If you’re serious about speed, control, and durability, the DW Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal is what you are looking for.
Designed for players who demand precision and a super fast response, this pedal delivers a direct connection between your foot and the beater, no lag, no slack.
DW’s Machined series is known for premium materials and next-level engineering, and this double pedal is no exception.
In this review, I’ll break down its features, build, and feel to see if this high-end pedal setup lives up to its name.
The DW Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal is packed with high-end components and thoughtful design choices aimed at pro drummers. Here’s what stands out:
This pedal isn’t just built for power—it’s designed to give you precision and comfort with every kick. Now let’s see how it holds up under real-world playing.
Right out of the box, the DW Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal feels like a serious piece of gear.
Everything about it, from the smooth finish to the tight tolerances, screams premium quality. DW didn’t cut any corners here.
The direct drive action is buttery smooth with zero slack, and the pedal feels incredibly consistent under your feet. Whether you’re playing at low volumes or blasting through a double kick pattern, the response stays clean and reliable.
The materials are top-notch, and each component is made with long-term use in mind. This isn’t a pedal you’ll need to replace anytime soon.
As part of DW’s Machined series, this pedal is milled from aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it a solid yet lightweight feel. The result is a pedal that’s both durable and responsive, with no flex or play in any of the moving parts.
The direct drive linkage is the star of the show here. It provides a tight, fast connection between your foot and the beater, ideal for drummers who want maximum precision. There’s also plenty of adjustability, you can tweak the beater angle, footboard height, and spring tension until it feels just right.
The interlocking heel plate adds extra stability, and the base plate stays firmly in place whether you’re on carpet, rubber, or wood flooring.
DW also includes a high-quality carrying case, which is a nice bonus for touring or gigging drummers.
In terms of feel and response, the Machined Direct Drive is incredibly fast and tight. If you’re used to chain or belt drive pedals, this will feel like a big step up in control. Every movement of your foot is instantly transferred to the beater, giving you pinpoint accuracy, especially at higher speeds.
For double bass players, this pedal really shines. The action between both pedals feels even and smooth, with minimal lag or resistance from the linkage.
Whether you’re running quick doubles or playing syncopated patterns, the response stays predictable and consistent.
This pedal is made for technical, high-speed playing, but it also holds up well for groove-based styles.
It’s powerful, responsive, and easy to dial in for your playing style. Simply put, it’s a workhorse that feels just as good during long rehearsals as it does on stage.
The DW Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal is priced at the premium end of the market, typically around $1,299.99 . While this is a significant investment, the pedal’s exceptional build quality, precision engineering, and performance justify the cost for serious drummers.
Compared to other high-end pedals, the MDD offers superior responsiveness and customization options, making it a standout choice for those seeking top-tier equipment.
However, for drummers on a tighter budget or those who don’t require such advanced features, more affordable alternatives like the DW 9000 series or Tama Dyna-Sync may be more suitable.
In summary, if you’re looking for a long-term investment in a pedal that delivers unmatched performance and durability, the DW Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal offers excellent value for its price.
The DW Machined Direct Drive Double Pedal is built for drummers who want maximum speed, control, and precision.
With its direct drive system, aircraft-grade aluminum build, and endless adjustability, it’s a pedal that feels just as solid as it looks.
Whether you’re into fast, technical playing or just want a smooth and responsive feel underfoot, this pedal delivers. It’s not cheap, but if you’re after top-tier performance and a pedal that’s built to last, it’s well worth the investment.
If you’re ready to upgrade your setup with something truly pro-level, the Machined Direct Drive is one of the best options out there.
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
We specialize in helping drummers of all levels become rhythmic assassins and develop ninja-like skills, quickly. Our mission is to create the best resources for all musicians and build a community where you can learn and share everything related to your musical journey.
Our team is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations with uncompromising honesty and integrity. We focus all of our energy on helping musicians of all levels achieve their goals and build a foundation of skills that will last a lifetime.
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“9 Powerful Tips To Get Faster On The Drums (And The Mistakes To Avoid!)”
