What is the diameter of the Evans MX2 Black head?

The specific model described has a diameter of 22 inches, designed to fit standard 22-inch marching bass drum shells.

How many plies are used in the MX2 construction?

This head is a 2-ply design, utilizing two layers of film to increase durability and control overtones.

What is the thickness of each film layer?

Each of the two plies in the Evans MX2 Black head is 7.5 mil thick, totaling 15 mil of film material.

What kind of sound profile does this head provide?

It produces a sound that is described as bright, sharp, and full, making it ideal for cutting through outdoor environments.

Is this head suitable for a standard studio drum kit?

While it can physically fit a 22-inch drum, it is specifically engineered for marching bass drums which operate at higher tensions than standard kits.

What is the typical price for the 22-inch MX2 Black?

The typical retail price is approximately £116, though this can vary slightly by retailer.

How does the 'Black' version differ from the 'White' version?

The primary difference is aesthetic, with the black film providing a specific visual style for drumlines while maintaining the 2-ply 7.5 mil sonic characteristics.

Does this head come with an internal damping system?

The MX2 series typically features a damping system that allows for adjustable muffling to suit different acoustic environments.

Is the MX2 more durable than a 1-ply head?

Yes, the 2-ply construction provides significantly more resistance to denting and stretching under the high tension of marching use.

How does this compare to the Evans Calftone series?

The MX2 is a modern marching head with a bright sound, while the Calftone series is designed to emulate the warm, vintage sound of natural calfskin.

Can this head be used for indoor percussion?

Yes, it is highly effective for indoor marching percussion (WGI), though the damping might need adjustment for smaller rooms.

Who is the manufacturer of this drum head?

The head is manufactured by Evans, a prominent brand in the percussion industry known for innovative head technologies.

Gear article

Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head 22"

The Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head is a 22-inch high-performance drum skin constructed from two plies of 7.5 mil film. It is engineered to produce a bright, sharp, and full tonal profile specifically designed for the demands of marching percussion.

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Overview and Design

The Evans MX2 series is a prominent choice within the marching percussion world, designed to withstand the high-tension requirements of contemporary drum corps and marching bands. This specific 22-inch model features a black finish and utilizes a dual-layer construction. By employing two plies of 7.5 mil film, the head offers significant durability and a focused attack compared to single-ply alternatives.

The MX2 system is noted for its ability to project across large outdoor venues while maintaining a controlled decay. The black aesthetic provides a sleek, modern look that complements a variety of marching band uniform styles and shell finishes.

Acoustic Characteristics

The sonic character of the MX2 Black head is defined by a bright and sharp attack. The dual 7.5 mil films work in tandem to create a full-bodied sound that does not lack in low-end resonance.

Key acoustic features include: * Enhanced Attack: The surface tension and film thickness ensure a crisp 'thud' that is audible even in dense arrangements. * Sharp Clarity: It avoids the muddiness often associated with thicker heads, providing clear articulation during fast rhythmic passages. * Fullness: The 22-inch diameter provides enough surface area to move significant air, resulting in a robust fundamental tone.

Suitability and Use Cases

This drum head is specifically suited for marching bass drummers who require a balance of durability and tonal brightness. Because it is built to handle the rigours of outdoor performance, it is ideal for high-school marching bands, collegiate drumlines, and professional drum and bugle corps. Its 22-inch size makes it a versatile choice for mid-sized bass drums in a typical five-drum lineup.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other Evans products like the 56 Calftone series, the MX2 offers a much more modern and aggressive sound profile, whereas the Calftone 22-inch or 26-inch heads aim for a vintage, calfskin-like warmth.

In contrast to the DW AA Coated or Clear heads, which are often preferred for kit drumming, the MX2 is built for the higher tensioning typical of marching hardware. Compared to the Remo Silentstroke, which is designed for low-volume practice, the MX2 is intended for maximum projection and public performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of the Evans MX2 Black head?: The specific model described has a diameter of 22 inches, designed to fit standard 22-inch marching bass drum shells.
How many plies are used in the MX2 construction?: This head is a 2-ply design, utilizing two layers of film to increase durability and control overtones.
What is the thickness of each film layer?: Each of the two plies in the Evans MX2 Black head is 7.5 mil thick, totaling 15 mil of film material.
What kind of sound profile does this head provide?: It produces a sound that is described as bright, sharp, and full, making it ideal for cutting through outdoor environments.
Is this head suitable for a standard studio drum kit?: While it can physically fit a 22-inch drum, it is specifically engineered for marching bass drums which operate at higher tensions than standard kits.
What is the typical price for the 22-inch MX2 Black?: The typical retail price is approximately £116, though this can vary slightly by retailer.
How does the 'Black' version differ from the 'White' version?: The primary difference is aesthetic, with the black film providing a specific visual style for drumlines while maintaining the 2-ply 7.5 mil sonic characteristics.
Does this head come with an internal damping system?: The MX2 series typically features a damping system that allows for adjustable muffling to suit different acoustic environments.
Is the MX2 more durable than a 1-ply head?: Yes, the 2-ply construction provides significantly more resistance to denting and stretching under the high tension of marching use.
How does this compare to the Evans Calftone series?: The MX2 is a modern marching head with a bright sound, while the Calftone series is designed to emulate the warm, vintage sound of natural calfskin.
Can this head be used for indoor percussion?: Yes, it is highly effective for indoor marching percussion (WGI), though the damping might need adjustment for smaller rooms.
Who is the manufacturer of this drum head?: The head is manufactured by Evans, a prominent brand in the percussion industry known for innovative head technologies.