The 5 Best Electronic Drum Amps
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If you're looking for an amplifier to use with your electronic drum set then this guide will help you decide which one is best to get for your situation.
Note that there are other types of amps which can also be used with electronic drums, so make sure you read the "Things To Consider" section if you would like to know about the alternatives.
Contents
- The Best Electronic Drum Amplifiers
- Things To Consider When Buying An Amplifier For Electronic Drums
- Methodology
- Comments
The Best Electronic Drum Amps
| Gearank | Sources | Street Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons DA200S | 92 | 175+ | $350 |
| Simmons DA50 | 88 | 90+ | $220 |
| Roland PM-10 | 88 | 125+ | $300 |
| ddrum DDA50 | 87 | 10+ | $239 |
| KAT Percussion - KA2 | 86 | 5+ | $380 |
The Best Drum Amps
Simmons DA200S
The Simmons DA200S is designed to provide the best quality of sounds for electronic drum sets. It is equipped with two 50-watt speakers including heavy-duty mid-range speakers for punchy mids and high-frequency tweeters for cymbal clarity. It also includes a 100-watt down-firing subwoofer for enhanced bass response. In terms of portability and ease of use, this drum amplifier has soft touch knobs that are adjustable with drum sticks as well as a ribbed handle for ease of transportation. Its protective durable carpet covering and heavy-weight steel grille gives it a sense of sturdiness. Its built in ground lift switch is used to eliminate noises that may exist when a ground loop is created between the PA system and stage gear.
Specifications
- Output Power: 50 Watts /8 Ohms (x2)
50 Watts/4 Ohms (x2); Midrange Internal Speakers (Stereo)
100 Watts/8 Ohms (x1); Subwoofer Internal Speaker (Mono)
500 mWatts/32 Ohms (x2) - Number of Channels: 2
- Inputs: 2 Drum Inputs: 1/4" input jacks (mono and stereo), 1 Aux Input: 1/4" stereo, 1 Line Input: 1/8" stereo
- Outputs: 2 XLR Balanced Line outputs, Headphone Jack: 1/8" stereo, Extension Speaker jacks
- Speakers: 12” (305 mm) Woofer, 2 x 6.5” (165 mm) Midrange, 2 x 2.5“ (64 mm) Tweeter
- Tone Control: 3-band EQ
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
- Size: 17 3/4” x 16 1/2” x 20"
- Weight: 57 lbs.
- Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years
Pros
Most reviews praised the quality of the DA200 for its price. It provided clarity with enough loudness without any noises, such as hisses or distortions, even if adjusted to the highest volume. It also provided a clear high-frequency response and punchy lows due to its wide-range frequency response. Many users have tried using this amplifier with other instruments, such as bass guitars (NB you would need active pickups or a bass preamp to do this), and have acquired great sounding results. The controls of this amplifier are easy to use in which the EQ bands can be adjusted independently. Its fit for small venues and can be plugged into a PA when used in bigger venues.
Cons
The only concern for this drum amplifier is its weight. Many users claim that it is heavy to carry around due to its sturdy build.
Overall
This amplifier is the best option if you need one that can be used for rehearsing with a full band or playing small venues while not putting it through the PA system.
Simmons DA50
The Simmons DA50 is considered a little brother of the DA200s model. This amplifier has a high-frequency tweeter for clear cymbal sounds and a heavy-duty woofer for responsive bass sounds at 50 watts. It also features independent volume controls and five soft-touch knobs. Unlike the DA200It it doesn't have a ground-lift .
Specifications
- Output Power: 50W / 8 ohm
- Number of Channels: 2
- Inputs: 2 Drum Inputs: 1/4" input jacks (mono and stereo), 1 Aux Input: 1/4" stereo, 1 Line Input: 1/8" stereo
- Outputs: Headphone Jack: 1/8" stereo
- Speakers: 1 x 10” (250mm) Woofer, 1 x 2” (51mm) Tweeter
- Tone Control:3-band EQ
- Frequency Response: 20 -20KHz
- Size: 15.5” x 15.5” x 16”
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years
Pros
Many users claimed that this amplifier this loud enough to use in small venues and as a practice amplifier. The volume was loud enough in situations where it was used in a band setting. This has a nice depth when it comes to lower frequency responses and also has a sturdy construction as well. The CD and MP3 input features are useful for playing along with practice songs.
Cons
Some reviews claimed that this amp does not amplify higher frequencies that well and may need some treble adjustments. Some people also claimed that it picked up radio signals and other soft noises regardless of cables used. The mp3 quality is rated as quite poor by some.
Overall
The DA50 drum amplifier is good enough if you are looking for something that can be used as a practice amplifier for everyday use either home and can even be used at small venues.
Roland PM-10
The Roland PM-10 Personal Monitor amp has been designed as a portable companion for the Roland V-Drums series but can also be used with other electronic drum sets. Its design is an ideal fit for small sized drum kits. Although small in size compared to other drum amps, it provides powerful sounds because of its 10-inch woofer and 3-inch coaxial speakers. It also includes a drum module input jack along with a line input which can be used to connect to CD players or any other similar devices.
Specifications
- Output Power:30 W
- Number of Channels: 2
- Inputs: 1 Drum set Input (Stereo 1/4"), 1 Line Input (Stereo 1/4")
- Outputs: Not Specified
- Speakers: 10 inch (250mm) Woofer + 3 inch (77mm) Tweeter (Coaxial, 2-way)
- Tone Control:2-band EQ (Bass and Treble)
- Frequency Response:Not specified
- Size: 14-3/8" x 15-5/8" x 13-7/8"
- Weight: 26lbs
- Manufacturer Warranty: Not specified.
Pros
Many customer reviews gave positive feedback for this amplifier. They claimed that it provided a clear and good quality sound overall. Some users got a great balance of sound with the use of the bass and treble knobs. The controls are simple for adjustments on volume as well. Considering the size of the amplifier, it’s good enough to use in small settings or at home. It can be used more as a monitor or practice amplifier for your electronic drum set.
Cons
A lot of reviews mentioned that it was not loud enough for a group setting such as band performances. Some claimed the sound starts distorting when adjusted to a high volume.
Overall
The Roland PM-10 is not really the loudest amplifier in the market but it’s sufficient enough when it comes to solo practice or playing with groups that aren't particularly loud.
ddrum DDA50
The Ddrum DDA50 is a 50-watt amplifier that features a 10-inch subwoofer and an adjacent 2 1/2-inch tweeter. It also features three 1/4" inputs, an XLR line out, an MP3 input and a headphone output. It also has adjustable 3-band EQ knobs for tone adjustment purposes.
Specifications
- Output Power: 50 W
- Number of Channels: 2
- Inputs: 2 1/4" Input jacks (mono and stereo), MP3/CD Input
- Outputs: 1 XLR Line Out, Headphone Output
- Speakers: 10" Driver, 2-1/2" Tweeter
- Tone Control: 3-Band EQ
- Frequency Response: Not specified
- Size: 19" x 19" x 19"
- Weight: 15lbs
- Manufacturer Warranty: Not specified
Pros
A handful of reviews mentioned this amplifier had clear highs at low volumes. It also had nice and full sound. The control knobs are easy to use and can be adjusted with drumsticks. It can be used more as an onstage monitor or practice speaker.
Cons
Some reviews mentioned the amplifier gives off feedback easily if used as a powered monitor taking input including microphones.
Overall
If you want a personal drum monitor or practice amp this is a good choice for such use.
KAT Percussion - KA2
The KAT KA2 is a durable amplifier equipped with a powerful 200-watt drumming amp. It features a 1"x1" compression driver for a crisp high-end sound, and a 3-band EQ for sound shaping with a presence "attack" control. There are two 1/4" input jacks for drum input and a 1/8" input jack for external connectivity MP3 players and other digital devices. Its large carry handle is an advantage for ease of transport.
Specifications
- Output Power: 200W / 8 Ohms x 1
- Number of Channels: 2
- Inputs: 2 1/4-inch jacks for drum set input (mono and stereo), 1 Aux Line In 1/4-inch, External Line In: 1/8-inch stereo
- Outputs: Line Out: 1/8-inch stereo headphone jack, 1 XLR line out
- Speakers: 12-inch Woofer, 1" x 1" Compression Driver
- Tone Control: 3-Band EQ
- Frequency Response: 20-20KHz
- Size: 16.5" x 18" x 19"
- Weight: 44.25 lbs
- Manufacturer Warranty: Not specified
Pros
A number of reviews mentioned this is a good quality amplifier at reasonable price. They said the highs for cymbals were good and so was the volume. The lows had a deep resonance as well. It was also commended for its sturdy build..
Cons
There were some manufacturing issues reported for this amplifier not turning on despite trying different power cords and outlets.
Overall
If you want a loud and good sounding amplifier at a fair price, this is one to consider.
Things To Consider When Buying An Amplifier For Electronic Drums
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Alternatives to Drum Amps
It is quite common for drummers to opt for alternatives to dedicated drum amps. Other systems can provide more versatility - here are some of the other options often used:
- Keyboard Amps - this is probably the most common alternative. They can handle both the transient attacks and wide frequency range of electronic drums quite well, come in higher power ratings, and can also be used as general purpose small PA systems.
- Powered PA Speakers - although these generally only have a single channel they have the added versatility of being able to be used at different times as part of a PA system including main speakers or as stage monitors. An added benefit is that you can get many more watts per dollar spent.
- Portable PA Systems - These provide the benefit of having multiple channels with mixers and can be used by the whole band. The downsides are that there are more pieces to carry around and some don't have frequency response ranges above 12kHz.
It is not recommended to use a guitar or bass amp due to their emphasis of high and low frequencies respectively and because they tend to color the sound rather than faithfully reproducing the input signal. -
How Much Power Do You Need?
If you're only intending to use your amp as a personal drum monitor playing on your own then any drum amp will do the job. If you're going to play large venues then you still don't need a really powerful amp because you'll only need the people on stage with you to be able to hear it due to the PA system doing most of the amplification for the audience - for this purpose 50 to 100-watt amps with an XLR out are all that's usually needed. The times when you need more powerful amps, such as the 200-watt options above, is when you are playing small to medium venues or rehearsing with a loud band and not using a PA system to amplify your electronic drums.
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Weight/Portability
It's best to find an amplifier that is easy to carry when bringing it around to different gigs or rehearsals. Find one that has the features that you need that still has a light-weight or has a handle grip.
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Channels, EQ, and other features
Factors to keep in mind are what kind and how many input and output channels are built in. Most have 1/4" stereo drum inputs and some have more than one auxiliary inputs. Having auxiliary inputs when connecting external devices such as percussion pads is taken into consideration if needed. Output channels can come in forms such as XLR line outs that provide balanced, noise-free signal flow to connect through a recording or live console. Some amplifiers have multi-band EQ that you can independently adjust based on your preference of tuning your sound. There are extra features that cater to live settings such as slanted cabinets and battery-powered options. CD or MP3 inputs are a bonus feature for players to jam with backing tracks or songs. The headphone jack can be used for plugging in headphones for practice or for in-ear monitoring.
Methodology
We began by looking at all of the drum amps listed by music gear retailers in the USA. We then short-listed the 11 drum amps that were currently available for close analysis - you can see many of them in the public version of our music gear database. Next we analyzed over 450 customer and expert reviews as well as forum discussions to learn what the pros and cons were for each amp and we also fed the collected data into the Gearank Algorythm to produce our independent Gearank scores out of 100. Finally, we selected the 5 highest rated amps to recommend above. For more information about this process see How Gearank Works.
Comments
Thank you for the review!
Submitted by DrumSquatchPNW (not verified) on
Thank you for the review! This was very in depth and enlightening. The "Things to consider..." section was very valuable. Thanks again!!!
No problem. Thank you for the
Submitted by Denise Azucena on
No problem. Thank you for the feedback.
I agree the Simmons DA200S is
Submitted by Dave Smith (not verified) on
I agree the Simmons DA200S is by far the best amp choice. I solved the weight problem by adding set of swiveling castors to the bottom using bolts into T nuts. Works great.
I bought the Simmons DA200s,
Submitted by Mark (not verified) on
I bought the Simmons DA200s, because of all the positive comments I read, but never actually heard it. It is a solid and great sounding amp, but tried to use it to practice with my band, and it just wasn't loud enough to keep up. Great amp to use by yourself or use it as a monitor in a band situation.
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