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Remo Controlled Sound Clear 22" Black Dot Bass Drum Head

The Remo Controlled Sound Clear 22" Black Dot is a versatile bass drum head featuring a single-ply 10-mil clear film construction and a 5-mil top-applied black reinforcement dot. It is designed to provide a balance of sensitivity and durability, offering focused mid-range tones with a well-defined attack.

Remo Controlled Sound Clear 22 Black Dot Bass Drum Head
Remo Controlled Sound Clear 22 Black Dot Bass Drum Head
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Overview and Design

The Remo Controlled Sound (CS) series represents a hybrid approach to drumhead design, combining the characteristics of both thin and thick heads. The 22" Clear Black Dot model is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil clear film. The defining feature is the 5-mil black dot applied to the centre of the head's top surface. This design choice aims to offer the open resonance of a single-ply head with the durability and overtone control typically associated with thicker or multi-ply alternatives.

Tonal Characteristics

This drumhead is engineered to produce focused mid-range tones. The clear outer area of the film maintains high levels of sensitivity and enhances the natural tone of the drum shell. The addition of the black dot serves two primary acoustic functions: it provides a well-defined attack and effectively eliminates unwanted high-frequency overtones. The result is a sound that balances a sharp initial strike with a controlled, musical decay.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head
Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Durability and Construction

Durability is a key focus of the Controlled Sound series. By adding a 5-mil layer specifically to the high-impact area of the drumhead, Remo increases the lifespan of the film without sacrificing the vibration of the outer edges. This makes it a robust choice for drummers who require a resilient head for heavy playing but prefer the response of a single-ply construction over a 2-ply alternative.

Market Comparison

Within the 22-inch bass drum head market, the Remo CS Clear Black Dot occupies a middle ground between purely resonant heads and heavily dampened ones. While products like the Evans EQ3 Resonant or the Attack ProFlex1 focus on specific dampening or resonant qualities, the CS series is noted for its versatility across different tuning ranges. In contrast to vintage-style options like the Evans 56 Calftone, the Remo CS provides a more modern, bright attack.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the main film on this drumhead?
The main construction of the Remo Controlled Sound Clear bass drum head consists of a single ply of 10-mil clear film.
What is the purpose of the black dot?
The 5-mil black dot increases the durability of the head in the primary strike zone and helps to eliminate unwanted overtones for a more focused sound.
How does this head affect the attack of the bass drum?
The black dot provides a well-defined and sharp attack, making the strike sound more articulate compared to a standard clear head.
Is the black dot on the top or the bottom of the head?
On this specific model, the 5-mil black dot is applied to the top surface of the clear film.
What size is this specific drumhead?
This specific model is designed for a 22-inch diameter bass drum.
Does this head provide mid-range or low-end focus?
The Remo Controlled Sound Clear 22" is specifically designed to offer focused mid-range tones.
Can this head be used for high-sensitivity playing?
Yes, the clear area of the head outside of the dot is designed to enhance tone and offer high levels of sensitivity.
How much does the Remo Controlled Sound Clear 22" typically cost?
The typical price range for this specific 22-inch drum head is approximately £44.00.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply drumhead?
It is a single-ply head featuring 10-mil construction, though the center dot adds a second layer of 5-mil thickness in that specific area.
How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?
Unlike the Silentstroke which is designed for low-volume practice, the Controlled Sound Clear is a full-volume performance head focused on tonal control and attack.
Is this head suitable for various musical genres?
Yes, Remo describes it as a versatile drum head that provides a balance of response and tonal control suitable for many setups.
Does the black dot make the head less resonant?
The dot controls unwanted overtones and focuses the sound, but because the edges remain single-ply 10-mil film, it retains more resonance than many double-ply heads.