Electronic drum kits offer a quieter option compared to acoustic sets, making them perfect for apartments and homes. Though they still produce some sound, the pad taps are much less disruptive to neighbors.
Electronic drums can vary in volume from quiet to loud. The volume depends on the drum set type, speaker size, and sound frequency. Amplifying them can increase volume but may impact sound quality.
At a Glance: Electronic Drums
- Quieter Option: Electronic drum kits are much quieter than acoustic sets, making them ideal for homes or apartments.
- Variable Volume: You can adjust the volume, but higher amplification may affect sound quality.
- Mesh Heads vs. Rubber Pads: Mesh heads are quieter and more tunable, whereas rubber pads are louder due to less impact absorption.
- Material Differences: Cymbal pads (rubber/silicone) and kick pads (hard plastic/wood) in electronic kits are softer and less loud compared to acoustic materials.
- Pedal Noise: Pedals produce inevitable noises such as thuds, vibrations, and squeaks in both acoustic and electronic sets.
Which are louder? Mesh Heads vs. Rubber Pads?
Different types of electronic drums vary in loudness. Mesh-heads generally offer a quieter experience compared to rubber pads. However, the volume can still be significant, especially if you’re playing in an apartment. Consider using headphones or soundproofing materials to manage the noise level effectively.
Mesh heads are quieter than rubber pads since they produce less of a “thud” sound when hit. Rubber pads are louder as they absorb less impact from your sticks.
Rubber pads were once common in e-drum kits, but that’s changed. Mesh heads are usually better built, quieter, and tunable. You can adjust the tension to fit your playing style or genre.
How Loud Are Electronic Drums Compared to Acoustic?
Drums have many parts that produce sounds. I’ll break down the hardware and identify which components are louder.
Cymbals
Unlike acoustic drum set cymbals, electronic drum kit cymbal pads are made from rubber or silicone. These softer materials produce a quieter sound compared to brass.
Cymbals on an acoustic drum set are made from brass alloys, commonly B20, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. They’re effective at producing loud sounds due to their large surface area, which vibrates fully when struck.
Bass Drum
The kick pads on an electronic drum kit are hard plastic or wood. The bass drum head is often mesh, letting sound escape. A pedal-attached beater, usually made of rubber or plastic, strikes the bass drum.
Electronic bass drums aren’t as loud as acoustic ones. They still make noise, especially the kick pads, when hit.
Drum Shells
The drum shells on an electronic kit are made from hard plastic. They’re much smaller than those on an acoustic set because electronic drums don’t need as much space to produce sound.
The Pedals
Pedals for both acoustic and electronic drum kits are quite similar. You can’t escape the noise they make when striking the bass drum. Expect thuds, vibrations, and squeaks from these pedals.
