are in Japan.