The term digital drum set is used to describe a couple of different types of electronic percussion instruments. Sometimes it's used to describe a small console type apparatus that sits on a table and contains a number of different drum pads. It can create some realistic and innovative percussion sounds and many people use and love this instrument, but it doesn't resemble real drums in layout at all, so someone who wants to keep a semblance of an acoustic drum feel probably won't be interested.
The other type of instrument described as a digital drum set is also frequently referred to as an electronic drum kit or electric drum set. While definitely having a different appearance from a traditional acoustic drum set, these can be set up to approximate the relative location of the components of an acoustic kit, so many drummers prefer to use them.
This type of digital drum set consists of a tubular rack upon which are mounted small, round drum pads. These pads are wired into a central drum module called a brain. You connect the snare pad to the snare input, tom pad to the tom input, hi hat pad to the high hat input, etc, until you have all the pads plugged into the brain.
While the physical location of the drums in a digital set can be made to resemble the layout of an acoustic kit, the actual playing may take some getting used to. For example, many kits require you to strike a certain point on the drum pad, rather than the rim and drum head simultaneously, to get a rimshot sound. So you may need to allow yourself some time to acclimate if you're an experienced acoustic drummer.
One way in which this type of digital drum set is great is that you can practice playing and hardly make any noise at all. Just put headphones on. You'll be able to listen to yourself playing, while anyone nearby will hear some clicking or tapping sounds at the most. Also, since these kits are very light compared to regular drums, it's easy to move them around or store them away between uses.
Another advantage of the digital drum set is that while you're limited in the amount of adjustment you can do to any particular acoustic drum, digital kits allow you to experiment with settings that combine tone, timbre and sensitivity in what might seem like limitless combinations.
Be aware that a digital drum set may require a little more care than you give a traditional set. You definitely want to try to avoid spilling any liquids on it. Electronics and moisture don't get along well. Also, be conscious that on the more affordable sets, the mounting hardware is frequently of lighter construction than on regular drum sets. Overtightening a plastic lug can result in it snapping off. But with the appropriate care, a digital drum set can last you a lifetime - or until you decide to upgrade to one with even more bells and whistles!
Tags: digital drum set, drum pads, electric drum set, hi hat, percussion, real drums, tom
