What does EMAD stand for?

EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping. It refers to the plastic housing and foam rings located on the outside of the drumhead.

What is the thickness of the Evans EMAD Clear head?

This head is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness provides a balance of durability and a bright, prominent attack.

How many foam rings are included with the 26" EMAD head?

The package includes two interchangeable foam rings of different widths. These allow the drummer to choose between two levels of damping and focus.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 Technology features a vertically enhanced collar design. This ensures the head makes better contact with the drum shell's bearing edge for easier tuning and better resonance.

Can I use this head on a 24" or 22" drum?

No, this specific model is sized for 26-inch bass drums only. You must match the head diameter to the diameter of your drum shell.

Does this product include the drum shell?

No, the product is an individual drumhead. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.

How does the 'Clear' finish affect the sound compared to a 'Coated' head?

The clear film provides a sharper, more pronounced attack and greater brightness. Coated heads generally offer a warmer, slightly more muffled tone.

Is the EMAD system permanent?

The plastic tray is permanently attached to the head, but the foam damping rings can be swapped or removed at any time. This allows for quick sonic adjustments.

What is the typical price for the 26" version?

The typical price for the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 26" is approximately £75.00. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.

Does this head require internal pillows for muffling?

While you can still use internal muffling, the EMAD system is designed to provide sufficient focus and resonance control on its own. Many players find internal pillows unnecessary when using this head.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The EMAD Clear is a modern head with a bright attack and adjustable damping. The 56 Calftone 26" is designed to emulate vintage calfskin with a much warmer, traditional sound.

Is the 26" EMAD suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the 10mil single-ply construction is durable enough for standard play, and the Level 360 collar helps maintain tuning stability during aggressive use.

Gear article

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 26"

The Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 26" is a premium single-ply drumhead featuring the patented External Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. Designed for large-format kick drums, it allows drummers to manipulate attack and resonance without removing the head from the shell.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Evans EMAD Clear 26" is a high-performance bass drum head constructed from a single ply of 10mil clear film. This specific gauge is selected to provide a balance between durability and sensitivity. The 'Clear' designation signifies a transparent finish that prioritises a sharp, bright attack compared to coated alternatives.

A defining technical feature of this model is the Level 360 Technology. This design incorporates a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head sits flush against the bearing edge of the drum shell. This facilitates easier tuning, a more stable pitch, and an extended tuning range, allowing the 26" surface to resonate in harmony with the drum shell.

The EMAD Damping System

The core innovation of this product is the External Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. Unlike traditional internal muffling methods that require pillows or blankets inside the drum, the EMAD system utilizes an externally mounted plastic sleeve.

This sleeve holds one of two interchangeable foam rings of varying widths. By resting directly against the outer surface of the head, these rings allow the user to: * Control the amount of sustain and resonance. * Enhance the low-end punch and fundamental frequency. * Sharpen the attack of the beater impact. * Adjust the sound profile instantly without de-tuning the drum.

Sonic Character and Performance

Given its 26-inch diameter, this head is designed to move a significant volume of air. The combination of the 10mil film and the EMAD system produces a sound characterized by warmth, deep low-end punch, and a focused strike. The clear film ensures that the initial transient of the beater is prominent, preventing the large 26" shell from sounding muddy or overly boomy. The result is a stand-out kick drum tone that remains articulate even at high volumes.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Evans catalogue, the EMAD Clear differs significantly from the Evans 56 Calftone 26", which targets a vintage, warm aesthetic mimicking natural calfskin. While the EMAD focuses on modern attack and adjustable focus, the Calftone provides a more traditional, wide-open resonance.

Compared to competitors like the Attack 24" ProFlex1 or the Remo Silentstroke series, the EMAD stands out for its specific external damping mechanism. While the Remo Silentstroke is intended for volume reduction and practice, the EMAD is a full-volume performance head. Furthermore, unlike the DW Coated/Clear series which often relies on internal muffling or fixed rings, the EMAD offers modularity through its swappable foam inserts.

Suitability

This head is ideally suited for drummers using oversized 26" bass drums who require a modern, punchy sound with controlled overtones. It is particularly effective in genres where a clear, defined kick drum rhythm is necessary, such as rock, pop, and metal. The Level 360 collar also makes it an excellent choice for players who frequently change tunings or require a head that holds its pitch under heavy playing conditions.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What does EMAD stand for?: EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping. It refers to the plastic housing and foam rings located on the outside of the drumhead.
What is the thickness of the Evans EMAD Clear head?: This head is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness provides a balance of durability and a bright, prominent attack.
How many foam rings are included with the 26" EMAD head?: The package includes two interchangeable foam rings of different widths. These allow the drummer to choose between two levels of damping and focus.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 Technology features a vertically enhanced collar design. This ensures the head makes better contact with the drum shell's bearing edge for easier tuning and better resonance.
Can I use this head on a 24" or 22" drum?: No, this specific model is sized for 26-inch bass drums only. You must match the head diameter to the diameter of your drum shell.
Does this product include the drum shell?: No, the product is an individual drumhead. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.
How does the 'Clear' finish affect the sound compared to a 'Coated' head?: The clear film provides a sharper, more pronounced attack and greater brightness. Coated heads generally offer a warmer, slightly more muffled tone.
Is the EMAD system permanent?: The plastic tray is permanently attached to the head, but the foam damping rings can be swapped or removed at any time. This allows for quick sonic adjustments.
What is the typical price for the 26" version?: The typical price for the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head 26" is approximately £75.00. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.
Does this head require internal pillows for muffling?: While you can still use internal muffling, the EMAD system is designed to provide sufficient focus and resonance control on its own. Many players find internal pillows unnecessary when using this head.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The EMAD Clear is a modern head with a bright attack and adjustable damping. The 56 Calftone 26" is designed to emulate vintage calfskin with a much warmer, traditional sound.
Is the 26" EMAD suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the 10mil single-ply construction is durable enough for standard play, and the Level 360 collar helps maintain tuning stability during aggressive use.