Electronic drums are very popular for quiet practice on this instrument. However, continuous advances in technology have made electronic drums an excellent choice for live performance. The bassist and guitarist in the band are probably familiar with using speakers and amplifiers, but if you're new to electronic drums, a sound system can be a bit intimidating. Choose a combination of speakers and amplifiers to start. Then organize your gear, connect everything, and test the sound. In no time you'll be playing amazing solos on your electronic drums!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Buying a sound system
Step 1. Research the recommended speaker combinations
Most electronic drum manufacturers also make speakers and amplifiers. If possible, buy specialized equipment for electronic drum amplification from the same manufacturer. The amplification equipment will be optimized for that type of drum set. However, many people also use equipment from several different manufacturers with no problems.
- Review the sound equipment specification requirements to make sure the battery is compatible.
- Bass and guitar rigs can work, but a drum amp kit is the best option. Specialized amplifiers and speakers will be able to amplify the low sounds of the drums better than other equipment.
Step 2. Choose a passive speaker and amplifier combination
Passive speakers are speakers that require an amplifier to create sound. Amplifiers are small boxes with sound settings that feed the sound signal to the speakers. If you are going to use the drums professionally, it may be better to buy a combination of passive speaker and amplifier for better sound control.
- Check the amp and speaker specifications before purchasing to make sure they are compatible with each other.
- If possible, buy an amplifier and speaker that are from the same manufacturer. In this way you will avoid incompatibility problems.
Step 3. Choose a powered speaker
Powered speakers are a great option for amateur musicians because they have a built-in amplifier. There will be less equipment to mount and transport and fewer cables to service. Plus, you won't have to worry about adjusting the amp settings to get a good sound.
These speakers are sometimes called "active" speakers. However, this term actually refers to internal wiring and does not mean the same thing
Part 2 of 3: Install the sound system
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
Organize equipment on stage or in practice space before plugging in anything. Move the speakers to the left and right of the stage to avoid sound interference with any microphone.
Do not plug anything into a power source until all equipment is connected via cables
Step 2. Find the battery module's output connector
Locate the drum module. This is the "brain" of the drum kit that allows you to modify sounds, change settings, and turn the battery on and off. Look around the module for the word "output" or "output". This is where you will connect the battery to the speaker.
- Sometimes the output jack says "output / headphones".
- Most output connectors carry 6.35 mm (¼ inch) cables. However, if your output jack is a different size, buy a converter that allows you to use 6.35mm (¼ inch) cables.
Step 3. Connect the drum module to the speakers
Use long 6.35mm (¼ inch) cables. First, connect one end of the cable to the battery output connector and the other end to the amplifier input connector. Then use another cable to connect the amplifier output and the speaker input.
- If you are using an active speaker, use 6.35 mm (¼ inch) cable between the drum module's output connector and the speaker's input connector.
- Make sure the cable has enough slack. If the cable is taut, both you and another bandmate could trip over it and damage the equipment.
Step 4. Test the sound
Lower all volumes to zero. Then connect the system components to a power source and turn everything on. Turn up the sound little by little while testing the drums to find the perfect sound level.
The sound can be adjusted from the drum module, the speakers or the amplifier
Part 3 of 3: Improve the sound
Step 1. Adjust the settings from the drum module
Most drum modules allow you to control the different sounds that the drums create. You can modify the volume of the low and high notes or change the timbre of the notes by "switching" the drums. Cycle through different drum types to mimic a variety of popular high-end acoustic sets.
- If you have an inexpensive electronic drum kit, these features may not be available.
- If you still don't like the sound of the drum kit, consider upgrading the drum module. Purchase a higher quality version from the same brand to replace the old module.
Step 2. Use an audio mixer
Most bands have an audio mixer to help them adjust the quality of their music. However, some traditional mixing consoles cannot handle the low tones of an electronic drum kit. If you notice that the lower notes of the drums sound muffled or if the band's mixer runs out of input space, consider using your own specialized sound mixer.
- If you don't use a lot of cymbal sounds when playing, a line mixer will work just fine. Otherwise, choose a good quality mic and line mixer.
- You can buy these mixers at specialty music stores, online, or at thrift stores.
Step 3. Adjust the bass and treble controls on the amp
If you find that the lower notes of the drums sound dull and lifeless, try adjusting the bass and treble controls on the amp. Raise them to amplify lower notes and lower them to make lower notes less loud.