From Beginner Sets to Flagship Models: Our Top 5 E-Drums
Electronic drum are more popular than ever. One major advantage is the ability to practice at home using headphones while keeping the volume low. At the same time, electronic drums can also be used in a wide range of applications in the studio and on stage. The Millenium E-Drum lineup covers everything from compact entry-level kits to large acoustic-style sets with real wood shells. Besides the pads themselves, features like Bluetooth, sample import, or flexible connectivity can make a big difference. In this article, we take a look at our top 5 E-Drums for different needs and budgets.
Our Flagship Model: The MPS-1000
The MPS-1000 is the top model in our lineup. With real wood shells in authentic sizes and cymbal pads with up to three playing zones and 360° triggering, it comes very close to the feel of an acoustic drum set. The drum kit offers 800 different sounds, making it our most versatile kit.
An important feature of the sound module is the eight direct outputs for individual drums and cymbals, which make the MPS-1000 ideal for larger stages as well as multitrack recording in a studio or rehearsal space. Another highlight is sample import, which allows you to load your own sounds without having a computer connected. Bluetooth connectivity is included as well, so you can play along with songs on your smartphone. For players who prefer classic rock setups, a 1-up/2-down configuration is also available in different finishes.
A Step Below the Flagship: The MPS-750X PRO
In terms of realism and playing feel, the MPS-750X PRO comes very close to the MPS-1000. It also features full-size real wood shells and uses the same high-quality cymbal pads as our flagship model. The main differences in configuration are a slightly smaller bass drum and only one crash cymbal instead of two.
When it comes to sounds, the MPS-750X PRO is not quite as extensive as the MPS-1000, but with close to 700 individual instruments it still offers a wide range of sounds. With a single stereo-out plus headphones, the kit is better suited for rehearsal spaces or home use rather than large stages. In the studio, however, USB-MIDI makes it a useful option for working with drum software. Bluetooth connectivity for playing along with music from a smartphone is included as well, but the kit does not offer sample import.
A Large-Scale Pad-Setup: The MPS-850
For players who can do without real wood shells, the MPS-850 offers the most extensive drum pad setup in our lineup. Compared to the configuration of the MPS-750X PRO, it adds an extra tom and crash cymbal while still being considerably more affordable. The movable hi-hat on a real stand is an important feature, offering a more authentic playing feel than a fixed pad with a controller pedal. Like on the larger models mentioned before, the cymbals have up to three playing zones. However, 360° triggering around the entire cymbal is not available.
The MPS-850’s sound module provides 550 sounds, which is still a lot, but as one of the older models in this lineup, it does not include Bluetooth connectivity. In return, it offers sample import functionality, similar to the MPS-1000. While the MPS-850 stands out with its large number of pads, it is worth noting that both the MPS-1000 and the MPS-750X PRO offer a similar level of expandability, whereas the MPS-850 already makes full use of all available options.
Entry-Level Kit with Mid-Range Specs: The MPS-350
The MPS-350 is our newest beginner kit and has quickly made its way into our Top 5 lineup. The kit is compact enough to fit into many smaller rooms, yet not too small for serious practice sessions. The MPS-350 includes several features usually found on more expensive kits, such as a free-standing kick pad and dual-zone pads for snare, ride and crash. The selection of 500 individual instruments is impressive for its price range. The small kit even offers Bluetooth connectivity, going beyond the larger MPS-450 in this respect.
For Kids: The Rookie E-Drum Set
The Rookie e-drum set is designed for the youngest drummers and offers a playful way to get started in the world of drumming. This ultra-compact kit comes in a full drum set configuration with everything needed to get your kid going – including a drum throne and headphones.
At this extremely affordable price point, bass drum and hi-hat are controlled via simple controller pedals, and all pads feature only one playing zone. Still, the snare and tom pads are fitted with mesh heads throughout, offering a noticeably better playing feel compared to rubber pads. Naturally, realism is lower than on larger models, but the Rookie kit is clearly more than just a toy.