What is the shell thickness of the Pearl UltraCast?

The shell is made from 3mm cast aluminium. It also features 5mm reinforcement rings to ensure structural integrity and focus the sound.

What type of hoops are used on this snare?

The drum is fitted with Pearl SuperHoop II rims. These are 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops designed to provide a crisp attack and extended resonance.

Which strainer system comes with the UltraCast?

It features the SR-1000 strainer. This is a high-quality throw-off known for its 'Glide-Lock' technology that keeps snare settings secure.

Is this drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the cast aluminium shell provides a warm and focused tone that is highly prized in the studio. It offers a balanced blend of projection and sensitivity with fewer harsh overtones than other metals.

What are the dimensions of this specific model?

This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth provides a deeper, fatter sound compared to shallow 5-inch models.

What kind of drumheads are included?

The snare comes equipped with Remo Ambassador coated heads. These heads are known for producing a classic, warm, and versatile tone.

How does aluminium compare to wood snare drums?

Aluminium is often described as the most 'wood-like' of the metals. It offers the volume and cut of a metal drum but retains a warm, dry character similar to high-quality timber.

What type of lugs does the UltraCast use?

The drum uses classic tube lugs. These lugs have a small footprint on the shell, which helps to maximise the drum's natural resonance.

Is this snare drum good for loud music?

Yes, it is specifically built to withstand the energy of live performances. Its 3mm shell and reinforcement rings make it ideal for heavy-hitting drummers.

Does the UltraCast have reinforcement rings?

Yes, it features 5mm reinforcement rings. These rings strengthen the 3mm cast shell and help focus the drum's fundamental pitch.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price for the Pearl UltraCast 14 x 6.5 is approximately £1,013. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, precision-milled instrument.

How does it differ from the Pearl Reference series?

While the Reference series often uses mixed wood plies, the UltraCast uses a single thick cast aluminium shell. This gives the UltraCast a more consistent, dry, and focused metal character.

Gear article

Pearl UltraCast 14 x 6.5 Cast Aluminium Snare Drum

The Pearl UltraCast 14 x 6.5 is a professional-grade snare drum featuring a precision-milled 3mm cast aluminium shell. Designed for durability and sonic versatility, it combines the projection of metal with the warmth typically associated with wood shells.

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Overview and Construction

The Pearl UltraCast series represents a high-end approach to metal snare construction. Unlike rolled shells, the UltraCast is built from a 3mm thick cast aluminium shell, which is further reinforced with 5mm reinforcement rings at the top and bottom. This heavy-duty construction is designed to withstand high-tension tuning and the physical demands of frequent live performances.

The drum is equipped with classic tube lugs, which provide a vintage aesthetic while maintaining minimal contact with the shell to allow for maximum resonance. It also features Pearl's Glide-Lock technology via the SR-1000 strainer, ensuring that the snare wires remain at the desired tension even during aggressive playing.

Hardware and Components

Key hardware features of the UltraCast 14 x 6.5 include:

SuperHoop II Rims: These 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops provide a balanced response, offering a crisp attack and allowing the drum to ring naturally.
SR-1000 Strainer: A high-precision throw-off system that provides smooth action and prevents accidental loosening of the snare wires.
Remo Heads: The drum comes standard with Remo Ambassador coated heads, a industry-standard choice that enhances the warm, focused characteristics of the aluminium shell.

Sound Character

The 14 x 6.5-inch dimensions of this snare provide a deep, full-bodied sound with significant projection. Aluminium is noted for being one of the most 'musical' metals used in drum manufacturing; it offers a dry, controlled sustain that avoids the harsh overtones often found in steel or brass snares. The result is a balanced blend of sensitivity for ghost notes and a powerful 'crack' for backbeats, making it a reliable tool for both studio recording and live reinforcement.

Intended Users

Due to its robust construction and high output, the UltraCast is particularly suited for heavy-hitting drummers in rock, metal, and fusion genres. However, its sensitivity and warm tone also make it a viable 'workhorse' snare for session drummers who require a single instrument that can adapt to various musical contexts without excessive ringing or the need for heavy dampening.

Market Comparison

Within the high-end snare market, the UltraCast competes with other premium metal and wood offerings. While the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare provides a brighter, more aggressive bite, the UltraCast is often preferred for its wood-like warmth. Compared to the Natal Originals Walnut or the British Drum Co. Maverick (Maple), the UltraCast offers more volume and a more direct attack. It remains a distinct alternative to standard die-cast hoop drums by using the SuperHoop II system to maintain a more open, resonant sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of the Pearl UltraCast?: The shell is made from 3mm cast aluminium. It also features 5mm reinforcement rings to ensure structural integrity and focus the sound.
What type of hoops are used on this snare?: The drum is fitted with Pearl SuperHoop II rims. These are 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops designed to provide a crisp attack and extended resonance.
Which strainer system comes with the UltraCast?: It features the SR-1000 strainer. This is a high-quality throw-off known for its 'Glide-Lock' technology that keeps snare settings secure.
Is this drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the cast aluminium shell provides a warm and focused tone that is highly prized in the studio. It offers a balanced blend of projection and sensitivity with fewer harsh overtones than other metals.
What are the dimensions of this specific model?: This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth provides a deeper, fatter sound compared to shallow 5-inch models.
What kind of drumheads are included?: The snare comes equipped with Remo Ambassador coated heads. These heads are known for producing a classic, warm, and versatile tone.
How does aluminium compare to wood snare drums?: Aluminium is often described as the most 'wood-like' of the metals. It offers the volume and cut of a metal drum but retains a warm, dry character similar to high-quality timber.
What type of lugs does the UltraCast use?: The drum uses classic tube lugs. These lugs have a small footprint on the shell, which helps to maximise the drum's natural resonance.
Is this snare drum good for loud music?: Yes, it is specifically built to withstand the energy of live performances. Its 3mm shell and reinforcement rings make it ideal for heavy-hitting drummers.
Does the UltraCast have reinforcement rings?: Yes, it features 5mm reinforcement rings. These rings strengthen the 3mm cast shell and help focus the drum's fundamental pitch.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price for the Pearl UltraCast 14 x 6.5 is approximately £1,013. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, precision-milled instrument.
How does it differ from the Pearl Reference series?: While the Reference series often uses mixed wood plies, the UltraCast uses a single thick cast aluminium shell. This gives the UltraCast a more consistent, dry, and focused metal character.