What is the thickness of the main film on this drum head?

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear features a single ply of 10-mil clear film. This provides a balance of sensitivity and resonance suitable for various tuning ranges.

What is the purpose of the black dot?

The 5-mil black dot is designed to focus mid-range tones and eliminate unwanted overtones. It also increases the durability of the head by reinforcing the primary striking area.

Is the black dot located on the top or bottom of this head?

This specific model features a top-mounted black dot. This placement provides a more immediate dampening effect and a slightly different attack compared to under-mounted versions.

What is the diameter of this specific model?

This drum head has a 16-inch diameter. It is typically used for floor toms or large specialty snare drums.

How does the sound of this head compare to a standard clear head?

It offers a more focused mid-range with a more defined attack. While a standard clear head has more sustain and overtones, the Black Dot version provides more tonal control.

Can this head be used on a snare drum?

Yes, if the snare drum is 16 inches in diameter, this head is an excellent choice for a focused, punchy snare sound with increased durability.

Does the clear film affect the sensitivity of the drum?

The clear area surrounding the black dot enhances the tone and offers high sensitivity. This allows the drum to respond well to lighter ghost notes as well as heavy hits.

Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the 5-mil black dot provides significant reinforcement. This makes it more durable than a standard single-ply head for drummers who play with more force.

What is the typical price for the 16-inch version?

The typical price range for the Remo Controlled Sound Clear 16" Black Dot is approximately £28.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What kind of frequency response does this head offer?

It focuses primarily on mid-range tones. The clear film provides high-end attack, while the dot supresses high-frequency ring, leaving a punchy middle profile.

Is this a single-ply or double-ply drum head?

It is a single-ply drum head. Although the dot adds a second layer in the centre, the outer resonant area remains a single 10-mil ply.

What genres of music is this head best suited for?

It is highly versatile but is especially popular in rock, pop, and fusion. These genres often require the defined attack and controlled resonance that the Black Dot provides.

Gear article

Remo Controlled Sound Clear 16" Black Dot Drum Head

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear 16" Black Dot is a versatile single-ply drum head designed to balance sensitivity with controlled sustain. It features a 10-mil clear film construction reinforced by a 5-mil top-mounted black dot to focus mid-range tones and increase durability.

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Background and Design

The Remo Controlled Sound (CS) series represents a significant development in drum head technology, aimed at drummers who require the bright response of a clear head with the added control of a dampened surface. This specific 16-inch model is designed for larger drums, typically floor toms or large snare drums, providing a robust playing surface that can withstand heavier hitting while maintaining a clear, musical tone.

The construction consists of a single 10-mil layer of clear Mylar film. The defining feature is the 5-mil black dot applied to the centre of the head. This dual-zone design allows the outer clear area to resonate freely, while the centre provides a reinforced 'sweet spot' for striking.

Technical Features and Mechanics

The mechanics of the Remo Controlled Sound Clear head rely on the interaction between the primary film and the laminated dot.

Primary Film: The 10-mil clear film offers high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range.
Black Dot: The 5-mil top-mounted dot serves two purposes: it adds physical mass to the centre to eliminate high-frequency overtones and provides structural reinforcement to extend the life of the head.
Tone Profile: The design focuses the sound into the mid-range frequencies, providing a well-defined attack that is useful in both live and studio environments.

Sound Character

This drum head is known for its 'focused' sound. Because the black dot dampens the most erratic overtones at the centre of the head, the result is a punchy, dry attack followed by a controlled decay. The 16-inch diameter ensures a deep, resonant pitch suitable for floor toms, while the clear film maintains enough brightness to cut through a mix of guitars and cymbals. It offers a middle ground between the sustain of a standard Ambassador and the muffled thud of a hydraulic-style head.

Target Audience and Applications

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear is suited for drummers who play with moderate to high intensity. It is particularly popular in rock, pop, and fusion genres where a clear 'crack' and controlled sustain are required. Because it is available in a wide range of sizes, it allows for a consistent tonal profile across an entire drum kit. The 16-inch version is an ideal choice for players who find standard clear heads too 'ringy' on their floor toms.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other Remo products, the CS Clear sits between the Remo Ambassador Clear and the Remo Pinstripe. Unlike the Ambassador, which is a pure single-ply head with maximum sustain, the CS Black Dot provides built-in muffling. Compared to the Pinstripe, which uses two plies to create a darker, shorter sound, the CS Clear retains more high-end clarity and sensitivity due to its single-ply base.

In the broader market, it competes with heads like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side Head in terms of specific frequency control, though the MS3 is specialized for marching applications rather than standard kit use.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the main film on this drum head?: The Remo Controlled Sound Clear features a single ply of 10-mil clear film. This provides a balance of sensitivity and resonance suitable for various tuning ranges.
What is the purpose of the black dot?: The 5-mil black dot is designed to focus mid-range tones and eliminate unwanted overtones. It also increases the durability of the head by reinforcing the primary striking area.
Is the black dot located on the top or bottom of this head?: This specific model features a top-mounted black dot. This placement provides a more immediate dampening effect and a slightly different attack compared to under-mounted versions.
What is the diameter of this specific model?: This drum head has a 16-inch diameter. It is typically used for floor toms or large specialty snare drums.
How does the sound of this head compare to a standard clear head?: It offers a more focused mid-range with a more defined attack. While a standard clear head has more sustain and overtones, the Black Dot version provides more tonal control.
Can this head be used on a snare drum?: Yes, if the snare drum is 16 inches in diameter, this head is an excellent choice for a focused, punchy snare sound with increased durability.
Does the clear film affect the sensitivity of the drum?: The clear area surrounding the black dot enhances the tone and offers high sensitivity. This allows the drum to respond well to lighter ghost notes as well as heavy hits.
Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the 5-mil black dot provides significant reinforcement. This makes it more durable than a standard single-ply head for drummers who play with more force.
What is the typical price for the 16-inch version?: The typical price range for the Remo Controlled Sound Clear 16" Black Dot is approximately £28.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What kind of frequency response does this head offer?: It focuses primarily on mid-range tones. The clear film provides high-end attack, while the dot supresses high-frequency ring, leaving a punchy middle profile.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply drum head?: It is a single-ply drum head. Although the dot adds a second layer in the centre, the outer resonant area remains a single 10-mil ply.
What genres of music is this head best suited for?: It is highly versatile but is especially popular in rock, pop, and fusion. These genres often require the defined attack and controlled resonance that the Black Dot provides.