What is the thickness of the Aquarian Regulator head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of medium-weight 10mil film, which provides a balance of resonance and durability.

Does this head come with a pre-cut port hole?

Yes, the head features a factory-cut 4.75-inch offset port hole for microphone access and air relief.

What is the Floating Muffling System?

It is a patented internal felt muffling ring that moves with the head to suppress overtones while allowing the primary resonant tone to remain prominent.

Can I use this on any 20-inch bass drum?

Yes, it is designed to fit any standard 20-inch bass drum regardless of the manufacturer or shell material.

Which batter heads are recommended for use with the Regulator?

Aquarian recommends pairing this resonant head with their Super-Kick or Impact series batter heads for the best acoustic results.

Is this head suitable for recording?

Yes, the built-in muffling and the offset port hole make it ideal for studio environments where controlled overtones and easy mic placement are required.

How does the port hole affect the feel of the drum?

The 4.75-inch port allows air to escape the drum faster, which typically results in a faster rebound and less 'kickback' on the batter head pedal.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The typical retail price for the 20-inch Aquarian Regulator is approximately £45.

Does the muffling ring require any adhesive or maintenance?

No, the Floating Muffling System is a permanent, patented part of the head's construction and requires no adjustment from the user.

Is the Regulator head available in different sizes?

While this specific model is 20 inches, the Regulator series is manufactured in various sizes to fit different bass drum diameters.

Is this a clear or coated drum head?

This specific Regulator model is a resonant head designed to provide a specific visual and sonic profile, typically featuring the internal muffling visible through the port.

How does the Regulator compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Regulator is a modern, single-ply 10mil head with a port, whereas the Calftone is designed for a vintage look and warmer, more traditional sound.

Gear article

Aquarian Regulator 20" Resonant Ported Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Regulator is a 20-inch resonant bass drum head designed to provide a controlled, punchy low-end response through a single-ply 10mil construction. It features a patented Floating Muffling System and an offset 4.75-inch port hole to facilitate microphone placement and air displacement.

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Overview and Design

The Aquarian Regulator is a medium-weight resonant head designed specifically for 20-inch bass drums. Constructed from a single ply of 10mil film, it balances durability with sensitivity. The primary design objective of the Regulator series is to provide a pre-dampened resonant sound that eliminates the need for internal pillows or external blankets, allowing the drum to look clean while maintaining a professional studio sound.

Central to its performance is the pre-cut 4.75-inch offset port hole. This feature serves two purposes: it allows for convenient microphone placement during live performances or recording sessions, and it provides specific air relief that affects the rebound feel of the batter head.

Floating Muffling System

The Regulator series incorporates Aquarian's patented Floating Muffling System. Unlike traditional muffling that is glued flat to the head, this system involves a felt ring attached to the backside of the drumhead that moves in tandem with the vibration of the film.

This design allows the head to produce a dominating resonant tone while simultaneously suppressing unwanted high-frequency overtones. By dampening the head at the source of the vibration, it focuses the low-end frequencies, resulting in a "punchier" sound that sits well in a mix.

Sound Character and Versatility

The sonic profile of the Regulator is defined by its controlled decay and enhanced low-end punch. Because it is designed to work as a system, it is frequently paired with Aquarian’s Super-Kick or Impact series batter heads to create a cohesive bass drum sound.

Though highly controlled, the head is noted for its versatility. It is adaptable to various genres, from rock and pop where a dry, focused thud is required, to jazz or fusion where a slightly more resonant but still controlled tone is preferred. The 10mil thickness ensures that the head retains enough resonance to feel "musical" rather than just a percussive click.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional resonant heads, the Regulator occupies a specific niche of "plug-and-play" convenience.

Evans EQ3 Resonant: The EQ3 (often 20") is a comparable double-ply head, whereas the Regulator uses a single-ply 10mil film to maintain more brightness and vibration.
Remo Silentstroke: While products like the Remo Silentstroke 16" are designed for volume reduction, the Regulator is a full-volume performance head.
Evans 56 Calftone: The Calftone series (available in 18" or 26") offers a vintage aesthetic and warmer, darker tone compared to the modern, focused punch of the Aquarian Regulator.
Attack ProFlex1: The Attack 24" ProFlex1 offers a no-overtone clear design, but lacks the specific Floating Muffling System found in the Aquarian.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Regulator head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of medium-weight 10mil film, which provides a balance of resonance and durability.
Does this head come with a pre-cut port hole?: Yes, the head features a factory-cut 4.75-inch offset port hole for microphone access and air relief.
What is the Floating Muffling System?: It is a patented internal felt muffling ring that moves with the head to suppress overtones while allowing the primary resonant tone to remain prominent.
Can I use this on any 20-inch bass drum?: Yes, it is designed to fit any standard 20-inch bass drum regardless of the manufacturer or shell material.
Which batter heads are recommended for use with the Regulator?: Aquarian recommends pairing this resonant head with their Super-Kick or Impact series batter heads for the best acoustic results.
Is this head suitable for recording?: Yes, the built-in muffling and the offset port hole make it ideal for studio environments where controlled overtones and easy mic placement are required.
How does the port hole affect the feel of the drum?: The 4.75-inch port allows air to escape the drum faster, which typically results in a faster rebound and less 'kickback' on the batter head pedal.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical retail price for the 20-inch Aquarian Regulator is approximately £45.
Does the muffling ring require any adhesive or maintenance?: No, the Floating Muffling System is a permanent, patented part of the head's construction and requires no adjustment from the user.
Is the Regulator head available in different sizes?: While this specific model is 20 inches, the Regulator series is manufactured in various sizes to fit different bass drum diameters.
Is this a clear or coated drum head?: This specific Regulator model is a resonant head designed to provide a specific visual and sonic profile, typically featuring the internal muffling visible through the port.
How does the Regulator compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Regulator is a modern, single-ply 10mil head with a port, whereas the Calftone is designed for a vintage look and warmer, more traditional sound.