What is the primary material used in the Evans MX2 18" head?

The head is constructed using two plies of 7.5 mil film. This dual-ply design is specifically engineered for durability and sound projection in marching contexts.

What are the tonal characteristics of the MX2 Black head?

It produces a bright, sharp, and full sound. The brightness ensures that the attack is clearly heard over a full band, while the two plies provide a full-bodied resonance.

Is this head suitable for a standard studio drum kit?

While it can be mounted on any 18-inch drum, it is specifically designed for marching bass drums. For a studio kit, alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 might be more appropriate for a traditional kit sound.

How does the black finish affect the sound compared to clear heads?

The black coating typically offers a slightly different overtone control than clear heads. In the context of the MX2, it provides a distinctive look while maintaining the sharp attack required for marching.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch drum head?

The Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head typically retails for approximately £101. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

How thick is each ply of the MX2 head?

Each of the two plies in the MX2 head is 7.5 mil thick. This combined thickness provides the necessary strength for high-tension marching drum setups.

How does the MX2 differ from the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?

The MX2 is a 2-ply marching head designed for impact and projection, whereas the EQ3 Resonant is typically a single-ply head used on the front of a kick drum to control resonance and porting.

Can the Evans MX2 be used as a resonant head?

While it is designed as a batter head for marching, it can technically be used as a resonant head if a very controlled and dark sound is desired. However, it is optimized for mallet strikes.

What size options are available for this specific product series?

This specific model is 18 inches in diameter. Evans produces the MX series in various sizes to accommodate the standard hierarchy of a marching bass drum line.

Is this head compatible with 18-inch floor toms?

Yes, it will fit a standard 18-inch floor tom rim. However, the 2-ply 7.5 mil construction might produce a drier, more percussive sound than traditional tom heads.

What is the difference between MX1 and MX2 heads?

The MX1 is generally a single-ply head for more resonance, whereas the MX2 features a 2-ply construction for increased durability and a more focused, sharp attack.

Does this head include internal dampening features?

The MX2 series typically utilizes a unique felt damping system (sold separately or integrated depending on the specific sub-model) to allow for adjustable sustain, though the base 2-ply film provides significant natural control.

Gear article

Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head 18"

The Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head is an 18-inch specialized percussion skin designed for outdoor and stadium performance. Constructed with two plies of 7.5 mil film, it is engineered to deliver a bright, sharp, and full-bodied sound suitable for contemporary marching ensembles.

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Overview

The Evans MX2 series is a staple in the world of marching percussion, specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drum corps and marching bands. The 18-inch black variant provides a distinctive aesthetic while offering the durability required for high-tension applications. As a dual-ply head, it balances the need for resonance with a controlled decay, ensuring that rhythmic patterns remain clear even in large, reverberant environments.

Technical Design and Construction

The MX2 head is built using two layers of 7.5 mil film. This specific thickness is a deliberate choice for marching bass drums; it provides enough mass to project sound across a field while maintaining a sharp attack. The 18-inch diameter typically represents one of the higher-pitched drums in a marching bass line, necessitating a head that can handle high tension without losing its tonal integrity. The black finish is not merely aesthetic but often contributes to a slightly warmer overtone profile compared to standard clear heads.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sound Profile and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the Evans MX2 is its ability to produce a bright and sharp attack. Because marching bass drums are played with mallets and often rely on precise rhythmic unison, the 'sharpness' helps define the start of each note. The 'full' sound described by the manufacturer refers to the low-end support provided by the 2-ply construction, ensuring that despite the sharp attack, the drum does not sound thin or 'papery'.

Market Comparison

When compared to other bass drum heads in the EVANS catalogue, the MX2 is significantly more specialised than the 56 Calftone series, which aims for a vintage, warm jazz sound. Unlike the EQ3 Resonant or EQ4 series which are often used for stationary kit drumming, the MX2 is built to withstand the physical movement and high-impact mallet strikes of marching. While brands like Remo offer the Silentstroke for low-volume practice, the MX2 is intended for maximum projection and durability in competitive environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Evans MX2 18" head?: The head is constructed using two plies of 7.5 mil film. This dual-ply design is specifically engineered for durability and sound projection in marching contexts.
What are the tonal characteristics of the MX2 Black head?: It produces a bright, sharp, and full sound. The brightness ensures that the attack is clearly heard over a full band, while the two plies provide a full-bodied resonance.
Is this head suitable for a standard studio drum kit?: While it can be mounted on any 18-inch drum, it is specifically designed for marching bass drums. For a studio kit, alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 might be more appropriate for a traditional kit sound.
How does the black finish affect the sound compared to clear heads?: The black coating typically offers a slightly different overtone control than clear heads. In the context of the MX2, it provides a distinctive look while maintaining the sharp attack required for marching.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch drum head?: The Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head typically retails for approximately £101. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
How thick is each ply of the MX2 head?: Each of the two plies in the MX2 head is 7.5 mil thick. This combined thickness provides the necessary strength for high-tension marching drum setups.
How does the MX2 differ from the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?: The MX2 is a 2-ply marching head designed for impact and projection, whereas the EQ3 Resonant is typically a single-ply head used on the front of a kick drum to control resonance and porting.
Can the Evans MX2 be used as a resonant head?: While it is designed as a batter head for marching, it can technically be used as a resonant head if a very controlled and dark sound is desired. However, it is optimized for mallet strikes.
What size options are available for this specific product series?: This specific model is 18 inches in diameter. Evans produces the MX series in various sizes to accommodate the standard hierarchy of a marching bass drum line.
Is this head compatible with 18-inch floor toms?: Yes, it will fit a standard 18-inch floor tom rim. However, the 2-ply 7.5 mil construction might produce a drier, more percussive sound than traditional tom heads.
What is the difference between MX1 and MX2 heads?: The MX1 is generally a single-ply head for more resonance, whereas the MX2 features a 2-ply construction for increased durability and a more focused, sharp attack.
Does this head include internal dampening features?: The MX2 series typically utilizes a unique felt damping system (sold separately or integrated depending on the specific sub-model) to allow for adjustable sustain, though the base 2-ply film provides significant natural control.