Electronic Drums at Live Gigs: Does It Make Sense?
In recent years, electronic drums have come much closer to the feel and response of acoustic kits. Yet, spotting an e-kit on stage is still pretty unusual. Most drummers want the raw feel and sound of acoustic drums and cymbals for live performances. But does this mean e-drums are just for home practice? Not at all! Here are some solid reasons to take an e-kit to the stage.
Volume Control
Electronic drums offer the obvious benefit of controlled volume. Aside from the pad noise, e-drums produce no direct sound, making them ideal for small stages or venues with volume restrictions. They’re also useful at mixed-focus events where music isn’t the main attraction, like in theaters, churches, or TV studios. Not to forget: Lower stage volume can feel very comfortable for musicians too.
Variety of Sounds
An acoustic kit gives you only the sounds you bring along. With an e-kit, though, your options are nearly limitless – especially with a kit like the Millenium MPS-1000, which allows you to import your own samples. If you only need a few electronic sounds, you might opt for a hybrid setup, adding a sample pad like the Millenium NonaPad to your acoustic kit. Full electronic kits are a great choice for varied sound needs or electronic music styles.
Better Mixability
E-drums offer more than just overall volume control – they also let you adjust the levels of individual kit pieces. For instance, if cymbals are overpowering in a small space, you can easily lower them in the mix. This option really shines when pairing rock drums with naturally quieter instruments like strings. Even with a drum shield, acoustic drums often bleed into other mics, complicating the mix. With electronic drums you won’t have any problems of that kind. It goes without saying that you don’t need any microphones either.
Playing Feel
Yes, you read that right! Of course, acoustic drums usually offer the better playing feel. They are the real thing. But there are exceptions: If you’ve ever had to play a high energy rock show at whisper-quiet volume, you know the feeling of constantly having to hold back. Electronic drums let you play with full energy, which will definitely resonate with the crowd.
Our Top Pick for the Stage
For bigger stages, the Millenium MPS-1000 is a clear winner. With its multiple outputs, it gives full control to the FOH sound engineer. However, smaller setups like the MPS-750X PRO, which offer only one stereo output, can still handle a smaller gig. In this case, you can control the mix right from the module.
