Choosing the right amplifier for your electronic drums can make a significant difference in your practice and performance experiences. A good amplifier should deliver clear, powerful sound that faithfully reproduces the nuances of your playing. Here are five of the best amplifiers for electronic drums, each offering unique features and benefits.
Things to Consider When Buying an Amp
Types of Amps
There are a few different types of amps that can be effective for edrums. While this article will focus mainly on amps made strictly for electronic drum kits, some other alternatives to be considered are:
- Keyboard Amps – Good budget option, though may need a subwoofer to boost lower frequencies
- PA Amps – Great for flexibility if you want to use the amp for stuff besides just drumming
- Guitar Amps – Avoid guitar amps, they do not sound good with edrums
- Bass Amps – Avoid unless absolutely necessary, bass amps concentrate low frequencies and will make edrums sound muddy
Wattage
The wattage of the amp will determine the max volume that can be achieved before the sound will start distorting. Naturally, more powerful amps will cost more. You don’t need to break your bank getting a super powerful amp if you’re just using it for practice. Below are some general wattage guidelines I use when selecting an edrum amp.
| Practicing Alone | Practicing With Others | Small Shows | Large Shows |
| 10+ watts | 50+ watts | 150+ watts | 1000+ watts |
Inputs
Inputs are crucial components of an amplifier, serving as the connection points where electronic drums and other audio devices are plugged in. They allow for the transfer of sound signals from your drum kit to the amplifier, ensuring that your playing is accurately reproduced and amplified. Different amplifiers offer various types and numbers of inputs, such as XLR, 1/4″ combo, and stereo inputs, each catering to different devices and setups. Having multiple and versatile inputs is important because it provides flexibility, enabling you to connect additional instruments, audio sources, or microphones, thereby enhancing your overall sound experience and performance versatility
Configuration
Configuration refers to the arrangement and specifications of an amplifier’s components, such as the size and type of speakers, the power output, and the overall design. This setup determines how sound is processed and projected, significantly impacting the quality and clarity of the audio. A well-configured amplifier ensures balanced sound across all frequencies, with enough power to deliver a clear and loud output suitable for different environments, from home practice to live performances. The right configuration can enhance the nuances of your electronic drum sounds, providing a more immersive and enjoyable playing experience.
Top Electronic Drum Amps
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Roland PM Series – Best Overall
Overview: The Roland PMs are specifically designed for electronic drums, particularly Roland’s V-Drums. It provides a powerful and clear sound, making it an excellent choice for both practice and live performances. The integrated mixer allows you to route backing music or any other sound through the amp, adding to the versatility of an already extremely powerful amp.
- PERFECT COMPANION TO VDRUM SET: The custom 12-inch speaker and horn tweeter project big, full-range sound, and 180 watts of power provides ample headroom for both home playing and stage use. The front face is angled for optimal sound monitoring while seated at the V-Drums, and a full-width bar handle on top offers a convenient way to carry the monitor and adjust its floor position.
- ADDED FLEXIBILITY: The PM-200 is also equipped with two XLR direct outputs to send sounds to a mixer or recording device, providing additional flexibility for using the monitor in stage, rehearsal, and studio applications.
- CONVINIENT REAR PANEL SWITCH: And while the PM-200 is a mono monitor, its inputs support stereo connections, enabling you to pass true stereo sound to the direct outputs. When a V-Drums module is connected in stereo to the V-Drums input, a convenient rear panel switch allows you to output its sound in dual mono or stereo to suit the needs of your setup.
- VERSATILE MIXING: With its integrated mixer, the PM-200 allows you to monitor backing music and external devices along with your kit. There’s a dedicated V-Drums input, plus 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch line inputs for connecting electronic percussion pads, smartphones, and music players. Independent volume controls are provided for the V-Drums and line input sections, and a two-band equalizer is on hand.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE BOX: This bundle includes a comfortable Gearlux headphone that keep all the tone and dynamics alive. A Gearlux patch cable is included so you can start playing immediately.
- Premium all-in-one monitor designed for use with V-Drums electronic percussion products
- Equipped with 180 watts of power, a custom 12-inch speaker, and horn tweeter
- Angled design provides ideal sound coverage for the seated player
- Integrated mixer with independent volume controls and global EQ
- Dedicated V-Drums input, plus 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch line inputs for connecting electronic percussion pads, smartphones, and music players
- Premium all-in-one monitor designed for use with V-Drums electronic percussion products
- Full-range audio system with 80 watts of power, custom 10-inch speaker, and tweeter
- Angled design provides ideal sound coverage for the seated player
- Integrated mixer with independent volume controls and global EQ
- Dedicated V-Drums input, plus 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch line inputs for connecting electronic percussion pads, smartphones, and music players
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Alesis Strike Series – Best Value
Overview: The Alesis Strike Amps are powerful and versatile amplifiers that deliver 2000+ watts of peak power. Its 8-12-inch woofer ensures a deep, punchy sound, while the lightweight design makes it easy to transport. With independent volume controls for each input, it’s ideal for drummers who need a reliable and flexible amp for various performance settings. Slightly cheaper than the Rolands but offers very similar performance.
- Heavy-Duty Drum Amplifier – 2500W of peak power deliver PA style clarity, punch and enough headroom for any electronic drum set; Bluetooth-enabled, with 12″ speaker, HPF EQ and Ground-Lift switches
- Easy Streaming – With Bluetooth 5.0, you can quickly stream music wirelessly straight from your device’s library/streaming service and jam along to your favorite tracks as you play your drums
- Updated Electrical Design – Features improved, specially-voiced 12-inch woofer and HF compression driver for better clarity and more accuracy with reproducing acoustic and electronic drum sounds
- Versatile Positions – Lightweight, flexible and sturdy wedge design that can also be upright or pole-mounted, perfect for home practice with your electric drums or live performance drum set monitoring
- Hook-Up Flexibility – (2) Combo XLR + 1/4″ inputs with independent volume controls; XLR direct output for sending your mix to front-of-house, recording interface, or for linking another Strike Amp 12
- Heavy-Duty Drum Amplifier – 2000W of peak power deliver PA style clarity, punch and enough headroom for any electronic drum set; Bluetooth-enabled, with 8″ speaker, HPF EQ and Ground-Lift switches
- Easy Streaming – With Bluetooth 5.0, you can quickly stream music wirelessly straight from your device’s library/streaming service and jam along to your favorite tracks as you play your drums
- Updated Electrical Design – Features improved, specially-voiced 8-inch woofer and HF compression driver for better clarity and more accuracy with reproducing acoustic and electronic drum sounds
- Versatile Positions – Lightweight, flexible and sturdy wedge design that can also be upright or pole-mounted, perfect for home practice with your electric drums or live performance drum set monitoring
- Hook-Up Flexibility – (2) Combo XLR + 1/4″ inputs with independent volume controls; XLR direct output for sending your mix to front-of-house, recording interface, or for linking another Strike Amp 8
- High Power Drum Amplifier Performance – 2000 watts of peak power delivers PA style clarity, punch and more than enough headroom for any electronic drum kit with audio outputs
- Full Range Response That’s Tuned to Your Electric Drum Set – Specially-voiced 8-inch woofer and high frequency compression driver deliver full response without any artificial coloration
- Setup Simplicity – Lightweight, flexible tilt-back PA cabinet design that can also be pole-mounted – perfect for home practice with your electric drums or live performance drum set monitoring
- Hook-Up Flexibility For Virtually any Electronic Drum Set – (2) XLR/TRS 1/4-inch combo inputs; XLR output to link another Strike Amp 8, mixing desk or recording separate (connection cables not included)
- Customize Your Drum Set Sound – Contour EQ switch to shape your sound; Ground-Lift switch eliminates unwanted noise
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Donner Amps – Best Budget Option
Overview: The Donner Amps are compact, versatile and designed to deliver decent performance at the lowest cost possible. While they don’t offer the same wattage, volume and sound quality as some of the other amps on this list, these amps will more than meet the needs for most budget shoppers and beginner drummers. Perfect for practicing and smaller introductory gigs, these amps sound good for the price you pay and offer a number of additional flexible features.
- 【𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬】The 20-Watt Electric Keyboard Amplifier is equipped with two speakers (LF: 8-inch woofer, HF: 2-inch tweeter, Impedance: 4 ohms) for rich tone and intuitive controls
- 【𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬】Perfect for electric keyboard practice, street performances, karaoke with friends, band performances, and outdoors playing. The frequency response ranges from 50 to 20KHZ
- 【𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲】The 2-channel keyboard amp is extremely versatile with 2 inputs and separate volume controls for each channel. Features Gain, Boost Select Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, and Bass controls
- 【𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬】Includes two 1/4″ instrument inputs, 3-band EQ, 1/8″ auxiliary input jack for jamming along with media player or CD, 1/8″ headphone output jack for silent practice, and DI output port for external active speakers
- 【𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭】With a maximum gain of 48dB, this keyboard amplifier supports microphone input for clean and warm tone
- [Wireless Multimedia Connection] The multimedia function of the DDA-80 allows musicians to connect their mobile devices to the DDA-80 wirelessly and control everything via the multimedia control knob on the amplifier
- [Equipped with Two Speakers] Donner DDA-80 professional electronic drum speaker is equipped with 8-inch woofer and tweeter horn, which can provide enough punch and more than enough headroom for any electronic drum kit with audio outputs
- [Limit Switch] The unique limit switch can effectively suppress the overload signal in the drum set, and appropriately reduce unnecessary dynamic space to increase the loudness of the overall drum set, so that the sound of the drum set can better integrate into the band
- [Ingenious Four-band EQ Adjustment] The Lo-mid band added to the overall drum set tone can improve the punch and details of the overall drum set, making your performance more arbitrary
- [Unique-Design for Electronic Drums] The rated output power of 2.80 W can provide a large enough sound pressure level, whether it is in the rehearsal room or the monitor of the stage drummer can provide a large enough volume which can be connected to ‘electronic drum’, ‘keyboard’, etc
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Yamaha MS45DR Drum Monitor System
Overview: The Yamaha MS45DR is a compact monitor system that includes two satellite speakers and a subwoofer. This setup provides a balanced and immersive sound experience, perfect for home practice. The system is easy to set up and offers multiple inputs, making it versatile for connecting other instruments or audio sources.
- 2.1-Channel stereo monitor system for dynamic and authentic sound
- Simple satellite speakers can be mounted on common 1.5-Inch diameter racks
- Cables included for easy setup
- Easy volume adjustment
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Simmons DA2108 Advanced Drum Amplifier
Overview: The Simmons DA2108 offers a powerful 400-watt output in a compact and lightweight package. The 8-inch woofer and tweeter combination provides clear and detailed sound across all frequencies. This amplifier is perfect for anything from home practice to moderate sized gigs, offering multiple inputs to accommodate different setups.
Features:
- 8-inch Premium Speaker + 1-inch Premium Compression Driver
- 65Hz-20KHz frequency response, 118dB Max SPL
- Bluetooth stereo audio input, detachable mobile device holder
- Aux stereo input, 3.5mm jack
- Floor/Pole switch tunes the amp for floor or speaker pole placement
- Smart Stereo capability to link to units for surrounding stereo sound
- Class-D amplifier, 100 Watts RMS, 400 Watts Peak output
- Lightweight, acoustically-designed cabinet can be used on the floor, or on speaker pole
- 2 Balanced stereo line inputs, via left/mono and right 1/4-inch TRS jacks
- 2-Knob EQ: Lows (80Hz), Highs (10KHz)
- Stereo Headphone output, mutes speakers for silent practice
- Direct Out can be connected to another sound system, or subwoofer
Conclusion
When choosing an amplifier for your electronic drums, consider factors such as power output, speaker configuration, and portability. Roland, Alesis, Donner, Yamaha and Simmons are all fantastic manufacturing companies. Each offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you need a powerful amp for live performances or a compact system for home practice, one of these top choices will enhance your drumming experience.
Check out our other posts if you’re looking for an electronic drum set or headphones to go with your amp! We hope this article was helpful!