What is the primary material used in this drum head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil high-quality clear film. This provides the foundational resonance and sensitivity for the drum.

What is the purpose of the black dot?

The 5-mil black dot is designed to increase the head's durability and focus the tone. It helps eliminate unwanted overtones while adding a more defined attack to each stroke.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is 18 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for large floor toms or as a batter head for small-scale bass drums.

How does the thickness of the dot compare to the head itself?

The main head is 10-mil thick, while the black dot is 5-mil thick. Combined, the centre of the head has a total thickness of 15-mil, significantly increasing its resistance to denting.

Is this head suitable for recording?

Yes, it is highly regarded for recording because it provides focused mid-range tones. The built-in dampening from the dot reduces the need for additional tape or gels to control ring.

How does this differ from a standard clear Ambassador head?

While both use a 10-mil film, the Controlled Sound version adds the black dot. This makes the Controlled Sound head more durable and less prone to ringing than a standard Ambassador.

Can I use this on a bass drum?

Yes, provided the bass drum has an 18-inch diameter. It is a popular choice for jazz bass drums or auxiliary floor toms converted into kicks.

What kind of attack does this head provide?

The head provides a well-defined and sharp attack. The clear film maintains brightness while the dot concentrates the energy of the stick hit.

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

The manufacturer description specifies that this features a 5-mil top black dot. This means the dot is applied to the striking surface of the head.

What frequency range does this head emphasise?

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear focuses on mid-range tones. It manages to balance these mids with a clear high-end attack and a controlled low-end decay.

Is this head available in other sizes?

Yes, Remo produces the Controlled Sound series in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent tone across their entire drum kit.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch model?

The typical price for the Remo Controlled Sound Clear 18 Black Dot Drum Head is approximately GBP 41. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Gear article

Remo Controlled Sound Clear 18 Black Dot Drum Head

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear 18 Black Dot is a professional-grade single-ply drum head designed for versatility and durability. It combines a 10-mil clear film with a centrally located 5-mil black reinforcement dot to provide focused mid-range tones and controlled overtones.

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Overview

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear 18 Black Dot is a specialized drum head that sits between the resonance of a standard single-ply head and the durability of a dual-ply design. Constructed from a single 10-mil layer of high-quality clear film, it features a distinctive 5-mil black dot applied to the top centre. This design is engineered to offer a balance of sensitivity across the clear outer area while providing tonal control and impact resistance at the centre strike zone.

Key Features and Construction

The head's dual-zone construction is its defining characteristic. The primary 10-mil clear film ensures that the drum maintains a bright, open sound with high sensitivity for soft playing or brush work. The addition of the 5-mil black dot serves two functional purposes: it adds physical mass to the centre to increase the head's lifespan and acts as a dampening agent. This specific combination results in the elimination of harsh overtones while emphasising mid-range frequencies and providing a sharp, well-defined attack.

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Sound Character

Tonal performance is focused and articulate. While clear heads are traditionally known for their brightness, the 'Controlled Sound' series tames excessive high-end ring. The 18-inch model, often used for floor toms or small bass drums, delivers a punchy fundamental note with a shortened decay. This makes it particularly effective in recording environments where overtone control is necessary without the need for excessive external muffling.

Suitability and Comparisons

This drum head is suited for drummers who require the durability to withstand heavy hitting but do not want to sacrifice the 'live' feel of a single-ply head. Compared to the Evans Black Chrome series, which utilizes a dual-ply construction for a deeper sound, the Remo Controlled Sound maintains more top-end presence. It is a popular choice for rock and pop applications where a clear, focused 'crack' is desired. For marching applications, it offers a different response than specialized heads like the Evans MS3, focusing more on kit-drum resonance than high-tension snare articulation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in this drum head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil high-quality clear film. This provides the foundational resonance and sensitivity for the drum.
What is the purpose of the black dot?: The 5-mil black dot is designed to increase the head's durability and focus the tone. It helps eliminate unwanted overtones while adding a more defined attack to each stroke.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is 18 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for large floor toms or as a batter head for small-scale bass drums.
How does the thickness of the dot compare to the head itself?: The main head is 10-mil thick, while the black dot is 5-mil thick. Combined, the centre of the head has a total thickness of 15-mil, significantly increasing its resistance to denting.
Is this head suitable for recording?: Yes, it is highly regarded for recording because it provides focused mid-range tones. The built-in dampening from the dot reduces the need for additional tape or gels to control ring.
How does this differ from a standard clear Ambassador head?: While both use a 10-mil film, the Controlled Sound version adds the black dot. This makes the Controlled Sound head more durable and less prone to ringing than a standard Ambassador.
Can I use this on a bass drum?: Yes, provided the bass drum has an 18-inch diameter. It is a popular choice for jazz bass drums or auxiliary floor toms converted into kicks.
What kind of attack does this head provide?: The head provides a well-defined and sharp attack. The clear film maintains brightness while the dot concentrates the energy of the stick hit.
Is the black dot on the top or bottom of the head?: The manufacturer description specifies that this features a 5-mil top black dot. This means the dot is applied to the striking surface of the head.
What frequency range does this head emphasise?: The Remo Controlled Sound Clear focuses on mid-range tones. It manages to balance these mids with a clear high-end attack and a controlled low-end decay.
Is this head available in other sizes?: Yes, Remo produces the Controlled Sound series in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent tone across their entire drum kit.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch model?: The typical price for the Remo Controlled Sound Clear 18 Black Dot Drum Head is approximately GBP 41. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.