What does SMT stand for in Remo drumheads?

SMT stands for Sub Muffl Technology. It refers to a specific dampening system that utilizes an externally mounted profile and free-floating acoustic foam to control overtones.

What is the thickness of the Ambassador SMT Clear head?

This drumhead is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil clear film. This thickness is considered the industry standard for balanced resonance and durability.

Does this head require additional internal muffling like a pillow?

The SMT design is intended to provide sufficient pre-muffling to eliminate the need for external accessories. The free-floating foam manages overtones while enhancing low-end frequencies.

Is the 22-inch Ambassador SMT suitable for jazz music?

Yes, it is designed for versatility. The single-ply construction allows for the sensitivity and broad tuning range required in jazz, while the SMT provides the control needed for modern styles.

How does the 'free-floating' foam affect the sound?

The free-floating design allows the drumhead and shell to retain their natural characteristics. It adds attack and subsonic lows without choking the sustain of the drum as much as fixed muffling might.

What frequencies does this head primarily control?

The Ambassador SMT Clear is engineered to provide controlled high and mid frequencies. It simultaneously focuses the sound to deliver powerful, deep low tones.

Can this head be used as a resonant head?

While typically used as a batter head due to its integrated muffling, it could technically be used as a resonant head for a very dry, controlled sound. However, products like the Evans EQ3 Resonant are specifically designed for that purpose.

How does the clear film compare to a coated version?

The clear film on this Ambassador SMT provides more attack and brightness than a coated head. Coated heads generally offer a slightly warmer, more muted high-end response.

Is this head durable enough for heavy rock playing?

While a 10-mil single-ply head is versatile, heavy hitters may find double-ply heads more durable. The SMT Clear is durable for standard play but prioritises musicality and tone over extreme ruggedness.

What is the typical price for the 22-inch model?

The typical price for the Remo Ambassador SMT Clear Bass Drumhead 22" is approximately GBP 69. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Evans 56 Calftone is designed to mimic vintage calfskin with a synthetic material, offering a much warmer and traditional aesthetic. The Remo Ambassador SMT Clear is a more modern, bright-sounding head with integrated foam dampening.

What tuning range is supported by this head?

The Ambassador SMT Clear supports a wide tuning range. It can be tuned low for a modern 'thump' or higher for a more melodic, resonant bass drum sound characteristic of jazz.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador SMT Clear Bass Drumhead

The Remo Ambassador SMT Clear is a pre-muffled 22-inch bass drumhead featuring proprietary Sub Muffl Technology. Constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film, it is designed to provide controlled frequencies and enhanced subsonic low end across diverse musical genres.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador SMT (Sub Muffl Technology) Clear Bass Drumhead is an industry-standard component designed for drummers seeking a balance between natural shell resonance and controlled modern punch. It represents a refinement of the classic Ambassador series by integrating an internal muffling system that manages overtones without the need for external pillows or blankets. This specific 22-inch model is engineered for versatility, catering to both traditional jazz configurations and contemporary amplified settings.

Design and Construction

The head is manufactured using a single ply of 10-mil clear film, which is the hallmark thickness of the Ambassador line. The defining feature is the Sub Muffl Technology, which consists of an externally mounted dampening profile combined with free-floating acoustic foam. This design choice allows the foam to interact with the head movement without being permanently glued to the entire surface, which preserves the vibrational integrity of the drum shell while focusing the sound.

Tonal Character and Performance

In terms of sound, the Ambassador SMT Clear offers a broad tonal spectrum. The clear film provides a bright attack and pronounced high-to-mid frequency response, while the SMT system emphasizes subsonic low frequencies. Because the dampening is free-floating, the head maintains a 'wide open' feel compared to heavily muffled double-ply heads, ensuring that the character of the drum shell itself remains audible.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional drumheads, the Ambassador SMT occupies a middle ground between wide-open resonance and deadened punch.

Versus Evans EQ3/EQ4: While the Evans EQ series uses internal rings to control overtones, the Remo SMT's free-floating foam approach aims for a more 'organic' subsonic boost.
Versus Attack ProFlex1: The Attack ProFlex1 also uses a single-ply design, but lacks the specific Sub Muffl architecture found in the Remo.
Versus Remo Silentstroke: Unlike the Silentstroke, which is designed for low-volume practice, the Ambassador SMT is a full-volume performance head.

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Frequently asked questions

What does SMT stand for in Remo drumheads?: SMT stands for Sub Muffl Technology. It refers to a specific dampening system that utilizes an externally mounted profile and free-floating acoustic foam to control overtones.
What is the thickness of the Ambassador SMT Clear head?: This drumhead is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil clear film. This thickness is considered the industry standard for balanced resonance and durability.
Does this head require additional internal muffling like a pillow?: The SMT design is intended to provide sufficient pre-muffling to eliminate the need for external accessories. The free-floating foam manages overtones while enhancing low-end frequencies.
Is the 22-inch Ambassador SMT suitable for jazz music?: Yes, it is designed for versatility. The single-ply construction allows for the sensitivity and broad tuning range required in jazz, while the SMT provides the control needed for modern styles.
How does the 'free-floating' foam affect the sound?: The free-floating design allows the drumhead and shell to retain their natural characteristics. It adds attack and subsonic lows without choking the sustain of the drum as much as fixed muffling might.
What frequencies does this head primarily control?: The Ambassador SMT Clear is engineered to provide controlled high and mid frequencies. It simultaneously focuses the sound to deliver powerful, deep low tones.
Can this head be used as a resonant head?: While typically used as a batter head due to its integrated muffling, it could technically be used as a resonant head for a very dry, controlled sound. However, products like the Evans EQ3 Resonant are specifically designed for that purpose.
How does the clear film compare to a coated version?: The clear film on this Ambassador SMT provides more attack and brightness than a coated head. Coated heads generally offer a slightly warmer, more muted high-end response.
Is this head durable enough for heavy rock playing?: While a 10-mil single-ply head is versatile, heavy hitters may find double-ply heads more durable. The SMT Clear is durable for standard play but prioritises musicality and tone over extreme ruggedness.
What is the typical price for the 22-inch model?: The typical price for the Remo Ambassador SMT Clear Bass Drumhead 22" is approximately GBP 69. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Evans 56 Calftone is designed to mimic vintage calfskin with a synthetic material, offering a much warmer and traditional aesthetic. The Remo Ambassador SMT Clear is a more modern, bright-sounding head with integrated foam dampening.
What tuning range is supported by this head?: The Ambassador SMT Clear supports a wide tuning range. It can be tuned low for a modern 'thump' or higher for a more melodic, resonant bass drum sound characteristic of jazz.