What does EMAD stand for?

EMAD stands for External Mounted Adjustable Dampening. It refers to the plastic sleeve and foam ring system mounted on the outside of the drumhead.

How many foam rings are included with the 22" EMAD Clear?

The head comes with two interchangeable foam rings of different widths. This allows the player to choose between two levels of dampening and attack.

What is the thickness of the drumhead film?

The Evans EMAD Clear is made from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is designed to provide durability while maintaining a bright, prominent attack.

Does this product include the drum shell?

No, the product is a replacement drumhead only. The bass drum shell is not included in the purchase.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the head fits properly on the drum shell. It provides a level playing surface and helps the head resonate in sync with the shell for easier tuning.

Can I change the dampening without taking the head off?

Yes, because the EMAD system is externally mounted, you can swap the foam rings or remove them entirely while the head is fully tensioned on the drum.

Is this head suitable for jazz or metal?

The EMAD Clear is highly versatile; the 10mil ply provides the attack needed for metal, while the adjustable rings can be configured for the warmth required in jazz or fusion.

How does the clear version differ from a coated EMAD?

The clear version typically offers a more pronounced attack and a brighter tone compared to coated versions. It emphasizes the 'slap' of the beater against the head.

Will this head fit a standard 22-inch bass drum?

Yes, it is designed to fit any standard 22-inch diameter bass drum. The Level 360 technology ensures it fits various bearing edge shapes effectively.

Does the EMAD system eliminate the need for a pillow inside the drum?

In many cases, yes. The EMAD system is designed to provide sufficient focus and dampening so that internal muffling like pillows or blankets may no longer be necessary.

What is the typical price for the Evans EMAD Clear 22?

The typical price for this specific 22-inch model is approximately GBP 66. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The EMAD Clear is a modern 10mil head focused on attack and adjustable dampening, whereas the 56 Calftone is designed for a vintage look and a warmer, traditional sound.

Gear article

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 22

The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head is a 22-inch single-ply drumhead featuring an externally mounted adjustable dampening system. Constructed from a 10mil film, it is designed to provide a balance of punchy attack and low-end focus for kick drums.

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Overview and Construction

The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 22 is a professional-grade batter head constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This clear film construction is chosen to emphasize attack and clarity. A defining feature of this model is the 'Level 360' collar design, which ensures a consistent 360-degree playing surface. This vertically enhanced collar allows the head to sit more flush against the bearing edge, facilitating easier tuning and better resonance with the drum shell.

EMAD Dampening System

The 'External Mounted Adjustable Dampening' (EMAD) system sets this head apart from traditional internal muffling methods. It consists of a plastic tray mounted on the exterior of the head which holds interchangeable foam rings.

Thin Foam Ring: Enhances low-end focus while maintaining a degree of resonance.
Wide Foam Ring: Maximizes attack and significantly dampens overtones for a tighter, punchier sound.

Because the system is externally mounted, drummers can adjust the dampening level without removing the head or reaching inside the drum.

Sonic Character

This drumhead is characterised by its balance of warmth and attack. The single 10mil ply provides a prominent 'click' or 'thud' that cuts through a mix, while the EMAD rings control excessive resonance and sustain. The result is a focused low-end punch that is suitable for modern music styles where a clear, controlled kick drum sound is required.

Target Audience

The EMAD Clear 22 is suited for drummers seeking a versatile head that can be quickly adjusted for different acoustic environments. It is particularly effective for those who want a modern kick sound without the need for internal pillows or blankets. It provides a wide tuning range and stable pitch, making it a reliable choice for both live performance and studio recording sessions.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Evans range, the EMAD Clear offers more attack than the '56 Calftone series, which focuses on vintage warmth and aesthetic. Compared to the Evans EQ3 series, the EMAD provides more customisable dampening via the external rings. Outside the brand, it competes with products like the Remo Silentstroke for those needing volume reduction (though the EMAD is a full-volume head) or the Attack ProFlex1 for those seeking a single-ply clear alternative without the specific EMAD tray system.

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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 and foam ring system mounted on the outside of the drumhead.
How many foam rings are included with the 22" EMAD Clear?: The head comes with two interchangeable foam rings of different widths. This allows the player to choose between two levels of dampening and attack.
What is the thickness of the drumhead film?: The Evans EMAD Clear is made from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is designed to provide durability while maintaining a bright, prominent attack.
Does this product include the drum shell?: No, the product is a replacement drumhead only. The bass drum shell is not included in the purchase.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is a collar design that ensures the head fits properly on the drum shell. It provides a level playing surface and helps the head resonate in sync with the shell for easier tuning.
Can I change the dampening without taking the head off?: Yes, because the EMAD system is externally mounted, you can swap the foam rings or remove them entirely while the head is fully tensioned on the drum.
Is this head suitable for jazz or metal?: The EMAD Clear is highly versatile; the 10mil ply provides the attack needed for metal, while the adjustable rings can be configured for the warmth required in jazz or fusion.
How does the clear version differ from a coated EMAD?: The clear version typically offers a more pronounced attack and a brighter tone compared to coated versions. It emphasizes the 'slap' of the beater against the head.
Will this head fit a standard 22-inch bass drum?: Yes, it is designed to fit any standard 22-inch diameter bass drum. The Level 360 technology ensures it fits various bearing edge shapes effectively.
Does the EMAD system eliminate the need for a pillow inside the drum?: In many cases, yes. The EMAD system is designed to provide sufficient focus and dampening so that internal muffling like pillows or blankets may no longer be necessary.
What is the typical price for the Evans EMAD Clear 22?: The typical price for this specific 22-inch model is approximately GBP 66. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The EMAD Clear is a modern 10mil head focused on attack and adjustable dampening, whereas the 56 Calftone is designed for a vintage look and a warmer, traditional sound.