What is the primary material used in the Remo Emperor SMT Clear?

The drumhead is crafted from two plies of clear film, specifically one 7-mil ply and one 5-mil ply. This construction provides a balance of durability and a crisp, clear attack.

What is Sub Muffl Technology (SMT)?

SMT is a pre-muffled design featuring an externally mounted dampening profile with free-floating acoustic foam. It is designed to control high and mid frequencies while boosting subsonic low frequencies.

What size is this specific Remo Emperor SMT model?

This specific model is designed for a 22-inch bass drum. It is a standard size for most contemporary drum kits.

Does this drumhead require additional internal muffling like pillows?

Because of the integrated SMT system, many drummers find they do not need additional internal muffling. The free-floating foam provides sufficient control for high and mid-frequency overtones.

For which musical genres is this head suitable?

The broad tonal spectrum and tuning flexibility make it suitable for both jazz and contemporary applications. It excels in any genre where a powerful low end and controlled sustain are desired.

How does the external dampening affect the drum shell?

The externally mounted profile is designed to allow both the head and the drum shell to maintain their full sound characteristics. It adds attack and low end without choking the shell's natural resonance.

What is the typical price for the Remo Emperor SMT Clear 22"?

The typical price for this bass drumhead is approximately EUR 63. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and region.

How does the 'Clear' version differ from a 'Coated' drumhead?

The clear film used in this Emperor SMT model typically provides a sharper attack and more brightness compared to coated heads. Coated heads usually offer a slightly warmer and more muted tone.

Is the dampening foam fixed or free-floating?

The acoustic foam within the SMT profile is free-floating. This design allows it to interact dynamically with the head's vibration rather than being permanently glued to the entire surface.

How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Emperor SMT is a standard acoustic drumhead designed for full-volume performance with controlled frequencies. The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice.

Can I use this head for high-tension tuning?

Yes, the Emperor SMT Clear features a broad tuning range. It maintains its tonal characteristics whether tuned low for rock or higher for jazz articulation.

Does the Emperor SMT Clear provide more low end than a single-ply head?

Generally, yes. The two-ply construction (7-mil and 5-mil) combined with the Sub Muffl Technology is specifically engineered to deliver more powerful subsonic low frequencies.

Gear article

Remo Emperor SMT Clear Bass Drumhead

The Remo Emperor SMT Clear is a 22-inch pre-muffled bass drumhead featuring Sub Muffl Technology designed for precise frequency control. It utilizes a two-ply construction of 7-mil and 5-mil clear film to deliver powerful low tones and enhanced attack while managing high and mid-frequency overtones.

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Overview and Construction

The Remo Emperor SMT Clear Bass Drumhead is engineered as a high-performance batter head that prioritises controlled resonance. It is constructed using two plies of clear film—a 7-mil ply and a 5-mil ply. This combination provides durability and a distinct tactile response compared to single-ply alternatives.

The defining characteristic of the Emperor SMT is its integrated dampening system. Unlike traditional heads that may require internal pillows or blankets, this model features an externally mounted dampening profile. This profile houses a free-floating acoustic foam that rests against the head, targeted at refining the overall sonic output without stifling the natural vibration of the drum shell.

Sub Muffl Technology

The proprietary Sub Muffl Technology (SMT) is designed to address the challenges of overtones in large-diameter drums. By using an external mounting system, Remo allows the drumhead and the shell to maintain their fundamental sound characteristics while filtering out unwanted high and mid-range frequencies.

The free-floating nature of the acoustic foam is critical; it provides enough pressure to dampen the head's sustain and enhance subsonic low frequencies, yet it does not fully choke the drum. This results in a sound that features extra attack and a concentrated low-end punch.

Tonal Character and Tuning

The Emperor SMT Clear offers a broad tonal spectrum, making it a versatile choice for different musical environments. The clear film plies ensure a bright, sharp attack that cuts through a mix, while the SMT system reinforces the bottom end.

One of its primary advantages is its tuning range. It can be tuned low for a contemporary 'thud' or tightened for a more articulated tone. This flexibility allows the head to be utilised in diverse settings, ranging from traditional jazz configurations to modern rock and pop applications.

Market Comparison

In the landscape of bass drumheads, the Emperor SMT competes with other pre-muffled or specialised heads. While products like the Evans EQ3 or the Attack ProFlex1 offer their own damping solutions, Remo's SMT system is unique in its use of free-floating foam within an external profile.

Compared to vintage-style heads such as the Evans 56 Calftone, which aim for a warm, traditional aesthetic, the Emperor SMT Clear is firmly rooted in modern performance requirements. For drummers seeking complete volume reduction, the Remo Silentstroke remains the standard, whereas the Emperor SMT is designed for full-volume acoustic performance with refined control.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Remo Emperor SMT Clear?: The drumhead is crafted from two plies of clear film, specifically one 7-mil ply and one 5-mil ply. This construction provides a balance of durability and a crisp, clear attack.
What is Sub Muffl Technology (SMT)?: SMT is a pre-muffled design featuring an externally mounted dampening profile with free-floating acoustic foam. It is designed to control high and mid frequencies while boosting subsonic low frequencies.
What size is this specific Remo Emperor SMT model?: This specific model is designed for a 22-inch bass drum. It is a standard size for most contemporary drum kits.
Does this drumhead require additional internal muffling like pillows?: Because of the integrated SMT system, many drummers find they do not need additional internal muffling. The free-floating foam provides sufficient control for high and mid-frequency overtones.
For which musical genres is this head suitable?: The broad tonal spectrum and tuning flexibility make it suitable for both jazz and contemporary applications. It excels in any genre where a powerful low end and controlled sustain are desired.
How does the external dampening affect the drum shell?: The externally mounted profile is designed to allow both the head and the drum shell to maintain their full sound characteristics. It adds attack and low end without choking the shell's natural resonance.
What is the typical price for the Remo Emperor SMT Clear 22"?: The typical price for this bass drumhead is approximately EUR 63. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and region.
How does the 'Clear' version differ from a 'Coated' drumhead?: The clear film used in this Emperor SMT model typically provides a sharper attack and more brightness compared to coated heads. Coated heads usually offer a slightly warmer and more muted tone.
Is the dampening foam fixed or free-floating?: The acoustic foam within the SMT profile is free-floating. This design allows it to interact dynamically with the head's vibration rather than being permanently glued to the entire surface.
How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Emperor SMT is a standard acoustic drumhead designed for full-volume performance with controlled frequencies. The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice.
Can I use this head for high-tension tuning?: Yes, the Emperor SMT Clear features a broad tuning range. It maintains its tonal characteristics whether tuned low for rock or higher for jazz articulation.
Does the Emperor SMT Clear provide more low end than a single-ply head?: Generally, yes. The two-ply construction (7-mil and 5-mil) combined with the Sub Muffl Technology is specifically engineered to deliver more powerful subsonic low frequencies.