What is the specific ply thickness of the Aquarian Super 2?

The head is constructed using a two-ply design, consisting of one 7mil ply and a second 5mil ply. This combination is designed to offer a unique balance of durability and sensitivity.

What does the 'Sound Curve' collar design do?

The Sound Curve collar allows the head to seat immediately on the drum's bearing edge. This feature simplifies the tuning process and ensures the head responds to drum key adjustments instantly.

Is the Aquarian Super 2 12" head suitable for a snare drum?

Yes, while commonly used on rack toms, it can be installed on any 12-inch snare drum. It provides a consistent and reliable tone suitable for both live performances and studio sessions.

How does the Clear version differ from the Coated version?

The clear version offers a more open sound with a sharper attack and more pronounced high-end frequencies. The coated version generally provides a warmer tone with slightly more muffled overtones.

What kind of low-end response can I expect?

The Super 2 Clear is designed for an enhanced low end and added depth. The multi-ply construction helps emphasize the lower fundamental frequencies of the tom.

Is this drum head easy for beginners to tune?

Yes, it is specifically designed to be easy to tune due to its responsive collar design. It is often cited that great results can be achieved with just a single turn of the drum key.

What is the typical price for a 12" Super 2 Clear head?

The typical price for this specific model is approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.

Does this head fit all 12-inch drums?

Yes, it is designed to fit any standard 12-inch rack tom or snare drum. It is available in a wide range of other sizes to fit complete drum kits.

How durable is the Aquarian Super 2 compared to single-ply heads?

Because it features a two-ply construction (12mil total thickness), it is generally more durable than standard 10mil single-ply heads. This makes it better suited for heavier hitting styles.

Can this head be used for recording sessions?

Absolutely, the Super 2 is designed to provide a consistent and reliable tone. Its ability to maintain tuning makes it a preferred choice for the controlled environment of a recording studio.

Does the Aquarian Super 2 include any internal dampening?

The Super 2 Clear does not feature built-in muffling rings or internal dots. Its sound control comes entirely from the interaction between its 7mil and 5mil plies.

What genres of music is the Super 2 Clear best suited for?

It is a highly versatile head suitable for a wide range of genres. Its open sound and enhanced low end make it appropriate for everything from pop and rock to fusion.

Gear article

Aquarian Super 2 Clear 12" Drum Head

The Aquarian Super 2 Clear 12" Drum Head is a professional-grade tom-tom head constructed from a unique two-ply arrangement of 7mil and 5mil film. Designed for versatility and ease of use, it features a patented Sound Curve collar design to facilitate rapid and accurate tuning.

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Construction and Design

The Aquarian Super 2 Clear series differentiates itself from traditional double-ply heads through its asymmetrical ply thicknesses. While many industry-standard two-ply heads utilize two plies of equal thickness, the Super 2 utilizes one 7mil ply and one 5mil ply. This specific configuration is intended to balance durability with vibration sensitivity.

A core feature of the Super 2 is the 'Sound Curve' collar design. This allows the drum head to seat instantly on the bearing edge of the shell. By reducing the friction between the hoop and the head, the design ensures that the tension is distributed evenly, which is critical for achieving a consistent tone across the surface.

Sonic Character

The clear version of the Super 2 is engineered to provide an open, resonant sound. Due to the hybrid ply construction, the head delivers a more pronounced low-end response and greater depth than standard single-ply alternatives.

Because the head is clear rather than coated, it maintains a sharp attack and high-frequency clarity. This makes it particularly effective for drummers who require their toms to cut through a dense mix while still retaining a warm, full-bodied fundamental note.

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Tuning and Versatility

One of the most significant advantages of the Super 2 series is its ease of tuning. Aquarian claims that the head can provide professional results with as little as a single turn of the drum key. This high level of responsiveness makes it an ideal choice for session drummers or performers who need to make quick adjustments between songs or during soundchecks.

While primary application is as a batter head for 12-inch rack toms, it is also suitable for 12-inch snare drums. Its construction allows it to perform reliably across a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to heavy rock.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional drum heads like the Evans Black Chrome or Evans MS3 Marching series, the Super 2 Clear occupies a middle ground of tonal weight. It offers more sustain than heavy-duty dampened heads but more durability and low-end focus than thin single-ply heads. Unlike hardware-specific upgrades such as the Tama Accu-Strike beater or Gotoh 203B-4 bass bridge, the Super 2 is a consumable part that significantly alters the fundamental voice of the instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific ply thickness of the Aquarian Super 2?: The head is constructed using a two-ply design, consisting of one 7mil ply and a second 5mil ply. This combination is designed to offer a unique balance of durability and sensitivity.
What does the 'Sound Curve' collar design do?: The Sound Curve collar allows the head to seat immediately on the drum's bearing edge. This feature simplifies the tuning process and ensures the head responds to drum key adjustments instantly.
Is the Aquarian Super 2 12" head suitable for a snare drum?: Yes, while commonly used on rack toms, it can be installed on any 12-inch snare drum. It provides a consistent and reliable tone suitable for both live performances and studio sessions.
How does the Clear version differ from the Coated version?: The clear version offers a more open sound with a sharper attack and more pronounced high-end frequencies. The coated version generally provides a warmer tone with slightly more muffled overtones.
What kind of low-end response can I expect?: The Super 2 Clear is designed for an enhanced low end and added depth. The multi-ply construction helps emphasize the lower fundamental frequencies of the tom.
Is this drum head easy for beginners to tune?: Yes, it is specifically designed to be easy to tune due to its responsive collar design. It is often cited that great results can be achieved with just a single turn of the drum key.
What is the typical price for a 12" Super 2 Clear head?: The typical price for this specific model is approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.
Does this head fit all 12-inch drums?: Yes, it is designed to fit any standard 12-inch rack tom or snare drum. It is available in a wide range of other sizes to fit complete drum kits.
How durable is the Aquarian Super 2 compared to single-ply heads?: Because it features a two-ply construction (12mil total thickness), it is generally more durable than standard 10mil single-ply heads. This makes it better suited for heavier hitting styles.
Can this head be used for recording sessions?: Absolutely, the Super 2 is designed to provide a consistent and reliable tone. Its ability to maintain tuning makes it a preferred choice for the controlled environment of a recording studio.
Does the Aquarian Super 2 include any internal dampening?: The Super 2 Clear does not feature built-in muffling rings or internal dots. Its sound control comes entirely from the interaction between its 7mil and 5mil plies.
What genres of music is the Super 2 Clear best suited for?: It is a highly versatile head suitable for a wide range of genres. Its open sound and enhanced low end make it appropriate for everything from pop and rock to fusion.