What is the primary function of the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?

It is designed as a front-side (resonant) head for a 20-inch bass drum. Its primary function is to control overtones and provide a focused exit point for air via its port.

Does this drum head include a microphone port?

Yes, this specific model includes a pre-cut mic port. The port is equipped with a sleeve that protects the head from tearing and helps focus the pitch.

How does the 'Coated White' finish affect the sound?

The coating adds warmth to the tone and slightly dampens the higher frequencies. It provides a shorter, warmer decay compared to smooth or clear versions.

What is the benefit of the internal overtone control ring?

The ring is designed to be microphone-friendly by eliminating unwanted ring. This results in a punchy sound with a short decay that is easier to record and mix.

Is this head suitable for 22-inch or 24-inch drums?

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

Can I use the EQ3 Resonant as a batter (hitting) head?

While physically possible, it is not recommended. This head is specifically engineered for resonant use; using it as a batter head would likely result in poor durability and suboptimal tone.

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

The typical price for the Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White 20-inch head is approximately £61.00.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?

The EQ3 is a modern, controlled head with an overtone ring, whereas the Calftone series is designed for a vintage look and a more open, resonant, traditional sound.

Does the mic port sleeve offer any protection?

Yes, the sleeve is designed to protect the edges of the port from damage. This is particularly useful when frequently inserting or removing microphones.

Is this head good for studio recording?

Yes, the EQ3 is specifically marketed as being perfect for studio performances. Its short decay and controlled overtones make it very easy for engineers to capture.

What genres of music is the EQ3 Resonant best for?

It is ideal for any genre requiring a punchy, controlled bass drum, such as rock, pop, and fusion. It may be too dampened for traditional acoustic jazz.

How does the port sleeve affect the pitch?

The sleeve acts as a duct that focuses the air as it exits the drum. This creates a more defined 'thump' and helps stabilize the pitch of the resonant head.

Gear article

Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White Bass Drum Head 20 Inch

The Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White is a professional-grade 20-inch bass drum skin designed specifically for front-side placement to control low-end frequencies. It features a built-in internal overtone control ring and a reinforced microphone port to deliver a focused, punchy sound suitable for both studio and live environments.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White is a single-ply resonant head designed to provide a specific balance of control and projection. Unlike standard resonant heads that may produce excessive sustain, the EQ3 series incorporates an internal overtone control ring. This ring is fixed to the inner circumference of the head to dampen unwanted high-frequency 'zing' and concentrate the drum's energy into a punchier, more fundamental note.

The 20-inch version is sized for standard intermediate bass drums. The 'Coated White' finish provides a slightly warmer timbre and more traditional aesthetic compared to clear or smooth variants, while the inclusion of a pre-cut microphone port ensures the head is ready for professional reinforcement or recording immediately out of the box.

Key Features and Technical Function

One of the most distinctive features of the EQ3 Resonant is its microphone port sleeve. This sleeve serves a dual purpose: it focuses the pitch of the air escaping the drum and provides essential physical protection for the port edge. This prevents the head from tearing when microphones are inserted or adjusted during setup.

The internal overtone control ring is specifically engineered to be 'microphone friendly.' By reducing the decay time and controlling erratic overtones, it allows sound engineers to capture a clean, short signal that requires less external processing or gate manipulation. This makes it a preferred choice for drummers who require a consistent, predictable low-end response.

Sonorous Character

The sound of the Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White is best described as warm, punchy, and controlled. The coating adds a layer of subtleness to the attack, rounding off the sharp 'click' often associated with clear resonant heads.

Because the head facilitates a short decay, it prevents the bass drum from 'booming' uncontrollably in resonant rooms. This results in a focused low-end thump that sits well in a mix without muddying other instruments. The combination of the 20-inch diameter and the EQ3 dampening provides a tight, modern bass drum sound.

User Suitability and Comparisons

This head is primarily suited for drummers playing genres that require a disciplined, modern bass drum sound, such as rock, pop, or funk. It is particularly valuable for session drummers and touring musicians who need a reliable, easy-to-mic front head.

When compared to alternatives: * Evans EQ3 Smooth White (No Port): Offers more sustain and a more 'open' sound due to the lack of air venting. * Evans 56 Calftone: Provides a much more vintage, jazzy tone with higher resonance and a different tactile response. * Remo Silentstroke: Designed for low-volume practice rather than tonal projection. * Attack ProFlex1: A more minimalist 1-ply option for those seeking zero internal dampening.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?: It is designed as a front-side (resonant) head for a 20-inch bass drum. Its primary function is to control overtones and provide a focused exit point for air via its port.
Does this drum head include a microphone port?: Yes, this specific model includes a pre-cut mic port. The port is equipped with a sleeve that protects the head from tearing and helps focus the pitch.
How does the 'Coated White' finish affect the sound?: The coating adds warmth to the tone and slightly dampens the higher frequencies. It provides a shorter, warmer decay compared to smooth or clear versions.
What is the benefit of the internal overtone control ring?: The ring is designed to be microphone-friendly by eliminating unwanted ring. This results in a punchy sound with a short decay that is easier to record and mix.
Is this head suitable for 22-inch or 24-inch drums?: No, this specific model is 20 inches in diameter. You must match the diameter of the head to the diameter of your drum shell.
Can I use the EQ3 Resonant as a batter (hitting) head?: While physically possible, it is not recommended. This head is specifically engineered for resonant use; using it as a batter head would likely result in poor durability and suboptimal tone.
What is the typical price for this 20-inch drum head?: The typical price for the Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White 20-inch head is approximately £61.00.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?: The EQ3 is a modern, controlled head with an overtone ring, whereas the Calftone series is designed for a vintage look and a more open, resonant, traditional sound.
Does the mic port sleeve offer any protection?: Yes, the sleeve is designed to protect the edges of the port from damage. This is particularly useful when frequently inserting or removing microphones.
Is this head good for studio recording?: Yes, the EQ3 is specifically marketed as being perfect for studio performances. Its short decay and controlled overtones make it very easy for engineers to capture.
What genres of music is the EQ3 Resonant best for?: It is ideal for any genre requiring a punchy, controlled bass drum, such as rock, pop, and fusion. It may be too dampened for traditional acoustic jazz.
How does the port sleeve affect the pitch?: The sleeve acts as a duct that focuses the air as it exits the drum. This creates a more defined 'thump' and helps stabilize the pitch of the resonant head.