How many plies does the Remo Emperor Clear 22 Bass Drum Head have?

The head is constructed using two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-layer design contributes to its increased durability and warmer tonal profile compared to single-ply alternatives.

What is the purpose of the 3-mil inlay ring?

The 3-mil inlay ring provides subtle internal dampening. It is designed to control overtones and focus the bass drum's resonance without completely killing the head's natural sustain.

Is the Remo Emperor Clear 22 suitable for recording?

Yes, its balanced response and tonal control make it a popular choice for studio environments. The clear film provides a sharp attack that translates well through microphones.

How does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated head?

The clear finish allows for a brighter attack and more projection. Coated heads typically offer a warmer, slightly more muted sound with less initial snap.

Can this head be used as a resonant head?

While primarily used as a batter head (the side you hit), two-ply heads like the Emperor can be used as resonant heads for a very controlled, deep sound. However, most drummers prefer thinner single-ply heads like the Evans EQ3 for resonance.

What is the typical price for this 22-inch drum head?

The Remo Emperor Clear 22 Bass Drum Head typically retails for approximately GBP 47.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Is this drum head durable enough for heavy metal drumming?

Yes, the two-ply 7-mil construction is specifically designed for increased durability. It can withstand heavy playing styles and high-velocity impacts better than single-ply heads.

What drum size is this specific model designed for?

This specific model is designed for bass drums with a 22-inch diameter. Remo does offer the Emperor Clear series in a wide range of other sizes for different drums.

Does the Emperor Clear 22 come with a port hole?

As a standard batter-side head, it does not come with a pre-cut port hole. Port holes are typically found on resonant (front) heads to allow for microphone placement.

How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Emperor Clear is a standard acoustic head designed for full volume and projection. The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice and does not produce a traditional acoustic tone.

Does it require additional muffling like pillows or blankets?

While the 3-mil inlay ring provides some control, many drummers still add a small amount of internal muffling. However, it requires less additional dampening than a standard single-ply head.

Is this head compatible with all 22-inch bass drums?

Yes, it is designed to fit standard 22-inch bass drum hoops from any major manufacturer, including DW, Pearl, Tama, and Gretsch. It follows industry-standard sizing for drum shells.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Clear 22 Bass Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Clear 22 Bass Drum Head is a professional-grade, two-ply drumhead designed for use on 22-inch kick drums. It is engineered to provide a balance of warmth, durability, and projection through its clear film construction and integrated inlay ring.

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Overview

The Remo Emperor Clear 22 is a staple in the percussion world, serving as a versatile choice for drummers seeking a robust bass drum head. Constructed with two plies of 7-mil clear film, it is designed for heavy-duty use while maintaining a clear, resonant quality. The inclusion of a 3-mil inlay ring helps to focus the sound by reducing unwanted overtones, a feature typically found in high-end tom and snare variants of the Emperor series adapted here for the 22-inch bass drum format.

Design and Key Features

The primary design philosophy of the Emperor Clear series is the use of two identical plies of Mylar film. This dual-ply architecture offers significantly more durability than single-ply heads, making it less prone to denting or tearing under heavy play. Key features include:

Clear Finish: Promotes a brighter attack compared to coated versions.
3-mil Inlay Ring: Provides internal dampening to manage sustain and harmonic resonance.
Versatile Sizing: While the 22-inch model is common, the series is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different kit configurations.

Sound Character

The Emperor Clear 22 is characterised by its warm, open tones. Because it utilizes clear film rather than a coating, the initial attack is pronounced and sharp, providing excellent projection in live environments. However, the two-ply construction ensures that the tone remains deep and full-bodied rather than thin. The internal inlay ring offers a 'pre-muffled' quality that provides a perfect balance of response and tonal control, suitable for those who want resonance without excessive 'boom'.

Target Audience

This drum head is particularly suited for drummers playing genres that require volume and durability, such as rock, pop, and fusion. Its increased projection makes it an excellent choice for unmiked situations where the bass drum needs to cut through the mix. It is also an ideal choice for drummers who prefer a 'plug-and-play' setup, as the built-in tonal control reduces the need for extensive internal muffling pillows or pads.

Comparisons to Alternatives

When compared to alternative bass drum heads, the Remo Emperor Clear sits between high-resonance single-ply heads and heavily dampened modern heads. Unlike the Attack ProFlex1, which is a 1-ply head with no overtone control, the Emperor provides more control and durability. Compared to the Evans 56 Calftone series, which uses a synthetic calfskin material for a vintage, warm aesthetic, the Emperor Clear is brighter and more modern. For drummers seeking total silence for practice, the Remo Silentstroke would be the alternative, whereas the Emperor is designed for full-volume performance.

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Frequently asked questions

How many plies does the Remo Emperor Clear 22 Bass Drum Head have?: The head is constructed using two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-layer design contributes to its increased durability and warmer tonal profile compared to single-ply alternatives.
What is the purpose of the 3-mil inlay ring?: The 3-mil inlay ring provides subtle internal dampening. It is designed to control overtones and focus the bass drum's resonance without completely killing the head's natural sustain.
Is the Remo Emperor Clear 22 suitable for recording?: Yes, its balanced response and tonal control make it a popular choice for studio environments. The clear film provides a sharp attack that translates well through microphones.
How does the clear finish affect the sound compared to a coated head?: The clear finish allows for a brighter attack and more projection. Coated heads typically offer a warmer, slightly more muted sound with less initial snap.
Can this head be used as a resonant head?: While primarily used as a batter head (the side you hit), two-ply heads like the Emperor can be used as resonant heads for a very controlled, deep sound. However, most drummers prefer thinner single-ply heads like the Evans EQ3 for resonance.
What is the typical price for this 22-inch drum head?: The Remo Emperor Clear 22 Bass Drum Head typically retails for approximately GBP 47.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Is this drum head durable enough for heavy metal drumming?: Yes, the two-ply 7-mil construction is specifically designed for increased durability. It can withstand heavy playing styles and high-velocity impacts better than single-ply heads.
What drum size is this specific model designed for?: This specific model is designed for bass drums with a 22-inch diameter. Remo does offer the Emperor Clear series in a wide range of other sizes for different drums.
Does the Emperor Clear 22 come with a port hole?: As a standard batter-side head, it does not come with a pre-cut port hole. Port holes are typically found on resonant (front) heads to allow for microphone placement.
How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Emperor Clear is a standard acoustic head designed for full volume and projection. The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice and does not produce a traditional acoustic tone.
Does it require additional muffling like pillows or blankets?: While the 3-mil inlay ring provides some control, many drummers still add a small amount of internal muffling. However, it requires less additional dampening than a standard single-ply head.
Is this head compatible with all 22-inch bass drums?: Yes, it is designed to fit standard 22-inch bass drum hoops from any major manufacturer, including DW, Pearl, Tama, and Gretsch. It follows industry-standard sizing for drum shells.