After several years of drumming and running this community, I’ve often received questions about the volume of electronic drums compared to their acoustic counterparts.
The truth is that electronic drums tend to be significantly quieter. The sounds you hear when playing electronic drums are the rubber or mesh pads being struck, the thuds from the hi-hat and bass pedals and the sound coming from the amp if you’re not wearing headphones.
However, many factors can influence how loud your electronic drum set will be, like pad material, environment and your playing style. Although electronic drums can still produce some noise close to the setup area, it’s generally quite manageable, especially for those living in apartments or other closed spaces.
Electronic drums are generally quieter than acoustic drums, which can be as loud as 130 decibels (dB). In contrast, electronic drums produce sound of the rubber or mesh pads being struck, along with thuds from pressing the hi-hat and bass pedals.
The loudness of electronic drums mainly depends on the sound output from an amp but if you wear headphones, that really helps to keep the volume extrea low.
Several factors come into play that impact the loudness of electronic drums. Let me briefly mention the main factors that influence their volume and loudness:
Drum Pads: Electronic drum kits consist of either mesh heads or rubber pads. Testing both I found that mesh heads are generally quieter than rubber pads becasue they absorb more stick impact and vibration.
On the other hand, rubber pads can have a louder, more solid sound when struck this is something to keep in mind when selecting a drum kit.
Speakers: The size and type of speakers I use with my electronic drum set contribute to the overall loudness.
Bigger and more powerful speakers can amplify the drums’ sound to a higher volume, but I should also be aware that increasing the volume too much might affect the sound quality.
Pedals: Pressing the hi-hat and bass pedals can cause some low-frequency thuds, contributing to the overall noise of my electronic drumming.
Using noise-reduction or low-noise pedals, I can bring down the vibrations and sound created by my foot movements.
Playing Technique: You personal style and tenchnique and how hard you hit the drum pads with my sticks will have a direct impact on the volume and loudness.
By developing a more relaxed and controlled playing style, you can enjoy drumming while keeping the noise at a comfortable level.
As you can imagine there’s a significant difference between electronic and acoustic drums. While acoustic drums are made of wood or acrylic and have varying head materials like mylar or calfskin, electronic drums are typically composed of rubber or mesh pads.
The sound of acoustic drums is produced naturally, and the resonance and vibrations play a crucial role in their tone and feel. But in electronic drums, the sound comes from hitting the rubber or mesh pads, which triggers a digitally-sampled sound of the corresponding instrument.
Playing on an acoustic drum volumes usually reach between 90-130dB, mastering the nuances of the snare drum, kick drum, toms, and other materials can give you significant differenc in volume.
Meanwhile, electronic drum sets offer a quieter and more customizable experience for practicing and jamming without worrying about the noise.
These are the typical components of a electronic drum kits so you can understand their structure.
When I play electronic drum pads, I usually use headphones, they let me to hear the electronically-produced drum sounds without bothering the people around me.
However, without headphones, I’d need an amp to project the sounds externally. The good news is by using electronic drum kits you will not get even close to the decibel levels that an acoustic drum kit produces.
Making an electronic drum set quieter sounds like a dream come true, especially when you’re trying to practice without disturbing anyone. Here are some simple adjustments that I’ve found helpful in reducing noise:
Soundproofing an e-drum set doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some techniques I’ve used:
The biggest advantages of using electronic drums is their reduced noise levels. This can be a lifesaver if you want to practice without disturbing your neighbors or getting noise complaints.
With electronic drums, you’re mainly hearing rubber or mesh pads being struck and the sound of the bass pedal thuds. You can even practice with headphones on to minimize noise further.
Electronic drums are also known for their versatility in terms of sound. With digital modules, you can choose from a wide variety of drum sounds and percussion effects, allowing you to experiment and create unique beats.
I love that I can switch sounds in the middle of a song seamlessly, taking my drumming to new levels of creativity.
Portability is another important factor to consider, especially for gigging drummers or those with limited space at home. Electronic drum kits are generally lighter and more compact than their acoustic counterparts, making transportation and setup easier.
While there are many perks to using electronic drums, there are also a few downsides to keep in mind. One issue some drummers face is the difference in feel between electronic and acoustic drums.
Mesh drum heads on electronic kits can help simulate the feel of acoustic drums, but it’s still not quite the same. This may affect your playing style or take some time to adapt to when transitioning between the two.
Another potential drawback is the price. Electronic drum sets can have a wide price range from around $400 for beginner setups to over $8000 for professional systems. The cost might be a factor, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. Learn more about pricing in our top picks electronic drum kits buying guide.
Finally, while electronic drums offer great functionality and sound variety, they might not always be the best choice for live performances. Some drummers prefer the raw energy and feel of acoustic drums in live settings or worry about potential technical issues with electronic setups.
When I decided to get an electronic drum kit, I had to consider several factors. First and foremost was the reduced noise associated with electronic drums compared to acoustic instruments.
With electronic drums, I play on rubber or mesh pads instead of metal cymbals and drum shells, which protects my ears and keeps the noise pollution down and especially if I’m not in a soundproofed room.
Another factor was the learning curve and transition from an acoustic drum set to an electronic one.
As an experienced drummer, I wanted to make sure my kit had good quality mesh heads that would allow me to maintain my nuance and technique and feel.
Yes, neighbors can potentially hear electronic drums, especially if you’re using speakers or if the drum pads and pedals produce loud thuds. However, the volume is generally much lower than acoustic drums, and the use of headphones can minimize noise further. Techniques such as adjusting your playing style, using lighter drumsticks, and applying noise reduction measures can help keep the volume down.
Typically, electronic drums are a popular choice for apartment dwellers due to their lower volume compared to acoustic drums. While they do produce some noise, especially from the striking of pads and the thuds of the hi-hat and bass pedals, it’s usually manageable. Using headphones or soundproofing techniques like an isolation board can make them even quieter, minimizing disturbances to neighbors.
Yes, electronic drums are generally quieter than acoustic drums. This is due to the digital nature of their sound production. Instead of resonating through wooden or acrylic shells, the sound from electronic drums comes from rubber or mesh pads being struck, which is typically quieter. The volume can also be easily adjusted using the drum kit’s module.
Yes, others can hear electronic drums if they’re nearby, especially if you’re not using headphones or if the pads and pedals are struck hard. However, the noise level is significantly less than traditional acoustic drums. Additionally, there are various methods to further reduce noise levels such as adjusting your playing technique or using a spongy bass drum beater.
Electronic drums offer a versatile and manageable solution for those seeking a quieter alternative to acoustic drums.
They provide a great balance between sound quality, volume control, and practicality. Key factors influencing their volume include the type of drum pads, the size and type of speakers, and your playing style.
While electronic drums have a unique feel compared to acoustic drums and may come with a slightly steeper price tag, the advantages they offer, such as reduced noise levels, sound variety, and portability, make them a worthwhile consideration for drummers of all levels.
Whether you are an apartment dweller looking to practice without disturbing your neighbors, or a professional musician seeking a broader range of sounds, electronic drums can be an excellent addition to your musical toolkit.
Remember, choosing the right drum kit involves considering your specific needs and circumstances. With the right information and a clear understanding of what electronic drums can offer, you can make an informed decision that harmonizes with your drumming goals.
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.
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