6 Best Electronic Drum Amps For Your E-Kit

Best Electronic Drum Amps For Your E-Kit

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Drum amps are excellent tools that allow you and other people around you to hear what you’re playing. Amps made specifically for electronic drums do a great job of highlighting all the frequencies that a drum kit makes. 

When you buy an electronic drum kit, it typically doesn’t come with anything to hear the drums with. Your options are to either plug headphones into the module or to run a cable from the module to an amplifier.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best electronic drum amps on the market. I’ve compared power, sound quality, size, and cost to give you my top recommendations.

In a Rush' Round-Up

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
bose s1 speaker system
  • 150 Watts
  • Auto EQ feature
  • Totally portable design
Roland PM-200 Drum Monitor
  • 180 Watts
  • Premium drum amp
  • Professional sounds
Alesis Strike 2000-Watt Drum Amplifier
  • 2000 Watts
  • Purpose built drum amp
  • Powerful andversatile
KAT Percussion 50-Watt Drum Amp
  • 50 Watts
  • Purpose built drum amp
  • Durable and robust
Roland CM-30 Cube Monitor
  • 30 Watts
  • Multi-purpose speaker
  • Compact and portable
Powerwerks 50-Watt Speaker
  • 50 Watts
  • Multi-purpose speaker
  • Excellent value for money

How I Tested and Selected the Best Electronic Drum Amps

Since there aren’t too many drum-focused amps on the market, I’ve been lucky enough to try all of them out over the last few years.

Apart from setting up a full PA system, getting a small amp to place next to your kit is the best way to get a great overall sound while you’re playing.

I’ve mainly tried these amps out in music stores, but I have a few drummer friends who own particular ones as well.

When I was testing them out, I made sure to focus on how good the sound quality was, how adjustable the sounds were, and how loud the amp could go without distorting.

Electronic Drum Amps Reviews

Bose S1 Pro Speaker System

A loud and versatile speaker that can function as a drum practice amp as well as a stage monitor with excellent sound quality.
Power
4.5
Sound Quality
5.0
Value
4.0
Build Quality
4.5
Durability
4.5

    Bose S1 Pro Speaker System Review

    The Bose S1 Speaker System is the ultimate portable PA system that is extremely versatile and it performs incredibly well as a drum monitor or multi-use speaker system.

    The Bose S1 has a rugged design and delivers a tremendous sound with excellent clarity despite its compact size. It has a sturdy enclosure with a strong built-in handle that makes it easy to move around.

    At just 15 lbs, this is much lighter than most drum amps, and it delivers similar levels of power, with a maximum volume of 103 decibels, which is more than sufficient for electronic drums and band rehearsals.

    Its speakers consist of three 2.25-inch drivers and one 6-inch high-excursion woofer driven by a built-in power amp with 150 watts of power output.

    What’s awesome about the Bose S1 is that it can be used in a variety of ways- not only as a drum amp but also as a stage amp or even as a music system for your home.

    The sound quality is amazing, as you would expect from Bose. It has a full-bodied, loud, and clean sound, which brilliantly reproduces the wide range of sounds of a drum set.

    A really impressive feature is the in-built ToneMatch technology, which instantly optimizes the sound of the drums (or any other instrument) to provide perfectly rich sounds with impressive clarity.

    You also have the option of using the in-built EQ functions to further tailor your sound to your liking if required.

    The Bose S1 works well for all sorts of rooms and spaces, including small live venues. It can be placed as a floor monitor and tilted at various angles or placed on a speaker stand.

    Along with a dedicated 3rd channel for aux input, it also has Bluetooth streaming for music playback.

    Lastly, this versatile amp even has a factory-installed battery that gives you the option of portable playback without needing to be plugged into a mains supply. On a full charge, I’ve found the S1 can last around 6 hours of playback.

    This is without a doubt one of the best drum monitors on the market, thanks to its extremely versatile design, along with its fantastic sound quality and great range of features.

    Pros

    • Delivers professional sound and ample volume output comparable to much bigger drum monitors
    • Built-in ToneMatch technology and EQ features help you to achieve optimal sound
    • Very portable yet robust design makes it extremely versatile as a speaker

    Cons

    • No negatives despite the high price point on this drum amp

    Roland PM-200 Drum Monitor

    A premium-grade amplifier made specifically for electronic drums. It sounds amazing, and it’s built to last a lifetime.
    Power
    4.5
    Sound Quality
    4.0
    Value
    4.0
    Build Quality
    4.5
    Durability
    4.5

      Roland PM-200 Drum Monitor Review

      The PM-200 Roland drum amp is my top recommended premium drum amplifier on the market. It boasts a huge 180 watts of power, delivering rich and dynamic sound in a single streamlined package.

      This electric drum amplifier is the ultimate monitoring solution for playing electronic drums– it is specially optimized for reproducing detailed and highly expressive drum sounds.

      It delivers an enormous sound that is also crystal clear and defined. On board is also an integrated mixer which allowed me to monitor backing music for solo playing.

      The Roland PM-200 provides professional-level sound for a variety of applications including home practice, rehearsals, studios and even small venues.

      It features a custom full-range speaker system enclosed within a rugged cabinet that is very well-built and highly durable.

      Weighing in at 46 pounds, this Roland drum amp is substantial enough to pump out enormous volume but it is not the lightest amp. It does however have a full-width bar handle for carrying convenience between vehicles and on stage.

      You have the functionality to use a line input and independent volume controls as well as a 2-band EQ to adjust your sounds.

      Out of all the drum amps I tried out, I found this one to be the easiest to use, especially when using it with a Roland drum set. It just sounded so good without needing to fiddle too much with any of the volume and EQ settings.

      Pros

      • Huge volume and high quality sound
      • All-in-one drum monitor
      • Excellent build quality

      Cons

      • Expensive
      • Heavy

      Alesis Strike 2000-Watt Drum Amplifier

      A very powerful amplifier that can shines with high volumes. It’s compact enough to easily travel with.
      Power
      4.0
      Sound Quality
      3.5
      Value
      4.5
      Build Quality
      3.5
      Durability
      4.5

        Alesis Strike 2000-Watt Drum Amplifier Review

        The powerful Alesis Strike 2000-Watt Drum Amplifier is a top drum amp for anyone seeking a versatile and powerful drum monitor and amplification system.

        I found the Alesis Strike drum amp packs a lot of punch. It delivers beefy kicks, punchy snares, wide toms, and detailed cymbals and FX thanks to its punchy two-way 8″ speaker system.

        With an enormous power output, the Alesis Strike delivers an incredibly powerful low-end and it can be pumped up seriously loud despite its compact size! It would even pack enough punch to be used at a small venue.

        It’s also built like a tank, being constructed with sturdy materials that are built to last.

        This is an electronic drum amp that ticks all of the boxes for functionality and performance, whilst offering great value for money. It’s well-built and designed to be relied upon for home use, shows and rehearsals.

        The only real downside to the Alesis Strike amp is its weight, and it’s not the most portable amp option on this list by any means.

        Pros

        • Enormous power output
        • Fantastic clarity and headroom for digital drums
        • Great for rehearsals and stage

        Cons

        • It's very heavy and not the most portable

        KAT Percussion 50-Watt Drum Amp

        An affordable amplifier that is heavy enough to feel very durable. It has useful EQ knobs that allow you to dial in the best possible sound.
        Power
        3.5
        Sound Quality
        3.5
        Value
        4.5
        Build Quality
        4.0
        Durability
        3.5

          KAT Percussion 50-Watt Drum Amp Review

          The powerful KAT percussion electronic drum amplifier is another excellent choice. This drum amp is specifically tuned for electronic drums, and it features a 3-band EQ to fine-tune your sounds within a mix.

          Using this electric drum amplifier I am pleasantly surprised by its output volume as well as the quality of its sound. The sound is clear as well as loud enough for rehearsals as well as intimate venues.

          I’ve never been the biggest fan of KAT Percussion gear, but this has always been the one product from this brand to impress me. 

          If you’re used to using Roland and Yamaha amps, I don’t think you’ll mind using this one, as the quality difference really wasn’t too noticeable

          This drum amp is made from good quality materials and it has a durable construction that’s built to last. The amp weighs 37.2 pounds, meaning it is pretty hefty and substantial. However, it does feature a large carry handle and it can fit in a car or van very easily.

          Overall this is a great option if you are looking for an electric drum amplifier that will offer good-quality sounds and volume without breaking the bank. It’s a great all-round performer that also offers good value for money.

          Pros

          • Good value drum amp
          • Clear and loud performance
          • 3-Band EQ for fine tuning

          Cons

          • Heavy
          • Only suitable for intimate venues

          Roland CM-30 Cube Monitor

          A compact amplifier that is perfect for traveling. It’s designed for all electronic instruments but tends to work very well with electronic drums.
          Power
          3.0
          Sound Quality
          4.0
          Value
          4.0
          Build Quality
          4.5
          Durability
          4.5

            Roland CM-30 Cube Monitor Review

            Next up for review, we have the versatile and compact Roland CM-30 Drum Amp. It’s a multi-purpose speaker that delivers 30 watts of audio through a high-quality 6.5” coaxial 2-way speaker with a stereo preamp.

            This monitor is not a specifically designed drum amp, but it is ideal for solo home practicing with an electronic drum set. Despite its small and compact size, it packed quite a punch sonically! 

            The CM-30 Roland drum amp was a breeze to transport between rehearsals and studios. It is ultra-lightweight and designed to withstand the rigors of the road, thanks to its rugged construction with a robust metal grill cover and protective cover corners.

            Roland is renowned for offering high-quality electronic audio products, and this CM-30 cube monitor is no exception. It is ultra-versatile and can be used for live monitoring on stage as well as functioning like an amp for other instruments such as a keyboard, vocals, or a guitar.

            The Roland CM-30 amp comes equipped with 3 input channels as well as a convenient front-mounted control with 2-band EQ to tweak your desired sounds.

            This is the best amp for electronic drums if you are looking for something that is ultra-portable that offers a great sound quality. It’s a small but mighty speaker.

            I also loved how I could use this for more than just the electronic drums. I value versatility, and I’m sure most other drummers will as well. 

            Pros

            • Ultra compact and lightweight
            • Versatile and practical
            • Legendary Roland quality

            Cons

            • Expensive
            • Not optimized for electronic drums
            • Lacks low frequencies

            Powerwerks 50-Watt Speaker

            An affordable speaker with a tall design that makes it easier to place in tight spots. It’s light enough to travel with easily.
            Power
            3.8
            Sound Quality
            3.9
            Value
            4.2
            Build Quality
            4.0
            Durability
            4.1

              Powerwerks 50-Watt Speaker Review

              Although not specifically an electronic drum amp, this Powerwerks 50-watt speaker delivers a great performance on a budget. It features twin 4.5 inch drivers with a high frequency horn to pump out a respectable noise output.

              This system combines quality performance and convenient features in a highly portable package. The speaker weighs in at just under 15 pounds which means it is much more portable than the KAT Percussion drum amplifier.

              I found this speaker good for group rehearsals in small spaces and as a personal monitor for solo practicing. It delivers a clear sound but it lacks low frequencies as it does not feature a subwoofer.

              Despite the fact this speaker is not purpose-built for electronic drums, it does deliver a good performance for digital drums if you are on a budget. It also features a 3-band eq to enable you to adjust your sounds to your liking.

              Overall the Powerwerks 50 watt speaker is a good budget option that can be used as a functioning electronic drum monitor. It is super lightweight and offers solid sound reproduction.

              Pros

              • Excellent budget speaker
              • Portable and lightweight
              • Versatile for other instruments

              Cons

              • Lacks low frequencies
              • Requires XLR cable for input

              Electronic Drum Amp Buying Guide

              Buying one of the top rated drum amps is the best solution for making yourself heard by other listeners when playing electronic drums besides from a PA.

              Many people enjoy using drumming headphones for solo practice with an electronic drum set, but it’s not practical when you might want to use your electric drum set for rehearsals or shows.

              This is where an electric drum amplifier steps in. They are incredibly useful tools because they enable you to share your musical voice with others at your selected volume.

              If you want to play just to be able to hear yourself at home, you can turn it right down. But if you want to blast your drums in a rehearsal, you can pump up the volume to however loud you want!

              Specifically designed digital drum amps deliver rich and powerful sonics, reproducing the expressive range of sounds from an electronic drum kit accurately, and can be pushed to loud volumes when required.

              Features to Look for in the Best Electronic Drum Amps

              Power

              The power of an amplifier is measured by its wattage. The number of watts an amp has determines how loud it can be. When it comes to drums, anything between 50 and 400 watts is good.

              You’ll need a higher-powered amp if you want to use it for rehearsals and gigs. Lower-powered amps are perfect for a small home setup.

              Higher-powered amps typically cost more, but that’s not always the case. Some lower-wattage amps have more in-depth internal designs that cause them to sound better, and they cost more in this case.

              The Roland PM-200 is an excellent example of this, as it only has a 180-watt output.

              Any amp with less than 100 watts is typically very affordable, those might be better if you’re on a tight budget.

              Bass

              Specially made drum monitors cover a wide frequency range, and that’s why drums sound the best when played through them.

              If you get a keyboard amp or guitar amp, your bass drum isn’t going to come through anywhere near as strong as it should. That’s why I highly suggest getting a dedicated electronic drum kit amp.

              However, you can do some in-depth mixing with general instrument amps to get a decent bass drum sound. You can also buy an external subwoofer to compensate, but that will cost quite a bit extra.

              Electronic Drum Amp Portability

              Specifically designed electric drum amplifiers are convenient and practical, but their weight is not to be underestimated.

              These optimized electronic drum amps weigh up to a staggering 46 pounds. 

              They must be transported by vehicles between rehearsals and shows and should be lifted with precaution to prevent injury.

              If you want a compact and lightweight drum amp that will be a breeze to transport for rehearsals, I would recommend the Bose S1 is compact and surprisingly loud.

              Electronic Drum Amp FAQs

              Do You Need a Special Amp for Electric Drums?

              You can use a regular speaker or a guitar amp as a drum amplifier. However, the sound you will receive from a typical amp will lack the punch or clarity you expect to hear from drums.

              Electronic drums are very demanding for speakers. You need to be able to project a wide range of frequencies that the drum set produces.

              Most multi-purpose speakers are designed for mid-range frequency instruments such as a guitar, keyboard, or vocals.

              Multi-purpose speakers are also not equipped to deal with the high frequencies from cymbals or the snare as well as an optimized electronic drum amplifier.

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