What drum sizes are included in this RTOM pack?

The pack includes five heads in total. It consists of 10" and 12" rack tom heads, a 14" snare head, a 16" floor tom head, and a 22" bass drum head.

How do these mesh heads differ from standard drum heads?

RTOM Mesh Heads are made of a heavy-duty mesh material that allows air to pass through, significantly reducing volume. Standard heads are typically made of solid Mylar which vibrates the drum shell to produce loud acoustic tones.

What is the purpose of the central sound patch?

The sound patch is designed to provide a more realistic stick response and a more audible attack. This helps the drummer hear what they are playing more clearly compared to plain mesh heads.

Can these heads be used for live performances?

They are ideal for live settings where low volume is mandatory, such as church bands or intimate acoustic sets. However, they are not designed for standard high-volume rock or pop performances.

Are these heads durable enough for heavy hitters?

Yes, they are constructed from a heavy-duty mesh material similar to that used in RTOM's Black Hole series. The central patch also adds an extra layer of protection at the primary impact point.

Do I need to remove my existing drum heads to use these?

Yes, these are replacement heads. You must remove your standard acoustic heads and install these in their place using your drum's existing hoops and tension rods.

Can I use drum triggers with these mesh heads?

Yes, mesh heads are frequently used in conjunction with electronic triggers to convert an acoustic kit into an electronic kit. The heavy-duty mesh provides a stable surface for trigger mounting.

Will these heads make my drums completely silent?

While they significantly reduce volume, they are not completely silent. The central patch provides a small amount of audible attack so you can monitor your playing.

Are these heads suitable for apartment living?

These heads are specifically recommended for apartments and bedrooms. They lower the volume to a level that is generally acceptable for residential environments.

How does the feel compare to the RTOM Black Hole system?

The material is very similar to the Black Hole system, offering a heavy-duty feel. The main difference is the installation method, as these replace the heads rather than snapping over them.

Can I use standard wooden drumsticks on these heads?

Yes, standard sticks like Gear4Music 5A Maple sticks work perfectly. The mesh and patch are designed to withstand normal drumstick impact.

Do these heads require special tuning?

They can be tensioned using a standard drum key just like regular heads. Adjusting the tension will change the feel and rebound of the mesh to suit the player's preference.

Gear article

RTOM Mesh Drum Head Pack

The RTOM Mesh Drum Head Pack is a comprehensive low-volume practice solution designed to replace standard acoustic heads on a five-piece drum kit. Featuring a heavy-duty mesh construction and a unique central sound patch, these heads provide a realistic stick response while significantly reducing the audible volume of a performance.

See live prices

Overview

The RTOM Mesh Drum Head Pack is a specialized set of drum skins designed for drummers who require a high-quality practice environment without the volume of traditional acoustic heads. This specific pack includes five heads sized for a standard configuration: 10-inch and 12-inch rack toms, a 14-inch snare drum, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 22-inch bass drum. By replacing existing Mylar or coated heads with these mesh alternatives, players can maintain the physical setup of their acoustic kit while achieving a volume level suitable for quiet environments.

Key Features and Design

The primary innovation of the RTOM Mesh Heads is the inclusion of a specially designed sound patch located at the centre of each head. While many mesh heads suffer from a 'tennis racket' feel—characterized by excessive bounce and a lack of acoustic feedback—the RTOM sound patch is engineered to enhance the realism of the stick response.

Constructed from a heavy-duty mesh material, these heads are designed for durability and longevity, drawing on the technology used in the brand's well-known Black Hole practice system. The mesh allows air to pass through freely, which removes the resonance of the drum shell while the patch provides a more defined point of impact.

Sound Character and Response

Unlike standard single-ply mesh heads that can be nearly silent and offer little tonal feedback, the RTOM Mesh Heads provide a more audible attack. This allows the drummer to hear their phrasing and dynamics more clearly, which is essential for effective practice. The sound is focused and percussive, yet remains at a fraction of the decibel level produced by standard heads. The tactile response is firmer than traditional mesh, intended to mimic the feel of a tensioned acoustic drum skin.

Applications

These drum heads are suited for a variety of low-volume scenarios including:

Apartment and Bedroom Practice: Allowing for full-kit practice without disturbing neighbours or family members.
Drum Lessons: Facilitating communication between teacher and student without the need for hearing protection.
Small Venue Performance: Ideal for church bands or acoustic settings where a traditional kit would be too overpowering.
Studio Use: Useful for tracking MIDI via triggers or for low-volume rehearsal sessions.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard mesh heads from brands like Evans or Remo, the RTOM heads distinguish themselves through the central patch. While products like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare head are designed for high-tension projection, the RTOM mesh is built specifically for noise reduction. Unlike the RTOM Black Hole series, which snap over existing hoops, these heads require the removal of the original heads, offering a more integrated, permanent low-volume conversion for the instrument.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What drum sizes are included in this RTOM pack?: The pack includes five heads in total. It consists of 10" and 12" rack tom heads, a 14" snare head, a 16" floor tom head, and a 22" bass drum head.
How do these mesh heads differ from standard drum heads?: RTOM Mesh Heads are made of a heavy-duty mesh material that allows air to pass through, significantly reducing volume. Standard heads are typically made of solid Mylar which vibrates the drum shell to produce loud acoustic tones.
What is the purpose of the central sound patch?: The sound patch is designed to provide a more realistic stick response and a more audible attack. This helps the drummer hear what they are playing more clearly compared to plain mesh heads.
Can these heads be used for live performances?: They are ideal for live settings where low volume is mandatory, such as church bands or intimate acoustic sets. However, they are not designed for standard high-volume rock or pop performances.
Are these heads durable enough for heavy hitters?: Yes, they are constructed from a heavy-duty mesh material similar to that used in RTOM's Black Hole series. The central patch also adds an extra layer of protection at the primary impact point.
Do I need to remove my existing drum heads to use these?: Yes, these are replacement heads. You must remove your standard acoustic heads and install these in their place using your drum's existing hoops and tension rods.
Can I use drum triggers with these mesh heads?: Yes, mesh heads are frequently used in conjunction with electronic triggers to convert an acoustic kit into an electronic kit. The heavy-duty mesh provides a stable surface for trigger mounting.
Will these heads make my drums completely silent?: While they significantly reduce volume, they are not completely silent. The central patch provides a small amount of audible attack so you can monitor your playing.
Are these heads suitable for apartment living?: These heads are specifically recommended for apartments and bedrooms. They lower the volume to a level that is generally acceptable for residential environments.
How does the feel compare to the RTOM Black Hole system?: The material is very similar to the Black Hole system, offering a heavy-duty feel. The main difference is the installation method, as these replace the heads rather than snapping over them.
Can I use standard wooden drumsticks on these heads?: Yes, standard sticks like Gear4Music 5A Maple sticks work perfectly. The mesh and patch are designed to withstand normal drumstick impact.
Do these heads require special tuning?: They can be tensioned using a standard drum key just like regular heads. Adjusting the tension will change the feel and rebound of the mesh to suit the player's preference.