Electronic Drums / Pads

Korg's classic drum synth goes global with a makeover and a major update.

Yamaha’s new entry-level electronic drum kit is easy on the wallet, but aims not to compromise on sound quality. Is it a hit?

Roland have updated their celebrated electronic drum kits with an improved brain and their patented Supernatural Sound technology.

You might be surprised by just how much you get for your money with Alesis’s DM10 Studio kit...

The TD20KX (known as the TD20SX in the States) is Rolands flagship electronic drum kit — but how does it measure up against other big hitters?

Rolands Octapad range has been with us in one form or another for an amazing 25 years. What does the latest addition to the family have to offer?

Yamahas DTX950K kit combines cutting-edge drum-pad technology, heavy-duty hardware and an advanced brain — but what does it sound like and how does it play?

The new Wavedrum costs a fraction of the price of its predecessor and remains a sonic force to be reckoned with.

Yamahas DTX Multi 12 squeezes an entire electronic drum kit into a single box.

The Mandala is a drum pad with a difference: it has a Virtual Brain and its manufacturers claim that its “the smartest thing youll ever hit with a stick.”

If you enjoy hitting things with sticks but balk at the cost of percussion controllers, this no-nonsense device could be just what you've been waiting for.

Roland's HD1 system incorporates their V-Drum technology into a drum kit that's more compact, less noisy and much more affordable.

Now that electronic drums have finally become respectable, there seems to be a trend towards producing more easily affordable MIDI kits. This offering from Alesis is based around the well-regarded DM5 module, yet is still surprisingly inexpensive.

The price of MIDI keyboard controllers has tumbled over the past few years, and Ion clearly feel it's time the same thing happened to MIDI drum kits. Their IED01 costs £299 and includes five pads, two pedals, and the stand!

When the epic, studio-created drum sounds of the 1980s had to be translated to a stage setting, sample triggering from drum kits came to the fore — and our man Gavin Harrison began his personal quest for the ultimate setup...

I love banging away on my thighs and knees, and I feel that I make some of my most interesting drum patterns in this way. How could I build a controller with a pair of panels that are velocity-sensitive to sit atop my thighs?

Electronic drum kits have a bad reputation; straight away you think of nasty, pinging syndrums and unrealistic samples. But they've come a long way since the days when hexagonal red-rimmed drum pads ruled the roost, as we find out...

The SPD6 MIDI percussion pad features 113 internal drum sounds, with six rubber playing pads and can run from an optional power adaptor or from batteries.

Nicholas Rowland is star-struck by Roland's frankly fabulous new hand percussion controller.

Though the V-Drum system is ideally suited to the hi-tech drummer, its modular brain features, modelled timbres and powerful editing features may lend it appeal as a source of high-quality sounds for the non-drummer. Nicholas Rowland checks out the beat feat.

First previewed at the NAMM show in January, Roland's first foray into the world of drum modelling is now almost ready for release. Nicholas Rowland brings you an exclusive preview from the official launch party.