What is the construction of the EVANS EC2 18" Coated head?

It is a two-ply drum head, with each ply measuring 7mil in thickness, resulting in a durable 14mil total construction.

What does Sound Shaping Technology (SST) do?

SST uses rings mounted on the underside of the head to control sustain and overtones. The rings are sized proportionally to the 18-inch diameter to provide a balanced, pre-EQed tone.

How does Level 360 Technology benefit the drummer?

Level 360 features a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge. This leads to easier tuning, better resonance with the shell, and a wider pitch range.

What is the difference between the Coated and Clear EC2 versions?

The coated version provides extra warmth and depth to the tone compared to the clear version. It also slightly softens the attack and feel of the head.

Is this 18-inch head suitable for bass drums?

While primarily used for floor toms, it can be used on 18-inch bass drums if a specific attack-heavy, controlled tone is desired, though it is designed with tom characteristics in mind.

Does this head require additional dampening?

The EC2 is designed to act as a 'pre-EQ' head. The SST rings typically eliminate the need for external muffling like tape or gels by controlling overtones internally.

How durable is the EC2 Coated head?

Thanks to its dual 7mil ply construction, it is highly durable and suited for heavy hitters or drummers who need a long-lasting head for frequent performance.

What kind of attack does the EC2 provide?

The EC2 is optimised for a prominent and controlled attack. It delivers a clear 'crack' or punch that cuts through a musical mix effectively.

Does the SST ring affect the tuning range?

No, the SST ring works in conjunction with the Level 360 collar to provide an extended pitch range, allowing for stable tuning at both high and low tensions.

What musical genres suit the EC2 Coated head?

It is ideal for rock, metal, pop, and fusion—any genre where a focused, punchy tom sound with controlled resonance is preferred.

Why is the collar design significant?

The vertically enhanced collar ensures that the head makes contact with the drum shell's bearing edge consistently across all 360 degrees, preventing dead spots.

Gear article

EVANS EC2 Edge Control SST Coated Drum Head 18

The EVANS EC2 Edge Control SST Coated 18-inch drum head is a professional-grade, two-ply head designed for enhanced attack and controlled sustain. It features proprietary Sound Shaping Technology (SST) and a Level 360 collar to ensure ease of tuning and a balanced, pre-EQed resonance.

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Overview

The EVANS EC2 Edge Control SST Coated 18" drum head is engineered for drummers seeking a refined, controlled sound on larger drums, such as floor toms or small bass drums. It is constructed using two layers of 7mil film, providing a total thickness of 14mil. This dual-ply design ensures significant durability and a focused frequency response. The addition of a specialized coating enhances the warmth and depth of the drum's natural tone while softening the initial impact feel.

Sound Shaping Technology (SST)

A primary feature of the EC2 series is Sound Shaping Technology (SST). This involves damping rings mounted on the underside of the head around the perimeter. These rings are not uniform across the product line; instead, they are tailored specifically to the size of the head. For the 18-inch model, the SST rings provide sustain control that is proportional to the surface area, effectively acting as a 'pre-EQ' to remove unwanted overtones while maintaining the fundamental pitch.

Level 360 Technology

The EC2 head incorporates Evans' Level 360 Technology, which features a vertically enhanced collar design. This design allows the head to sit more flush and even against the bearing edge of the drum shell. The result is a 360-degree playing surface that resonates more effectively with the shell. This technology simplifies the tuning process, helps the head hold its tune longer, and provides an extended pitch range for more versatile sonic applications.

Tonal Character and Suitability

The sonic profile of the EC2 Coated head is defined by a prominent attack and a dampened, controlled sustain. The coating adds a layer of warmth that differentiates it from the 'Clear' version of the EC2. It is particularly suited for drummers who prefer a 'mix-ready' sound without the need for additional external muffling like gels or tape. Its 18-inch diameter makes it ideal for deep floor toms in rock, metal, or fusion settings where clarity and punch are required.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to single-ply heads, the EC2 offers significantly more durability and less sustain. Compared to standard two-ply heads without SST, the EC2 provides a more controlled ring, eliminating the high-frequency 'ping' that can be difficult to tune out. While clear heads offer a brighter, more aggressive attack, this coated version provides a smoother transition between the attack and the sustain, making it more suitable for genres requiring a deeper, warmer resonance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the construction of the EVANS EC2 18" Coated head?: It is a two-ply drum head, with each ply measuring 7mil in thickness, resulting in a durable 14mil total construction.
What does Sound Shaping Technology (SST) do?: SST uses rings mounted on the underside of the head to control sustain and overtones. The rings are sized proportionally to the 18-inch diameter to provide a balanced, pre-EQed tone.
How does Level 360 Technology benefit the drummer?: Level 360 features a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge. This leads to easier tuning, better resonance with the shell, and a wider pitch range.
What is the difference between the Coated and Clear EC2 versions?: The coated version provides extra warmth and depth to the tone compared to the clear version. It also slightly softens the attack and feel of the head.
Is this 18-inch head suitable for bass drums?: While primarily used for floor toms, it can be used on 18-inch bass drums if a specific attack-heavy, controlled tone is desired, though it is designed with tom characteristics in mind.
Does this head require additional dampening?: The EC2 is designed to act as a 'pre-EQ' head. The SST rings typically eliminate the need for external muffling like tape or gels by controlling overtones internally.
How durable is the EC2 Coated head?: Thanks to its dual 7mil ply construction, it is highly durable and suited for heavy hitters or drummers who need a long-lasting head for frequent performance.
What kind of attack does the EC2 provide?: The EC2 is optimised for a prominent and controlled attack. It delivers a clear 'crack' or punch that cuts through a musical mix effectively.
What is the price range for this specific 18-inch model?: The typical price for the EVANS EC2 Edge Control SST Coated 18-inch drum head is approximately £36.00.
Does the SST ring affect the tuning range?: No, the SST ring works in conjunction with the Level 360 collar to provide an extended pitch range, allowing for stable tuning at both high and low tensions.
What musical genres suit the EC2 Coated head?: It is ideal for rock, metal, pop, and fusion—any genre where a focused, punchy tom sound with controlled resonance is preferred.
Why is the collar design significant?: The vertically enhanced collar ensures that the head makes contact with the drum shell's bearing edge consistently across all 360 degrees, preventing dead spots.