Do I need to remove my current drum head to use the RTOM Black Hole 8"?

No, the RTOM Black Hole is designed to snap directly over your existing drum head, making installation and removal quick and easy.

What is the primary material used in the Black Hole head?

It features a high-quality single-ply mesh film designed for durability and a realistic response.

How does the feel of the mesh compare to a standard drum head?

It provides a soft, spring-like feel that closely mimics the rebound of a real acoustic head, which is generally preferred over hard rubber pads.

Can I use electronic triggers with the RTOM Black Hole?

Yes, the design provides ideal functionality for external electronic drum triggers, allowing you to convert an acoustic drum into an electronic pad.

Does the 8-inch model fit all 8-inch drums?

It is designed to fit standard 8-inch drum rims. RTOM produces a wide range of sizes to ensure compatibility with various kit setups.

Will using this head damage my existing acoustic drum head?

The snap-on design is engineered to sit securely on the rim without causing damage to the underlying drum head or the shell.

How much does the RTOM Black Hole reduce the volume of the drum?

It provides incredibly low volumes, allowing for practice in noise-sensitive environments like apartments or shared living spaces.

Is the 8-inch head suitable for snare drums?

The 8-inch model is specifically for 8-inch drums, usually small toms. For a standard snare, you would typically need a 13-inch or 14-inch version.

What is the typical price for the RTOM Black Hole 8"?

The typical price for this specific size is approximately £98, depending on the retailer.

Is the mesh head replaceable if it wears out?

The system is built as a durable unit, though the mesh is designed to withstand significant use before showing signs of wear.

Does this product come with drumsticks?

No, it is sold as a drum head component. Accessories like Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple Drumsticks must be purchased separately.

Can this be used on a bass drum?

The 8-inch model is too small for standard bass drums. RTOM offers larger versions of the Black Hole specifically designed for bass drum sizes.

Gear article

RTOM Black Hole 8" Mesh Head

The RTOM Black Hole 8" Mesh Head is a low-volume drum practice solution designed to snap directly onto existing acoustic drums without the need for head removal. It utilizes a high-quality single-ply mesh film to provide a soft, spring-like response while significantly reducing acoustic output for quiet practice environments.

See live prices

Overview and History

The RTOM Black Hole series represents a modern approach to low-volume drumming, specifically engineered for players who require a reduction in decibel levels without sacrificing the tactile feedback of their acoustic kit. Unlike traditional replacement mesh heads that require the removal of the original drum head, the Black Hole system is designed as a modular attachment. The 8-inch model is typically utilized for small rack toms or auxiliary percussion within a standard drum kit configuration.

Design and Functionality

The core of the Black Hole 8" is its high-quality single-ply mesh film. This material is designed to offer a 'soft, spring-like' feel, which mimics the rebound of a tensioned acoustic head more accurately than rubber practice pads. A defining feature of this model is its installation method; the head 'snaps' onto the rim of the drum, sitting over the pre-installed head. This allows for rapid transitions between full-volume performance and quiet practice sessions.

Sound Character

While the primary objective is noise reduction, the RTOM Black Hole is noted for maintaining a level of 'warmth' often lost in other silent drum solutions. By allowing the air to move within the drum shell slightly differently than a standard replacement head, it retains a tonal character that helps the drummer identify pitch and dynamics during practice. It also provides a stable surface for the mounting of external electronic drum triggers, making it a versatile tool for hybrid setups.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard mesh heads like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side (which is intended for high-tension resonant use) or traditional rubber mute pads, the Black Hole offers a distinct advantage in convenience. Because it does not require the removal of the acoustic head, it avoids the time-consuming process of detuning and retuning the drum. It also offers a more realistic rebound compared to basic maple sticks on hard surfaces or heavy-duty bass beaters like the Tama CB900PS when used on muted surfaces.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to remove my current drum head to use the RTOM Black Hole 8"?: No, the RTOM Black Hole is designed to snap directly over your existing drum head, making installation and removal quick and easy.
What is the primary material used in the Black Hole head?: It features a high-quality single-ply mesh film designed for durability and a realistic response.
How does the feel of the mesh compare to a standard drum head?: It provides a soft, spring-like feel that closely mimics the rebound of a real acoustic head, which is generally preferred over hard rubber pads.
Can I use electronic triggers with the RTOM Black Hole?: Yes, the design provides ideal functionality for external electronic drum triggers, allowing you to convert an acoustic drum into an electronic pad.
Does the 8-inch model fit all 8-inch drums?: It is designed to fit standard 8-inch drum rims. RTOM produces a wide range of sizes to ensure compatibility with various kit setups.
Will using this head damage my existing acoustic drum head?: The snap-on design is engineered to sit securely on the rim without causing damage to the underlying drum head or the shell.
How much does the RTOM Black Hole reduce the volume of the drum?: It provides incredibly low volumes, allowing for practice in noise-sensitive environments like apartments or shared living spaces.
Is the 8-inch head suitable for snare drums?: The 8-inch model is specifically for 8-inch drums, usually small toms. For a standard snare, you would typically need a 13-inch or 14-inch version.
What is the typical price for the RTOM Black Hole 8"?: The typical price for this specific size is approximately £98, depending on the retailer.
Is the mesh head replaceable if it wears out?: The system is built as a durable unit, though the mesh is designed to withstand significant use before showing signs of wear.
Does this product come with drumsticks?: No, it is sold as a drum head component. Accessories like Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple Drumsticks must be purchased separately.
Can this be used on a bass drum?: The 8-inch model is too small for standard bass drums. RTOM offers larger versions of the Black Hole specifically designed for bass drum sizes.