Best
Runner Up
-
Overall: High frequency compression drive
-
Best Feature: Lightweight and flexible tilt-back cabinet design,
-
TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Overall
-
Overall: Has enough power to fill a small venue.
-
Best Feature: Lightweight design, 2-band EQ for tonal adjustments
-
TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Budget-Pick
-
Overall: 50 watts of peak power, 8'-inch subwoofer, 2-inch tweeter
-
Best Feature: Bluetooth capability and aux input, 2-band EQ, lightweight build
-
TedScore™: 7.5/10
Have you ever felt that your electronic drum kit lacks the punch and clarity you hear in your head? Finding the best electronic drum amp can transform your drumming experience and breathe new life into your practice sessions.
Imagine hitting those pads and feeling every beat resonate like you were playing live! Quality and performance are key, and I’ll share how the proper amp can finally give you that satisfaction.
Keep reading to discover the best amps with incredible sound, dependable performance, and all the features a modern drummer could want. Let’s start this exciting drumming adventure together!
Top 18 Best Electronic Drum Amps
Chosen for their functionality, features, and performance, here are the best electronic drum amps you can find today:
DESIGNED FOR: At-home playing and small venues
SPECIFICATIONS: 180 watts of peak power, 12'' woofer and horn tweeter, 1/4-inch Jack for Roland’s V Drums, 1/4-inch for Line and Stereo
FEATURES: Lightweight design, 2-band EQ for tonal adjustments
Roland PM-200 Personal Drum Monitor Amplifier
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Built-in mixer and EQ controls
- Delivers rich, dynamic sound
- Power provides ample headroom for both home and stage use
- Fairly large footprint, making it difficult to carry around in live gigs
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Featuring 180 watts of power and full low-end response, the Ronald PM-200 has enough power to fill a small venue.
Thanks to its 2-way speaker design, it delivers crisp sound at all volume levels without the fear of distortion. It also has dual XLR outputs that let you record in stereo mode or directly into the PA when you’re recording live in the studio.
Though specifically made for Roland V Drums, it works perfectly well with any other electronic drum kit. Its 2-band EQ controls let you adjust the tonal characteristics of up to two other instruments.
DESIGNED FOR: At-home use, recordings, and large venues
SPECIFICATION: 2000 watts of peak power, Low-Frequency 12.0", high frequency compression driver, 2 XLR/TRS 1/4" combo inputs, 53 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
FEATURES: Specially-voiced 12” woofer, lightweight and flexible tilt-back cabinet design, Ground-Lift switch
Alesis Strike Amp 12 Drum Amplifier Floor Monitor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Room-shaking power of up to 2000 watts
- Clear and accurate sound even at high volumes
- No distortion
- Expansion is somewhat limited
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Alesis Strike Amp 12 is often deemed the “gold standard” of electronic drum amps. With a peak power of 2000 watts, this amp delivers heart-thumping sounds without the expense of accuracy or clarity.
Equipped with a 2-way low-frequency and high-frequency driver, the Alesis Strike Amp 12 plays loud and clear in any space and any situation. The low-frequency driver adds that signature “kick” to the kick drum, while the high-frequency adds detail and snap to your snare drums and cymbals.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice
SPECIFICATIONS: 50 watts of peak power, 8'-inch subwoofer, 2-inch tweeter
FEATURES: Bluetooth capability and aux input, 2-band EQ, lightweight build
Visionamp Drum Amplifier
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reasonably priced, suitable for those on a budget
- Suitable for both acoustic and electronic drums
- 2-band EQ lets you fine-tune your drum kit
- Doesn't produce the same level of amplification as other amps on this list
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly drum amplifier that delivers great sound, the Visionamp Drum Amplifier is a good contender.
Featuring an 8-inch subwoofer, a 2-inch tweeter, and a 50-watt power output, it’s loud enough for bedroom settings and small studios.
With its two-band EQ option, it lets you fine-tune the tonal quality of your drums to match your preference. It also has Bluetooth capabilities, which most amplifiers of the same price don’t.
DESIGNED FOR: At-home practice and small live gigs
SPECIFICATIONS: 60 watts of peak power, 12-inch Coaxial Speaker, input sensitivity of 80mV
FEATURES: Mic and line inputs to play along your favourite tracks, independent volume controls for each input
SubZero DR-60 Drum
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Independent volume controls for drum kit and other instruments
- Special electronic drum input for full-frequency response
- Decently powerful sound
- Distorts at low frequencies
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The SubZero DR-60 Drum perfectly balances price and functionality. It’s well within the range of aspiring performers and good enough for professional musicians. It may not be the most powerful, but it’s certainly loud enough for on-stage performances and recordings, although it excels as a practice amp.
Alongside its 1/4-inch jack e-drums input that most electronic drum amps have, it’s equipped with an XLR microphone input and a keyboard/bass guitar line input.
DESIGNED FOR: All applications, including large venues
SPECIFICATIONS: 300 watts of peak power, Master 5 Band Graphic EQ, Footswitch Option FS 1, on-board DSP with 16 Presets
FEATURES: FX insert to improve tone, 15-inch woofer driver
Laney AH300 Compact Audiohub, 300W
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Durable construction
- Multiple input options
- Optional tilt to further project sound while playing in spacious areas
- At over 20 kg, it's heavier than most amps on this list
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Laney AH300 Compact Audiohub comes with everything you need in an electronic drum amp. Powerful sound? Check. Multiple channel inputs? You got it. Comprehensive equalizer? Absolutely.
Loaded with 16 preset effects and parameter adjustments, the AH300 Compact Audiohub can produce just about any bass tone you can imagine. It has a total of five channel inputs, so it can play multiple instruments at the same time.
DESIGNED FOR: At-home use, recordings, small-to-mid-sized venues
SPECIFICATIONS: 600 watts of peak power, Class-D Woofer and Class-AB Tweeter, 2.8kHz of crossover frequency
FEATURES: 7-band graphic EQ, 4-channel stereo operation, Klark Teknik FX processor with 100 presets
Behringer Ultratone KXD15 PA System/Keyboard Amplifier
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Various FX controls, including delay, reverb, chorus, and pitch shift
- One of the best electronic drum amps with outstanding sound quality
- FBQ Feedback Detection system minimizes distortion and sound issues
- Your electronic drum set will sound amazing at loud volumes
- Switching between effect presets takes time
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Behringer Ultratone KXD15 is a drum amp that doesn’t kid around. Equipped with 600 watts of power, a 15-inch Turbosound woofer, and a 1-inch compression driver, it delivers impressive sound without a hitch.
Thanks to its built-in multi-effects processor, the Behringer Ultratone KXD15 gives you access to various formats to help you create thousands of compositions.
It also comes with an FBQ Feedback Detection system paired with a 7-band graphic equalizer. When the system detects a frequency that causes unwanted feedback, it lights up the LED on the slider so you can clean up the sound to your liking.
DESIGNED FOR: Recordings and mid-to-large venues
SPECIFICATIONS: 1600 watts of peak power, 12” Woofer, 2.36” Voice Coil, 1.0KHz crossover frequency
FEATURES: High-frequency response of 50Hz-19kHz, low energy operation
SubZero Praxis12 DSP Musicians Monitor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Heavy, solid build
- Multiple positioning options
- Silent operation
- Very powerful amp
- Lacks transparency
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The SubZero Praxis12 DSP is a compact drum amp with three tweeters, a powerful bass driver, and a wide frequency response of 50Hz to 19kHz, making it suitable for both recording and touring applications.
At 18kg, the SubZero Praxis12 DSP is tough enough to take a lot of manhandling and sonic abuse on the road. Its Class-D amplification system ensures silent, low-energy operation. Its various DPS presets allow you to tailor the sound to your chosen instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice and recordings
SPECIFICATIONS: 160 watts of peak power, 6.5” driver, 1.4” voice coil, 20 oz magnet, 2KHz crossover
FEATURES: Bluetooth capability, auxiliary connectivity, compact build, multi-use amp
Gear4music sideKIK Personal Musician's Amp
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Solid construction thanks to its hardened plastic chassis and steel grille
- Stylish design
- Versatile amp
- Plug-and-play design
- Creates distortions at loud levels
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The sideKIK Personal Amp is a compact, entry-level amp that delivers impressive accuracy and sound dispersion at an affordable price. It has an intuitive interface of three channels, two-band EQ, and master volume, giving you enough versatility to adjust the sound to your liking.
Thanks to its streamlined plug-and-play design, it’s ready to use out of the box. Its dials are large and easy to reach, so you won’t have to lean too far down mid-performance. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to rehearse along with your favourite tracks.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice and recordings
SPECIFICETIONS: 150 watts of peak power, 12" loudspeaker and HF Horn
FEATURES: Master 5 Band Graphic EQ, 5-channel input, FX insert, large carry handle
Laney AH150 Compact Audiohub
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Multiple input channels
- Carpeted dual-position cabinet protect it from surface damage
- On-board digital delay comes with time, feedback, and level controls
- Produces a "weaker" sound when compared to the Laney AH300
- Not suitable for large venues
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Laney AH150 Compact Audiohub is the younger brother of the AH300. Though it isn’t as powerful or loud as the latter, it’s no less impressive. It delivers fantastic sound for an array of applications.
Like the AH300, the Laney AH150 features five channels, including XLR, PRCA, Jack and Mini-Jack, and a Digital Delay. It has a woofer of 12 inches, which delivers decently loud and powerful bass.
DESIGNED FOR: All applications, including large venues
SPECIFICATIONS: 2000 watts of peak power, 8.0” driver, 2.5” high-temperature voice coil, 2.5KHz crossover frequency
FEATURES: Built-in mixer and EQ options, independently-controlled XLR/jack combo inputs
Alesis Strike Amp 8 Drum Amplifier
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Powerful 2000-watt capacity
- Versatile set-up; can be use as a floor wedge or pole mount
- Punchy and loud
- Bass drum will sound great
- Sleek design
- Doesn't deliver as clear a sound as the Amp 12
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you’re searching for a less-pricey alternative to the Alesis Strike Amp 12, the Alesis Strike Amp 8 is a great alternative.
It’s identical to the Amp 12 in nearly every way, from its wattage to its controls. The only major differences between the two are that the Amp 8 has an 8-inch woofer as opposed to 12, and a crossover frequency of 2.5KHz instead of 2.0KHz. It’s also slightly smaller.
DESIGNED FOR: Home Practice and Recording
SPECIFICATIONS: 30 watts of peak power, 3 control options (ON/OFF, Volume, Woofer), 1/4" phone type connector
FEATURES: Dedicated mono and stereo inputs, incredibly small footprint, low energy consumption.
Roland PM-03 Personal Drum Monitor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Simple, plug-and-play design
- Straight-forward controls
- Slim, smart-looking unit
- Plastic construction doesn't make it suitable for travel
- Lacks EQ Control
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Roland PM-03 Personal Drum Monitor is the first 2.1 channel drum monitors in the V-Drums series. With a power output of 3- watts, it’s good enough for small live gigs and at-home recordings.
The PM-03 specifically caters to Roland’s HD-series V-Drums, but it works with most other electronic drum sets. It comes with simple, easy-to-use controls, including an On/Off switch, a volume knob, and a Woofer knob, which simply adjusts the volume of the woofer.
It unfortunately doesn’t feature EQ or frequency controls, so you’ll need to adjust the EQ on your drum module instead.
DESIGNED FOR: Roland PM-100 Personal Drum Monitors Amplifier
SPECIFICATION: Roland PM-100 Personal Drum Monitor Amplifier
FEATURES: 2-band EQ for tonal adjustments, lightweight and compact design, 2 volume control knobs for line and V-Drum.
Roland PM-100 Personal Drum Monitor Amplifier
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Angled design provides optimal sound coverage for listeners
- On-board mixing capabilities
- Delivers rich, full-range sound
- Distorts at a high-volume level
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Compared to the Roland PM-200, which features 180 watts of power, a 12-inch speaker, and a horn tweeter, the Roland PM-100 comes with 80 watts of power, a 10-inch speaker, and a standard tweeter. This makes it a good option for beginner musicians and those that perform in small venues.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice, small gigs, recordings
SPECIFICATION: 30 watts of peak power, 6.5" coaxial two-way speaker, 1/4" phone type and stereo Jack
FEATURES: 3 input channels, 8 stereo inputs and 2 mono mic/line inputs.
Roland CM-30 30W Personal Monitor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Multiple channel controls and connectors
- Protective corners and metal grill for easy transport
- Impressive clarity
- Impressive clarity
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Roland CM-30 30W Personal Monitor is the very definition of small but powerful. It’s an ultra-versatile monitor that works well for studio, stage, and at-home applications, making it a great option for both practising and experienced drummers.
Like most members of the CUBE series, the Roland CM-30 is surprisingly durable and rigid. Though lightweight, it can easily withstand the rigours of the road with the help of its metal grill and protective corners.
DESIGNED FOR: Home Practice
SPECIFICATIONS: 20 watts of peak power, frequency response of 40 to 20000 Hz, 0.8" tweeter, 6.5" subwoofer
FEATURES: 2.1-channel monitor system, separate volume adjustment for subwoofer and satellite speakers
Yamaha MS45DR Drum Kit Monitoring System
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight footprint
- Perfectly integrates into an digital drum setup
- Perfectly integrates into an digital drum setup
- Great little small amp
- Unsuitable for large venues
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha MS45DR Monitoring System is a 2.1-channel amp that reproduces authentic, dynamic sound when played with electronic amps. It comes with two compact satellite speakers that can be mounted atop 1.5-inch drum rack frames and a subwoofer to emphasize low-end bass tones.
The satellite speakers deliver 20 watts of power through a 0.75-inch dome tweeter and a 3-inch mid-range driver. The subwoofer, on the other hand, features a 6.5-inch driver with 20 watts. This makes the Yamaha MS45DR ideal for home use rather than venues and gigs.
DESIGNED FOR: All applications, including large venues
SPECIFICATIONS: 1200 watts of peak power, frequency response of 55Hz - 19KHz, 10” Woofer, 2” Voice Coil
FEATURES: Powerful low-frequency driver, dozens of DSP presets, 3-angle positioning
SubZero Praxis10 DSP Musicians Monitor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Various positioning options
- Silent operation
- Silent operation
- Needs proper EQ adjusting to sound its best
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
With an expansive 55Hz-19kHz frequency response, the SubZero Praxis10 amp lets you hear your drum kit’s every nuance without a single detail spared, and we consider it one of the best electronic drum amps on the market. It has three premium tweeters, a deep bass driver for a more optimised sound, and a compact, lightweight design for off-road use.
Like the Praxis20, it comes with four DPS options. The “Drums” option provides a low-frequency boost to increase sub-energy, so you’ll not only hear the drums but feel them, too. It also provides a high-frequency boost that enhances the definition of each beat of the drum.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice, recording, small gigs
SPECEFICATIONS: 80 watts of peak power, 10" woofer, 3" coaxial tweeter
FEATURES: Bluetooth capability, multiple Jack inputs, 2-channel plug-ins
Laney DH80 DrumHUB 1x10 Drum Monitor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Multiple input and output options
- EQ controls to get the best out of your performance
- At 80 watts, it isn't suitable for large venues
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Suitable for both practice and live-playing situations, the Laney DH80 delivers impactful drum sounds that can be heard throughout the recording studio. It features a 10-inch coaxial speaker and a three-inch tweeter, and though not the biggest, it still delivers enough power for a rocking performance.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice
SPECIFICATIONS: 5 watts of peak power, 8" Custom Driver, Master 2 Band EQ
FEATURES: Lightweight, portable construction, 3 channel inputs
Laney AudioHub Freestyle Amplifier
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High-quality sound
- Time and Feedback controls to adjust sound effects
- TextLightweight yet durable construction
- Isn't very loud, so it’s not suitable for venues
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The AudioHub Freestyle Amplifier is another great pick from Laney. It’s a multi-instrument amp that amplifies not only drums, but also keyboards, guitars, and other electronic instruments. It’s lightweight and portable at only 6.5 kg, so you can transport it from location to location without breaking a sweat.
The AudioHub Freestyle Amplifier is the weakest wattage on this list at only 5 watts, so it’s only suitable for home practice, busking, and small performances.
DESIGNED FOR: Home practice, recording
SPECIFICATIONS: 40 watts of peak power, 8" Custom Driver, Master 5 Band Graphic EQ
FEATURES: 5-band EQ, built-in preamp, 3 channels
Laney AH40 Compact Audiohub
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Built-in preamp that boosts the signal
- 5-band EQ allows you to control your sound
- Wide selection of input and output controls
- Portable design
- Relatively weak sound compared to other amps in the Laney AudioHub range
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Laney AH40 Compact Audiohub delivers 40 watts of power, making it suitable for most home practice and recording situations.
It features three different channels, including Balanced XLR (Ch. 1), Stereo Unbalanced Line (Ch. 2), and Hi-Z Instrument (Ch. 3). Each channel goes through a master 5 Band Graphic EQ, giving you complete tonal control of your drums.
Factors To Consider When Buying Electronic Drum Amps
With hundreds of electronic drum amps to choose from, buying the right model for your drums can be a bit tricky. To help you with your buying journey, keep these factors in mind to find the best electronic drum amp:
E-Drum Amplifier Basics
Electronic drum amplifiers are much like bass amps, so they’re often used in place of the other. But if you want to make the best out of your electronic drum kit, you need to purchase a dedicated electronic drum amp.
Unlike bass amps (or any other electronic amp, for that matter), electronic drum amps can easily withstand the pressure produced by digital drums. Other amps can create unwanted distortions and unclear sounds that’ll greatly hinder the quality of your performance.
Price Range
Digital drum amps come in a wide range of prices, from as low as £/$50 to as high as £/$5,000.
You can get a decent amp in the £/$300 price range, but it won’t be the loudest or produce the most high-quality sound. If you’re searching for a high-end drum amp, you’ll likely need to spend over £/$500.
EQ
On a drum amp, the EQ is responsible for adjusting and sculpting the frequency and quality of your sound. Most drum amps come with three EQ knobs: Low/Bass, Mid, and High/Treble.
Is It Suitable for Your Needs?
If you intend to use your amp to practice or record your drumming in an enclosed area (i.e., bedroom or garage), an amp with a low power wattage of 20 to 300 is suitable.
If you want to use it in large venues, open-mic performances, and busking in a crowded city, you’re better off with a large amp with a power output of at least 500.
How Many Inputs & Outputs Does It Have?
Most drum amps come with at least two input and output connections. If you’re planning to connect multiple external devices to the amp alongside the drum, make sure it has enough inputs and outputs for your intended use before committing to it.
What's the Output Power?
The output power of drum amps is measured through watts, which determines the amount of power an amplifier can convert into sound. Usually, the higher the watt, the louder the sound produced by the amp.
If you’re planning to use the amp to play in large venues, search for a model with a high wattage of at least 500 watts.
How Big Are the Drivers and Speakers?
Ultimately, the physical size of the amp will determine the loudness of the drumming feedback. The larger the speaker, the greater the sound outputted by the amp.
You’ll also have to look at the amp’s internal drivers, specifically the woofer and the tweeter. The woofer’s size dictates the amp’s ability to produce low-pitch sounds, while the tweeter conveys high-pitch sounds. In both cases, the larger the driver, the clearer and better sound it’ll produce.
Weight
If you’re planning to take your drum amp in multiple gigs, search for an amp you can easily lift and drag around. A drum amp is considered “lightweight” if it’s around 6.5 to 10 kg.
18 Best Electronic Drum Amp
Summary
There you have it; some of the best electronic drum amps money can buy!
If I had to choose nominate my favourite, I’d say the best electronic drum amp hands-down is the Roland PM-200 Personal Drum Monitor Amplifier.
It’s suitable for both acoustic and electronic drums, making it a good pick for drummers of all expert levels. It delivers fantastic sound quality, optimized high and low frequencies, and fantastic sound reproduction. It’s definitely one of the best electronic drum amps out there.
Don’t forget to drop me a note below on what your favourite amp is. Happy drumming!
FAQ's
Though it’s tempting to use a guitar amp or a keyboard amp in place of a drum amp, it’s best not to use it.
Guitar amps don’t share the same frequency and tonal qualities as drum amps, so they won’t produce the sound quality you want. They might even cause a short circuit and damage your drums because of the differences in watt requirements.
If you’re playing electronic drums for quiet practice or solo-recording purposes, a drum amp of around 30 to 300 watts is more than suitable.
For large venues, invest in an higher powered amp with a 500+ watt capacity so you’ll be able to play at high volumes.
Interesting take on the ‘How Big Are the Drivers and Speakers?’ section. However, I believe while bigger drivers generally provide a fuller sound, it’s not always necessary for jazz or acoustic sessions. It’s more about the sound quality and how genuinely it can reproduce the nuances of electronic drums. Would love to see more emphasis on the quality of sound in small venues rather than just the size of drivers and speakers.
hi, im new to this whole electronic drum world n was wonderin how does the weight of the amp affects its portability cause i will need to move it around a lot for my practice sessions and probably small gigs in the future. do lighter amps compromise on sound quality or power?
Loved the section on output power. It’s crucial for live gigs. Good stuff!
Hey Sam Jowett, really digging into the E-Drum Amplifier Basics part. Can you expand on how the EQ settings might affect different genres of music? I like playing a range from jazz to metal, and curious how that plays out with these amps. Thanks!
Thanks Terry! I’ll keep that in mind when adjusting my settings.
Samantha, that’s a great question! I’ve noticed jazz requires a much smoother EQ setting to capture those subtle tones.