The digital revolution has transformed the world of musical instruments. Today, digital drums have become the first choice for beginners for learning percussion. The main reason for this is the low level of noise generated. If you have questions about how an electronic drum works, these few lines will surely help you better understand and enlighten you. Before that, let’s check out some of the best electronic drum set available.
Skeleton of an electronic drum
Most electronic drums consist of five parts with a standard configuration similar to that of an acoustic drum. Indeed, such a battery is distinguished by the presence:
- a resistant body usually made of durable metal to support the accessories of the set;
- a sound module;
- of 3 drums or pads;
- a raw cymbal and another clear;
- from one to two cash pedals;
- and chopsticks for playing.
The sound modulator
The sound module is the heart of the electronic drum kit. Technically, it is a case or synthesizer that allows to receive and deliver all the notes that will be generated on the drums and cymbals to give a melody. The sound module has inputs that allow you to connect all cables coming from the drums and cymbals.
A sound modulator can also allow you to record your work sessions or provide you with tailor-made training sessions depending on the drum model you have chosen. The vast majority of drum modules operate using PCM sound sampling technology. To learn more, you can read this comparison site .
PCM sound technology
The PCM sound technology is used to operate most of the battery modules. Thus, it allows to reproduce the sounds in a natural way, the notes that were created by hitting the drums. However, some manufacturers have created their own software. V-Drum Rolland percussion kits, for example, use Super NATURAL technology from the TD-11 model to generate musical notes.
Although this method uses samples as the “raw” source, the technology is based on an incredibly precise and intuitive modelling algorithm that allows you to recreate the subtleties of action of a classic drum in a more fluid way for a more authentic sound.
The idea behind electronic drums is to have responsive pads that trigger a sound note when you hit them. Indeed, the pads are sensitive to speed, strike angle and several other factors that influence the tone of the musical note. Instead of relying on acoustic resonance, electronic drums use triggers located in the pads to “create” or better yet, trigger a sound.
Triggers
In their simplest form, battery triggers are made up of sensors that are very sensitive to vibrations. A bit like electronic guitar sensors, they will allow the slightest vibration resulting from a blow on any of the accessories connected to the modulator. The triggers that are present in the most expensive and sophisticated batteries are more complex.
These most often have several zones or levels of stimulation thanks to the presence of several sensors.
