What is the thickness of the Evans Onyx 18" drum head?

The head is a two-ply construction, featuring two layers of 7.5mil film for a total thickness of 15mil. This provides enhanced durability and a focused sound.

What does the 'Frost' coating do for the sound?

The frost coating increases the low-end response and adds a natural muffling effect. It helps accentuate the attack while controlling excessive overtones.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 involves a vertically enhanced collar design that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge. This improves tuning consistency and resonance transfer to the shell.

Is the black finish purely for looks?

While it provides a sleek, professional matte black aesthetic, the finish is a functional coating that affects the head's dampening and frequency response.

How does this head perform in a loud mix?

The Onyx is designed to provide a sharp attack that cuts through dense mixes, making it highly effective for loud live environments.

Does this head require a lot of external muffling?

Due to its two-ply construction and frost coating, the Onyx provides natural muffling. Many users find they need less additional tape or gels compared to thinner heads.

Can this head be used on a bass drum?

Yes, the 18-inch version is suitable for small bass drums or 'bop' kits, though it is also widely used as a floor tom head.

How does the durability compare to a single-ply head?

The two-ply 7.5mil design offers significantly more durability and resistance to denting than a standard single-ply head.

What is the typical price for the 18" version?

The Evans Onyx 18" drum head typically retails for approximately £36.00.

Will this head fit all 18-inch drums?

Thanks to the Level 360 collar, the head is designed to seat properly on a wide variety of bearing edges and shell sizes within the 18-inch standard.

Does the coating wear off easily?

The Onyx frost coating is designed for longevity and to withstand consistent stick impact while maintaining its matte appearance.

What kind of tone should I expect?

Expect a dark, full-bodied tone with a rounded low-end and a clear, punchy attack that emphasises the shell's natural resonance.

Gear article

Evans Onyx Drum Head 18"

The Evans Onyx is a high-performance two-ply drum head designed for durability and a distinct aesthetic. Featuring two layers of 7.5mil film and a signature matte black frost coating, it is engineered to enhance low-end response and provide a sharp, cutting attack in live and studio mixes.

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Background and Design

The Evans Onyx series was developed to meet the needs of drummers requiring a head that balances resilience with a specific tonal profile. The 18-inch variant is frequently utilised for floor toms or small bass drums. The most striking visual feature is the frost coating, which gives the head a matte black appearance. This coating is not merely aesthetic; it is designed to increase the low-end response of the drum while providing a degree of natural muffling that controls unwanted overtones without the need for excessive external dampening.

Technical Specifications and Level 360

The head is constructed using two identical plies of 7.5mil film, totalling a 15mil thickness. This configuration ensures extended durability compared to single-ply alternatives. A core technical component of the Onyx head is the Evans Level 360 Technology. This design incorporates a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head makes even contact with the shell's bearing edge. By providing a flat, level seating, the technology allows for easier tuning and maximises the transfer of energy from the head to the shell, resulting in a more resonant and full-bodied tone.

Sonic Character

Sonically, the Evans Onyx is characterised by its dark, moody timbre and pronounced attack. The frost coating provides a 'matte' sound that emphasises the fundamental pitch of the shell while providing enough bite to cut through high-volume musical arrangements. The two-ply construction adds a level of compression to the sound, making it punchy and focused. It is particularly effective for drummers who prefer a controlled sustain and a rounded, deep low-end.

User Suitability

The Onyx series is ideally suited for rock, metal, and fusion drummers who strike with significant force and require equipment that can withstand heavy play. Because of its dark tone and professional black finish, it is a popular choice for both live performance settings and studio recording where a sleek look and controlled resonance are desired. It serves as a robust alternative to standard clear or white coated heads, offering a different timbral palette through its unique coating.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Evans Onyx 18" drum head?: The head is a two-ply construction, featuring two layers of 7.5mil film for a total thickness of 15mil. This provides enhanced durability and a focused sound.
What does the 'Frost' coating do for the sound?: The frost coating increases the low-end response and adds a natural muffling effect. It helps accentuate the attack while controlling excessive overtones.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 involves a vertically enhanced collar design that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge. This improves tuning consistency and resonance transfer to the shell.
Is the black finish purely for looks?: While it provides a sleek, professional matte black aesthetic, the finish is a functional coating that affects the head's dampening and frequency response.
How does this head perform in a loud mix?: The Onyx is designed to provide a sharp attack that cuts through dense mixes, making it highly effective for loud live environments.
Does this head require a lot of external muffling?: Due to its two-ply construction and frost coating, the Onyx provides natural muffling. Many users find they need less additional tape or gels compared to thinner heads.
Can this head be used on a bass drum?: Yes, the 18-inch version is suitable for small bass drums or 'bop' kits, though it is also widely used as a floor tom head.
How does the durability compare to a single-ply head?: The two-ply 7.5mil design offers significantly more durability and resistance to denting than a standard single-ply head.
What is the typical price for the 18" version?: The Evans Onyx 18" drum head typically retails for approximately £36.00.
Will this head fit all 18-inch drums?: Thanks to the Level 360 collar, the head is designed to seat properly on a wide variety of bearing edges and shell sizes within the 18-inch standard.
Does the coating wear off easily?: The Onyx frost coating is designed for longevity and to withstand consistent stick impact while maintaining its matte appearance.
What kind of tone should I expect?: Expect a dark, full-bodied tone with a rounded low-end and a clear, punchy attack that emphasises the shell's natural resonance.