Millenium MPS-850 vs NUX DM-310

Millenium MPS-850

NUX DM-310

If you are looking for an advanced electronic drum kit, you may have come across the Millenium MPS-850. But in terms of specifications, there is another electronic drum kit with similar features, namely the NUX DM-310.

Although both drum sets are of good quality, you may be wondering which kit is better to buy. In this comparison, we will explain the similarities and differences between the Millenium MPS-850 and the NUX DM-310.

What are the differences?

The Millenium MPS-850 and the NUX DM-310 have a number of similarities, but if you look closely at the details, there are also quite a few differences.

The biggest difference is noticeable at first glance; the MPS-850 comes with a real hihat pedal, where you have to make do with a trigger hihat with the NUX DM-310. A real hihat plays a bit more realistic.

You also get a MPS-850 floor tom extra, which gives you a little more freedom to play.

The number of cymbals is the same, but the size of the cymbals is slightly different. The NUX DM-310 has a 14″ ride cymbal, which comes a little closer to an acoustic drum kit. A plus point for the DM-310.

Both kits work with a real kick pedal, however the size of the MPS-850's bass drum pad is slightly larger, making it easy to connect a double bass pedal will be a little easier. Double bass is not impossible with the DM-310.

Another important difference is the availability of Bluetooth. Both kits do not have this as standard, but you can achieve this with a detour. For the NUX DM-310 you use the NUX NBT-1 Adapter, for the MPS-850 the Ugreen Adapter (read here how this works).

There is another notable difference: the NUX DM-310 has an AUX-IN Recording function. This allows you to record the sound of your drum kit directly to your smartphone without the need for external devices. Super handy for recording drum covers!

Also read: Millenium Electronic Drums: Why Should You (Not) Buy Them?

Millenium MPS-850

The Millenium MPS-850 is Millenium's most popular electronic drum kit and offers quite a few specifications for an attractive price.

One of the most important features is the real kick drum pedal, which, just like an acoustic drum kit, kicks directly against the pad. The hihat is also equipped with a separate hihat pedal, which gives you an extra realistic playing feel.

What sets this kit apart is the number of cymbals: you get no less than four 12″ cymbalsThe crashes have two zones and the ride has three zones, including an authentic bell sound. In addition, the cymbals have a choke function, which allows you to mute them by grabbing them.

The toms and snare are equipped with mesh heads, which gives a more realistic playing feel, but also ensures less noise pollution. The snare also has a comfortable diameter of 10″.

The included module offers 550 drum sounds, 30 preset kits, and space to create 20 of your own kits.

At the time of writing, the Millenium MPS-850 is available for a price of approximately 598 euros.

NUX DM-310

The NUX DM-310 is a lesser-known electronic drum kit that is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. This kit offers a little more than its predecessor, the NUX DM-210.

Although NUX is less well-known in the world of electronic drums, this brand is certainly not inferior to its competitors.

The DM-310 is equipped with mesh heads and offers everything an advanced drummer needs, including a 10” snare and floor tom, cymbals with a large playing surface and an additional trigger input for connecting an extra pad.

The module does not have built-in Bluetooth as standard, but with the optional NUX NBT-1 Bluetooth Adapter add this functionality easily. This way you can play along with music from your smartphone wirelessly.

Want to record drum covers? NUX has a great solution for this using the AUX IN recording function. By using a 3.55mm TRRS audio cable, you can record both audio and video directly to your smartphone. This sets the DM-310 apart from other electronic drum kits, where you need interfaces like the IK Multimedia iRig 2 need.

The DM-310 includes useful (and fun) features to improve your drumming skills. Training programs such as Accent Shift, Time Check, Quiet Count and Change Up make learning and perfecting your technique challenging. Plus, you can measure your progress using scores.

Which one should you choose?

Your final choice will largely depend on what you find important in an electronic drum kit. However, based on the differences, we can recommend both kits for different types of drummers:

• For a realistic gaming experience: The Millenium MPS-850 is best suited if you value a realistic playing feel. The real hi-hat position, larger bass drum pad and extra floor tom provide an experience that is closer to an acoustic drum kit. In addition, the possibility to put together your own kits offers a bit more creative freedom.

• For learning to play drums and recording: The NUX DM-310 is ideal for drummers who want to improve their skills and record their performances. The AUX-IN Recording function makes it easy to record drum covers, while training programs such as Time Check and Quiet Count help you improve your technique and timing.

Whichever of the two you choose, both kits offer excellent value for money in my opinion and will definitely be a good choice.

Good luck choosing!