Home » Music » 10 BEST Amps & Monitors for Electronic Drums [With Pros & Cons]

10 BEST Amps & Monitors for Electronic Drums [With Pros & Cons]

Performer Life is supported by its readers. If you buy something with our links, we may earn a commission.

The invention of the electronic drum set in the early 1970s by Graeme Edge remains one of the most amazing inventions in modern music technology. Electronic drums have so many advantages over their acoustic counterparts. 

One of the most apparent advantages is that a typical electronic drum set has hundreds of drum tones and effects. This makes it a hundred times more versatile than acoustic drums. 

Also, unlike acoustic drums, you won’t need to bother about buying microphones to capture the different drum kits. This makes things a lot easier—financially and technically. 

Setting up an acoustic space and purchasing the right microphones for acoustic drums demands not just much money but great technique and years of experience and education in audio engineering. 

Sounds intimidating, right? Yes, it is really intimidating. But the electronic drums just make it a lot easier. Also, you will not need to bother about disturbing your neighbor should you decide to rehearse or even record late at night. 

With electronic drums, all you need to do is plug in your headsets and jam on! But, it won’t always be this way.

Sometimes you might need to use an amplifier. Assume you are rehearsing with a band. Everyone will need to hear you and headphones won’t cut it. 

Getting the best amp for your electronic drum shouldn’t be such a hassle. It should be a fun and easy process.

That is why we have taken the time to list the best amps for your electronic drum sets in this article. All you have to do is read on! 

10 Best Amplifiers for Electronic Drums 

  1. KAT Percussion KA1
  2. Ddrum DDA-50
  3. Donner DA-35
  4. Alesis Strike 8 
  5. Alesis Strike 12
  6. Roland PM100
  7. Roland PM-200
  8. Electro-Voice ELX200
  9. Laney DH80 DrumHUB
  10. Carlsbro EDA 30

Review of 10 Best Amps for Electronic Drums

KAT Percussion KA1

KAT Percussion KA1

The KAT Percussion KA1 is an electronic drum amplifier for electronic drum kits. The quick and simple way to expand any configuration is with the KAT ktmp1. 

This single module provides electronic drum, dancing, and percussion sounds at your fingertips and is playable with both hands or sticks.

The amp also comes with 4 pads. The Four incredibly responsive pads can assign sounds to and adjust their tuning and panning. 

Reverb, sensitivity, and volume control can also be adjusted to mold each sound to meet your requirements precisely.

It has a 10-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter and is powered by 50 watts. It includes three channels: one for a drum module, one for a microphone, and one for an MP3 player or other external audio source.

Some of its other features include:

  • Weighing 37.1 pounds.
  • Has 3 band EQ
  • Sources can be connected through three 0.25 inputs.
  • Wide handle for simple portability 
  • Input for external audio players
  • Long-lasting build
  • The product dimensions are 19 x 19.3 x 19.7 inches
Pros Cons
Easy to setup and transportIt may not be powerful for outdoor and large-venue performances
Build is durableLacks build in effects
Delivers plenty of volumesPricey

Ddrum DDA-50

Ddrum DDA-50

The Ddrum DDA-50 is a drum amplifier intended for use with electronic drum kits. Ddrum-50 has a 10-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter powered by 50 watts. 

The amp also contains two channels, one for a drum module and the other for an external audio source like an MP3 player or a smartphone. 

The DDA-50 also has an auxiliary input, a headphone jack, and a line-out for connecting to a larger sound system.

The amplifier is built to last, featuring a metal grill and corner protection. DDA-50 is a huge, sturdy amp designed to last and withstand a few knocks. The phrase “road ready” is frequently used in its reference.

It is made of heavy-duty fiberboard, features a metal grille at the front, and has a very useful wedge-shaped monitor design. Amp weighs 33 pounds.

The DDA-50 amp is an excellent option for drummers seeking a low-cost, dependable amplifier for their electronic drum kit.

Pros Cons
Quality built-in featuresHeavy compared to other amplifiers
Quality sound

Donner DA-35

Donner Electric Drum AMP 35-Watt Electronic Drum Amplifier DDA-35 Keyboard Speaker with Aux in and Wireless Audio Connection, Drum/Keyboard/MIC 3 in 1 Amplifier with 3-Band EQ and DI Out
  • 【Equipped with 2 Speakers】35-Watt Drum Amplifier that with TWO Speakers(LF:8-inch woofer, HF:2.5-inch tweeter, Impedance: 4 ohms ) provides rich tone with intuitive controls.1/4″DI Out:Audio output port, which can be connected to other speakers through audio cable to provide audio input to other speakers.
  • 【Unique-Design for Electronic Drums】Use for Electric Drum practice, street performance, karaoke with friends, band performance, outdoors playing.Frequency response ranges from 20 to 20KHZ.Musical instrument input which can be connected to ‘electronic drum’, ‘keyboard’, etc.
  • 【Multi-function Wireless Control Button】High-Efficiency and Super Durability.Extremely versatile 2-channel Drum amplifier.two inputs with separate volume control for each channel.Controls: 2-Volume, Treble,Middle, Bass.AUX-Volume,Wireless audio connection.
  • 【2 Channels】Two 1/4″ Instrument Input, 3-Band EQ, 1/8″ Auxiliary Input Jack for Jam-Along with Media Player or CD, 1/8″ Headphone Output Jack for Silent Practice.DI output port for external active speakers.Audio output port, which can be connected to other speakers through audio cable to provide audio input to other speakers.

The Donner DDA-35 amplifier is listed as one of the best amps in town. DDA-35 is a drum and keyboard amplifier. As a drum amp; it has a power rating of 35 watts 

DDA-35 drum amp may not be loud enough for most gigs, but it should suffice for more intimate ones, such as a jam session in the living room. This is intended for practice and home use.

Even though the woofer is tiny, it has a flat, balanced sound that you can shape with its built-in 3-band EQ. But, the low end is much deeper.

While most drum amps only come with the power cord, Donner decided to give you one less thing to worry about by including the small but welcome cable to connect to your e-drums.

The DDA-35 amp is designed for versatility with its Bluetooth mode for music streaming and DI out for connecting to external active speakers or PA systems.

Pros

  • Has a 2-channel amp
  • High-quality E-drum sound
  • Comes with a Bluetooth compartment
  • Easily portable
  • Uses low watts compared to other amps

Cons

  • Has low volume
Pros Cons
Has a 2-channel ampHas low volume
High-quality E-drum sound
Comes with a Bluetooth compartment
Easily portable
Uses low watts compared to other amps

Alesis Strike 8

Alesis Strike 8

Being one of the best electric drum amps, Alesis Strike Amp 8 is intended to give any electronic drumming setup punch and clarity. The speaker has enough amp headroom for any practice or performance setting.

The Strike Amp 8 is the ideal practice partner, with a woofer that has been finely tuned and a built-in mixer. 

Alexis Strike 8 comes with 2000 watts of peak output, providing enough headroom for any performance or practice environment while delivering clarity and punch.

The 8-inch low-frequency driver is a powerful addition that gives the kickdrum a lot of “kick.”

The computer-optimized waveguide of its high-frequency compression driver transmits all the sparkle and snap of your snare drum and cymbals.

Some of its features include:

  •  Uses a power of 1000 Watts
  •  Has a Frequency response of 62 – 20000 Hz
  • XLR link output
  • Has a dimension of 434 x 256 x 245 mm
  •  Weighs about 9.2 kg
  • 2 XLR/jack combination inputs
Pros Cons
A durable metal drum and clampsExpensive
Has a MIDI connectivityHas no hi-hat stand
Has 3-zone customized cymbals
Has a versatile sound module

Alesis Strike 12

Alesis Strike 12

Alesis’ Strike Amp 12 is a drumming speaker with a 12-power woofer. It can offer explosive bi-amplified power to an Alesis electronic drum set for use on stage, in the theatre, or in the recording studio.

Coming with 2 XLR-1/4 connectors “TRS combination inputs, each with its volume control and clip indicator. An EQ switch and a ground-lift switch allow you to regulate your sound and minimize unwanted noise. 

Alexis Strike 12 is a ruggedly manufactured and designed amplifier with a stylish aesthetic and adaptable tilt-back cabinet design that can also be pole mounted.

It has the following features:

  • -=/-=2000W of power helps push drums above the mix while playing. 
  • Use the EQ switch to control sound
  • The lightweight unit is ideal for traveling to gigs.
  • Use the ground lift to prevent unwanted hum and noise.
  • 12-inch woofer creates a massive booming sound
Pros Cons
Enough projection to utilize on a stageEQ limited options
Sharp highs and good middle clarityExpensive
Positioning flexibility and high-quality construction
12″ woofer provides powerful bass

Roland PM100

Roland PM100

For drummers that need a high-quality audio monitoring solution for live performances, rehearsals, or studio sessions, Roland created the PM100 personal drum monitor. 

It has a 2-inch tweeter and a 10-inch speaker, both specially made to produce a clean, powerful sound with an accurate frequency response. The PM100’s 80 watts adequately manage a drum kit’s volume and dynamics. 

Also, the Ronald PM 100 amplifier can connect various audio sources, including a drum module, an electronic drum set, or an audio playback device, to it thanks to its three input channels.

PM100 has a built-in mixer that enables you to regulate the volume and tone of each input channel individually. It has a 3-band EQ and a reverb effect that you can use to give your drum sound depth and atmosphere.

The PM100 is portable and light, making setup and transportation simple. It boasts a tough build that can handle the demands of traveling and live performances. 

However, the amp does not have Bluetooth connectivity and a limited 2-band EQ. Overall, drummers looking for a premium, adaptable, and portable drum monitor should strongly consider the Roland PM100.

Roland PM-200

Roland PM-200

The Roland PM-200 is a high-end, all-in-one monitor used with V-Drums electronic musical instruments. It has an 80W full-range audio system that powers a proprietary 10″ woofer and a horn-loaded tweeter.

The PM-200 is the optimum monitoring option for Roland’s V-Drums, providing rich, dynamic sound in a compact design. 

The PM-200, which has 180 watts of power, has a bespoke full-range speaker system and a durable cabinet carefully designed to replicate the highly expressive V-Drums sound and response.

Plus, with integrated mixing and direct output, connecting to other devices at home or on stage is simple. The PM-200 offers rich, dramatic sound in a small package, making it the ideal monitoring alternative for Roland’s V-Drums. 

Ronald PM-200 has a unique full-range speaker system that has been fitted with a sturdy cabinet. Also, connecting to other devices at home or on stage is simple, thanks to integrated mixing and direct output.

Pros Cons
High-quality soundExpensive
Easy to useHas no EQ control
Lightweight hence easily compatible

Electro-Voice ELX200

Electro-Voice ELX200

One of the top producers of professional audio equipment, Electro-Voice, has a loudspeaker with the model number ELX200-12.

For usage in live sound reinforcement applications, such as concerts, DJ performances, and corporate events, the ELX200-12 is a 12-inch, two-way passive loudspeaker.

The 12″ woofer’s built-in 1200-watt Class D amplifier enables it to produce sound at decibel levels of up to 129 dB 

The frequency response range of the ELX200-12 is 50 Hz to 20 kHz, and its ELX200-12SP powered subwoofer will produce many strong basses to get the crowd dancing at a party, play, or nightclub.

It has a plywood enclosure that is lightweight and strong, a high-output compression driver, and a specially-made woofer for low-frequency reproduction.

Also, a ported hardwood enclosure keeps the bottom notes sounding smooth and controlled, never becoming bone-rattlingly loud. 

The ELX200-12 also has several performance-enhancing features, such as an innovative waveguide for better dispersion and clarity, a precisely crafted crossover, premium components, and other features.

The ELX200-12 is an amazing and adaptable loudspeaker that provides outstanding performance and value for various live sound applications.

Pros Cons
High-quality soundHas a limited frequency response
LightweightNot suitable for large venues
Advanced waveguideRequires a separate amp to power it

Laney DH80 DrumHUB

Laney DH80 DrumHUB

The DH80 produces a wide range of electronic percussion sounds wherever you choose to use it, whether at home, in the classroom, or elsewhere.

With its wide range of connection possibilities, the DH80 demonstrates its vast versatility and modern equipment.

Two distinct channels, each with a big and small jack socket and its volume control, enable the simultaneous connection of two e-drums, making it perfect for music teachers. You can connect your audio equipment via an AUX input.

Bluetooth can be used to wirelessly stream music to the DH80 If a compatible cable is unavailable.

The two rotary switches for bass and treble can be used to adjust the tone. Moreover, the XLR DI output provides the ability to control other sounds.

Pros Cons
Easily portableLimited power
Has a built-in mixerNot suitable for all genres
Dedicated drum monitorHas no built-in effects

Carlsbro EDA 30

Carlsbro EDA 30

The Carlsbro EDA 30 is a small electronic drum amplifier for electric drums. It has a 30-watt power supply, a 10-inch coaxial speaker, and a variety of inputs and outputs for connecting to your drum set and other audio gear.

The EDA 30 contains a Master Volume control and a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, and Treble) that allows you to customize the sound.

Also, it contains an auxiliary input for connecting an external audio device, such as an MP3 player or phone, and a headphone output for solitary practice.

A variety of inputs and outputs are available on the EDA 30’s rear panel, including a line input for connecting your drum module, a footswitch input for managing specific amplifier functions, a line output for connecting to a mixing desk or recording interface, and a speaker output for attaching an additional speaker.

Pros Cons
Has 3 band EQ controlHas a low power rating
Expensive

Can You Use Any Amp for Electronic Drums?

Yes. Electronic drums can be amplified with guitar amps, but the sound quality could be better, and far better solutions are available. 

Here’s why: Electric guitars create sound in a very small band of mid- to high-frequency range between 80 and 1200 Hz; hence guitar amps are made particularly for them. 

This range is rather broad but not nearly as broad as a drum set, where the bass drum can be as low as 30 Hz, and the cymbals can be as high as 18,000 Hz. 

Guitar amps are intended to optimize certain frequencies, which helps to improve the sound qualities of a typical electric guitar.

It implies the bass drum’s low notes won’t sound nice when played via a guitar amplifier.

The sound of the cymbals won’t even come close to what it should sound like, and they may even harm the guitar amplifier by blowing the speaker. 

However, you’ll be happy to learn that you can use your bass guitar amp to play your electronic drum if you’re fortunate enough to have one. 

These amps have comparable sound requirements since they both create low-octave tones. 

As a result, your bass guitar amp usually has the exact sound quality needed to match the low equality pitch of an electronic drum. 

However, ensure you know the settings that will give you a good sound. In general, playing electronic drums shouldn’t be done with guitar amps or amps made for other instruments. 

Most guitar amps create relatively poor-quality drum sounds, which can frequently cause the amp to wear out rapidly. We advise purchasing a drum amp made exclusively for electric drums.

Tips to Make Your Electronic Drum Amp Sound Better

Acoustic drums can be effectively substituted with electronic drums. They can sound almost any way you want them to, which is one of the key reasons. And with just a simple flip of a knob, you can instantaneously modify the sound. 

How, then, do you improve the sound of electronic drums if you need to obtain the sounds you want?

User Kit

The majority of modules will include between 10 and 50 factory-programmed kits in total. 

These kits’ constituent components are interchangeable, making tasks like changing the snare drum’s sound relatively simple. 

Most modules also have “user kit” space, giving you an entirely blank slate to design completely unique kits.

Modifying the Sounds in Your Modules

As you might expect, the drum module itself has a significant impact on how your electronic drums sound and has the potential to improve that sound. 

Your drum module will contain options to change the in-built drum sounds unless you have one of the most basic drum kits. 

It may range from adding effects like reverb to giving your drums the impression that they are in a huge concert hall or a small room, and it can even become more specific about the exact settings for each piece of your kit.

Improve the Drum Module

The pads and hardware are only how the sounds are produced; thus, there are more obvious approaches to improving an electronic kit than changing them. 

Instead, you should try to improve the module, which is the source of such sounds or the system’s “brain.” 

Electronic drum kits are always included with modules, although their quality will vary according to their pricing, usability, and utility. 

Upgrade your module to get better sounds out of your electronic drum kit. The module may make the difference between a kit that sounds excellent and one that doesn’t, as long as the pads on your drum set are reasonably responsive and enjoyable to play.

A kit’s ability to sound contemporary with modern samples or to be ready for the studio or stage might depend on the module. 

If you are still looking for more than how your kit feels right now, this might be a pricey process that is well worth it.

Control Your Blends and Timbre

Using 3rd party software such as Sensory Percussion, you may instruct the system to detect up to 10 zones for each of your drums. 

The electronic sounds allocated to those zones can then be “blended” so that they react to your playing appropriately. 

Assigning an 808 kick sound to the middle of your drum and an 808 snare sound to the edge, for instance, will mix the zones such that when you play the drum from the center to the edge, the electronic sounds will react just like an acoustic drum would.

Shape Your Sound With EQ

Shaping the sound of electric drums with EQ is an important part of the mixing process, as it can help bring out the desired tonal characteristics of each drum sound. 

When shaping the sound of electric drums with EQ, start with a flat EQ and listen to each drum sound individually. 

Cut unwanted frequencies, boost desired frequencies, and use a shelf EQ for cymbals. Use EQ to create separation between the different drum sounds, but be careful not to remove any important frequencies. 

Always use your ears to make adjustments, and remember that every mix is different.

Experiment With the Room’s Acoustics

The sound of your electronic drum amp may be significantly influenced by the room’s acoustics in which you are performing. 

Try various room configurations, acoustic treatments, or performing in other locations to get the ideal sound for your playing style. 

Utilize Good Cables

A cleaner and crisper sound may be achieved by using high-quality cables to assist in eliminating interference and noise in your signal chain.

Change the Sensitivity

Create a more dynamic and nuanced sound by changing the sensitivity of your electronic drums. Experiment with various sensitivity levels to discover the ideal balance for your playing style.

Conclusion

Electric amp drums can take a player to a top-notch level while playing live or with a band. Its unique requirements, financial constraints, and personal preferences will determine the ideal amplifier for your electronic drums.

A player can select an amplifier for their electronic drums that offers the strength, clarity, and adaptability that is needed to maximize a player’s drumming experience.

It’s very critical to select an amplifier with the required inputs and outputs for your setup and power and clarity for your drum kit.