What is the total thickness of the Evans EMAD Heavyweight bass drum head?

The head consists of two identical plies of 10mil film. This results in a total thickness of 20mil, providing maximum durability and a compressed sound.

How does the EMAD system work?

The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system uses an external plastic tray to hold foam rings. These rings press against the outer edge of the head to control sustain and overtones.

Do I need to remove the drum head to change the damping?

No, the EMAD system is designed for external adjustment. You can swap the two included foam rings or remove them entirely without taking the head off the drum.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for 18-inch bass drums. It is a common size for compact kits or bop-style drum sets.

How many damping rings are included with the head?

The package includes two interchangeable damping rings of different widths. These allow the player to choose between different levels of attack and low-end focus.

Is the EMAD Heavyweight suitable for jazz?

While it fits 18-inch drums often used in jazz, it is very thick and dampened. Jazz drummers seeking a traditional open sound might prefer the Evans 56 Calftone EQ4 instead.

How does the 'Heavyweight' version differ from the standard EMAD?

The Heavyweight version uses two 10mil plies, whereas the standard EMAD is typically a single-ply 10mil head. This makes the Heavyweight more durable and punchier.

What kind of attack does this head provide?

The head provides a compressed attack. This means the initial strike is very focused and consistent, which helps the bass drum stand out in a loud mix.

Does this head improve low-end response?

Yes, the EMAD system is specifically designed to maximize low-end. By damping high-frequency ring, the fundamental low pitch of the drum becomes more prominent.

Can I use this head on a resonant side?

This is designed as a batter (striking) head. For the resonant side, a product like the Evans EQ3 Resonant is typically used to complement the batter head's tone.

Is the film clear or coated on the EMAD Heavyweight?

The EMAD Heavyweight series typically uses clear film for the two 10mil plies. This contributes to the sharp, defined attack of the head.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?

The typical retail price for the Evans 18" EMAD Heavyweight Bass Drum Head is approximately £79.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Gear article

Evans 18" EMAD Heavyweight Bass Drum Head

The Evans 18" EMAD Heavyweight is a high-durability bass drum head featuring two identical 10mil film plies designed for a compressed attack and wide dynamic range. It utilizes the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system, allowing drummers to modify focus and low-end response without removing the head.

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Overview and Construction

The Evans EMAD Heavyweight 18" Bass Drum Head is engineered for drummers requiring extreme durability and a focused sonic profile. Constructed from two identical plies of 10mil film, this 20mil total thickness makes it one of the sturdiest options in the EVANS catalogue. The head is designed to withstand heavy playing styles while providing a compressed attack that helps the drum cut through dense mixes.

Central to its design is the industry-standard EMAD system. This system consists of an externally mounted plastic tray that holds interchangeable foam damping rings. By placing the damping on the outside of the head, the user can adjust the vibration of the film directly, affecting both the sustain and the frequency response.

Adjustable Damping System

The EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) system is the defining feature of this model. It includes two different foam rings that can be swapped out easily:

Thin Ring: Provides a moderate level of damping, allowing for more resonance while still controlling overtones.
Wide Ring: Offers maximum damping for a tighter, punchier sound with significant low-end emphasis.

This design is particularly efficient as it removes the need to reach inside the drum shell or remove the head to make tonal adjustments, a common requirement with traditional internal pillows or felt strips.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sonic Character

The sound of the EMAD Heavyweight is characterized by a significant low-end punch and a distinct, compressed 'thwack' on the attack. Because of the 2-ply 10mil construction, the head naturally suppresses high-frequency overtones that can lead to 'ringing.' Despite its heavy build, it is designed to maintain a wide dynamic range, responding accurately to both soft and hard strokes. The result is a consistent, deep tone that provides the foundational 'thump' required in modern rock, metal, and pop production.

User Suitability and Comparisons

This head is primarily suited for heavy hitters and touring drummers who prioritise longevity and a pre-EQ'd sound. Compared to single-ply alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone or the Attack ProFlex1, the Heavyweight offers much less sustain and a darker timbre.

While 18-inch bass drums are often associated with jazz (where heads like the Calftone EQ4 are popular for their open, resonant tone), the EMAD Heavyweight allows an 18-inch drum to behave more like a larger rock drum, providing the depth and control usually found in 22-inch or 24-inch setups. It serves as a stark contrast to speciality heads such as the Remo Silentstroke, which is designed for volume reduction rather than tonal projection.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total thickness of the Evans EMAD Heavyweight bass drum head?: The head consists of two identical plies of 10mil film. This results in a total thickness of 20mil, providing maximum durability and a compressed sound.
How does the EMAD system work?: The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system uses an external plastic tray to hold foam rings. These rings press against the outer edge of the head to control sustain and overtones.
Do I need to remove the drum head to change the damping?: No, the EMAD system is designed for external adjustment. You can swap the two included foam rings or remove them entirely without taking the head off the drum.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for 18-inch bass drums. It is a common size for compact kits or bop-style drum sets.
How many damping rings are included with the head?: The package includes two interchangeable damping rings of different widths. These allow the player to choose between different levels of attack and low-end focus.
Is the EMAD Heavyweight suitable for jazz?: While it fits 18-inch drums often used in jazz, it is very thick and dampened. Jazz drummers seeking a traditional open sound might prefer the Evans 56 Calftone EQ4 instead.
How does the 'Heavyweight' version differ from the standard EMAD?: The Heavyweight version uses two 10mil plies, whereas the standard EMAD is typically a single-ply 10mil head. This makes the Heavyweight more durable and punchier.
What kind of attack does this head provide?: The head provides a compressed attack. This means the initial strike is very focused and consistent, which helps the bass drum stand out in a loud mix.
Does this head improve low-end response?: Yes, the EMAD system is specifically designed to maximize low-end. By damping high-frequency ring, the fundamental low pitch of the drum becomes more prominent.
Can I use this head on a resonant side?: This is designed as a batter (striking) head. For the resonant side, a product like the Evans EQ3 Resonant is typically used to complement the batter head's tone.
Is the film clear or coated on the EMAD Heavyweight?: The EMAD Heavyweight series typically uses clear film for the two 10mil plies. This contributes to the sharp, defined attack of the head.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?: The typical retail price for the Evans 18" EMAD Heavyweight Bass Drum Head is approximately £79.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.