What does EMAD stand for?

EMAD stands for External Mounted Adjustable Dampening. This refers to the foam ring system located on the outside of the drumhead.

How many foam rings are included with the head?

The head comes with two interchangeable foam rings of different widths. This allows the user to choose between a wider ring for more dampening or a thinner ring for more resonance.

What is the thickness of the film used?

The Evans EMAD Clear 20" is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is chosen to provide a balance of durability and clear, powerful attack.

Does this drumhead include the drum shell?

No, this product is a replacement drumhead only. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge. It facilitates easier tuning and ensures the head resonates in harmony with the shell.

Can I use this on a 22-inch bass drum?

No, this specific model is 20 inches in diameter. You must match the size of the head exactly to the diameter of your bass drum shell.

What is the difference between Clear and Coated EMAD heads?

The Clear version provides more attack and a brighter 'snap' compared to coated versions. Coated heads typically offer a slightly warmer, more muffled tone.

How do the foam rings stay in place?

The foam rings sit within a plastic tray mounted on the exterior of the head. They are held by friction and the tension of the plastic sleeve, allowing for quick changes.

Is this head suitable for jazz music?

While it can be used, the EMAD is typically preferred for rock and pop due to its focused punch. Jazz drummers often prefer more resonant heads like the EQ4 or Calftone series.

How does the EMAD affect the low-end of the drum?

The EMAD system focuses the low-end by removing high-frequency overtones. This results in a deeper, punchier sound that emphasizes the fundamental pitch of the kick drum.

Is the dampening ring permanent?

The plastic mounting tray is permanently attached to the head, but the foam inserts themselves are removable and interchangeable.

What is the typical price for this 20-inch head?

The typical price for the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 20" is approximately £63. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Gear article

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 20"

The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 20" is a professional-grade single-ply drumhead featuring a unique External Mounted Adjustable Dampening system. It is designed to provide drummers with customisable control over attack and low-end resonance through interchangeable foam rings.

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Overview

The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 20" is widely regarded as an industry-standard choice for modern kick drum tones. It utilises a single ply of 10mil clear film, which is engineered to balance durability with a high degree of sensitivity. The 'EMAD' acronym stands for External Mounted Adjustable Dampening, a proprietary system that allows the player to manipulate the sonic characteristics of the drum without removing the head or using internal pillows.

The EMAD System and Level 360 Technology

The defining feature of this head is the plastic sleeve mounted on the outer circumference, which holds one of two interchangeable foam rings. By swapping these rings, drummers can adjust the ratio of attack to sustain.

Additionally, the head incorporates Evans Level 360 Technology. This design features a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head makes consistent contact with the bearing edge of the drum shell. This results in easier tuning, an extended pitch range, and better resonance across the 360-degree playing surface.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sound Character

The sound of the EMAD Clear 20" is characterised by a prominent attack and a focused low-end punch. Because it is a clear head, it offers more brightness and 'click' than coated alternatives. The foam rings effectively stop excessive resonance, preventing the kick drum from sounding 'boomy' while maintaining a warm, full-bodied fundamental tone.

Target User

This drumhead is ideal for drummers seeking a versatile, modern sound that cuts through a mix. It is particularly well-suited for rock, pop, and metal genres where a defined kick drum presence is required. The ability to quickly change dampening levels also makes it a valuable tool for session drummers who need to adapt their sound to different recording environments.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Evans EQ3 or the Evans 56 Calftone series, the EMAD Clear offers significantly more aggressive attack and more immediate dampening. While the 56 Calftone series (available in 18" or 26" sizes) provides a vintage, warm aesthetic, the EMAD is focused on modern precision. In contrast to mesh heads like the Remo Silentstroke 16, the EMAD is a standard acoustic head intended for full-volume performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What does EMAD stand for?: EMAD stands for External Mounted Adjustable Dampening. This refers to the foam ring system located on the outside of the drumhead.
How many foam rings are included with the head?: The head comes with two interchangeable foam rings of different widths. This allows the user to choose between a wider ring for more dampening or a thinner ring for more resonance.
What is the thickness of the film used?: The Evans EMAD Clear 20" is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is chosen to provide a balance of durability and clear, powerful attack.
Does this drumhead include the drum shell?: No, this product is a replacement drumhead only. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge. It facilitates easier tuning and ensures the head resonates in harmony with the shell.
Can I use this on a 22-inch bass drum?: No, this specific model is 20 inches in diameter. You must match the size of the head exactly to the diameter of your bass drum shell.
What is the difference between Clear and Coated EMAD heads?: The Clear version provides more attack and a brighter 'snap' compared to coated versions. Coated heads typically offer a slightly warmer, more muffled tone.
How do the foam rings stay in place?: The foam rings sit within a plastic tray mounted on the exterior of the head. They are held by friction and the tension of the plastic sleeve, allowing for quick changes.
Is this head suitable for jazz music?: While it can be used, the EMAD is typically preferred for rock and pop due to its focused punch. Jazz drummers often prefer more resonant heads like the EQ4 or Calftone series.
How does the EMAD affect the low-end of the drum?: The EMAD system focuses the low-end by removing high-frequency overtones. This results in a deeper, punchier sound that emphasizes the fundamental pitch of the kick drum.
Is the dampening ring permanent?: The plastic mounting tray is permanently attached to the head, but the foam inserts themselves are removable and interchangeable.
What is the typical price for this 20-inch head?: The typical price for the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 20" is approximately £63. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.