Electronic drum pads are a revolutionary innovation in the drumming world. To summarise, you hit the onboard rubber pads to activate pre-recorded audio samples, artificial percussion sounds, and backing tracks. Electronic drum pads has a concept that has revolutionised the drumming world to more extent. When you strike the on-board rubber pads to trigger pre-recorded audio samples, synthesized drum sounds and backing tracks to produce a tune that is required. But there’s so much more to you can do with drum pads.
There are variations of drum pads that comes with vast array of sonic possibilities which are indispensable on the live circuit. Many music artist when they use drum pads aptly are making big name in the music industry already. Also, on the world’s biggest stage we get to see electronic drum pads and beat drum pad nestled amongst the drummer’s toms or beside the hi-hat in the music industry and when they hit the stage.
Over the period of time the emergence of hybrid drumming has got merged with acoustic and electronic drums which enhances and expand your sound for your music lovers. Electric drumpads have taken everyone in consideration, from bedroom players to pro drummers who want to make name in the music industry by adding electronic elements to their kit sets.
Best Electronic Drum Pads In 2023
A drum sampling pad may provide a drummer with a variety of sounds that are impossible to generate with a traditional acoustic drum kit. But they’re so much more than that, and their huge range of sound possibilities has made them nearly indispensable on the live circuit. So, we will see the best electronic drum pads that you could afford from your hard-earned money.
Where some opt for an array of individual pads positioned around the drum pad kit, others prefer more economical approach in terms of convenience, affordability and performance. That’s where a guide to best electronic drum pads hops in. Scroll down below to get the guide on drum programming.
We have created a list of best electronic drum pads selection in 2023 which are popular among drummers and percussionists and rhythmically minded producers and DJs. It is also observed that some of the digital drum pads have also founded homes in musicians’ studios. Since these drum pads also work a treat as MIDI controllers, some electronic drum pad sets can also be configured into a mini-drum kit by adding auxiliary kick and hi-hat pedals. Doing this makes them excellent tools for drum practicing and busking even at home, studios and stage.
1. Roland SPD-SX (basic) & (Special Edition)
For triggering loops, samples, and backing tracks, the Roland SPD-SX is the industry standard. With the new(ish) red ‘Special Edition,’ which comes with a huge 16GB of storage capacity, it’s easy to understand how this title was attained. It sounds terrific right out of the box, with 100 onboard drum kits and a slew of outstanding effects.
On top of that, there’s the SPD-multi-pad SX’s sampling feature, which is where it shines. You may record samples directly into each pad and splice them together in real-time with an external audio source hooked in (like your phone) simply starting/stopping the sample recorder with one press.
Alternatively, the Roland Octapad SPD-30 (Version 2) is the best available percussion pad. In which there are 99 kits available, spanning high quality electronic drum sounds for all types of world music instruments. The drum pad-sensing technology comes from Roland’s V-Drums, that enables unmatched realism in terms of playing the feel and excellent isolation between the drum pads.
Special recommendation also goes to the Alesis Strike MultiPad. Both are among the best electronic drum pads for those who need sampling and percussive functions together. It comes with 32GB internal memory for the bespoke sounds, with over 8,000 from their own sound library, customisable lights and a whole host of other great features that comes handy in drum pads.
As every coin has two sides, there are some disadvantages of having a Ronald SPD-SX special edition too. These drum pads come with some features that may be tiring for you to comply with or may be more than you need for your music. Also with a hefty 16GB of storage space to store your creations.
2. Alesis Strike MultiPad
Check out Alesis’ Strike MultiPad if you’re looking for versatility. It has a 32GB hard drive, over 8,000 sounds, and sampling and looping capabilities. The sampling feature works well and editing audio right on the console is simple. The looper is also entertaining, with phrases of up to 16 bars possible.
Other useful features include a 4.3″ colour screen and a front-facing headphone connection, but the RGB lights are one of the nicest features in a drum pad. It can be customized and the visual indicator that might show tempo, drum or loop assignments, sample duration, and so many other features.
3. Sample Pads
A sample pad allows you to trigger on-board sounds or ‘sampled audio’ with some files you’ve recorded or uploaded yourself. Then later on you can integrate them into your setup the way you see it a fit. A pre-loaded kits can often be erased to make more space for your own bespoke sounds while using these sample drum pads.
For example, you’ve identified a particular ambient bird sound from your bedroom window which really adds to the feel of one of your songs. You can then record it and program into the sample drum pad so that you can then trigger it in your live performances as well, without having to move from the kit. In case you need a choral part to be played along with your music, all you need to do is queue it up on pad two and when the bridge rolls round, summon those angles with the assigned pad strike. Essentially, a sample pad can be used as a drum machine, backing track generator all of these at the same time. IT acts as a Swiss Army knife, as in multipurpose electronic elements into live music performances or live music. Sample drum pads are for experienced drummers. But, there are many options available online for electronic drum pad for beginners and novices.
4 .Yamaha DTX Multi-12 Multipad
World percussion, diverse keyboards, FX, and, of course, a plethora of drum kits are among them. The iOS ‘Touch’ app allows for much more customization. The term multi-pad is a little deceptive here because the DTX Multi-12 has so little memory and such stringent sample capacity constraints that it can’t be used to trigger loops or extended samples in drum pads.
5. Percussion pads (inner image)
A percussion pad doesn’t allow to import samples; however they can be loaded with as the name suggests. A multitude of drum and percussion sounds on the drum pads, along with tools to color and manipulate them while producing sound. Sample pad is called as an electronic Swiss Army Knife, but a percussion pad is a thousand drum kits in a box.
If you excel in more than single genre, then investing in a dedicated percussion pad grants you access to pretty much any percussive texture you might need. Digital samples span in all types of world music and can be set up as a mini-kit, using inputs to connect kick and hi-hat controllers while producing music. Percussion pads layers can be added to the loop if required to step up your performances.
They’re not just great for drummers either. If you are a live DJ with a nice loop going, why not to level up and step up from the booth and playing a percussion break? You can also then add effects and layers to colour it the way you need it, and keep the break going while you mix something else.
Music production is more technological than it has ever been, but it is also more important than it has ever been. Whether you want to be a hip-hop beatmaker or an electronic producer (or just want to improve your acoustic recordings), knowing how to generate music digitally and using production tools will help you enhance your profession. Here’s where you can learn online music production courses, master the skills and make a name in the most happening industry.
6. Multipads
‘Multipad’ is a catch-all term for pads that include multiple functions and quite literally: multiple pads. They are electronic drum pad, each one of them has a multiped and those will have different qualities and functions. For example, the Alesis Strike MultiPad has bigger library along with 32GB of space for uploading your own music samples.
The Yamaha DTX Multi-12 drum pad does not offer anywhere near that much space, but also supports finger and hand drumming, with mutable pads. Which means it feel much more realistic to play. The Nord Drum 3P is also filed under ‘multipad’ – which is a drum synthesizer.
There are drum pads to suit a whole host of different needs, when comes to musicians, especially drummers. So, it is important to be clear on specific role it will play within your music creation.
7. Sound and Output
Sound is crucial thing and almost everything when it comes to getting the best drum pads. Make sure you go for the best sound drum pads considering the ambience and environment. Unlike electric drum sets, electronic drum pads do not carry so much sound. However, where you are live, it also determines the model you get. You can get a silent model if you live in a quiet neighbourhood or a loud noise electronic drum pad when you live in a noisy residence.
Each electronic drum pad has a different sound output option. It is, hence, very imperative that you get the best sound pad as per your preferences and types of show you are going to perform. Even at homes too.
8. Nord Drum 3P
The best electronic drum pad for playing synthesised drums is Nord Drum 3P. With some crucial specifications and Price (subject to update time to time. Check on their website): $799/£599/€675, 6Storage pads, It comes with various functions like: Drum synthesizer, midi controller etc. The Nord Drum 3P is a synthesizer and is played with drumsticks. Focused on percussion, Nord Drum 3P is geared directly towards Kraftwerk lovers, button pushing and knob twiddling. With this exceptionally high-quality drum pad we can expect that the 3P displays and extreme array of sonic capabilities for music creators. This drum pad has 200 sounds and a large variety of modulators, oscillators, reverbs, filters and various other FX on-board. One can use these to alter specific aspects of each sound and save them on own in one of the 400 available banks. There is also a sequencer app for iOS, called Nord Beat, that will make beat-makers and producers feel at home. Here’s where you can find the ultimate guide to drum programming.
The six rubber pads in Nord Drum are smooth, responsive and a joy to play. Its unit comes in the modest 4lbs (1.85kgs). But it feels sturdy and road-ready for all the musicians. With so many features in this drum pad it is obvious to have it at high price.
9. Ronald Electronic Drum Pad
Ronald Electronic drum pad is a digital percussion pad that is small and portable. It can be used with batteries and AC which makes it adaptable to almost any environment. This Roland electronic drum pad is easy to control as it has only four knobs and a large pad that hits the surface. Select the sounds by turning the 12-band selector in this electronic drum pad. Powered by the volume control system, there are no hidden sub menus that makes it user friendly and one of the best and one of the best electronic drum pads for novices.
How to choose the Best Electronic Drum Pads (basic guide)
Most modern drum pads can detect velocity input and play changing volumes or samples as a result. When you play, you may be a lot more energetic and musical. So, choose them wisely.
Here are some tips to choose the best electronic drum pads for yourself:
- Purpose
With dozens of guitars, and effects on your fingertips, an electronic instrument lets you play the real sounds in a broad range of musical forms as a musician. One of the biggest problems with acoustic drums are that there is excessive noise levels that is created. Check your purpose to choose the drum pad first and then go for the one that is apt as per you. - Size
Electronic kits, specially played by drummers are of big in size. A smaller footprint unlike acoustic kits that can comfortably fit into the space or into a house studio. What’s better is electronic drum pads are easy to install and reassemble. The portability makes it easy for you to pick it up an transit to your destination. Not to mention, portable kits are easy to assemble and fits well to your home studio as well. Choose the size well which can accommodate your requirement at home, rehearsal or concerts, if they are going to happen. - Setup
Drum kits can differ from the simpler two-piece ‘kick and snare’ system. So, customarily, cymbals and hi-hats are not classified as ‘pieces’ to the most detailed 8-or 9-piece setups. These additional bits are tom-toms that continue to take your five-piece drum space. So, mind the setups and make a move - Cymbals
When it relates to e-kit cymbals, rubber drum pads are even now ruling the game as divine. Contemporary kits have cymbal pads that are molded like cymbals. Often mounted on a cymbal, the main stand that offer them room to sway is the hit. High-end cymbals might have complicated controls. Triggers, synth and bells on the bottom can make you seize the cymbal. - Pads
The rigid plastic pads may report you for wrist exhaustion and shortage of rebound. That’s why afterwards electronic kits are begin to use rubber pads which are remarkable to sound modulation and vibrations. A few kits use plastic, the true breakthrough has come with the advent of mesh heads. Be vigilant while choosing the drum pad. Check the size, shape and elements that is used in its making.
Best buying advice for Electronic Drum Pads
1. Rely upon a well-known Brand
There are several strong factors to go with a possibly the best brand that can be used to purchase something in fact. The first incentive to go with a reliable brand when it comes to music instruments is that in the event of a malfunction, if something is lacking or anything is damaged, the company takes the responsibility to figure out a remedy for it soon. Looking at its reselling value, prospect customers will still be going for a reputable well-known brands.
2. Choose a Kit That helps you grow
For many artists, a drum kit is an expense for a value investing consistency. Get a finest drum kit when you are ready to avail it and pick one up that sounds fantastic to play and feels you better while producing sounds. Also, which fits your requirements well. It should be versatile enough to evolve with you when you are becoming a professional drummer.
3. Know What You’re Looking for Upon Arrival
The main conditions for choosing an electronic drum kit or a digital drum kit is the quality and feel. Make sure you hit each drum pad and check the cymbal on every perspective, hard and gentle. Also check if it is difficult to listen to the equipment which can catch up with dynamic, complex action, and that check if the sound is absolute and genuine.
4. Visit and Pick Up in Person (if Possible)
Pictures on net may be misleading. Review the packages in detail before you show your consent to buy it and after watching the prices, compare the features of drum kit that suits your requirement well. A little that is evident, you yourself should be going to the shop or store, check out the drums available, verify the manual and features of the drum pads and package guidelines that the dealer is offering with the set.
Conclusion:
To find the best electronic drum pad in the market, you must know what you intend to use it. You also need to know the level you are in, whether entry-level, intermediate, or an expert.
There are different drum pads for entry-level and expert levels. The drum pads that you choose should reflect your confidence. They should also offer you more in terms of creativity.
