Gear article
Aquarian Super 2 Clear 8" Drum Head
The Aquarian Super 2 Clear 8" is a professional-grade two-ply drum head designed for rack toms. It features a unique combination of 7mil and 5mil film plies to provide an open sound with enhanced low-end depth and ease of tuning.
See live pricesOverview
The Aquarian Super 2 Clear 8" is a specialised drum head belonging to the 'Parts & Spares' category, specifically engineered for small rack toms. Unlike traditional two-ply heads that use two identical layers, the Super 2 utilizes a staggered ply weight system. This construction aims to balance the durability and focus of a double-ply head with the sensitivity and openness typically associated with single-ply designs.
Construction and Technology
The head is manufactured from one ply of 7mil film layered with a second ply of 5mil film. This specific combination is designed to offer a more responsive feel than standard twin-7mil heads.
A key feature of the Super 2 range is the 'Sound Curve' collar design. This architectural element ensures that the head seats correctly on the bearing edge immediately, allowing for faster and more accurate tuning. Aquarian claims that users can achieve desirable results with as little as a single turn of a drum key, making it a practical choice for busy sessions.
Sound Character
The Super 2 Clear provides a distinct sonic profile characterized by an open, resonant tone. Despite its multi-ply construction, it maintains high levels of sensitivity and projection. The clear film version specifically enhances the low-end frequencies and depth of the 8" tom, providing a punchier sound that remains reliable and consistent across various performance environments.
Suitability and Versatility
While this 8" model is intended for small rack toms, the Super 2 series is available in a wide range of sizes and finishes, including coated versions. This versatility makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of musical genres, from jazz to heavier rock, where a balance of warmth and attack is required. The durable two-ply build ensures it can withstand consistent play in both studio and live settings.
Market Comparison
In the broader market of drum components, the Aquarian Super 2 competes with other multi-ply heads like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare head, though the Super 2 is specifically voiced for toms rather than snare-side application. Compared to standard double-7mil heads, the Super 2 offers a more nuanced 'open' character due to the thinner 5mil secondary ply, providing a middle ground for drummers who find single-ply heads too thin but standard two-ply heads too muffled.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the thickness of the Aquarian Super 2 Clear drum head?
- The head is constructed using two different plies: a 7mil film ply and a 5mil film ply. This specific staggered thickness is designed to provide depth and sensitivity.
- What size drum is this specific head designed for?
- This specific model is designed to fit an 8-inch rack tom. It is part of a larger range of sizes available from Aquarian.
- What is the Sound Curve collar design?
- The Sound Curve is a proprietary collar design by Aquarian that allows the head to seat instantly on the bearing edge. This feature is intended to make tuning faster and more responsive.
- Does the Aquarian Super 2 Clear come in different finishes?
- Yes, the Super 2 series is available in both clear and coated versions. The clear version is known for its open sound and enhanced low end.
- Is the 8" Super 2 head easy to tune?
- Yes, it is designed for ease of use. Thanks to the Sound Curve collar, drummers can often achieve a consistent tone with just a single turn of the drum key.
- Can this head be used for recording sessions?
- Yes, the head is designed to provide a consistent and reliable tone. Its open sound and depth make it a suitable choice for professional studio recording.
- How does the clear finish affect the sound?
- The clear finish provides a more open sound with a sharp attack. It specifically enhances the low end and depth of the drum compared to some coated alternatives.
- Is a two-ply head more durable than a single-ply head?
- Generally, yes. The two-ply construction of the Super 2 (7mil + 5mil) offers more durability than a standard 10mil single-ply head while maintaining sensitivity.
- What genres of music is this drum head suitable for?
- The Aquarian Super 2 is versatile and can be used for a wide range of drumming styles and genres, including rock, pop, and jazz.
- What is the typical price for the 8" Aquarian Super 2 Clear?
- The typical price for this specific drum head is approximately GBP 21. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
- Can I use this head on a floor tom?
- This specific model is 8 inches in diameter, which is a standard size for a small rack tom. While it can be used on any 8" drum, it is not sized for standard floor toms.
- Does Aquarian manufacture this head for larger drums?
- Yes, the Super 2 series is available in a wide range of sizes to fit an entire drum kit. This specific 8" version is the smallest rack tom option in the line.
