By purchasing an electronic drum kit amplifier (also known as a drum monitor) you get the most out of your electronic drum kit, even though electronic kits are the perfect way to practice without disturbing your neighbors or roommates.
An amplifier is also a must if you want to use your electronic drum kit for performances.
There are different models on the market, but how do you choose the right one and what are the differences? We explain it in this blog.
Top 5 Electronic Drum Kit Monitors
Image | Product | Webshop |
---|---|---|
1. Millenium DM-30 | View price | |
2. Roland PM-100 | View price | |
3. Alesis Strike Amp 12 | View price | |
4. the box pro Mon A10 | View price | |
5. Roland PM-03 | view price |
What to pay attention to?
When purchasing a drum monitor for an electronic drum kit, there are several factors to consider in your choice, including:
Sound quality: This may sound obvious, but sound quality is important for the final sound of your kit. Compare it to a good pair of headphones where the music comes into its own much better than with cheap earphones.
Power : Depending on how loud you want the monitor to sound, it is important to check whether the monitor has enough power.
Size and weight : Drum monitors generally don’t take up much space, but they can be heavy. Keep in mind that monitors can easily weigh over 12 kilos, making moving them not always easy.
Durability : Look for a drum monitor that is sturdily built and can withstand wear and tear, especially if you plan on using it often or taking it to gigs.
Additional features: You may want additional features such as built-in effects or equalizer settings that help you tailor the sound of your drum kit to your personal preference and style.
Best choices
Below we highlight 5 electronic drum kit amplifiers with the highest user reviews on Thomann . Depending on the space where your amplifier is placed and the reason for use (home practice or a performance) you can choose which amplifier suits you best.
Millenium DM-30 Drum Monitor
The Millenium DM-30 is a powerful drum monitor that meets the needs of most drummers. The DM-30 delivers a clear and detailed sound which is perfect for both live performances or rehearsals.
Thanks to its compact and robust design, this electronic drum amplifier is easy to transport and can withstand a knock or two. The handle on top of the monitor is also a plus; this makes it easy to take with you.
The monitor features an integrated amplifier with a power of 30 watts, which is sufficient for most drummers.
The DM-30 also features a range of useful features, including a 3-band EQ, a headphone output and a line input for connecting other audio equipment.
In addition, the Millenium MD-30 has an attractive price and therefore offers excellent value for money .
Roland PM-100 Personal Drum Monitor
Roland is a well-known brand in the field of electronic drums, which has been active in the music industry for over 40 years. The company is known for its innovative technologies , such as the famous V-Drums. Roland electronic drums are used worldwide by professional drummers and hobbyists.
The Roland PM-100 drum monitor is specifically designed for use with Roland's V-Drums (e.g. the Roland TD-02KV or Roland TD-716), but is compatible with virtually any electronic drum kitThis amplifier is ideal for home and small venue performances.
The PM-100 features a regular 6.3 mm stereo line input and a 3.5 mm stereo line input. The 3.5 mm input is suitable for playing audio from a tablet, computer or smartphone. Thanks to the tilted design, the sound reaches the user in the right way during playing.
Alesis Strike Amp 12
With the Alesis Strike Amp 12 you get a powerful electronic drum kit amplifier in your home. The Amp 12 is specially designed for drum kits of Alesis, but is compatible with any electronic drum kit. The amplifier can be connected to a drum module with a stereo jack cable or with two mono cables.
With a peak power of 2000 watts and a maximum range of 131 dB, you can get by both in the practice room and on stage, while the amplifier sounds clear even at low volumes.
The 12-inch woofer and 1.4-inch tweeter of the Alesis Strike Amp 12 provide excellent reproduction of both low bass drums and fierce high snare drums and cymbals. You can optionally connect a second Strike Amp 12 for even more power and sound from multiple angles.
Also check out Alesis' companion kits: Alesis Nitro Max , Alesis Command Mesh Special Edition , and the Alesis Crimson II SE Mesh Kit .
the box pro Mon A10
The box pro Mon A10 is a professional monitor designed for high-quality sound reproduction. With a power of 250 watts and a maximum sound pressure level of 123 dB, the Mon A10 offers powerful sound that is perfect for use in the studio or on stage.
The device features an integrated amplifier and can be connected to various sound sources, including mixers, microphones and instruments. Thanks to its advanced technology and high-quality components, the Mon A10 is able to deliver accurate and detailed audio reproduction , making it the ideal choice for any professional application.
With a weight of 11 kg, this electronic drum kit amplifier is quite handy and not too heavy to transport.
Roland PM-03 Monitor System
Finally, Roland offers a compact and stylish electronic drum amplifier: the Roland PM-03. This 2.1 monitor system delivers a powerful sound in stereo, with the bass drum in particular being excellently reproduced thanks to the powerful subwoofer.
The sleek design fits perfectly with your electronic drum kit. In addition, the PM-03 automatically switches to standby mode when it does not receive an audio signal for 30 minutes.
The Roland PM-03 is a reliable choice for drummers looking for an electronic drum amplifier for small spaces like an apartment or studio. In addition, the monitor is the most portable with a weight of only 6 kg .
This monitor is less suitable for performances or rehearsals.
Millenium MPS-1000 Monitor Set: Integrated Monitor
At the end of 2024, Thomann's own brand (Millenium) launched an innovative drum kit on the market: the Millennium MPS-1000 Monitor SetThis kit has the appearance of an acoustic drum kit and features an integrated monitor in the bass drum.
This kit is ideal for drummers who want to use their kit in a live setting where it is desirable to be able to regulate the sound of the drums, such as at a wedding or in a church. A big advantage is that you do not have to lug around an extra (heavy) monitor.
Conclusion
When it comes to drum monitors, there is no single monitor that is the best. It all depends on your own preference. Do you want a lot of power and volume? Then the Alesis Strike Amp 12 or the box pro Mon A10 are perfect choices.
Those who are satisfied with a simple but powerful amplifier will be satisfied with the Roland PM-100 or the Millenium DM-30 . Do you find it mainly important that the monitor looks stylish and does not take up much space? Then the Roland PM-03 is the best option for you.
If you don't own an electronic drum kit yet and are looking for one, consider the Millennium MPS-1000 Monitor Set where the monitor is integrated.