Electronic drums have gained immense popularity in recent years, and understandably so. Giving you the option to play your drums silently, they help minimize noise disruption whilst granting you the flexibility to play them anywhere.
If you’re thinking of buying an e-kit, one thing you should consider is how you’ll hear it. Contrary to acoustic drums, electronic drums require a specific way to monitor their sound. This is where e-kit amplifiers come in handy.
In the following guide, we’ll highlight the best electronic drum amps and provide a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Electronic Drum Amps?
An electronic drum operates very differently from traditional acoustic sets. Once you play an e-drum, it produces a very weak electronic signal that’s inaudible.
There are two main ways through which you can hear this sound. You can either wear a headset connected to your e-kit. Or, you can use an amplifier to boost that signal and project sound.
If you’re playing your drum set at home and don’t want to disrupt your neighbors or family members, then a headset will do. But if you’re playing in front of an audience, then you’ll want to buy a quality electric drum set amp ahead of time.
Benefits of Electronic Drum Amps
Can’t I just use the current amplifier I use with other instruments? Sure, you can. But investing in the best amp for electronic drums has its perks:
It’s more powerful - amplifiers meant for electronic drums typically offer higher wattage. This allows the sound of your instrument to be heard as loud as you’d like.
Freedom to customize sound - nearly all e-drum amps come with control panels. Thanks to these controls, you can customize sound any way you like; whether it’s switching up the tone or increasing volume.
Alternatives to Electronic Drum Amps
If you don’t have access to electronic drum amps, there are a few other devices that you can use to amplify sound. These include:
PA System/ Mixer
Compared to an e-drum monitor, a public address system is certainly more expensive. On the plus side, it offers exceptional versatility that can’t be achieved with an e-drum amp.
Oftentimes, a drum amp only has one additional input to connect a musical instrument. Meanwhile a PA system is equipped with multiple plugs, which allows for several input connections.
Its increased range of use is a massive advantage if you like to play alongside other drummers or are part of a band. It means that every drummer can plug their device into the PA and jam together.
Besides, PA systems serve other functions as well. For instance, you can connect your phone or turntable if you wish.
That said, PA systems have one major limitation. They lack the exhilarating bass offered by electronic drum amps. If you want to enjoy this rich bass, you’ll have to buy a high-quality subwoofer.
Bass Amplifier
Another option is to use a bass amplifier. Although it’s not exactly designed for amplifying sounds from electronic drums, it produces a pretty good tone.
However, be sure to experiment with different settings to determine what works well. One thing that you should watch out for is volume. Ideally, the threshold for the highest volume of an e-drum set ought to be lower than what you’d use with a bass guitar.
On the same note, ensure that the amplifier isn’t getting strained. If you notice it vibrating excessively, lower the base settings.
Keyboard Amplifier
Keyboard amps can also take the place of electronic drum amplifiers. Not only are they cheaper than e-drum monitors, but they also offer greater flexibility in connectivity.
The majority of keyboard amps are equipped with numerous channels and can tackle a vast range of frequencies. These two features make them perfectly suited for amplifying any electronic drum set.
How to Choose the Right Electronic Drum Amps
Don’t be in a rush to buy a brand new e-kit monitor. First, consider the following factors:
Power
One of the most crucial things to take into account is the power of the electronic drum set amp. The power of an e-kit monitor is measured using watts. The number of watts you’ll need depends on two things:
The size of the venue/room where you’ll be playing your electronic drums - the bigger the area, the more wattage the monitor should have
The extent of competing sounds- this applies if you’re playing alongside other musicians
That said, it’s important to note that the relationship between wattage and volume increase isn’t perfectly linear. For instance, it’s not obvious that a 100-watt monitor will be twice as loud as one with 50 watts. According to experts, the 100-watt amp is only 20% to 30% louder than the 50-watt unit.
Although wattage has a big impact on volume, it also influences the headroom. Put simply; this affects the length of signal that can pass through the amps before the sound starts disintegrating or breaking down.
Besides, volume becomes weaker over long distances. This explains why sound at a concert is at a comfortable level from the back row but deafening at the front.
Input Channels
Once you’ve figured out how much wattage you need, consider input channels next. Is your e-drum kit the only thing you’ll connect to the monitor? If so, then 1-channel amps will suffice.
Or, are you the kind of drummer who likes to sing as you play? If so, then look for a 2-channel monitor with distinct instrument and microphone inputs.
The best e-drum amps come equipped with hybrid jacks. This means you can connect either an XLR mic or a line level e-drum input into the same jack for the ultimate flexibility. Other specialty amps contain up to 3 or 4 channels, allowing them to double up as a PA or mixer.
Another nice-to-have feature in an e-drum monitor is an auxiliary input. Often, this is labeled as AUX IN, and it’s useful whether you’re practicing at home or performing solo on stage. It lets you plug in your laptop, cellphone or MP3 player so that you can play along with tracks through the amplifier.
EQ
One more thing you’ll want to confirm is whether the e-drum monitor comes with an equalizer (EQ).
This is an audio filtration system that segregates specific frequencies with the aim of either boosting or lowering them. Having the opportunity to make these adjustments can significantly improve the sound quality of your e-kit.
Speaking of frequencies, an e-kit amp usually has a 2-band or 3-band equalizer. A three band equalizer offers three frequency bands, that is treble, mid and bass. Conversely, a 2-band equalizer offers just bass and treble.
On rare occasions, you may encounter a four band EQ, which substitutes the mid dial with “high mids” and “low mids”.
Weight & Portability
When it comes to e-kit monitors, bigger has always translated to something better.
Put simply, an amplifier that has large speakers will likely be louder, and offer better bass frequency. The problem with this is that such speakers can weigh well over 100 pounds, making portability an issue.
So before you buy a giant amplifier, think about its transport. Are you part of a heavy metal band that plays in large auditoriums? If you are, then a bigger speaker can project your drum’s sound more effectively.
However, if you tend to play for smaller audiences, then go for something more compact and portable.
Extra Features
Output channels
We’ve already discussed the different means of plugging devices into your electronic drum amp. But what about the signals that you can run out of this monitor?
For one, you’ll want to check whether it comes with a D.I. output. This is the component that lets you integrate the tonal characteristics configured on the e-kit monitor into a soundboard. Essentially, you’ll be able to hear and regulate sound on stage directly from your e-drum monitor.
Another output that’s handy to have is a USB output. With this, you can link to a digital audio software on your computer and record your playing.
Onboard effects
Want to make the most of your amplifier? Then look for one that offers a full suite of effects, ranging from reverb and delay to modulation and distortion. These effects can significantly boost the sound quality of your instrument.
Battery power
Do you like to showcase your drumming skills by performing on the street? If you do, you’ll want to look for a battery-powered amplifier that offers more flexibility. Although batteries are an added expense, the perks that you get significantly outweigh the cost.
Best Electronic Drum Amp Reviews
1. KAT Percussion 50 Watt Amplifier
Have you been searching for the best 50 watts drum amp? If you have, the KAT Percussion amp is exactly what you need. It comes at a mid-range price and has a nice selection of features that make it a worthy buy.
This drum monitor comes in at 19” by 19.3” by 19.7” and weighs about 37 pounds. While it’s somewhat compact, it’s definitely on the heavier side of the spectrum. To make up for this, the manufacturer includes an oversized handle at the top to ease portability.
When it comes to sound, the KAT Percussion boasts a 3 band equalizer. This makes it incredibly easy to fine-tune any electronic drums that you have on hand. Plus, it gives you a wider range of frequencies than a 2-band equalizer.
But keep in mind that this amp offers only 50 watts. This makes it better suited for practice rooms. If you’re playing in front of people, then it should be a relatively small crowd.
Yet another reason why I consider the KAT Percussion among the best amps for electronic drums is its number of ports. It has one ⅛-inch input for connecting a music player and up to three ¼-inch inputs for multiple instruments or sound sources.
Pros
Cons
Working with a shoestring budget? If you are, you’ll appreciate the Donner 35-Watt Electronic Drum Amplifier.
The amp is made up of two speakers: one 2.5-inch tweeter and one 8-inch woofer. Together, these two deliver 35 watts, which might not seem like much.
But if you’re planning to use the amp in a small room, this should be more than enough. If you need something more powerful, the amp is available in an 80-watt version too so you’re sorted.
Its ease of connectivity is another reason why we consider this the best e-drum monitor. You’ll have the freedom to pick from three modes of connection: line input, auxiliary input or wireless.
Better yet, the Donner Drum Amp is built with durability in mind. Its edges are encased in hard materials to offer utmost protection. And, the manufacturer has included a rubber pad that keeps the amp stable so as to prevent it from getting damaged in case of an impact.
Pros
Cons
V drums are revered for their exceptional response and expressiveness. And the Roland PM 100 is the best electronic drum amplifier to highlight these traits.
Described as a tabletop drum amp, this unit measures 16” by 15” by 13”. This results in a compact amp that’s easy to carry around.
Inside the cabinet are two speakers- a 10-inch woofer and 2-inch tweeter. Together, these elements provide a full-range audio system boasting 80 watts of power.
The angled design of this drum monitor is another point worth mentioning. It facilitates extensive sound coverage, which is particularly essential if you’re playing your instrument from a seated position.
For easy connectivity, Roland also equipped the PM 100 amp with a V-drums input, and line input. This lets you sync your smartphone, music player or a practice pad.
Pros
Cons
If the PM 100 fails to meet your expectations, its upgrade - the Roland PM 200 Compact Amp - is an excellent alternative. This drum monitor shares a lot of similarities with its predecessor. But there are a few areas where it takes things up a notch.
When it comes to the design, the PM 200 is a smidge bigger. But it’s not so big that it compromises its portability. Its cabinet measures 19” by 19” by 19” so it’s fairly compact, which makes for easy transport and storage.
Where this amp proves to be superior is its sound performance. While the PM 100 had a 10 inch speaker, this one touts a 12-inch speaker and horn tweeter.
The horn shape of the tweeter is a really thoughtful addition. It enables the tweeter to produce a louder and clearer sound that can be heard from a distance. In total, this drum amp provides about 180 watts of power.
Connectivity is another reason why the Roland PM 200 Amp is regarded as the best. Like its forerunner, it has a dedicated input for V drums along with a ⅛ and ¼-inch line inputs. On top of this, it offers two XLR outputs with the flexibility to choose a stereo or dual mono output.
Pros
Cons
Have you been searching for a powerful amplifier? If you have, you can’t go wrong with the Alesis Strike Amp.
Its biggest selling point is the fact that it provides 2000 watts of power. Thanks to this, you’re guaranteed that the speaker will play loud and with exceptional clarity; regardless of the environment that you’re in. In fact, this aspect makes the Strike Amp ideal for both practicing and performing.
Despite its immense power, this monitor comes in a relatively lightweight structure. The cabinet that it’s housed in is not only light but can also be tilted or mounted on a pole.
You will also be impressed with the flexible connectivity the Alesis Strike Amp offers. It includes two XLR/TRS inputs, allowing you to connect it to different sources. It also has an XLR output, meaning you can link it to another drum amp, recording unit or mix bait.
Pros
Cons
Don’t need a drum amplifier with a high wattage? If you don’t, then the HXW DM30 is the best e-drum monitor for you.
The 30-watt amplifier comes with two speakers: a 2-inch tweeter and an 8-inch woofer. These two elements work well together to provide great sound. However, since the amp has a lower wattage, it’s better suited for smaller gigs or e-drums practice sessions.
The 3 band EQ is another feature that really impressed us. It gives you complete control of the tone by allowing you to adjust between treble, middle and bass.
Another reason why we consider this among the best electronic drum amps is its versatility. Apart from drum sets, it can also be used to amplify sound from a guitar, keyboard or bass. So if you play other musical instruments, the HXW DM30 is an excellent buy.
The best thing about this is that you’ll be able to adjust the volume of these instruments independently. The drum input lets you adjust the volume of your e-kit set. Meanwhile, the music input lets you adjust the volume of the keyboard, bass or guitar.
The HXW DM30 is the most portable electronic drum monitor. It weighs a measly 14.8 lbs., comes in a compact cabinet and includes a carry handle.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Can you use any amp for electronic drums?
Yes, you can. As stated earlier, you can use amplifiers meant for a keyboard or bass instrument. Just be sure to adjust the settings so the sound of your e-kit can be heard properly.
What is the best brand of electronic drum sets?
If you’re looking to buy an electronic drum set, Roland is the best brand. Founded back in 1972, this company has decades worth of experience making such electronic instruments.
One thing we love is that it creates drums to meet all sorts of needs. So whether you like playing on a stage or prefer to practice in your home studio, Roland has got you covered.
Is it better to learn drums on an electronic kit?
Truthfully, both acoustic drums and e-kits provide an equally great platform for learning how to play. So the decision boils down to your needs and preferences.
For instance, if the only time you have to practice is late in the evening, then an e-kit is a better choice. It lets you practice silently so you don’t end up waking your family members in the wee hours of the night.
Another factor that can help you choose between the two is space. Even the tiniest full-size acoustic drum set takes up quite a bit of space. So if you live in a small apartment, it’s easier to find a compact e-kit than an acoustic model.
But, if noise isn’t an issue and you have the space, then an acoustic drum set is an excellent choice. It gives you that natural feel of playing drums, and makes transitioning to a bigger set easier.
Are electric drum kits any good?
Yes, they are. E-drum technology has come a long way. Thanks to this, modern-day e-kits replicate the feel and playability of their acoustic models making them just as good.
In fact, they offer several advantages that you don’t get from an acoustic kit. Here are some of these features:
- Virtual practice coach - some e-kits have practice pads that can coach you on your technique
- Precise metronome - this feature trains on how to adjust your tempo and do so in a timely manner
- Recording capability - with an e-kit, you can record your sessions and listen back afterwards. This helps you figure out which areas you need to improve.
- Mobile gadget connectivity - these e-kits also let you connect your mobile devices in case you want to play along to other tracks
Do electronic drums need an amp?
Yes, electronic drums do need an amp. If you were playing the traditional acoustic drum, then you’d hear its sound crystal clearly the minute you play.
However, an e-kit is designed differently. As such, it requires you to either wear a headset or hook it to an amplifier so you can hear its sound. Choosing between these two depends on your budget and intended application.
If it’s your first time playing an e-drum set and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then you can opt for headphones. However, if you’re planning to perform for an audience, you’ll want to get an amp that provides better sound amplification.
How to connect electric drums to speakers
Connecting your drum kit to the amplifier is a pretty straightforward process. All you have to do is find the drum module. Best described as the “brain” of a drum set, this is the component that lets you tweak sound and other settings as well as switch it on/off.
Once you find the module, look for a port labeled “Audio Out” or “Output”. This is the part that you’ll link to the amplifier or public address system.
Can you use a guitar amp for electronic drums?
Yes, you can. However, it’s better to invest in an amplifier designed specifically for electronic drums. Read this guide for a more in-depth explanation.
Conclusion
Finding the best monitor for your drum set is no mean feat. Thankfully, there are a few factors that can help you narrow down your options. These include power/ wattage, number of input channels, type of equalizer and portability.
Based on these, one of the best electronic drum amps is the KAT Percussion 50 watt amplifier. It’s relatively affordable and works great for home studios or small-size rooms. This monitor is a bit heavy, but it's compact and includes a handle for easy portability.
Better yet, it offers three ¼-inch inputs, enabling you to connect an array of instruments. It also has a 3 band equalizer, making it easy to switch between bass, mid and treble.
