What is the operation of an electronic drum set? They say it works with drum pads, sticks, and electricity, but instead, modules, amplifiers, MIDI, and many other features are involved.
Introduction
Beginners who are novices at electronic drumming readily get overwhelmed just by looking at the variations of features given on the musical instruments.
Whether or not you have prior experience with acoustic drums, confusion can still pose challenges one after another because modern drum sets have evolved a lot more than conventional models.
“How does an electronic drum set work?” That’s probably a million dollar question here. It’s worthwhile to learn your instrument before being geared up to jump straight to the stage centre.
Becoming well-versed with every single aspect of the electronic drum set may shed light on disappointment, which is expected to arrive if you aren’t familiar with how it works.
This guide is solely intended to instruct you on the operation of an electronic drum set. This article may be useful if you have overlooked something in your knowledge. Take a look-
How Does an Electronic Drum Set Work? A Quick Overview
Ever since electronic drum sets have replaced conventional drumming instruments, learning is rapidly picking up pace. However, electronic drum sets mimic the functionality and performance of standard drumming instruments, and it must not be that difficult to practise them. Still, a little information seeks your attention.
These electronic drum sets are divided into two different sections: “transducers” and “brain.” Producing desired drumming sounds is only possible based on the perfect synchronization of these two. Learn more down below.
Transducers
By the term “transducers”, we basically mean trigger pads and modules that are available in diverse configurations depending on the instrument you use. Most realistic electronic drum kits are integrated into the housing unit. The module receives a signal from the pad or any drumming surface made of mesh or rubber material. As a drummer hits the trigger pads, a signal is sent to the module (also known as the brain of an electronic drum set).
But it’s worth noting that the trigger will send sound signals as per the command it receives from the drummer. Many signals will be sent to the module at once if it is triggered more forcefully, leading to an increase in volume or uneven sounds. Too lightly hitting the trigger pads may send no signals to the module, leading to quieter or no sound from the instrument.
Brain
The drum module, also known as the brain of the electronic drum set, is an important component. The module is responsible for the types of sound effects to be produced by the instrument. These modules come in a wide range of variations as well. Simply put, you can choose a module based on the features, sound quality, sound effects, and other specifications as per your requirements. The price of electric drums can vary simultaneously, so consider noting it too.
Rock, hip-hop, jazz, and all those other genres are pre-set in the device and originate naturally from the brain’s memory as you start playing. However, there are no limits to the variations of sounds you would like to produce with the kit because most electronic drum models provide you with access to more than a few features.
Mainly, if the electronic drum set combines toms, cymbals, kick drums, snares, and all electronic instruments, the brain memory lets you produce and store multiple sounds. In addition to the brain and trigger modules, other components can also be included in the set. The overall functionality of these drum sets works around electric sensors. To produce any sound, you must hit sensor-linked pads with the drumsticks, but be mindful of the force.
The Five Main Working Principles of the Electronic Drum Set
It’s time to uncover the five major working principles of how an electronic drum set works, how they are correlated with one another, and how they serve the purpose in real-time.
- It’s Impossible Without Electronic Pads
Pads are the main feature of most electronic drum kits and even give these drums an acoustic drum set-like feel. These pads, however, function as both cymbals and drums. As a result of that, the device occupies comparatively less space. The pads in these electronic instruments are made of rubber material. But most companies offer drum pads in mesh or silicone material.
However, a quality pad which has been given attention to details is a must-have because a clear and consistent sound is only possible if signals transmitting through the surface to the sensors are in a precise flow. If you compare acoustic and electronic drums for beginners, the pad may entail a great difference as it is a bit sensitive in electronic options.
2. The Drum Module Empowers Music and Sound
An electronic drum set has no basis without a drum module. Since the invention of electronic drums, a module has been acting as the brain of these musical instruments. The element basically houses all the electronics necessary to generate sounds and create astounding musical effects. The module can be either battery-powered or be powered by electronic cables.
Let’s look at the two main components of the electric drum set now:
- A synthesiser
- A sampler
Electric drums incorporate synthesisers that empower these instruments to create an unlimited variety of tones. But it can sometimes depend on a few additional factors, such as timbre and frequency, which can be changed using knobs or sliders.
A sampler is mostly found in these electronic drums as it provides them with the ability to record a wide variety of sounds and music at the same time. You can even play them all at the back on various pitches. It functions by learning the electronic signal and duplicating it on a memory chip attached inside the module. You may select the kinds of sounds you wish to mix up with your new sound effects, since sampling has a variety of possibilities.
Sound produced in each drum pad is sent to an external drum module, commonly known as the “brain,” where it is processed through internal amplification circuits before being sent to the amplifier or headphones to entertain the listeners.
The module has a number of settings that let you adjust your sound for various songs or musical genres.
3. Headphones or an amplifier
Due to their electronic nature, these drums are soundless when they aren’t connected to the power socket. Even if it is connected, the electronic drum will lack clarity of volume if it isn’t linked to an amplifier. Drummers who wish to practise independently at home typically use headphones. It helps them practise drumming quietly inside their room.
Contrarily, an amp will make your drumming voice accessible to a wider audience. To be ready for anything, it is best to arm oneself with both items to ensure your practise and performance go hand in hand. Are electronic drums worth it? Of course they are, thanks to the amplifier and headphones.
4. Connecting Together With USB Ports or MIDI
One of the prominent aspects of an electronic drum kit that deserves your focus is the MIDI function. It serves as a connection point to connect the computer and the electronic drum set. The same feature is surely not included in standard acoustic drum versions—as it isn’t required there. A USB or MIDI interface is commonly offered along with each electronic drum module. It plays an integral role in the whole process of drumming, as it enables the module to transfer the output to the device that it has been linked to.
Using the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), one can even listen to all their recordings in the future by connecting MIDI with the speaker. Drummers may also use VST (Virtual Studio Technology) to change the music in their performance.
Final Words
Besides these working principles, the magic of drum sets resides within the sensors. These technological marvels get signals from the drummer’s activities and transform them into a desired rhythmical expression—just as desired by the performer. All the features occupied by these electronic drum sets complement each other. But if you want them to serve the purpose with utmost precision, start practising today. Pads are sensitive enough that with a modest tap, an extremely high sound can be created. Finally, you are familiar with how an electronic drum set works.
You can also take a look at the video below, providing you with an in-depth overview of the electronic drum set, how it works, and what items you need to consider before you play the drums.
FAQs
How does an electronic drum work?
Electronic drum sets are commonly identical to conventional drums. But the only difference is that the sounds in these drums are produced electronically. These drums are either battery-powered or cable-powered and have electronic features that make them capable of producing multiple sounds at once.
What are the parts of an electronic drum kit?
Electronic drum kits include drum pads, three tom pads, a snare pad, cymbal pads, or hi-hat pads. The kit may or may not cover a drum rack, depending on the manufacturer. Most brands are manufacturing electronic drums with all-in-one musical features as well, thus eliminating the need for bulky equipment.
How do you set up an electronic drum set?
You can read the instruction manual offered along with the electric drum pad for setting up electronic drums. But it is still easier without a manual sometimes. All it takes is to power-on the electronic instrument to begin (but make sure it is fully charged). However, confusion can occur with setting up the module and amplifier.
Are electronic drum kits good?
It depends on the brand sometimes. But in general, electronic drums are a perfect pick for most new drummers. These drums are widely used for practise purposes but even work for professionals in concerts. Thanks to the recording benefits of electronic drums, which are absent in conventional ones,
What is the purpose of an electronic drum kit?
Practice is the main purpose of an electronic drum kit. But if the drum has advanced and professional-level features, it can work even more miraculously in live concerts. Compared to conventional drums, these electronic instruments can produce unlimited sounds.
How do you play electronic drums with music?
It isn’t difficult to perceive how to play electronic drums with music. Simply connect your music-carrying devices (e.g., laptop, smartphone) with the drum kit module. Play it along and enjoy the rhythm of the drum simultaneously.
Does an electronic drum set need a speaker?
Well, it largely depends on the company. Most e-drums come with inbuilt speakers, whilst most are not. It indicates that you will have to purchase an additional amplifier. However, you can also use headphones if you are learning now.
