Does an Electronic Drum Kit Cause Noise Pollution? | 7 Tips

The main reason to buy an electronic drum set is to limit noise pollution. An acoustic drum kit easily produces a sound level of >100 decibels, which can easily be heard throughout the neighborhood. Not everyone likes that.

An important factor that causes an electronic drum set to produce noise pollution is the noise of the bass drum. But the hi-hat or toms can also produce sound.

The loudest sound is easily dampened with the Roland NE-10 Noise Eater or a drum carpet . In this blog we explain the products further but also give other tips.

How Much Sound Does an Electronic Drum Kit Produce?

An electronic drum kit is made to practice silently, and an electronic drum kit is already much quieter than an acoustic one. Electronic kits are becoming more advanced and therefore also quieter. But unfortunately, you can never completely avoid the noise pollution that an electronic drum kit produces.

The main reasons an electronic drum kit produces noise pollution is the tapping of the sticks on the rubber pads, the sound of the kick pedal against the kick pad and the hi-hat trigger.

If you live in an apartment, it will certainly be something that your neighbors (underneath) will hear or perhaps be bothered by.

How to Prevent Noise Pollution?

There are a number of ways to combat the noise pollution of an electronic drum set. A number of easy solutions are listed for you.

Invest in materials

A solution that is immediately and easily applicable is to purchase accessoriesThere are several ways to combat noise pollution, but below we highlight the most important ones.

Drum carpet

A drum carpet gives the room a nicer appearance, but at the same time it will reduce noise pollution with an electronic drum set.

This sturdy drum mat from Roland has a calm appearance and will reduce the loudest sound. In addition, the mat has anti-slip so that your drum kit and hardware cannot slide away during playing.

Roland NE-10 Noise Eater

This Noise Eater from Roland actually says it all: it “eats” the sound of the pounding bass drum, reducing noise pollution by no less than 75% will decrease. You place your bass drum pedal on the platform that is equipped with a sound-absorbing surface on the underside. The pounding is thus absorbed more evenly.

Optionally you can also put your hihat pedal on the Noise Eater, but the bass drum will have the most effect.

For drummers in an apartment, the Noise Eater will be a valuable addition to your kit, so that your downstairs neighbors don't have to be bothered by your electronic drum kit and you can practice undisturbed.

Mesh heads

Playing on mesh heads will already significantly reduce the noise level of your electronic drum kit. Mesh heads are mesh skins that ensure that playing not only feels more realistic, but is also quieter for the environment.

Most (more expensive) electronic drum kits come with mesh heads, but there are also affordable and good quality kits with mesh heads, such as the Millenium MPS-450.

Use silent drumsticks

Another method to produce less noise is by using silent drumsticks. One of the most famous models are the Adoro SSE Silent E-Sticks which significantly reduce the noise. You can read more about this in my Adoro SSE Silent E-Sticks Review.

In the video below I compared the Adoro poles to regular 5A poles from Vic Firth. See the result for yourself:

Build a rise

For those who want to get started themselves, you can make your own elevation using this English tutorial . By placing your electronic drum kit on this elevation, the worst vibrations will decrease.

Practice with a practice pad

Don't want to produce any sound at all? Consider a practice pad. This pad is the size of a dinner plate and you can take it anywhere. The rubber covering gives a realistic playing feel, as if you are hitting a snare.

In terms of dynamics, a practice pad cannot be compared to an electronic drum set, but it is a suitable way to train your coordination.

Roland VQD106

In 2024, Roland came up with an inventive solution: The Roland VQD106, the quietest drum kit in the world. This drum kit is up to 75% quieter than regular electronic drum kits and produces only 30dB of noise.

Make Appointments

Communication is key: be clear to your neighbours! Tell them that your electronic drum kit can produce noise pollution, so that they can take this into account. If people are aware of something, you will see that they often do not mind.

If necessary, agree on when you will/not play, for example not in the evenings after 7:00 PM.

Conclusion

It is annoying when an electronic drum set causes noise pollution, but fortunately there are a number of solutions.

Making agreements is important for both parties, but purchasing the above-mentioned products can significantly reduce the noise level.