What is the Evans 18 dB Zero Bass Drum Head?

It is a single-ply mesh drumhead designed to replace a standard bass drum head for low-volume practice or electronic triggering. It reduces the acoustic output of the drum by approximately 95 percent.

How does the mesh material affect the feel of the drum?

The unique mesh material is designed to mimic the rebound of a standard drumhead. It ensures that the drumsticks or bass drum beater bounce back in a way that feels natural to the player.

Was this product previously known by another name?

Yes, this product was previously branded as the 'SoundOff' bass drum head. Evans rebranded it to the 18 dB Zero name, though the product itself has not changed.

Can I use this head for live acoustic performances?

Generally no, unless you are using triggers. Because it reduces volume by up to 95 percent, it does not produce enough acoustic sound for a traditional unmiked performance.

Is the Evans 18 dB Zero suitable for electronic triggers?

Yes, it is highly recommended for electronic trigger setups. The mesh surface provides a stable and quiet platform for triggers to pick up vibrations and convert them into digital signals.

What sizes is this drumhead available in?

It is available in a variety of sizes to fit different bass drum diameters. Users should ensure they select the specific size that matches their bass drum rim.

Does the 18 dB Zero head require special drumsticks?

No, it can be played with standard drumsticks or bass drum beaters. The mesh material is durable enough to withstand normal playing while providing a realistic response.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The 56 Calftone is a standard acoustic head designed for a vintage look and warm sound. The 18 dB Zero is a mesh head designed for silence and has no traditional acoustic tone.

What is the typical price for the Evans 18 dB Zero?

The typical price range for this drumhead is approximately GBP 45. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific diameter of the head.

Will this head make my bass drum completely silent?

While it reduces volume by up to 95 percent, it is not perfectly silent. There is still a very quiet physical 'thud' from the beater impact, though it is much quieter than a standard head.

How does the durability compare to Remo Silentstroke?

Both products use similar mesh technology for low-volume play. The Evans 18 dB Zero is built to professional standards with a single-ply mesh designed for longevity during practice.

Do I need to change my resonant head when using this?

It is not strictly necessary, but for maximum volume reduction, some users choose to use a mesh head on both sides. However, the 18 dB Zero is designed to work as the primary batter head.

Gear article

Evans 18 dB Zero Bass Drum Head

The Evans 18 dB Zero Bass Drum Head is a specialized mesh drumhead designed to reduce the acoustic volume of a bass drum by up to 95 percent. Constructed from a single ply of unique mesh material, it is engineered for low-volume practice sessions and electronic trigger integration while maintaining a realistic rebound.

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Background and Rebranding

The Evans 18 dB Zero Bass Drum Head serves as a high-performance solution for drummers requiring significant decibel reduction. Previously marketed under the 'SoundOff' brand name, the product was recently rebranded to align with the standard Evans product nomenclature. Despite this change in naming, the physical construction and material specifications of the drumhead remain identical to the original SoundOff version.

Design and Material

The core of the 18 dB Zero is its single-ply mesh construction. This unique material allows air to pass through the head rather than compressing it, which drastically lowers the sound pressure level. A primary design goal was to ensure that the mesh provides a tactile response similar to a traditional Mylar head, ensuring that drumsticks bounce back naturally without the 'spongy' feel often associated with inferior mesh alternatives.

Applications

This drumhead is primarily intended for two use cases:

Low-Volume Practice: It allows drummers to practice in noise-sensitive environments, such as apartments or shared living spaces, by cutting the volume by up to 95%.
Electronic Triggering: Because of its mesh construction, it is an ideal surface for mounting electronic drum triggers. This allows a player to convert an acoustic bass drum into an electronic controller for use with a drum module or MIDI software.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard heads like the Evans 56 Calftone or the EQ3 Resonant series, the 18 dB Zero offers almost no acoustic projection. Unlike the Attack ProFlex1 or DW Coated heads, which are designed for specific tonal characteristics in live performance, the 18 dB Zero focuses entirely on silence. Its closest direct competitor is the Remo Silentstroke series, which similarly utilizes mesh technology for volume control.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Evans 18 dB Zero Bass Drum Head?: It is a single-ply mesh drumhead designed to replace a standard bass drum head for low-volume practice or electronic triggering. It reduces the acoustic output of the drum by approximately 95 percent.
How does the mesh material affect the feel of the drum?: The unique mesh material is designed to mimic the rebound of a standard drumhead. It ensures that the drumsticks or bass drum beater bounce back in a way that feels natural to the player.
Was this product previously known by another name?: Yes, this product was previously branded as the 'SoundOff' bass drum head. Evans rebranded it to the 18 dB Zero name, though the product itself has not changed.
Can I use this head for live acoustic performances?: Generally no, unless you are using triggers. Because it reduces volume by up to 95 percent, it does not produce enough acoustic sound for a traditional unmiked performance.
Is the Evans 18 dB Zero suitable for electronic triggers?: Yes, it is highly recommended for electronic trigger setups. The mesh surface provides a stable and quiet platform for triggers to pick up vibrations and convert them into digital signals.
What sizes is this drumhead available in?: It is available in a variety of sizes to fit different bass drum diameters. Users should ensure they select the specific size that matches their bass drum rim.
Does the 18 dB Zero head require special drumsticks?: No, it can be played with standard drumsticks or bass drum beaters. The mesh material is durable enough to withstand normal playing while providing a realistic response.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The 56 Calftone is a standard acoustic head designed for a vintage look and warm sound. The 18 dB Zero is a mesh head designed for silence and has no traditional acoustic tone.
What is the typical price for the Evans 18 dB Zero?: The typical price range for this drumhead is approximately GBP 45. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific diameter of the head.
Will this head make my bass drum completely silent?: While it reduces volume by up to 95 percent, it is not perfectly silent. There is still a very quiet physical 'thud' from the beater impact, though it is much quieter than a standard head.
How does the durability compare to Remo Silentstroke?: Both products use similar mesh technology for low-volume play. The Evans 18 dB Zero is built to professional standards with a single-ply mesh designed for longevity during practice.
Do I need to change my resonant head when using this?: It is not strictly necessary, but for maximum volume reduction, some users choose to use a mesh head on both sides. However, the 18 dB Zero is designed to work as the primary batter head.