Drum dampeners are a very handy accessory for drummers. They allow you to fine-tune your kit, controlling overtones and reducing any unwanted ring. If you’re a drummer seeking to enhance your sound, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best drum dampeners and help you find the perfect one for your kit.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three drum dampeners:
| MoonGel Damper Pads by Rtom, Pot of 6, Clear | Washable, non-toxic material is safe to use for all drummers. | Check the current price |
| Evans E-Rings Standard Rock Pack | Extremely quick to use on almost any drumhead. | Check the current price |
| Snareweight M1 Snare Dampening System | Flexible design doesn’t hinder drummer’s playability. | Check the current price |
Why use a drum dampener?
Achieving the perfect drumming sound is essential for all drummers. That’s where drum dampeners come in. These are a valuable tool for controlling various aspects of your drum sound. Here are some reasons why many drummers choose to use dampeners:
- They control any undesirable rings and overtones, and by placing a dampener on your drums, you can achieve a cleaner, more focused sound.
- To control drum resonance. Drum dampeners help shorten the sustain, giving you more control over the decay of each drum hit.
- Drum dampeners are great for recording. They help minimise unwanted room reflections and ensure that the drums sit well in the mix.
- To achieve a specific tone: Drum dampeners offer versatility in shaping your drum sound. Whether you want a deep and punchy tone or a more dry and articulate sound, dampeners allow you to achieve your desired tone.
- You can choose the type that suits you. There are various kinds of drum dampeners available, each with its own unique characteristics. From gel pads to foam rings, the dampener you choose will offer specific dampening properties.
The best drum dampeners
1. Moongel Damper Pads by Rtom, Pot of 6
Key features
- Reusable and washable
- Extra sticky pads
- Pot of six pads
Pros
- Provides precise control over drum kit sound
- Made from durable, long-lasting material
- Customisable by cutting into smaller chunks
Cons
- Sticky surface is prone to collecting dust over time
First up on our list are the Moongel Damper Pads by Rtom, Pot of 6, Clear. They are the go-to choice for drummers seeking to upgrade their drum kit sound. Designed with convenience in mind, these reusable pads offer a practical solution for achieving the best drum tones.
With their extra sticky adhesive, these pads effortlessly stick to drums, cymbals, and percussion right out of the pack. The pot of six small pads allows you to experiment with various levels of dampening, using the number you need to achieve the right tone.
Crafted from a durable, non-toxic material, these pads are built to withstand the demands of regular use. They can also be easily cut into smaller chunks, allowing you to customise your drum tones and placement.
2. Evans E-Rings Standard Rock Pack
Key features
- External overtone control ring
- Includes 12″, 13″, 14″, and 16″ rings
- Suitable for most drumheads
Pros
- Helps to fine-tune the sound of your drum kit
- Controls unwanted overtones – great for recording with
- Simple design is easy to apply to almost all drumheads
Cons
- Not ideal for drummers looking for a longer sustain
Famous for their drumheads and drumming accessories, Evans has the perfect answer for drum dampening – the Evans E-Rings Standard Rock Pack. The easy-to-use external overtone control rings allow you to effortlessly round out the drumhead’s sound, resulting in a more controlled and focused tone.
The rings have been designed to impact the entire drumhead, resulting in a short snappy sustain – ideal for recording with when every tone needs to be tight and controlled.
Made with high-quality materials (we wouldn’t expect any less from Evans), the E-Rings are built to last and withstand the rigours of regular drumming. They are easy to install and can be quickly adjusted.
3. Snareweight M1 Snare Dampening System
Key features
- Permanent snare drum damper solution
- Magnetic design
- Leather strap with five levels of dampening
Pros
- Weighted and balanced to make the right contact
- Simple and effective snare-dampening solution
- Five selectable levels of dampening
Cons
- Takes up a fairly large area of drumhead when fully extended
The Snareweight M1 Snare Dampening System is great for permanently keeping on your snare, eliminating the need for constant readjustment or replacement. It also offers a reliable and efficient way to get your perfect tone.
With a patented clip, the Snareweight M1 fits all drum sizes, soaking up the sustain and adding punch to your snare drum. Its weighted and balanced design also ensures optimal contact with the drum head, resulting in precise dampening every time. With five selectable levels of dampening that are easy to set up, you have full control over the amount of dampening you desire.
Made with high-quality USA leather, durability is second to none – great for touring drummers who need a reliable dampener for their setup.
4. Remo Controlled Sound Coated 14” Reverse Black Dot Snare Drum Head
Key features
- One-ply 10-mil construction
- Coated head
- Five-mil centre control dot
Pros
- Well-timed sustain brings snare sound to the front of the mix
- Coated head provides more resonance, sustain, and durability
- Single-ply construction provides a sharp stick response
Cons
- Time-consuming to install – not ideal for drummers looking to change up their sound frequently
Offering no need for any gels or dampening accessories, the Remo Controlled Sound Coated 14” Reverse Black Dot Snare Drum Head is undisruptive and easy to use. With its one-ply, 10-mil construction, this drum head offers full flexibility and a wide range of tonal colours, not to mention a snappy stick response that is favourited by most drummers.
For heavy hitters, the 5-mil centre control dot provides exceptional durability.
A key feature of this drum head is its well-timed sustain, which makes your snare sound stick right out. Plus, the coated head provides enhanced resonance and sustain, ensuring that your snare drum cuts through the mix with clarity and power.
Whether you’re in the studio or performing live, the Remo Controlled Sound Coated 14” Reverse Black Dot Snare Drum Head delivers the perfect balance of control and tone. Its built-in dampening guarantees a dialled-in snare sound the second the drumhead is fitted.
5. Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System, Brass
Key features
- Brown leather insert
- Brass body
- Magnet attachment that slides around the drum
Pros
- Provides balanced frequency production
- Easily attaches directly to triple-flanged hoops
- Additional Snareweight inserts available to further experiment with your drum tone
Cons
- Not suitable for drums with diecast hoops – Snareweight Pro Lock attachment for diecast hoops available separately
The Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System, Brass is a very handy dampener that’s easy to attach to your snare drum. With its leather tabs, this accessory ensures balanced frequency production and its brass body is built to withstand even the heaviest drumming.
Featuring a magnet attachment, the Snareweight #5 securely and effortlessly attaches to your snare drum’s triple-flanged hoop – great if you’re in a hurry to set up on stage. It’s also adjustable, so you can customise the dampening level to suit your playing preferences.
6. Evans EC2 Edge Control SST Clear Drum Head, 12”
Key features
- Clear skin
- Double-ply construction
- SST (Sound Shaping Technology)
Pros
- Provides excellent control over overtones and sustain
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance
- Versatile sound-shaping capabilities for various musical styles
Cons
- Not suitable for drummers looking to frequently change their sound
The Evans EC2 Edge Control SST Clear Drum Head, 12” is a great drumhead with built-in dampening to get the perfect tone right out of the box. With its advanced edge control technology, it offers precise tonal control, allowing you to sculpt your snare sound with consistent accuracy. The double-ply construction enhances durability, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of heavy drumming.
Featuring SST (Sound Shaping Technology), the EC2 Edge Control gives you the ability to control overtones and sustain precisely. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from delicate jazz to hard-hitting rock.
7. Remo Felt Tone P3 20” Hazy Drum Head
Key features
- Designed for the bass drum
- Built-in free floating felt dampening strip
- Suitable for vintage and contemporary drum set applications
Pros
- Produces the perfect blend of decay and control
- Tight fit eliminates noise for a smooth playing experience
- A great look for vintage-style drum kits
Cons
- Vintage aesthetic may not be suitable for modern-looking kits
Sticking with drumheads, we couldn’t forget about bass drum dampening. That’s why the Remo Felt Tone P3 20” Hazy Drum Head is placed firmly on this list. With its hassle-free installation, this drum head ensures a convenient setup process, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your drumming.
Designed with a built-in free-floating felt dampening strip, the Remo Felt Tone P3 offers precise control over the tone of your bass drum. This comes in clutch for studio work where that all-important, punchy bass tone is a must-have.
This drum head also produces the perfect blend of decay and control. It allows your bass drum to produce rich and resonant tones while maintaining the level of overtone control you desire.
Crafted with high-quality materials and backed up by Remo’s staple in the drumming industry, the Remo Felt Tone P3 20” Hazy Drum Head is a reliable choice for enhancing the sound of your bass drum.
8. Stagg Dampening Felt – 8.5 x 61cm
Key features
- Suitable for bass drums with a diameter up to 26″
- Sticks to the head of the bass drum
- Felt material
Pros
- Easy to use and apply
- Affordable for all drummers to use
- Compatible with bass drums up to 26” in diameter
Cons
- Only available in one size
As an affordable and simple option for dampening, the Stagg Dampening Felt – 8.5 x 61cm is perfect for drummers looking to tune the sound of their kit. With its ability to reduce overtones, this dampening felt provides a more traditional tone.
Sticking to the head of the bass drum, the felt effectively reduces unwanted vibrations, resulting in a more controlled sound.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to apply. Whatever level of drumming you are, it’s a convenient way to create a cleaner and more focused sound, enhancing the overall quality of the bass drum’s tone.
Another advantage of this dampening felt is its compatibility with bass drums up to 26” in diameter. This ensures versatility and compatibility with a wide range of drum kits.
9. Evans Bass Drum Muffling EQ Pad
Key features
- Suitable for bass drums
- Adaptable via Velcro straps
- Dampeners are on a hinge
Pros
- Allows for precise control over the bass drum sound
- Eliminates unwanted frequencies for a cleaner tone
- Easy to install and adjust in all bass drums
Cons
- Only available in one colour
If you have the perfect bass drum and head but are looking for precise tone control, the Evans Bass Drum Muffling EQ Pad might be perfect.
With its innovative design, this EQ pad allows for precise control over the bass drum sound. It effectively controls overtones, resulting in a solid thud and a cleaner tone. Made with high-quality materials, the EQ Pad is built to last. It’s easy to install and adjust, making it convenient for all drummers.
How to choose the right drum dampener for you
When selecting the perfect drum dampener, there are a few factors to consider. Understanding the different types of drum dampening, the thickness and coverage, as well as the placement of the dampener, will help you make an informed decision.
Think about the type you need
There are various types of drum dampeners out there, each offering a unique way of controlling the sound of your kit. Gel dampeners provide versatile control over unwanted ring and can be easily removed and handled.
Thickness and coverage
Thicker drum dampeners tend to have a greater effect on the drum’s tone. They absorb more vibrations and reduce resonance, resulting in a shorter sustain and a more controlled sound. If you’re looking for a significant difference in the drum’s tone, go for dampeners with thicker profiles.
Placement of the drum dampener
Knowing where you’ll be using the drum dampener is essential for selecting the best one. For example, if you want to control the sustain of your drums, placing dampeners strategically on the drumheads can help achieve the desired effect.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming to control the resonance of your bass drum, consider options such as the Gibraltar Bass Drum Felt Damping Strip.
FAQs
Should I dampen my drums?
Dampening your drums can significantly alter their sound, giving you more control over resonance and sustain. By strategically placing drum dampeners, you can achieve a more focused and controlled tone that suits your style.
What is the best dampening for snare drums?
One popular option for snare drum dampening is the Snareweight M1 Snare Dampening System. This attaches to the snare drum, gives it a crisp, snappy tone, and lets you dial in the level of dampening you need.
Do drum gels work?
Drum gels are highly effective in controlling the sound of your drums. These gel-based dampeners, such as Moongel, adhere to the drumhead and absorb vibrations, reducing unwanted resonances and enhancing tonal control.
Final thoughts
The right dampener for you depends on the sound and tonal control you’re after. But we hope our list of the best drum dampeners has helped you in your search! We’ve explored a diverse range of options, from gel-based types like Evans EQ Pods and Moongel to innovative drumheads such as the Remo Felt Tone Drum Head.
Do you have an electronic kit? Check out our compilation of the best electronic drum pads! Or are you just getting started? We’ve also chosen our favourite affordable drum sets that are great for beginners.
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