What is the primary material used in this drum head?

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

How does the 'Smoke' colour affect the sound?

The Colortone process is designed to provide visual customisation without altering the sonic properties of the head. It retains the same focused mid and low tones as a standard clear Powerstroke 3.

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

The underlay ring acts as an integrated dampening system. It helps to control overtones and focus the fundamental pitch of the bass drum for a cleaner sound.

Does this head come with a microphone hole?

Yes, it features a 5-inch offset microphone hole. This allows for easy internal mic placement and prevents the 'basketball' bounce-back effect by letting air escape.

Is the Colortone Smoke head transparent or opaque?

It is a transparent head with a smoke-coloured tint. This allows for visibility through the head while providing a distinct aesthetic look.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for a 22-inch bass drum. Remo offers the Colortone series in various sizes, but this version is tailored for standard 22-inch hoops.

Can this be used as a batter side head?

While Powerstroke 3 heads are used for both, this specific model is intended as a resonant (front) head due to the pre-cut microphone port. Using a ported head on the batter side is generally not recommended.

How does the attack of this head compare to others?

The head provides a well-defined attack. The single-ply 10-mil construction ensures that the initial strike is crisp and prominent.

How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a standard, full-volume acoustic head designed for tone and performance. The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice.

What tonal frequencies does this head emphasise?

It is designed to focus on mid and low tones. The internal dampening ring specifically targets and reduces higher-frequency overtones.

Is the microphone port reinforced?

The port is a precision-cut 5-inch hole designed by Remo to maintain the structural integrity of the 10-mil film during normal use. Users often add a reinforcement ring if they frequently move microphones.

What is the typical price range for this drum head?

The typical price for this high-quality Remo head is approximately GBP 75, though prices may vary slightly by retailer.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 22 Ported Bass Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke is a 22-inch single-ply bass drum resonant head featuring a transparent smoke-coloured finish. It integrates Remo's established Powerstroke 3 dampening technology with a pre-cut 5-inch offset microphone port for studio and stage utility.

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Background and Design

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 22 Ported Bass Drum Head represents an evolution of the industry-standard Powerstroke 3 design. By incorporating Remo's Colortone technology, the head provides a aesthetic alternative to traditional clear or coated heads without compromising the structural integrity or sonic characteristics of the Mylar film. The 'Smoke' variant offers a translucent grey aesthetic that allows for visual customisation of the drum kit while maintaining a professional appearance.

Technical Specifications

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film, which provides a sensitive response and durability. Key functional features include:

10-mil Underlay Ring: An internal dampening ring mounted at the outer edge to reduce unwanted overtones.
5-inch Offset Port: A pre-cut hole positioned to facilitate easy microphone placement and air pressure relief.
Colortone Technology: A proprietary imaging process that infuses the film with colour while remaining transparent.

Sonic Character

This drum head is engineered to produce focused mid and low-range frequencies. The combination of the 10-mil construction and the integrated underlay ring results in a well-defined attack with controlled sustain. By dampening high-frequency ring, the head delivers a 'punchy' sound that is particularly suited for modern music genres where bass drum clarity is paramount.

Applications

The inclusion of a 5-inch offset microphone port makes this head specifically suited for live performance and recording environments. It allows sound engineers to place microphones inside the drum shell to capture the attack of the beater. The head is designed for drummers seeking a balance between the open resonance of a single-ply head and the controlled decay required for amplified music.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to alternatives like the EVANS EQ3 or the Attack ProFlex1, the Remo Colortone Smoke distinguishes itself through its aesthetic versatility. While products like the EVANS 56 Calftone focus on vintage textures and warmth, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone maintains a modern, bright attack. Unlike 'no-port' options, this model is designed for ease of use in mic'd scenarios, contrasting with heads like the DW AA Coated series which may require manual porting for similar utility.

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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. This thickness is a standard for providing a balance between durability and resonance.
How does the 'Smoke' colour affect the sound?: The Colortone process is designed to provide visual customisation without altering the sonic properties of the head. It retains the same focused mid and low tones as a standard clear Powerstroke 3.
What is the purpose of the 10-mil underlay ring?: The underlay ring acts as an integrated dampening system. It helps to control overtones and focus the fundamental pitch of the bass drum for a cleaner sound.
Does this head come with a microphone hole?: Yes, it features a 5-inch offset microphone hole. This allows for easy internal mic placement and prevents the 'basketball' bounce-back effect by letting air escape.
Is the Colortone Smoke head transparent or opaque?: It is a transparent head with a smoke-coloured tint. This allows for visibility through the head while providing a distinct aesthetic look.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for a 22-inch bass drum. Remo offers the Colortone series in various sizes, but this version is tailored for standard 22-inch hoops.
Can this be used as a batter side head?: While Powerstroke 3 heads are used for both, this specific model is intended as a resonant (front) head due to the pre-cut microphone port. Using a ported head on the batter side is generally not recommended.
How does the attack of this head compare to others?: The head provides a well-defined attack. The single-ply 10-mil construction ensures that the initial strike is crisp and prominent.
How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a standard, full-volume acoustic head designed for tone and performance. The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice.
What tonal frequencies does this head emphasise?: It is designed to focus on mid and low tones. The internal dampening ring specifically targets and reduces higher-frequency overtones.
Is the microphone port reinforced?: The port is a precision-cut 5-inch hole designed by Remo to maintain the structural integrity of the 10-mil film during normal use. Users often add a reinforcement ring if they frequently move microphones.
What is the typical price range for this drum head?: The typical price for this high-quality Remo head is approximately GBP 75, though prices may vary slightly by retailer.