Snare Drum Head Shootout

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 03:57 PM

8 tracks with 8 different types of snare drum batter head:
Post #1 = Tracks 1-5
Post #2 = Tracks 6-8
Post #3 = Answer Key

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 03:58 PM

Tracks 6-8:

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 04:03 PM

Answer Key:
Track 1 = Evans Genera G2 Clear
Track 2 = Evans Genera Dry Coated
Track 3 = Remo Ambassador Coated
Track 4 = Remo Pinstripe Clear
Track 5 = Remo Reverse Dot Coated
Track 6 = Remo Ambassador Clear
Track 7 = Aquarian Hi Energy
Track 8 = Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated

allencollins · 24th March 2008, 04:21 PM

nice job

this is great

thx

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 06:50 PM

Lots of work changing heads, but quite an eye opener.

My favorite is the Genera G2 clear... bright, meaty, nice sustain, zero boxiness. 2 ply head

The coated reverse dot and coated ambassador are a close second and third, but both have a touch of cardboard sound. 1 ply heads

The pinstripe is cool, but is a little too dead for me. 2 ply head

Having always used 1 ply heads, I think it's time to try some more 2 ply!

I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks. What's your favorite?

HeavyG · 24th March 2008, 07:01 PM

(In Judge Smale's voice)

Top Notch, Danny...Top Notch!

You changed my mind on two ply heads...I am an Evans fan and I have been using G1 coated forever (I have occasionally careened off into the ditch with Remo's...but I usually come back to Evans). I agree...the Genera clear 2 ply was my favorite...Ambassador coated was good...but not good enough.

Jeez...now I have to stop at the Drum Pad on the way home...and I would have gotten away with it to, if it wasn't for you meddling kids! (Scooby Doo reference)

skatingbasser · 24th March 2008, 07:38 PM

Great job, this is wonderful. I was afraid my favorite would be shown up, but the Coated Ambassador stayed strong. Was more focuses and provided a better anchor than the Genera C2 to my ears. The Reverse Dot is nice too, and the Aquarian Hi Energy rather surprised me (in a good way.)

HeavyG · 24th March 2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skatingbasser

Great job, this is wonderful. I was afraid my favorite would be shown up, but the Coated Ambassador stayed strong. Was more focuses and provided a better anchor than the Genera C2 to my ears. The Reverse Dot is nice too, and the Aquarian Hi Energy rather surprised me (in a good way.)

I know everyone has a different "favorite" sound...they all sound pretty good...just depends on what sound you are going for...dry, quick decay...wet, resonant "TOONK"...somewhere in between. I liked the Ambassador, too...as the old saying goes, you wont get fired for slapping a coated single ply on the kit!

AllAboutTone · 24th March 2008, 07:44 PM

Love that Aquarian Hi Energy !!!

tarnationsauce · 24th March 2008, 07:58 PM

Thanks for taking the time Slap Back!

You should cross-post this on: Pearl Drummers Forum - powered by vBulletin

If you don't have an account or don't want to create one there, I will cross post it if you'd like and I will create a link back here and credit you for your work.

luctellier · 24th March 2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slap Back

Lots of work changing heads, but quite an eye opener.

My favorite is the Genera G2 clear... bright, meaty, nice sustain, zero boxiness. 2 ply head

The coated reverse dot and coated ambassador are a close second and third, but both have a touch of cardboard sound. 1 ply heads

The pinstripe is cool, but is a little too dead for me. 2 ply head

Having always used 1 ply heads, I think it's time to try some more 2 ply!

I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks. What's your favorite?

Good job!

I've been testing a lot of heads on lot of different snares too. Based on your test, I prefer the Genera G2 Clear for the same reason you do. I wouldn't never put a clear head on one of my snares during a live show cause of the look but I'll try that in studio. I just bought a Ludwig LM402 snare, so I'll make the test on it!

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarnationsauce

Thanks for taking the time Slap Back!

You should cross-post this on: Pearl Drummers Forum - powered by vBulletin

If you don't have an account or don't want to create one there, I will cross post it if you'd like and I will create a link back here and credit you for your work.

Yes, please go ahead and cross post this. Please leave a link here as well so I can find it. Very nice of you.

It would also be cool to put this in the GS Drums Sub-Forum. Do I just start a new thread over there with a link to this one, or is there a better way?

Nu-tra · 24th March 2008, 08:52 PM

The Aquarian high energy kicks ass!! The best part besides the sound is that it lasts forever!!

I have been using them on my black beauty for a while now. I like the Remo CS Ambassador as well.

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luctellier

Good job!

I've been testing a lot of heads on lot of different snares too. Based on your test, I prefer the Genera G2 Clear for the same reason you do. I wouldn't never put a clear head on one of my snares during a live show cause of the look but I'll try that in studio. I just bought a Ludwig LM402 snare, so I'll make the test on it!

Let us know how it goes!

I just went to your site and lstened to clips of Delsondrive...still picking my jaw up from the ground

Thats some cool production, man.

HeavyG · 24th March 2008, 09:20 PM

...liking the Reverse Dot more and more, too. Tasty...still G2 for me, though. This makes me want to do my own snare shootout at home...DAMN YOU SLAPBACK. :)

luctellier · 24th March 2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slap Back

Let us know how it goes!

I just went to your site and lstened to clips of Delsondrive...still picking my jaw up from the ground

Thats some cool production, man.

Thanks man! :)

rumimusic · 24th March 2008, 09:46 PM

what snare did you use?

tarnationsauce · 24th March 2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slap Back

Yes, please go ahead and cross post this. Please leave a link here as well so I can find it. Very nice of you.

It would also be cool to put this in the GS Drums Sub-Forum. Do I just start a new thread over there with a link to this one, or is there a better way?

Thanks again Slap Back. :) I cross posted on a few forums I visit.
Pearl Drummers Forum - Snare Drum Head Shootout
Snare Drum Head Shootout - Home Recording dot com BBS
Snare Drum Head Shootout - Ultimate Metal Forum

HeavyG · 24th March 2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luctellier

Thanks man! :)

I really liked a lot of the music on your resume, bro. Great drum sound for most...especially Delson Drive (which I believe is your band). Tight...good tune...great production...nice harmonies. Great guitar tone, too...fierce.

luctellier · 24th March 2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyG

I really liked a lot of the music on your resume, bro. Great drum sound for most...especially Delson Drive (which I believe is your band). Tight...good tune...great production...nice harmonies. Great guitar tone, too...fierce.

Thanks!

chrisso · 24th March 2008, 10:07 PM

The Evans heads sounded awful, but you used two heads I would never have chosen in a million years. I most often use the PC Rev Dot, which I think would have given the other heads you chose a run for their money.
I agree that the Aquarian Hi-Energy sounded the best.
I've been recommended it by a drummer I respect and bought a couple to try on a session, but I couldn't get on with them. They sounded thick and dull on the drums I installed them on. Perhaps my impression was wrong based on this blind test.
The Ambassador still stands up in my opinion. It's a good all purpose head.
I also liked the sound of the Remo Rev Dot - on your drum with your drumming.
In the end, different heads work on different drums I find.
There is possibly no one perfect snare drum batter.

McPhaul · 24th March 2008, 10:13 PM

Thank you for posting this.

That's twice this week that I've had a question about something and before I could ask it I found the answer here. I've been going through Snare Heads looking for a sound and this is great. I've gone through an Evans Power Center, a Evans Genera Dry Coated, and have a Remo Ambassador Coated that goes on before we track again just trying to find the sound I want. I'm after more Crack and less Pop.

I do have a few questions about this because the sound I'm getting from the Evans Genera Dry Coated is not the sound I'm hearing here. What snare is this? What Mic is this? Mic Location? Is the sound Dry?

Thank you,
Will

Nu-tra · 24th March 2008, 10:14 PM

I think the hi energy sounds best on a metal drum like a black beauty.

big country · 24th March 2008, 10:22 PM

#2
#7
#5

THATS SO RAD
THANKS

cassiopamusic · 24th March 2008, 10:38 PM

i was going to go to the shop today to pick up a new snare head and im glad i found this thread first! awsome job, thanks a bunch. i prefer the evans genera dry, then the remo pinstripe clear, and then the G2. im going for that signature "spoon" sounding snare, but i guess most of it comes down to the snare drum itself.

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McPhaul

Thank you for posting this.

That's twice this week that I've had a question about something and before I could ask it I found the answer here. I've been going through Snare Heads looking for a sound and this is great. I've gone through an Evans Power Center, a Evans Genera Dry Coated, and have a Remo Ambassador Coated that goes on before we track again just trying to find the sound I want. I'm after more Crack and less Pop.

I do have a few questions about this because the sound I'm getting from the Evans Genera Dry Coated is not the sound I'm hearing here. What snare is this? What Mic is this? Mic Location? Is the sound Dry?
Thank you,
Will

5x14 Pearl Sensitone Brass

Close mic = SM57 2" away from rim, 1" up, pointing across head toward
center at a shallow angle. OH = KM184 pair recorderman style. Kick = D112 halfway inside drum pointing at hi hat stand accross beater pad.

Sound is dry (no reverb) No EQ Mixed ITB Samplitude Little bit of compression, tape sim and gclip; all mixes treated the same.

Slap Back · 24th March 2008, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarnationsauce

Thanks again Slap Back. :) I cross posted on a few forums I visit.
Pearl Drummers Forum - Snare Drum Head Shootout
Snare Drum Head Shootout - Home Recording dot com BBS
Snare Drum Head Shootout - Ultimate Metal Forum

Thanks much! Some great feedback there

McPhaul · 24th March 2008, 11:43 PM

Thanks.

Further proof that I simply need to work on my placement more carefully and probably move the drums back into the treated room.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slap Back

5x14 Pearl Sensitone Brass

Close mic = SM57 2" away from rim, 1" up, pointing across head toward
center at a shallow angle. OH = KM184 pair recorderman style. Kick = D112 halfway inside drum pointing at hi hat stand accross beater pad.

Sound is dry (no reverb) No EQ Mixed ITB Samplitude Little bit of compression, tape sim and gclip

chrisso · 24th March 2008, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nu-tra

I think the hi energy sounds best on a metal drum like a black beauty.

That's exactly the drum I tried it on. It didn't sound good compared to an Ambassador.
The drummer who recommended it regularly uses an Acrolite though.

Regarding the shootout, I think the drum, the room and the drummer have a big effect on the sound. Having said that, I think the comparison provides some useful info from which to start your search for the head that works for you.

ewegogetemtiger · 25th March 2008, 12:00 AM

Love the Ambassador sound

my first and second choices (coated then clear)

thanks!

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24th March 2008, 07:01 PM	#6
HeavyG Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 795	Snare Head Shootout (In Judge Smale's voice) Top Notch, Danny...Top Notch! You changed my mind on two ply heads...I am an Evans fan and I have been using G1 coated forever (I have occasionally careened off into the ditch with Remo's...but I usually come back to Evans). I agree...the Genera clear 2 ply was my favorite...Ambassador coated was good...but not good enough. Jeez...now I have to stop at the Drum Pad on the way home...and I would have gotten away with it to, if it wasn't for you meddling kids! (Scooby Doo reference) __________________ Nelly Drummer, Vocalist, Project Studio Stunt Pilot “My vocation is more in composition really than anything else - building up harmonies using the guitar, orchestrating the guitar like an army, a guitar army.” Jimmy Page

24th March 2008, 07:44 PM	#9
AllAboutTone Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: US DEFCON 3 Posts: 6,699	Love that Aquarian Hi Energy !!! __________________ Using 500 Series is like trading baseball cards. Buzzaudio *Don't Fuk with my Tone !!!**.

24th March 2008, 08:52 PM	#13
Nu-tra Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,802	The Aquarian high energy kicks ass!! The best part besides the sound is that it lasts forever!! I have been using them on my black beauty for a while now. I like the Remo CS Ambassador as well. __________________ http://www.nu-tra.com

24th March 2008, 09:20 PM	#15
HeavyG Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 795	Reverse Dunk ...liking the Reverse Dot more and more, too. Tasty...still G2 for me, though. This makes me want to do my own snare shootout at home...DAMN YOU SLAPBACK. :) __________________ Nelly Drummer, Vocalist, Project Studio Stunt Pilot “My vocation is more in composition really than anything else - building up harmonies using the guitar, orchestrating the guitar like an army, a guitar army.” Jimmy Page

24th March 2008, 04:03 PM	#3
Slap Back Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 287	Answer Key: Track 1 = Evans Genera G2 Clear Track 2 = Evans Genera Dry Coated Track 3 = Remo Ambassador Coated Track 4 = Remo Pinstripe Clear Track 5 = Remo Reverse Dot Coated Track 6 = Remo Ambassador Clear Track 7 = Aquarian Hi Energy Track 8 = Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated

24th March 2008, 04:21 PM	#4
allencollins Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Singing Beach, MA Posts: 4,103	nice job this is great thx

24th March 2008, 06:50 PM	#5
Slap Back Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 287	Lots of work changing heads, but quite an eye opener. My favorite is the Genera G2 clear... bright, meaty, nice sustain, zero boxiness. 2 ply head The coated reverse dot and coated ambassador are a close second and third, but both have a touch of cardboard sound. 1 ply heads The pinstripe is cool, but is a little too dead for me. 2 ply head Having always used 1 ply heads, I think it's time to try some more 2 ply! I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks. What's your favorite?

24th March 2008, 07:38 PM	#7
skatingbasser Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 143	Great job, this is wonderful. I was afraid my favorite would be shown up, but the Coated Ambassador stayed strong. Was more focuses and provided a better anchor than the Genera C2 to my ears. The Reverse Dot is nice too, and the Aquarian Hi Energy rather surprised me (in a good way.)

24th March 2008, 07:58 PM	#10
tarnationsauce Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 236	Thanks for taking the time Slap Back! You should cross-post this on: Pearl Drummers Forum - powered by vBulletin If you don't have an account or don't want to create one there, I will cross post it if you'd like and I will create a link back here and credit you for your work.

24th March 2008, 09:46 PM	#17
rumimusic Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 107	what snare did you use?

24th March 2008, 10:07 PM	#21
chrisso Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oz Posts: 6,043	The Evans heads sounded awful, but you used two heads I would never have chosen in a million years. I most often use the PC Rev Dot, which I think would have given the other heads you chose a run for their money. I agree that the Aquarian Hi-Energy sounded the best. I've been recommended it by a drummer I respect and bought a couple to try on a session, but I couldn't get on with them. They sounded thick and dull on the drums I installed them on. Perhaps my impression was wrong based on this blind test. The Ambassador still stands up in my opinion. It's a good all purpose head. I also liked the sound of the Remo Rev Dot - on your drum with your drumming. In the end, different heads work on different drums I find. There is possibly no one perfect snare drum batter. __________________ Chris Whitten

24th March 2008, 10:13 PM	#22
McPhaul Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 300	Thank you for posting this. That's twice this week that I've had a question about something and before I could ask it I found the answer here. I've been going through Snare Heads looking for a sound and this is great. I've gone through an Evans Power Center, a Evans Genera Dry Coated, and have a Remo Ambassador Coated that goes on before we track again just trying to find the sound I want. I'm after more Crack and less Pop. I do have a few questions about this because the sound I'm getting from the Evans Genera Dry Coated is not the sound I'm hearing here. What snare is this? What Mic is this? Mic Location? Is the sound Dry? Thank you, Will Last edited by McPhaul; 24th March 2008 at 10:17 PM.. Reason: Clarity

24th March 2008, 10:14 PM	#23
Nu-tra Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,802	I think the hi energy sounds best on a metal drum like a black beauty. __________________ http://www.nu-tra.com

24th March 2008, 10:38 PM	#25
cassiopamusic Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 180	i was going to go to the shop today to pick up a new snare head and im glad i found this thread first! awsome job, thanks a bunch. i prefer the evans genera dry, then the remo pinstripe clear, and then the G2. im going for that signature "spoon" sounding snare, but i guess most of it comes down to the snare drum itself. __________________ zac

25th March 2008, 12:00 AM	#30
ewegogetemtiger Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 340	Love the Ambassador sound my first and second choices (coated then clear) thanks!

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