Electronic drum kits are fantastic for silent practice, but sometimes you want to crank up the volume and feel the impact. That’s where proper amplification comes in. Regular guitar amps or home stereos often don’t cut it because they lack the frequency response needed to accurately reproduce the full range of drum sounds. Finding the right amp can make your electronic kit sound like a real acoustic set, bringing your drumming experience to a whole new level.
Product Overview
- Roland PM-100 Personal Drum Monitor: Compact and affordable, great for small spaces.
- Yamaha MS45DR Electronic Drum Monitor System: A complete stereo system for immersive sound.
- Behringer Ultratone KT108 Keyboard Amplifier: Versatile and budget-friendly, suitable for drums and keys.
- Hartke HD50 1×12″ 50-Watt Bass Combo: Powerful bass response, ideal for low-end frequencies in drums.
- Mackie Thump12A Powered Loudspeaker: High-output and clear sound, perfect for live performances.
Top 5 Best Electronic Drum Amplification
1. Roland PM-100 Personal Drum Monitor
The Roland PM-100 is a compact and affordable personal drum monitor designed specifically for electronic drum kits. It offers a clear and focused sound that’s ideal for practicing at home. This amp is a great entry point into the world of electronic drum amplification.
Pros:
- ✅ Compact and easy to transport
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Dedicated drum monitor EQ
Cons:
- ❌ Limited power for larger spaces
- ❌ Lacks advanced features
- ❌ Can sound a bit boxy at higher volumes
Verdict: A solid choice for beginners or those with limited space who need a simple and effective drum monitor.
2. Yamaha MS45DR Electronic Drum Monitor System
The Yamaha MS45DR is a complete stereo monitor system designed specifically for electronic drums. It includes two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, providing a full and immersive sound experience. It’s like having a mini PA system just for your drums.
Pros:
- ✅ Full stereo sound with subwoofer
- ✅ Designed specifically for electronic drums
- ✅ Easy to set up
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point compared to single monitors
- ❌ More components to set up and manage
- ❌ Subwoofer may be overkill for very small spaces
Verdict: Great for drummers who want a complete, high-quality stereo monitoring solution for their electronic kit.
3. Behringer Ultratone KT108 Keyboard Amplifier
The Behringer Ultratone KT108 is a versatile and budget-friendly keyboard amplifier that also works surprisingly well for electronic drums. While not specifically designed for drums, its wide frequency response makes it a decent option for practice and small gigs. I even used one of these back in college for a tiny jam session and it held its own!
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Versatile for other instruments
- ✅ Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- ❌ Not specifically designed for drums
- ❌ May lack punch for low-end frequencies
- ❌ Limited power for larger venues
Verdict: A good budget option for drummers who need a versatile amp that can also be used for keyboards or other instruments.
4. Hartke HD50 1×12″ 50-Watt Bass Combo
The Hartke HD50 is a bass combo amplifier that delivers a powerful low-end response, making it suitable for amplifying the bass drum and lower frequencies of an electronic drum kit. While unconventional, some drummers prefer bass amps for their ability to reproduce the deep thump of a kick drum. My friend uses one for his Roland kit and it sounds fantastic!
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent bass response
- ✅ Durable construction
- ✅ Good value for the price
Cons:
- ❌ Not specifically designed for drums
- ❌ May not accurately reproduce higher frequencies
- ❌ Can be heavy to transport
Verdict: A solid choice for drummers who prioritize a strong bass response and don’t mind sacrificing some high-end clarity.
5. Mackie Thump12A Powered Loudspeaker
The Mackie Thump12A is a powered loudspeaker that offers high-output and clear sound, making it ideal for live performances or loud practice sessions. Its built-in amplifier and versatile EQ settings allow you to tailor the sound to your specific needs. These are great for when you want to really feel the drums.
Pros:
- ✅ High output for loud volumes
- ✅ Clear and articulate sound
- ✅ Built-in EQ for sound shaping
Cons:
- ❌ Can be overkill for small practice spaces
- ❌ May require additional cables and equipment
- ❌ More expensive than smaller monitors
Verdict: A great option for drummers who need a powerful and versatile amplifier for live performances or loud practice sessions.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right amplification for your electronic drum kit can be tricky. Here are a few things to consider:
- Space: How big is the room where you’ll be playing? A small practice room doesn’t need a high-powered amp.
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? There are great options at all price points.
- Sound: What kind of sound are you looking for? Do you want a balanced sound, or do you prefer a strong bass response?
- Features: Do you need any specific features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, EQ controls, or multiple inputs?
- Portability: Will you be transporting your amp frequently? If so, consider a lightweight and compact option.
Also, consider if you want a dedicated drum amp, or if a keyboard amp or even a small PA system would better suit your needs. Each has its pros and cons, but thinking about how you plan to use it will help you make the best decision.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a guitar amp for my electronic drums?
A: While you can, it’s not ideal. Guitar amps are designed for a specific frequency range and may not accurately reproduce the full range of drum sounds, especially the low-end frequencies of the bass drum.
Q: What’s the difference between a drum amp and a keyboard amp?
A: Drum amps are typically designed to handle the specific frequencies and dynamics of electronic drums, while keyboard amps are designed for a wider range of sounds. However, many keyboard amps can work well for electronic drums, especially if they have a full-range speaker system.
Q: How much power do I need for my drum amp?
A: It depends on the size of the room and how loud you want to play. For small practice spaces, 20-50 watts may be sufficient. For larger spaces or live performances, you may need 100 watts or more.
Q: Do I need a subwoofer for my electronic drums?
A: Not necessarily, but a subwoofer can enhance the low-end frequencies of your drums, especially the bass drum. If you want a more immersive and powerful sound, a subwoofer can be a good addition.
Q: Can I use headphones instead of an amp?
A: Absolutely! Headphones are a great option for silent practice. Just make sure to use headphones that are designed for monitoring and have a wide frequency response.
Conclusion
Choosing the right amplification for your electronic drums can significantly enhance your playing experience. Whether you’re looking for a compact practice amp, a full stereo system, or a powerful loudspeaker for live performances, there’s an option out there to suit your needs and budget. Consider your space, budget, and desired sound when making your decision. And remember, the best amp is the one that sounds best to you!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
