What is the primary material used in this drum head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of high-quality 10-mil film, which is a standard thickness for providing a balance of durability and resonance.

Does the orange colour affect the sound quality?

According to Remo, the Colortone series provides the same high-level class-leading performance as their standard heads. The colour is integrated into the film to ensure tonal consistency.

What is the purpose of the 10-mil underlay ring?

The underlay ring serves as a dampening agent that helps to eliminate unwanted high-frequency overtones. This results in a more focused and controlled bass drum sound.

Is the microphone hole pre-cut?

Yes, this specific model features a factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole. This ensures a clean edge that won't tear and allows for easy microphone placement.

Can this head be used as a batter head?

While Powerstroke 3 heads are often used as batter heads, the presence of the 5-inch port hole makes this specific model intended primarily for use as a resonant (front) head.

What size bass drum is this head compatible with?

This specific model is designed for 18-inch bass drums, which are commonly found in jazz kits or compact 'bop' kits.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Powerstroke 3 Colortone?

It provides focused mid and low tones with a well-defined attack. The design ensures a balance between response and tonal control.

How does the Colortone series differ from standard Powerstroke 3 heads?

The primary difference is the visual customisation provided by the translucent colour. The structural specifications, such as the 10-mil film and dampening ring, remain identical.

Is this head suitable for recording?

Yes, the focused tones and the integrated 5-inch port make it highly suitable for studio environments where microphone placement and overtone control are critical.

Are other colours available in this series?

Yes, Remo produces the Colortone series in a variety of colours and sizes to allow drummers to match their aesthetic preferences.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 is designed for a vintage look and warm tone, whereas the Remo Colortone Orange provides a modern look with focused, punchy mid-to-low frequencies.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Orange 18 Ported Bass Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Orange 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is a premium resonant-side drum head that combines the brand's established Powerstroke 3 construction with a vibrant, translucent aesthetic. Built from a single-ply 10-mil film, it is designed to provide focused mid and low tones with a pre-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole for ease of studio and live amplification.

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Design and Construction

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone is constructed using a high-quality 10-mil single-ply Mylar film. This specific model features the Colortone technology, which introduces a vibrant orange hue to the film while maintaining its acoustic properties. The head includes a 10-mil underlay dampening ring positioned at the outer edge of the head's interior. This ring is a signature element of the Powerstroke 3 series, intended to control high-frequency overtones and focus the fundamental pitch.

To facilitate sound reinforcement, this 18-inch resonant head is manufactured with a factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone port. This allows for direct internal mic placement, which is standard practice for both recording and live performance environments to capture the 'click' of the beater and the depth of the shell.

Acoustic Characteristics

This drum head is engineered to provide a balanced frequency response, specifically targeting focused mid and low-range tones. The combination of the 10-mil thickness and the internal dampening ring results in a well-defined attack with a controlled sustain. Compared to undampened resonant heads, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone offers a more 'pre-processed' sound that reduces the need for additional internal muffling like pillows or blankets, especially in smaller 18-inch bass drum configurations.

The Colortone Series

The Colortone series represents Remo's move toward visual customisation without sacrificing professional-grade sound. The orange tint is translucent, allowing for a distinctive look that can be enhanced by internal drum lighting. Despite the addition of colour, the head maintains the same durability and response characteristics as the standard clear or coated Powerstroke 3 models that have been a industry staple for decades.

Market Comparison

When compared to other 18-inch options, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone sits alongside premium offerings like the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4, though it offers a more modern, bright aesthetic compared to the Calftone's vintage appearance. While products like the Evans EQ3 or the Attack ProFlex1 provide similar tonal control through various ply thicknesses and dampening, the Remo Colortone is unique in its specific combination of the 5-inch offset port and translucent orange finish. For those seeking maximum volume reduction, the Remo Silentstroke series remains the alternative, whereas the Colortone is designed for standard acoustic volume levels.

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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 high-quality 10-mil film, which is a standard thickness for providing a balance of durability and resonance.
Does the orange colour affect the sound quality?: According to Remo, the Colortone series provides the same high-level class-leading performance as their standard heads. The colour is integrated into the film to ensure tonal consistency.
What is the purpose of the 10-mil underlay ring?: The underlay ring serves as a dampening agent that helps to eliminate unwanted high-frequency overtones. This results in a more focused and controlled bass drum sound.
Is the microphone hole pre-cut?: Yes, this specific model features a factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole. This ensures a clean edge that won't tear and allows for easy microphone placement.
Can this head be used as a batter head?: While Powerstroke 3 heads are often used as batter heads, the presence of the 5-inch port hole makes this specific model intended primarily for use as a resonant (front) head.
What size bass drum is this head compatible with?: This specific model is designed for 18-inch bass drums, which are commonly found in jazz kits or compact 'bop' kits.
What are the tonal characteristics of the Powerstroke 3 Colortone?: It provides focused mid and low tones with a well-defined attack. The design ensures a balance between response and tonal control.
How does the Colortone series differ from standard Powerstroke 3 heads?: The primary difference is the visual customisation provided by the translucent colour. The structural specifications, such as the 10-mil film and dampening ring, remain identical.
Is this head suitable for recording?: Yes, the focused tones and the integrated 5-inch port make it highly suitable for studio environments where microphone placement and overtone control are critical.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical price range for the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Orange 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 67.
Are other colours available in this series?: Yes, Remo produces the Colortone series in a variety of colours and sizes to allow drummers to match their aesthetic preferences.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 is designed for a vintage look and warm tone, whereas the Remo Colortone Orange provides a modern look with focused, punchy mid-to-low frequencies.