What is the primary use for the Code DNA Clear 15" head?

It is primarily designed for use as a batter or resonant head on a 15-inch tom-tom, specifically floor toms.

Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the DNA Clear is ideal for medium to heavy use, offering sufficient durability for energetic playing.

Does the head come with a coating?

No, this is a 'Clear' model, which means the film is transparent to provide a brighter and more open sound compared to coated versions.

Can I use this as a resonant (bottom) head?

Absolutely. Its open tone and balanced sustain make it an excellent choice for a resonant head to complement various batter heads.

What kind of tone should I expect?

Expect a bright, open tone with a punchy, focused attack and consistent sustain across the drum's dynamic range.

How does the price compare to other brands?

With a typical price of around £17, it is positioned as an affordable, high-quality alternative to more expensive global brands.

Who developed Code Drumheads?

Code Drumheads are developed and tested by drummers to ensure they meet the practical needs of musicians regarding sound and durability.

Can this 15-inch head be used on a snare drum?

While most snare drums are 14 inches, if you have a 15-inch snare, this head could be used as a batter head, though it is optimized for toms.

What is the benefit of a 15-inch head over smaller sizes?

A 15-inch head is specifically for 15-inch shells, typically offering a deeper pitch and more air movement than 10, 12, or 13-inch toms.

Is the sustain of the DNA Clear head controllable?

Yes, while it has a wide-open sustain, it can be easily dampened with gels or rings if a more controlled sound is desired for recording or specific venues.

How does clear film affect the attack of the drum?

The clear film provides a more immediate, 'clicky' attack compared to coated heads, which tend to soften the initial contact sound.

Is the Code DNA Clear available in other sizes?

Yes, Code produces the DNA Clear range in various standard diameters, though this specific model is the 15-inch version.

Gear article

Code Drumheads DNA Clear 15-inch Drum Head

The Code DNA Clear 15" is a versatile, single-ply drum head designed for use as either a batter or resonant head on floor toms. Manufactured by the UK-based brand Code Drumheads, it is engineered to provide a bright, open tone with a balanced sustain suitable for medium to heavy playing styles.

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Overview

The Code DNA Clear 15-inch drum head is a professional-grade component positioned as an affordable alternative to industry-standard clear heads. It is specifically designed to maximize the natural resonance of 15-inch drums, providing a wide-open sonic profile. Developed and tested by drummers, the DNA series focuses on providing consistent quality and durability for musicians who require a reliable head for both practice and performance.

Construction and Key Features

The DNA Clear series is built to withstand medium to heavy use, making it a robust choice for a variety of musical genres. Key features include:

Single-ply Film: The clear construction allows for maximum vibration and a bright frequency response.
Versatile Application: While primarily marketed as a tom head, its design allows it to function effectively as either a top (batter) or bottom (resonant) head.
Focused Attack: Despite its open sustain, the head is engineered to provide a punchy initial hit that helps the drum cut through a mix.
Manufacturing Standards: Code Drumheads emphasizes rigorous testing to ensure that their products provide professional sound at a lower price point than many established competitors.

Sonic Character

The sound of the 15-inch DNA Clear head is defined by its bright and open characteristics. Because the film is clear rather than coated, it allows for a faster transient response and higher overtones. The attack is described as 'punchy and focused,' which is then balanced by a sustain that remains consistent across the surface of the head. This makes it particularly effective for larger floor toms where maintaining clarity and resonance is essential.

Suitability and Performance

This drum head is ideally suited for drummers looking for a 'singing' tom tone with plenty of resonance. Its durability makes it a viable choice for medium-to-heavy hitters who do not want to sacrifice tone for longevity. While it is optimized for 15-inch floor toms, the head can be adapted for other drum types of the same diameter if required by the player's specific setup.

Market Comparison

In the UK market, Code Drumheads competes with major brands like Evans and Remo by offering comparable tonal qualities at a more accessible price point. While specialized heads like the Evans MS3 are designed for marching snare applications, the DNA Clear is a general-purpose drum kit head. Compared to coated heads, the DNA Clear offers more bite and a longer decay, making it a standard choice for rock, pop, and fusion drummers who prefer a modern, 'wet' drum sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for the Code DNA Clear 15" head?: It is primarily designed for use as a batter or resonant head on a 15-inch tom-tom, specifically floor toms.
Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the DNA Clear is ideal for medium to heavy use, offering sufficient durability for energetic playing.
Does the head come with a coating?: No, this is a 'Clear' model, which means the film is transparent to provide a brighter and more open sound compared to coated versions.
Can I use this as a resonant (bottom) head?: Absolutely. Its open tone and balanced sustain make it an excellent choice for a resonant head to complement various batter heads.
What kind of tone should I expect?: Expect a bright, open tone with a punchy, focused attack and consistent sustain across the drum's dynamic range.
How does the price compare to other brands?: With a typical price of around £17, it is positioned as an affordable, high-quality alternative to more expensive global brands.
Who developed Code Drumheads?: Code Drumheads are developed and tested by drummers to ensure they meet the practical needs of musicians regarding sound and durability.
Can this 15-inch head be used on a snare drum?: While most snare drums are 14 inches, if you have a 15-inch snare, this head could be used as a batter head, though it is optimized for toms.
What is the benefit of a 15-inch head over smaller sizes?: A 15-inch head is specifically for 15-inch shells, typically offering a deeper pitch and more air movement than 10, 12, or 13-inch toms.
Is the sustain of the DNA Clear head controllable?: Yes, while it has a wide-open sustain, it can be easily dampened with gels or rings if a more controlled sound is desired for recording or specific venues.
How does clear film affect the attack of the drum?: The clear film provides a more immediate, 'clicky' attack compared to coated heads, which tend to soften the initial contact sound.
Is the Code DNA Clear available in other sizes?: Yes, Code produces the DNA Clear range in various standard diameters, though this specific model is the 15-inch version.