What is the thickness of the Remo Controlled Sound X?

The main film of the head is 12-mil thick, which is approximately 20% thicker than standard single-ply drum heads. This provides extra durability and a slightly deeper tone.

What does the 'Reverse Dot' do?

The 5-mil reverse dot is a laminate on the underside of the head. It focuses the attack of the stick and helps suppress unwanted overtones for a cleaner, tighter sound.

Is this head suitable for brush playing?

Yes, because the head features a coated finish, it provides the necessary texture for traditional brush techniques. The reverse dot being on the underside means there is no physical obstruction for the brushes on the top surface.

How does the 'X' version differ from the standard Controlled Sound head?

The standard version uses a 10-mil film, whereas the 'X' version uses a 12-mil film. This makes the 'X' version more durable and gives it a more focused mid-range frequency response.

Can I use this on a 14-inch snare drum?

No, this specific model is designed for 13-inch diameter drums. You must ensure your snare shell matches the 13-inch specification of the head.

Where is the dot located on this drum head?

The dot is located on the underside (bottom) of the batter head. This is why it is referred to as a 'reverse' dot, leaving the top playing surface flat and uniform.

What kind of sound should I expect from rim-shots?

Rim-shots on the Controlled Sound X are described as having a 'tight popping' quality. The centre dot helps focus the energy of the strike into a sharp, articulate crack.

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

It is a single-ply head made of one layer of 12-mil film. However, the addition of the 5-mil dot in the centre adds a second layer of reinforcement to that specific area.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Remo Controlled Sound X Coated 13" Reverse Dot Drum Head typically retails for approximately EUR 21. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Does the coating affect the warmth of the drum tone?

Yes, the coated finish is specifically designed to add warmth to the tone. It softens the high-end frequencies compared to a clear film drum head.

How does the sensitivity vary across the head?

The centre is focused for direct hits and rim-shots due to the dot reinforcement. The outer edges lack the dot, providing enhanced sensitivity and resonance for lighter playing.

Is this head compatible with any snare shell material?

Yes, the manufacturer states that this head works well with any snare shell. Whether your drum is made of wood, brass, or steel, the 12-mil film provides a versatile mid-range focus.

Gear article

Remo Controlled Sound X Coated 13" Reverse Dot Drum Head

The Remo Controlled Sound X Coated 13" is a heavy-duty single-ply snare drum head designed for increased durability and focused tonal response. It features a 12-mil film construction with a 5-mil reverse dot on the underside to suppress unwanted overtones while maintaining a sharp attack.

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Overview

The Remo Controlled Sound X Coated 13" Reverse Dot Drum Head is a specialized component within the 'parts and spares' category, specifically engineered for snare drums. It occupies a middle ground between traditional single-ply heads and heavy-duty double-ply heads. By utilizing a thicker-than-standard 12-mil film—compared to the industry-standard 10-mil—Remo provides a head that is naturally open but significantly more robust for high-impact playing styles.

Design and Key Features

The primary innovation of this model is the 'X' specification, which denotes the 20% thicker 12-mil single-ply construction. This is supplemented by a 5-mil reverse dot laminated to the centre of the underside.

Coated Finish: The white coating provides a traditional texture suitable for brushwork and adds a degree of warmth to the overall resonance.
Reverse Dot: Positioned underneath the head, the dot avoids interference with sticks while focusing the attack and controlling mid-range overtones.
Zonal Performance: The head is designed with two distinct playing surfaces; the centre provides a dry, 'popping' snare sound, while the outer edges offer increased sensitivity and harmonic complexity for ghost notes and expressive playing.

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Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Controlled Sound X is defined by a focused mid-range and a tight, controlled decay. The thickness of the film naturally dampens high-frequency ring, which is further refined by the centre dot. When struck in the centre, the head produces a sharp, articulate 'pop' ideal for rim-shots. Because it remains a single-ply design, it retains more sustain and 'openness' than a standard two-ply head, but with a darker, warmer fundamental tone due to the coating.

Player Suitability and Comparisons

This head is particularly suited for drummers who require the durability of a heavy head but prefer the feel and response of a single-ply. It is compatible with any 13-inch snare shell, including wood, metal, or composite materials.

Compared to the standard Remo Controlled Sound (10-mil), the 'X' version offers greater longevity and a slightly lower pitch. In the broader market, it competes with specialized snare heads like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side Head, though the Controlled Sound X is intended as a batter (top) side head rather than a resonant (bottom) side head. Its price point typically sits around EUR 21, making it a cost-effective upgrade for standard snare kits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Controlled Sound X?: The main film of the head is 12-mil thick, which is approximately 20% thicker than standard single-ply drum heads. This provides extra durability and a slightly deeper tone.
What does the 'Reverse Dot' do?: The 5-mil reverse dot is a laminate on the underside of the head. It focuses the attack of the stick and helps suppress unwanted overtones for a cleaner, tighter sound.
Is this head suitable for brush playing?: Yes, because the head features a coated finish, it provides the necessary texture for traditional brush techniques. The reverse dot being on the underside means there is no physical obstruction for the brushes on the top surface.
How does the 'X' version differ from the standard Controlled Sound head?: The standard version uses a 10-mil film, whereas the 'X' version uses a 12-mil film. This makes the 'X' version more durable and gives it a more focused mid-range frequency response.
Can I use this on a 14-inch snare drum?: No, this specific model is designed for 13-inch diameter drums. You must ensure your snare shell matches the 13-inch specification of the head.
Where is the dot located on this drum head?: The dot is located on the underside (bottom) of the batter head. This is why it is referred to as a 'reverse' dot, leaving the top playing surface flat and uniform.
What kind of sound should I expect from rim-shots?: Rim-shots on the Controlled Sound X are described as having a 'tight popping' quality. The centre dot helps focus the energy of the strike into a sharp, articulate crack.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply head?: It is a single-ply head made of one layer of 12-mil film. However, the addition of the 5-mil dot in the centre adds a second layer of reinforcement to that specific area.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Remo Controlled Sound X Coated 13" Reverse Dot Drum Head typically retails for approximately EUR 21. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Does the coating affect the warmth of the drum tone?: Yes, the coated finish is specifically designed to add warmth to the tone. It softens the high-end frequencies compared to a clear film drum head.
How does the sensitivity vary across the head?: The centre is focused for direct hits and rim-shots due to the dot reinforcement. The outer edges lack the dot, providing enhanced sensitivity and resonance for lighter playing.
Is this head compatible with any snare shell material?: Yes, the manufacturer states that this head works well with any snare shell. Whether your drum is made of wood, brass, or steel, the 12-mil film provides a versatile mid-range focus.