What is the primary material used in the Onyx EMAD?

It is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film, which provides a balance of durability and responsive power.

How does the Onyx finish affect the sound?

The black Onyx finish enhances the low-end response and adds a micro-texture that increases focus and attack.

What does EMAD stand for?

EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping, a system developed by Evans.

Do I need to remove the drum hoop to change the damping?

No, the foam rings can be easily adjusted and installed from the outside of the drum without removing any hardware.

How many damping rings are included?

The head comes with two interchangeable foam rings of different widths to allow for varying levels of sustain control.

Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the 10mil film is designed to respond to powerful strokes with ease, providing power and control.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for 20-inch bass drums, though the series exists in other sizes like 18 or 22 inches.

How does it compare to the Evans Calftone 56?

The Calftone 56 is designed for a vintage, warm sound, whereas the Onyx EMAD is focused on modern punch, attack, and low-end drive.

Can I use this as a resonant head?

While it could technically fit, it is designed specifically as a batter (striking) head. The Evans EQ3 is a more common choice for the resonant side.

What is the typical price for the 20-inch version?

In the UK market, this head typically retails for approximately £63.

Does the Onyx coating wear off easily?

The Onyx finish is a durable treatment integrated into the head, designed to withstand standard play without significant premature peeling.

Is this head single-ply or double-ply?

The Evans Onyx EMAD is a single-ply head using a 10mil thickness film.

Gear article

Evans Onyx EMAD Bass Drum Head

The Evans Onyx EMAD is a specialised 20-inch bass drum head featuring a single-ply 10mil film construction and a matte black finish. It incorporates the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system, allowing drummers to modify attack and focus without removing the head from the shell.

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Background and Design

The Onyx EMAD series represents a fusion of two signature Evans technologies: the Onyx coating and the EMAD damping system. Designed for drummers who require both aesthetic distinction and tonal versatility, the head is built on a foundation of a single 10mil film. This specific thickness is chosen to provide sufficient durability for heavy hitters while maintaining the sensitivity of a single-ply design.

The 'Onyx' designation refers to the micro-textured black finish. This coating is not merely aesthetic; it is designed to enhance the low-frequency response and provide a specific tactile response to the bass drum beater. The 20-inch variant is a standard size for versatile kits, fitting between the compact 18-inch jazz-style kicks and larger 22-inch or 24-inch rock drums.

The EMAD System

The defining feature of this drum head is the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. Unlike traditional damping methods that require internal muffling (such as pillows or felt strips), the EMAD system uses an externally mounted plastic sleeve attached to the outer edge of the head.

The system includes two interchangeable foam damping rings of different widths. By swapping these rings, the player can instantly adjust the ratio of attack to sustain. Because the rings are mounted on the exterior, these adjustments can be made 'in a heartbeat' between songs or recording takes without detuning the drum or removing the hoop.

Sonic Character

The Onyx EMAD is characterised by a balance of power, control, and punch. The single-ply 10mil film creates an 'enhanced smack,' providing a clear, defined attack even during powerful strokes. The Onyx finish further focuses the sound, slightly dampening higher overtones compared to a standard clear head and emphasizing the deep low-end 'thump.'

When the wider foam ring is installed, the head produces a very dry, focused sound with minimal sustain. With the thinner ring, the drum retains more of its natural resonance while still controlling wild overtones. Without any ring, the 10mil film behaves like a standard high-quality single-ply head with significant projection.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other products in the Evans lineup, the Onyx EMAD offers a darker tone than the Clear EMAD variant. While the Evans 56 Calftone series provides a vintage, warm aesthetic and sound reminiscent of calfskin, the Onyx EMAD is more modern and aggressive.

Against competitors like the Remo Silentstroke, which is designed for near-silent practice, the Onyx EMAD is a full-volume performance head. It also differs significantly from heads like the Attack ProFlex1, which lacks the modular damping system. For users seeking a resonant side companion, the Evans EQ3 Resonant is often paired with EMAD batter heads to complete the low-frequency optimization of the drum.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Onyx EMAD?: It is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film, which provides a balance of durability and responsive power.
How does the Onyx finish affect the sound?: The black Onyx finish enhances the low-end response and adds a micro-texture that increases focus and attack.
What does EMAD stand for?: EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping, a system developed by Evans.
Do I need to remove the drum hoop to change the damping?: No, the foam rings can be easily adjusted and installed from the outside of the drum without removing any hardware.
How many damping rings are included?: The head comes with two interchangeable foam rings of different widths to allow for varying levels of sustain control.
Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the 10mil film is designed to respond to powerful strokes with ease, providing power and control.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for 20-inch bass drums, though the series exists in other sizes like 18 or 22 inches.
How does it compare to the Evans Calftone 56?: The Calftone 56 is designed for a vintage, warm sound, whereas the Onyx EMAD is focused on modern punch, attack, and low-end drive.
Can I use this as a resonant head?: While it could technically fit, it is designed specifically as a batter (striking) head. The Evans EQ3 is a more common choice for the resonant side.
What is the typical price for the 20-inch version?: In the UK market, this head typically retails for approximately £63.
Does the Onyx coating wear off easily?: The Onyx finish is a durable treatment integrated into the head, designed to withstand standard play without significant premature peeling.
Is this head single-ply or double-ply?: The Evans Onyx EMAD is a single-ply head using a 10mil thickness film.