What is included in the Mapex Saturn VI 5pc Studioease Shell Pack?

The shell pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, floor toms, and shallow rack toms. Please note that the snare drum, hardware, and cymbals are not included and must be purchased separately.

What materials are used to make the shells?

The Saturn VI uses a hybrid shell construction consisting of maple and walnut. This combination is chosen to balance the warmth and brightness of maple with the deep, dark tones of walnut.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This improves the contact between the head and the shell, making the drums easier to tune and enhancing the fundamental pitch.

What does 'Studioease' refer to in the product name?

Studioease refers to the specific configuration and sizing of the drums, notably featuring a 22-inch kick drum and shallow rack toms. This setup is designed for easier positioning and faster reach during play.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This model features a Royal Purple Burst finish. It is a striking aesthetic designed to stand out during live performances and studio sessions.

Is a snare drum included with this shell pack?

No, a snare drum is not included with the Mapex Saturn VI 22" 5pc Studioease Shell Pack. Users will need to provide their own snare to complete the kit.

How does the sound of the Saturn VI compare to pure maple kits?

The Saturn VI provides a deeper and more focused tone than many pure maple kits. The addition of walnut provides extra low-end depth and a quicker decay, which is useful for recording.

Is this kit suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Saturn VI is designed for both studio and live use. Its clear projection and durable construction make it a reliable choice for touring drummers.

What is the typical price for this shell pack in the UK?

The Mapex Saturn VI 5pc Studioease Shell Pack in Royal Purple Burst is typically priced at approximately £1,755.

Does the kit include cymbals or stands?

No, this is a shell pack only. It does not include cymbals, cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, snare stands, or bass drum pedals.

Why are shallow rack toms used in this configuration?

Shallow rack toms allow the drummer to mount them lower over the 22-inch bass drum. This creates a more ergonomic setup and allows for faster transitions between drums.

How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

The Saturn VI is a more premium kit than the Superstar Classic, featuring a maple/walnut hybrid shell and SONIClear edges, whereas the Superstar Classic typically uses 100% maple shells.

Gear article

Mapex Saturn VI Studioease Shell Pack

The Mapex Saturn VI 22" 5pc Studioease Shell Pack is a professional-tier acoustic drum kit featuring hybrid maple and walnut shells. Designed for versatile performance in both studio and live environments, it is distinguished by its Royal Purple Burst finish and Mapex’s proprietary SONIClear bearing edge technology.

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Overview

The Mapex Saturn VI Studioease Shell Pack is a contemporary professional drum kit engineered for sonic depth and ergonomic flexibility. The 'Studioease' designation refers to the specific sizing of the shells, which includes a 22-inch bass drum paired with shallow rack toms. This design allows for lower positioning of the rack toms over the bass drum, facilitating a more comfortable reach for the drummer and a faster physical setup. The kit is presented in a premium Royal Purple Burst finish, intended to provide high visual impact for stage performances.

Shell Construction and SONIClear Technology

The core of the Saturn VI's performance lies in its hybrid shell construction, blending the bright, resonant qualities of maple with the dark, punchy characteristics of walnut. This combination is designed to produce a warm, focused tone with significant projection.

A key feature of the kit is the SONIClear bearing edge. This proprietary edge profile allows the drumhead to sit flatter against the shell, ensuring better contact. The result is a drum that is easier to tune, provides a stronger fundamental pitch, and offers a wider tuning range across the entire kit.

Sound Profile

The Saturn VI is characterised by its deep, resonant tone and clear projection. The inclusion of walnut adds a distinct 'thump' and low-end richness that differentiates it from pure maple kits. The focused nature of the sound makes it particularly well-suited for studio recording, where controlled decay and clear note definition are paramount. Despite this focus, the kit retains enough volume and character to perform effectively in unmic'd live settings.

Target User

This shell pack is designed for intermediate to professional drummers who require a versatile 'all-rounder' kit. Its ergonomic layout and wide tuning stability make it an ideal choice for session musicians who transition frequently between different musical genres. The Studioease configuration is especially beneficial for players who prefer a more compact, low-profile setup without sacrificing the power of a full 22-inch kick drum.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the professional market, the Saturn VI competes with several notable shell packs. While the DW Performance Series 22" Black Diamond offers a North American Maple construction for a classic bright sound, the Saturn VI provides a different tonal palette through its walnut hybrid shells.

Compared to the Ludwig Neusonic series, which uses maple/cherry hybrids, the Saturn VI tends to offer a deeper, darker resonance. In contrast to entry-level or mid-tier options like the Yamaha Rydeen or Tama Superstar Classic, the Saturn VI is positioned as a more advanced instrument with professional-grade bearing edges and superior shell materials. For those seeking alternative aesthetics, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic offers a different visual and sonic punch, while the Saturn VI focuses on the traditional warmth of wood.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Mapex Saturn VI 5pc Studioease Shell Pack?: The shell pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, floor toms, and shallow rack toms. Please note that the snare drum, hardware, and cymbals are not included and must be purchased separately.
What materials are used to make the shells?: The Saturn VI uses a hybrid shell construction consisting of maple and walnut. This combination is chosen to balance the warmth and brightness of maple with the deep, dark tones of walnut.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This improves the contact between the head and the shell, making the drums easier to tune and enhancing the fundamental pitch.
What does 'Studioease' refer to in the product name?: Studioease refers to the specific configuration and sizing of the drums, notably featuring a 22-inch kick drum and shallow rack toms. This setup is designed for easier positioning and faster reach during play.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This model features a Royal Purple Burst finish. It is a striking aesthetic designed to stand out during live performances and studio sessions.
Is a snare drum included with this shell pack?: No, a snare drum is not included with the Mapex Saturn VI 22" 5pc Studioease Shell Pack. Users will need to provide their own snare to complete the kit.
How does the sound of the Saturn VI compare to pure maple kits?: The Saturn VI provides a deeper and more focused tone than many pure maple kits. The addition of walnut provides extra low-end depth and a quicker decay, which is useful for recording.
Is this kit suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Saturn VI is designed for both studio and live use. Its clear projection and durable construction make it a reliable choice for touring drummers.
What is the typical price for this shell pack in the UK?: The Mapex Saturn VI 5pc Studioease Shell Pack in Royal Purple Burst is typically priced at approximately £1,755.
Does the kit include cymbals or stands?: No, this is a shell pack only. It does not include cymbals, cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, snare stands, or bass drum pedals.
Why are shallow rack toms used in this configuration?: Shallow rack toms allow the drummer to mount them lower over the 22-inch bass drum. This creates a more ergonomic setup and allows for faster transitions between drums.
How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: The Saturn VI is a more premium kit than the Superstar Classic, featuring a maple/walnut hybrid shell and SONIClear edges, whereas the Superstar Classic typically uses 100% maple shells.