Getting an electronic drum kit is just the beginning of making your space for drumming. There are many nuances you need to consider when starting to play e-drums. Even when you opt for a plug-and-play compact set, there is much to use with it – from special “electronic headphones” to computer software. So, let’s list all the things you will need to make the most use of your electronic drums.
Assembling the Set
When you buy a drum set, the first thing to do is to find a room for it and assemble it. Luckily, electronic drums come in full sets, with all the necessary hardware; thus the trouble so familiar to classical drummers is mostly saved. Assembling it can be a little tricky, but some manuals describe the process in detail.
It’s easier with tabletop sets which come with everything in place. The only thing to do is to find a place and connect it to all the devices, from computers to speakers and mixers that you intend to use with them.
Sticks and Stuff
We know that electronic drums are sold as sets and come with native sticks. Sticks are designed to fit the type of set, given that they require different manners. Sticks for a tabletop kit will differ from those for a full-size one. But you might find them uncomfortable and want other ones. You need to find your perfect sticks and consult whether they are likely to harm the device (which is not likely, but nevertheless).
You’ll also need clothes to keep the device clean. No matter how often you will beat the dust out of your drum kit, it will still collect some.
Hearing Yourself: Headphones and Speakers
Good headphones are a must with electronic drums. You need not just any headphones: There are requirements for a model which will deliver you decent feedback. The criteria are the following:
- Wired connection. Wireless models are no good for drumming because of the latency Bluetooth can’t overcome;
- Over-ear design to deliver you the sound in all its power and glory. In-ear models can’t transfer that drive;
- Decent frequency range (better more than the traditional 20 Hz-20 kHz) and linear frequency response, so the headphones don’t accent highs and lows and suppress the middles.
The same can be said about speakers you need to connect to the drums. Indeed, if you use other sound outputs (PC, TV, etc.), it makes sense to buy a receiver or a mixer. The mixer makes even more sense if you are into recording various instruments or just your voice.
Computer and Software
The power of electronic drums is in connectivity as well. Professionals use them because of their ability to send both audio and MIDI signals. In audio mode, you record just an audio file; in MIDI, you create a drum track where you can edit the volume, velocity, position, and other parameters of literally every note. It is a great option for doctoring your sessions after playing.
So, PC or Mac? Macs are considered a more professional option, but a decent Windows-powered PC is good too. You’ll also need wires to get it all connected. The audio cable is necessary to connect the drum set to your speakers. While most of today’s electronic drums use a USB interface instead of the good old MIDI, you’ll need just a regular USB cable, but it’s got to be there. Often, it can be used for recording audio too. For most drum sets, you’ll need USB-A to USB-B – the same type of cable you use with your printer or other audio equipment. USB Type-C, so familiar with mobile devices, is less likely to appear here, but you better check it still.
As for software, it depends on what you need. Usually, an electronic drum set is self-sufficient. But you enter the next level of power when connecting it to a computer with an installed DAW. You can both record your sessions in audio or create MIDI records for further analyzing or doctoring. There are free DAWs that have everything you need to record and produce music. To name but a few:
- Cakewalk. Now this famous DAW caught a new breath by becoming free and thus more available to millions of musicians and producers;
- Ohm Studio. It’s an online tool that is great for remote collaboration;
- Cubase LE. Being limited in features, it has the advantage of still being a Cubase, so if you decide to buy a full version, there will be less to relearn;
- DrumGizmo. This drum plugin works as a bridge between your e-drums and your DAW of choice.
Time
The main thing that you need to find for your drum set it’s your time. Without training, it becomes useless. The skill is what connects you to all the possibilities of this new generation drum set. If you prepare the right scene, learning will be an immersive process, so you won’t even notice your time fly. Hopingly, we have helped you a little by reminding all of these things, so hit the skin to begin!