What is the primary construction of the Evans EC2 8-inch head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, creating a durable 14mil playing surface. This dual-ply design contributes to its focused attack and longevity.

What does SST stand for in Evans drumheads?

SST stands for Sound Shaping Technology. It involves damping rings mounted on the underside of the head to control sustain and overtones.

How does the coating affect the sound of the EC2?

The coating provides additional warmth and depth to the tone. It also slightly rounds off the attack compared to clear heads, resulting in a more 'pre-EQ'd' sound.

What is Evans Level 360 technology?

Level 360 is a collar design that allows the drumhead to sit more evenly on the bearing edge. This improves resonance, tuning ease, and the overall pitch range of the drum.

Is the EC2 8-inch head suitable for jazz drumming?

While it can be used, it is generally preferred for rock and fusion due to its controlled sustain and focused attack. Jazz drummers often prefer thinner, single-ply heads for maximum resonance.

Does this head require additional muffling like Moongel?

Because of the integrated SST rings, external muffling is often unnecessary. The head is designed to provide a balanced, controlled tone straight out of the box.

What size drum is this specific model intended for?

This specific model is designed for a drum with an 8-inch diameter, typically used as a small rack tom. The SST ring is specifically calibrated for this size.

How does the EC2 compare to the Evans G2?

Both are two-ply heads, but the EC2 includes the SST damping rings for more control. The G2 is more open and resonant by comparison.

What is the typical price for the Evans EC2 8-inch head?

The typical price range for this specific 8-inch coated model is approximately £23 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.

Can this head be used as a bottom (resonant) head?

It is designed as a batter (striking) head. Using a dual-ply coated head as a resonant head would significantly deaden the drum's sound; a single-ply clear head is usually preferred for resonance.

How durable is the EC2 compared to single-ply heads?

The 14mil total thickness (two plies of 7mil) makes it significantly more durable than standard 10mil single-ply heads. It is better suited for heavy hitters.

What is the benefit of the 'pre-EQ' tone mentioned by Evans?

The 'pre-EQ' tone means the head naturally emphasises desirable frequencies and suppresses harsh overtones. This simplifies the process of getting a professional sound in both live and studio settings.

Gear article

Evans EC2 Edge Control SST Coated Drum Head (8-inch)

The Evans EC2 Edge Control SST Coated Drum Head is a dual-ply drumhead designed for 8-inch tom-toms, engineered to provide a controlled attack and a balanced, pre-equalised tone. It features specialized Sound Shaping Technology (SST) and Level 360 technology to enhance resonance and simplify the tuning process.

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Technical Design and Construction

The Evans EC2 series is constructed using two plies of 7mil film, providing a total thickness of 14mil. This dual-ply architecture ensures significant durability and a focused sound profile. A key technical feature is the Sound Shaping Technology (SST), which consists of rings mounted on the underside of the head around the edges. Unlike standard damping, the SST rings are specifically sized for the 8-inch diameter to provide sustain control that is proportional to the head size, effectively acting as a 'pre-EQ' for the drum's natural frequency.

Level 360 Technology

As part of the Evans Level 360 series, the EC2 8-inch head incorporates a vertically enhanced collar design. This allows the head to sit flatter and more evenly across the bearing edge of the drum shell. The result is a 360-degree playing surface that facilitates easier tuning, a more stable pitch over time, and an extended tuning range. This design ensures that the head vibrates in harmony with the shell rather than struggling against the rim tension.

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Sonic Characteristics

The EC2 Coated head is defined by its warmth, depth, and controlled sustain. The frosted coating adds a layer of harmonic filtering that softens the high-end frequencies compared to clear versions, resulting in a rounder attack. Because of the SST rings, overtones are naturally attenuated without the need for external muffling gels or tapes. This makes the 8-inch model particularly effective for high-pitched rack toms where unwanted 'ring' can often be difficult to manage.

Target User and Comparison

This head is ideally suited for drummers who require a modern, processed sound with a prominent attack and minimal post-decay. It is a popular choice for rock and fusion players who value consistency and durability. Compared to single-ply alternatives, the EC2 offers significantly more control and a darker tone. While other Evans products like the MS3 series are designed for marching applications, the EC2 is strictly a drum set head intended for kit resonance and feel.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary construction of the Evans EC2 8-inch head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, creating a durable 14mil playing surface. This dual-ply design contributes to its focused attack and longevity.
What does SST stand for in Evans drumheads?: SST stands for Sound Shaping Technology. It involves damping rings mounted on the underside of the head to control sustain and overtones.
How does the coating affect the sound of the EC2?: The coating provides additional warmth and depth to the tone. It also slightly rounds off the attack compared to clear heads, resulting in a more 'pre-EQ'd' sound.
What is Evans Level 360 technology?: Level 360 is a collar design that allows the drumhead to sit more evenly on the bearing edge. This improves resonance, tuning ease, and the overall pitch range of the drum.
Is the EC2 8-inch head suitable for jazz drumming?: While it can be used, it is generally preferred for rock and fusion due to its controlled sustain and focused attack. Jazz drummers often prefer thinner, single-ply heads for maximum resonance.
Does this head require additional muffling like Moongel?: Because of the integrated SST rings, external muffling is often unnecessary. The head is designed to provide a balanced, controlled tone straight out of the box.
What size drum is this specific model intended for?: This specific model is designed for a drum with an 8-inch diameter, typically used as a small rack tom. The SST ring is specifically calibrated for this size.
How does the EC2 compare to the Evans G2?: Both are two-ply heads, but the EC2 includes the SST damping rings for more control. The G2 is more open and resonant by comparison.
What is the typical price for the Evans EC2 8-inch head?: The typical price range for this specific 8-inch coated model is approximately £23 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.
Can this head be used as a bottom (resonant) head?: It is designed as a batter (striking) head. Using a dual-ply coated head as a resonant head would significantly deaden the drum's sound; a single-ply clear head is usually preferred for resonance.
How durable is the EC2 compared to single-ply heads?: The 14mil total thickness (two plies of 7mil) makes it significantly more durable than standard 10mil single-ply heads. It is better suited for heavy hitters.
What is the benefit of the 'pre-EQ' tone mentioned by Evans?: The 'pre-EQ' tone means the head naturally emphasises desirable frequencies and suppresses harsh overtones. This simplifies the process of getting a professional sound in both live and studio settings.