What is the thickness of the Aquarian Performance II Power Dot?

The head is constructed using two plies of 7mil film. This results in a total thickness of 14mil, providing high durability and a focused sound profile.

What is the purpose of the Power Dot?

The Power Dot is a circular reinforcement fitted to the top of the head. It adds extra durability for heavy hitters and helps control overtones for a punchier sound.

How does the Vacuum Process affect the drum head?

The Vacuum Process removes air bubbles and wrinkles between the two plies. This ensures the plies act as a single unit, improving tuning consistency and response.

Can I use this 14-inch head on a snare drum?

Yes, it can be used on any 14-inch snare drum. It is particularly effective for drummers seeking a dry, deep 'fat' snare sound with reduced ring.

What musical genres is this head best suited for?

It is designed for classic rock and roll and other high-energy genres. The low-end punch and durability make it ideal for styles that require heavy hitting and deep tones.

Does this head work well at high tension?

While it can be tuned high, it is specifically designed for loose or low tuning. Low tuning maximizes the head's intended tonal depth and 'thud'.

Is this head available in other sizes?

Yes, Aquarian manufactures the Performance II series in a wide range of sizes to fit standard drum kits. The 14-inch model is common for floor toms and snares.

What is the difference between the clear and coated versions?

The clear version offers more attack and brightness. The coated version provides a slightly warmer tone and is more suitable for brush work, though both share the same two-ply construction.

How much does the Aquarian Performance II 14-inch head typically cost?

In the UK market, this drum head typically retails for approximately £29.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.

Does the Power Dot affect the feel of the stick?

The Power Dot adds a slight amount of density to the centre of the head. This provides a solid feel and a slightly emphasized attack when striking the middle of the drum.

How does it compare to a single-ply head?

Compared to single-ply heads, the Performance II is much more durable and has significantly less sustain. It produces a deeper, more controlled sound suited for rock.

Will this head fit any 14-inch drum?

It is designed to fit standard 14-inch drum hoops. This includes most 14-inch floor toms, rack toms, and snare drums from major manufacturers.

Gear article

Aquarian Performance II Power Dot 14-inch Drum Head

The Aquarian Performance II Power Dot 14 is a professional-grade, two-ply drum head designed specifically for low tuning and high durability. Constructed from two layers of 7mil film, it features a central Power Dot to enhance longevity and focus the sound, making it a standard choice for rock and heavy hitters.

See live prices

Overview

The Aquarian Performance II Power Dot is a 14-inch drum head engineered for drummers who require a deep, punchy tone without sacrificing durability. It is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, providing a thick and resilient striking surface. This specific model includes a Power Dot reinforcement on the top side, which serves to further increase the head's lifespan and control unwanted overtones. While primarily marketed as a tom head, its 14-inch diameter allows it to be used effectively on floor toms or as a heavy-duty snare drum batter head.

Vacuum Process Technology

A defining technical feature of the Performance II series is Aquarian's proprietary 'Vacuum Process'. During manufacturing, this process ensures that air bubbles and wrinkles are completely eliminated from the space between the two 7mil plies. This results in a more uniform vibration across the entire surface of the head. By removing trapped air, the head achieves a more consistent response and improved sensitivity, even when tuned to very low tensions.

Tonal Character and Performance

These heads are specifically designed for loose tuning, which brings out a 'fat' and deep tonal profile often associated with classic rock and roll recordings. The two-ply construction naturally dampens higher frequencies, providing a focused sound with a significant emphasis on the low-end punch. The addition of the Power Dot adds a slight amount of attack and further dries out the sustain, making it ideal for high-volume environments where clarity and depth are prioritized over resonance.

Applications and Versatility

The 14-inch version is highly versatile within a drum kit setup. It is most commonly applied to 14-inch floor toms to achieve a growling, deep resonance. However, for drummers who prefer a dry, 'thuddy' snare sound with minimal ring, it serves as a robust batter head choice. The head is available in both clear and coated versions, allowing drummers to choose between the brighter, more aggressive attack of the clear film or the slightly warmer, muffled character of a coated finish.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Performance II Power Dot?: The head is constructed using two plies of 7mil film. This results in a total thickness of 14mil, providing high durability and a focused sound profile.
What is the purpose of the Power Dot?: The Power Dot is a circular reinforcement fitted to the top of the head. It adds extra durability for heavy hitters and helps control overtones for a punchier sound.
How does the Vacuum Process affect the drum head?: The Vacuum Process removes air bubbles and wrinkles between the two plies. This ensures the plies act as a single unit, improving tuning consistency and response.
Can I use this 14-inch head on a snare drum?: Yes, it can be used on any 14-inch snare drum. It is particularly effective for drummers seeking a dry, deep 'fat' snare sound with reduced ring.
What musical genres is this head best suited for?: It is designed for classic rock and roll and other high-energy genres. The low-end punch and durability make it ideal for styles that require heavy hitting and deep tones.
Does this head work well at high tension?: While it can be tuned high, it is specifically designed for loose or low tuning. Low tuning maximizes the head's intended tonal depth and 'thud'.
Is this head available in other sizes?: Yes, Aquarian manufactures the Performance II series in a wide range of sizes to fit standard drum kits. The 14-inch model is common for floor toms and snares.
What is the difference between the clear and coated versions?: The clear version offers more attack and brightness. The coated version provides a slightly warmer tone and is more suitable for brush work, though both share the same two-ply construction.
How much does the Aquarian Performance II 14-inch head typically cost?: In the UK market, this drum head typically retails for approximately £29.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.
Does the Power Dot affect the feel of the stick?: The Power Dot adds a slight amount of density to the centre of the head. This provides a solid feel and a slightly emphasized attack when striking the middle of the drum.
How does it compare to a single-ply head?: Compared to single-ply heads, the Performance II is much more durable and has significantly less sustain. It produces a deeper, more controlled sound suited for rock.
Will this head fit any 14-inch drum?: It is designed to fit standard 14-inch drum hoops. This includes most 14-inch floor toms, rack toms, and snare drums from major manufacturers.