Drum Monitor System? Drum Amplifier?
Headphones? ...Take Your Pick
A drum monitor system can include any device that allows you to hear an electronic drum set as it is being transmitted from the drum module. By definition a monitor is:
"A receiver, such as a screen or speaker, that is used to check the quality of content of an electronic transmission" . But Be Careful...
Just because you can hear out of it doesn't mean you should use it to "monitor" an electronic drum kit. A drum monitor system should be able to capture all of the frequencies produced by the module.
Remember that the goal is to replicate the sounds of an acoustic set. You may have really great kit and module, but if your drum monitor system isn't up to the task- what's the use?
Here are some ideas and choices available to help an electronic drum kit sound its best. Keep in mind while reviewing these that having several different types of monitoring devices will enable you to tap into the flexible nature of on electric kit. For example- you can play in absolute silence with only you hearing the drums, OR you can play in a large room or auditorium with the same kit!
Drum Monitor System
The most basic drum monitor system can be a pair of cabinets (or boxes if you wish) that include individual speakers to produce high, mid, and low-range frequencies in the same cabinet. Generally two to three speakers will be used for this purpose
Monitors with a more complex setup resemble home audio/video systems that include small speaker cabinets for the mids and highs and then a separate cabinet for the low frequencies (called a subwoofer).
Let's start with the drum monitor system that uses two cabinets with all of the speakers enclosed. You can buy models that require external amplification (like home stero speakers) or they can be bought with a built-in amplifier.
Passive All-In-One Monitors
The passive monitor is what most of us are familiar with due to the common stereo speaker. Power is supplied from an external source and then it is split to the different speakers within the cabinet.
If you already have an external amplifier and want to save some money, this may be a great option. Just be sure you provide the correct power range to the monitor. It's obvious that too much power can fry a monitor, but too little power can also cause permanent damage.
 A good example of a passive drum monitor is the Roland RSM-90. The include a 6.25" woofer and separate power inputs in the back for the woofer and tweeter. The maximum power input is 270 watts, which is plenty to roack the house! The latest pricing can be found here.
If you don't have an external amplifier and would like to use monitors like the RSM-90s, you can get a great stand-alone amplifier like the one shown below by Alesis.
Simply put, you connect the amp to the "Audio Out" on your drum module and then run speaker cables out from the amp to the monitors. Simple as that.
Alesis is one of the heavy-hitters in the audio recording industry, so you can rest easy knowing this amplifier is up to the task. It comes in three models: RA-150, RA-300, and RA-500.
The numbers on the model shows power output. For instance, the RA-300 can product 150 watts per channel in stereo, or 300 watts in bridged (mono). Based on these models, either the RA-150 or RA-300 would work great for Roland's RSM-90 monitors when drum in stereo. Get the Picture? GOOD!
Powered All-In-One Monitors
A powered monitor has either one or two built-in amplifiers per cabinet. Why two? Because this allow for a more effecent power supply to each speaker.
For many, a drum monitor system with built-in amplifiers is the way to go since you have a direct connection between the drum module and the monitors. There is also less to tear down / move / setup if you use your elecronic kit in multiple places.
A couple good examples of powered all-in-one monitors are the MA-Studiophile BX5 & BX8 and the Mackie SRM450. The MA-Studiophile BX-5 & BX-8 monitors each have an amplifier that delivers an equal amount of power to each speaker.
The MA-Studiophile BX5 has 5.25" woofer and an amlifier that delivers 38 watts to the woofer and 38 watts to the tweeter.
The  BX8 steps up to an 8" woofer and the power is increased to 65 watts per speaker.
If you're looking for drum monitors that are loud enough for a live performance, go no further than the Mackie RM450. These are in fact loudspeakers (like those used next to a stage) that produce equal if not better quality sound than the smaller studio monitors.
Mackie starts with a 12" woofer and then adds a horn-type tweeter for the high-range frequencies. They have two amplifiers: one for the woofer, producing 300 watts (yes 300); and the second amp is used for the tweeter, producing 100 watts.
A truly impressive part of the SRM450s is the built-in electronics that regulate how low and high frequencies leave the monitor. Here's what Mackie has to say about this feature:
"The part of the compression driver that actually makes mid and high frequency sounds is located deep inside the enclosure. The woofer's sound-producing cone is much closer to the front of th speaker. The result is that bass arrives at the listener's ears sooner than the treble" [Note: This can cause a muddy sound, especially at higher volumes.]
"To solve this, you need a way of correctly timing the arrival of electrical impluses at each kind of transducer. In other worrds, the LF [low frequency] transducer needs a head start over the HF [high frequency] so the sound generation speed can be accounted for, and both sound signal arrive at the listener's ear simultaneously".
Mackie uses advanced electronics inside that cabinet to correct the problem described above. This results in an awesome sound at any volume and distance from the monitors. Get a great price on Mackie's SRM450 HERE.
Component Drum Monitor System
The component drum monitor system has been designed to fit with a typical rack found on electronic drum sets. Two small cabinets are mounted at ear level for high and midrange frequencies while a subwoofer cabinet rests on the floor for low frequencies.
A great thing about component systems is that they do a nice job of simluating the way acoustic drum set sounds are heard.
The picture to the left shows Yamaha's component monitor system.
It comes in two models: MS50DR and MS100DR. The primary difference in the models is the size of the subwoofer speaker, and power ratings.
The  MS50DR has an 8" subwoofer with 50 watts of juice and the  MS100DR has a 10" woofer with - you guessed it- 100 watts. The MS100DR also adds output jacks for additional monitors and headphone jacks (versatility is key!).
Each system uses the same "satellite speakers" for mids and highs, which have 4" woofers, 2" midranges, and 1" tweeters. Each speaker puts out 20 watts of power.
A deciding factor for which model you may choose would likely be the amount of low end you want and how much $$ you're willing to spend.
You can count on Roland to offer a component drum monitor system since they are such a strong force in the electronic drum market. The Roland PM-3 model has two satellite montiors that put out 50 watts each. The included speakers are 4", 2", and 1" like Yamaha's systems.
The subwoofer has two 10" speakers with a power rating of 100 watts. The specifications on this system are similar to the Yamaha MS100DR except that the satellite monitors have more power (50 vs. 20) and two woofer in the sub cabinet for more bass punch.
Headphones
We're all familiar with headphones, but rarely do we consider the difficult task they achieve. It's not easy to reproduce the sounds of drum set with speakers located so close to your ears, and at such a low volume.
Headphones come in all shapes and sizes, but for the purpose of monitoring an electronic drum set, go with a large, over-the-ear type. For one, they're more comfortable, and secondly they do a much better job of producing the frequency range than small heaphones.
If you're going to buy an electronic drum set of any type, headphones should be your first order of business before considering a cabinet monitor system. After all, the biggest benefit of electronic drums is that they are nearly silent when using headphones!
Prices can range from around $20 to over $200 for a pair. You don't have to spend a wad of cash to get a good sound, just be sure they have a wide frequency range, moderate sized speakers, and are very comfortable. For a great selection of headphones at affordable prices go here.
Subsonic Monitor
Subsonic frequencies occur below 20 kilohertz (khz), which is the lowest sound freqency that humans can hear. Although we can't hear these frequencies, they can be felt if amplified enough. This is where the  Sonic Shaker "ButtKicker" comes into play.
A mounting bracket attached the ButtKicker device underneath your throne to - well - smack you in the pants everytime you hit the bass drum or a large tom. This setup is ideal for people who use headphones alot since it provides that extra thump without damaging your ears. Drumming IS all about feel, so the better you feel the set, the better your playing will be.
It's also great for live situations when you can't tell your low end from the bass player, and we all know how bass player wants to be louder than anyone else ;-)
The ButtKicker device can be purchased by itself and run through your current amplifier, or you can buy the specially-made  Power Amplifier that is designed just for this unit. It puts out a tremendous 1,100 watts of power to drive one or more ButtKickers efficiently.
FINAL THOUGHTS: It's really hard to go wrong with any drum monitor system discussed in this article. The best game plan is to get a good set of headphones and then one of the speaker-styled monitor systems designed for home use.
Once you're performing live, the final addition would be a loudspeaker type monitor that can accurately produce all of the frequencies put out by your drum module.
With that said, if you're ready to soak up more info, return to the Electronic Drums Page.
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