What does EMAD stand for?

EMAD stands for External Mounted Adjustable Dampening. It refers to the plastic sleeve on the front of the head that holds interchangeable foam rings.

How many foam rings are included with the 18-inch EMAD head?

It comes with two interchangeable foam dampening rings. Each ring has a different width to provide varying levels of sustain and focus.

Do I need to remove the head to change the dampening rings?

No, the rings are mounted externally. You can swap them or remove them entirely while the head is still tensioned on the drum.

What is the thickness of the Evans EMAD Clear film?

The head is made from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is designed to balance durability with a sharp, clear attack.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the head sits flat and even against the drum's bearing edge. This improves tuning stability and the overall resonance of the drum.

Will this 18-inch head fit a floor tom converted into a bass drum?

Yes, as long as the drum uses standard 18-inch hoops. It is a common choice for jungle kits or small-scale bop kits.

How does the sound of the EMAD Clear differ from the EMAD Coated?

The Clear version provides a brighter attack and more 'click' compared to the Coated version. The Coated version is generally warmer and slightly more muffled.

Is the bass drum included with the purchase?

No, this product is the drum head only. The bass drum itself must be purchased separately.

What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?

The typical price range for the 18-inch model is approximately GBP 61. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.

What are the two different foam rings used for?

The wider foam ring provides maximum dampening for a very focused, punchy sound. The narrower ring allows for slightly more resonance while still controlling overtones.

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

While it is designed as a batter (striking) head, some drummers use it on the front. However, Evans produces specific resonant heads like the EQ3 for that purpose.

Is this head suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the EMAD Clear is highly popular in rock and metal. Its ability to provide a sharp attack and fast decay is ideal for rapid double-bass drumming.

Gear article

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 18"

The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 18" is a single-ply 10mil drumhead designed for focused, direct kick drum tones. It features a unique External Mounted Adjustable Dampening system that allows drummers to customise attack and sustain without removing the head.

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Overview

The Evans EMAD (External Mounted Adjustable Dampening) Clear Bass Drum Head is an industry-standard solution for achieving a pre-processed, high-fidelity bass drum sound. This specific 18-inch model is constructed from a single ply of 10mil clear film, providing a balance of durability and sensitivity. The standout feature is the EMAD system, which allows for external control over the drum's resonance and attack profile.

Included with the head are two interchangeable foam rings of varying widths. These rings are housed in an externally mounted plastic sleeve, meaning the user can alter the dampening characteristics without having to take the head off the drum or reach inside the shell.

Technical Features and Level 360 Technology

The head incorporates Evans' proprietary Level 360 Technology. This design features a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head makes even contact with the bearing edge of the drum shell across the entire 360-degree circumference.

Benefits of Level 360 include: * Ease of Tuning: The head seats more naturally, reducing the time required to reach a balanced pitch. * Extended Pitch Range: It remains resonant and responsive at both very low and higher tensions. * Increased Resonance: By sitting flush on the shell, the head allows the drum wood to contribute more to the overall tone.

Sound Character and Performance

The EMAD Clear is characterised by a heavy emphasis on attack and low-end punch. Because it is a clear, single-ply head, it possesses a bright, defined 'click' that helps the bass drum cut through dense musical mixes. The EMAD system effectively eliminates excessive overtones and 'boominess,' resulting in a very dry, focused sound that is often compared to a studio-recorded kick drum. Despite the dampening, the 10mil construction maintains a level of warmth that prevents the drum from sounding thin.

Applications and Comparison

This 18-inch head is particularly suited for drummers using smaller bass drums who still want a powerful, 'big' sound. It is a popular choice for session drummers who require a consistent tone that is easy for microphones to capture.

Compared to alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone, which offers a vintage aesthetic and warmer, mellower tone, the EMAD Clear is much more modern and aggressive. It provides more natural attack than the Remo Silentstroke, which is designed for volume reduction rather than tonal performance, and offers more integrated dampening than a standard DW Coated Clear head.

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Frequently asked questions

What does EMAD stand for?: EMAD stands for External Mounted Adjustable Dampening. It refers to the plastic sleeve on the front of the head that holds interchangeable foam rings.
How many foam rings are included with the 18-inch EMAD head?: It comes with two interchangeable foam dampening rings. Each ring has a different width to provide varying levels of sustain and focus.
Do I need to remove the head to change the dampening rings?: No, the rings are mounted externally. You can swap them or remove them entirely while the head is still tensioned on the drum.
What is the thickness of the Evans EMAD Clear film?: The head is made from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is designed to balance durability with a sharp, clear attack.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the head sits flat and even against the drum's bearing edge. This improves tuning stability and the overall resonance of the drum.
Will this 18-inch head fit a floor tom converted into a bass drum?: Yes, as long as the drum uses standard 18-inch hoops. It is a common choice for jungle kits or small-scale bop kits.
How does the sound of the EMAD Clear differ from the EMAD Coated?: The Clear version provides a brighter attack and more 'click' compared to the Coated version. The Coated version is generally warmer and slightly more muffled.
Is the bass drum included with the purchase?: No, this product is the drum head only. The bass drum itself must be purchased separately.
What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?: The typical price range for the 18-inch model is approximately GBP 61. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.
What are the two different foam rings used for?: The wider foam ring provides maximum dampening for a very focused, punchy sound. The narrower ring allows for slightly more resonance while still controlling overtones.
Can this head be used as a resonant (front) head?: While it is designed as a batter (striking) head, some drummers use it on the front. However, Evans produces specific resonant heads like the EQ3 for that purpose.
Is this head suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, the EMAD Clear is highly popular in rock and metal. Its ability to provide a sharp attack and fast decay is ideal for rapid double-bass drumming.