What is the primary material used in the MicroFlex1 drumhead?

The drumhead is constructed from Attack's proprietary 7 mil Dynaflex film. This film is designed to be highly responsive to light touches while maintaining structural integrity.

Is this drumhead suitable for heavy rock drumming?

Due to its 7 mil single-ply construction, it is designed for sensitivity rather than high-impact durability. Heavy hitters may find it lacks the lifespan of thicker 10 mil or 2-ply heads.

What are the benefits of the pressure-fitted steel hoop?

The steel hoop provides extra mass which helps extend the sustain of the drum. It also ensures the head is held firmly in place, aiding tuning stability during demanding changes.

Can the 12" MicroFlex1 be used as a resonant head?

Yes, it is commonly chosen as a resonant tom head because its thin construction allows the drum to ring with an open, bright tone. The steel hoop further helps to tighten the tonal focus in this application.

How does the thickness compare to a standard single-ply head?

Standard single-ply heads are typically 10 mil thick, whereas the MicroFlex1 is 7 mil. This makes it thinner and more sensitive to soft playing.

What musical genres best suit this drumhead?

It is specifically designed for orchestral and jazz drumming. These genres often require the pianissimo sensitivity and melodic clarity that the MicroFlex1 provides.

Does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated version?

The clear construction helps keep the sound bright and melodic. It typically offers more sustain and a sharper attack than a coated alternative.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Attack 12" MicroFlex1 usually retails for approximately GBP 15. This makes it an affordable option for specialised tone shaping.

How does this head handle tuning changes?

The pressure-fitted steel hoop is designed to hold the head firmly even under frequent tuning adjustments. This makes it a predictable choice for drummers who change their kit's pitch for different pieces.

Will this head work on a snare drum?

While it can be used on a 12" snare for high sensitivity, it is most commonly found on toms. For snare use, it would provide a very bright and responsive surface suited for light orchestral work.

What is 'pianissimo' playing in the context of this product?

Pianissimo refers to playing very softly. The MicroFlex1 is engineered to ensure that even the lightest strokes result in a clear, articulated note rather than a muffled thud.

Is this head comparable to marching drumheads?

No, it is much thinner than heads like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare Side. Marching heads are built for extreme tension, whereas the MicroFlex1 is built for orchestral sensitivity and resonance.

Gear article

Attack Drumheads 12" MicroFlex1 1Ply Clear Drum Head

The Attack 12" MicroFlex1 1Ply Clear Drum Head is a specialised percussion head crafted from 7 mil Dynaflex film for orchestral and jazz applications. It is designed to offer high sensitivity and a bright, melodic sustain, making it particularly effective for low-volume pianissimo playing.

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Overview

The Attack 12" MicroFlex1 is a single-ply drumhead engineered for drummers who require a delicate touch and maximum resonance. Utilising a proprietary 7 mil Dynaflex film, this head is thinner than standard 10 mil single-ply heads, allowing for a more immediate response at lower dynamic levels. It is primarily used in settings where tonal clarity and sustain are prioritised over durability under heavy hitting.

Construction and Mechanics

A defining feature of the MicroFlex1 series is its pressure-fitted steel hoop. Unlike some heads that use glue or crimped aluminium, this steel hoop provides significant mass at the edge of the drumhead. This added weight helps to seat the head firmly against the bearing edge, which assists in maintaining tuning stability during frequent adjustments. The interaction between the thin film and the heavy hoop results in a tightened tonal focus and extended sustain.

Sound Profile and Character

The clear construction and thin 7 mil film produce a bright, open sound with a melodic character. Because the film is lightweight, it does not require significant force to vibrate, ensuring that pianissimo strokes are articulated clearly. This makes the head highly predictable for technical passages in orchestral or jazz environments, where 'ghost notes' and subtle nuances must be audible to the audience.

Applications and Suitability

While it serves as a highly responsive batter head for jazz toms and orchestral snare drums, the MicroFlex1 is also a popular choice for use as a resonant (bottom) head. When used as a resonant head, the thin film allows the drum to ring freely, providing a 'singing' quality to the overall shell sound. It is best suited for players who value dynamic control and a natural, uncompressed drum tone.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to standard marching heads like the Evans MS3 14" Clear, the MicroFlex1 is significantly thinner and less focused on high-tension durability, prioritising overtone richness instead. Unlike thicker heads or multi-ply alternatives, the MicroFlex1 does not 'choke' the drum at low volumes. While it lacks the sheer volume potential of heavy-duty heads, its ability to articulate fine detail makes it a distinct alternative for low-to-mid volume acoustic performances.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the MicroFlex1 drumhead?: The drumhead is constructed from Attack's proprietary 7 mil Dynaflex film. This film is designed to be highly responsive to light touches while maintaining structural integrity.
Is this drumhead suitable for heavy rock drumming?: Due to its 7 mil single-ply construction, it is designed for sensitivity rather than high-impact durability. Heavy hitters may find it lacks the lifespan of thicker 10 mil or 2-ply heads.
What are the benefits of the pressure-fitted steel hoop?: The steel hoop provides extra mass which helps extend the sustain of the drum. It also ensures the head is held firmly in place, aiding tuning stability during demanding changes.
Can the 12" MicroFlex1 be used as a resonant head?: Yes, it is commonly chosen as a resonant tom head because its thin construction allows the drum to ring with an open, bright tone. The steel hoop further helps to tighten the tonal focus in this application.
How does the thickness compare to a standard single-ply head?: Standard single-ply heads are typically 10 mil thick, whereas the MicroFlex1 is 7 mil. This makes it thinner and more sensitive to soft playing.
What musical genres best suit this drumhead?: It is specifically designed for orchestral and jazz drumming. These genres often require the pianissimo sensitivity and melodic clarity that the MicroFlex1 provides.
Does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated version?: The clear construction helps keep the sound bright and melodic. It typically offers more sustain and a sharper attack than a coated alternative.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Attack 12" MicroFlex1 usually retails for approximately GBP 15. This makes it an affordable option for specialised tone shaping.
How does this head handle tuning changes?: The pressure-fitted steel hoop is designed to hold the head firmly even under frequent tuning adjustments. This makes it a predictable choice for drummers who change their kit's pitch for different pieces.
Will this head work on a snare drum?: While it can be used on a 12" snare for high sensitivity, it is most commonly found on toms. For snare use, it would provide a very bright and responsive surface suited for light orchestral work.
What is 'pianissimo' playing in the context of this product?: Pianissimo refers to playing very softly. The MicroFlex1 is engineered to ensure that even the lightest strokes result in a clear, articulated note rather than a muffled thud.
Is this head comparable to marching drumheads?: No, it is much thinner than heads like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare Side. Marching heads are built for extreme tension, whereas the MicroFlex1 is built for orchestral sensitivity and resonance.