What is the thickness of the Evans MX2 Black 32" head?

The head features a dual-ply construction where each ply is 7.5 mil thick, providing a total thickness of 15 mil. This thickness is designed to balance durability with tonal clarity.

What kind of sound does this drumhead produce?

According to manufacturer specifications, it produces a bright, sharp, and full sound. This ensures the drum can be heard clearly in large ensemble settings.

Is the MX2 Black suitable for indoor or outdoor use?

It is designed for both, though its bright and sharp character makes it particularly effective for outdoor marching applications where projection is a priority.

What is the typical price for the 32" Evans MX2 Black?

In the UK market, this specific model typically retails around the GBP 167 mark. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Can this head be used on a standard 32-inch orchestral concert bass drum?

While it physically fits a 32-inch drum, it is specifically engineered for the high tension of marching bass drums. For orchestral use, a head with more sustain and warmth might be preferred.

How does the MX2 differ from the Evans EQ3 series?

The EQ3 is a drum set bass drum head often used for resonant sides, whereas the MX2 is a dedicated marching head built to withstand the rigours of field percussion and higher tensioning.

What is the significance of the black finish?

Beyond the aesthetic appeal for marching ensembles, the black film provides a specific feel and slightly different overtone profile compared to clear or coated versions of the same thickness.

Is this a single-ply or double-ply head?

The Evans MX2 is a double-ply (two-ply) head, which increases its durability and helps control unwanted overtones during performance.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?

The 56 Calftone series focuses on a vintage aesthetic and warm, calfskin-like tone. The MX2 Black is a modern marching head focused on brightness, sharpness, and high-tension durability.

Does this head include an internal dampening system?

While the two-ply construction provides inherent dampening, users often pair the MX2 series with additional internal muffling specific to their marching ensemble's needs.

Is the 32-inch size common for marching bass drums?

Yes, 32 inches is a standard size for the largest bass drum (Bottom Bass) in a typical five-man marching drum line.

Can I use this head on an Eden Atlas Mini or similar amplifier?

No, the Evans MX2 is a physical drumhead for an acoustic instrument. The Eden Atlas Mini is an electronic bass amplifier head; they are entirely different categories of gear.

Gear article

Evans MX2 Black Marching Bass Drum Head 32"

The Evans MX2 Black 32-inch Marching Bass Drum Head is a heavy-duty, dual-ply drumhead designed specifically for high-tension marching applications. It is constructed from two plies of 7.5 mil film, engineered to deliver a bright, sharp, and full tonal response suitable for outdoor performance environments.

See live prices

Overview

The Evans MX2 Black 32-inch Marching Bass Drum Head is a specialized percussion component designed for the largest instruments in a marching battery. As part of Evans' dedicated marching series, this head focuses on providing the necessary projection and durability required for drum corps, marching bands, and indoor percussion ensembles. The use of a black finish provides a sleek, modern aesthetic that is often preferred for contemporary field shows.

Technical Design and Construction

The MX2 series is defined by its two-ply construction. Each ply consists of 7.5 mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15 mil. This architecture is intended to withstand the high-tension tuning and heavy-impact playing associated with marching percussion. The dual-ply design inherently helps to control overtones and provides a more focused fundamental pitch compared to single-ply alternatives. The 32-inch diameter specifically accommodates the largest standard marching bass drums, requiring a head that can maintain structural integrity across a vast surface area.

Sound Profile and Character

In terms of sonic performance, the Evans MX2 Black is described as producing a bright, sharp, and full sound. The brightness ensures that the rhythmic attacks are clearly defined, which is critical for ensemble synchronization in large outdoor spaces. Despite the sharpness of the attack, the 32-inch size and two-ply configuration allow for a 'full' body, providing the deep low-frequency foundation necessary for a marching line's bottom end.

Target User and Application

This drumhead is primarily intended for marching percussionists and ensemble directors who require a combination of visual uniformity and sonic projection. It is best suited for 32-inch marching bass drums used in competitive drum corps (DCI), collegiate marching bands, and high school programs. Its robust build makes it ideal for ensembles that perform frequently and require a head that maintains its pitch and tonal character throughout a performance season.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other Evans products, the MX2 32-inch stands apart from the '56 Calftone series, such as the 18" or 26" EQ4 heads, which are designed for a vintage look and warmer, more traditional orchestral or drum set sound. Unlike the Remo Silentstroke 16, which is designed for volume reduction, the MX2 is built for maximum projection. It also differs from standard drum set heads like the DW AA Coated or EQ3 series by utilizing a construction specifically reinforced for the higher tensions found in marching hardware.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Evans MX2 Black 32" head?: The head features a dual-ply construction where each ply is 7.5 mil thick, providing a total thickness of 15 mil. This thickness is designed to balance durability with tonal clarity.
What kind of sound does this drumhead produce?: According to manufacturer specifications, it produces a bright, sharp, and full sound. This ensures the drum can be heard clearly in large ensemble settings.
Is the MX2 Black suitable for indoor or outdoor use?: It is designed for both, though its bright and sharp character makes it particularly effective for outdoor marching applications where projection is a priority.
What is the typical price for the 32" Evans MX2 Black?: In the UK market, this specific model typically retails around the GBP 167 mark. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Can this head be used on a standard 32-inch orchestral concert bass drum?: While it physically fits a 32-inch drum, it is specifically engineered for the high tension of marching bass drums. For orchestral use, a head with more sustain and warmth might be preferred.
How does the MX2 differ from the Evans EQ3 series?: The EQ3 is a drum set bass drum head often used for resonant sides, whereas the MX2 is a dedicated marching head built to withstand the rigours of field percussion and higher tensioning.
What is the significance of the black finish?: Beyond the aesthetic appeal for marching ensembles, the black film provides a specific feel and slightly different overtone profile compared to clear or coated versions of the same thickness.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply head?: The Evans MX2 is a double-ply (two-ply) head, which increases its durability and helps control unwanted overtones during performance.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?: The 56 Calftone series focuses on a vintage aesthetic and warm, calfskin-like tone. The MX2 Black is a modern marching head focused on brightness, sharpness, and high-tension durability.
Does this head include an internal dampening system?: While the two-ply construction provides inherent dampening, users often pair the MX2 series with additional internal muffling specific to their marching ensemble's needs.
Is the 32-inch size common for marching bass drums?: Yes, 32 inches is a standard size for the largest bass drum (Bottom Bass) in a typical five-man marching drum line.
Can I use this head on an Eden Atlas Mini or similar amplifier?: No, the Evans MX2 is a physical drumhead for an acoustic instrument. The Eden Atlas Mini is an electronic bass amplifier head; they are entirely different categories of gear.