Acoustic drums are capable of making distinctive sounds without any electronic aid. However, if you are wanting to add something special to your music then drum triggers are a great place to start.
Easy to install and use and available at an array of price points, drum triggers are an accessible asset that every drummer should try at some point.
Drum triggers work by detecting signals from your drum heads and then sends that signal to a drum module through a wire. They are often used to improve live performances and can increase sonic opportunities whilst playing.
There are a lot of different drum triggers on the market and knowing which model and brand to go for can be tough, especially if you are a beginner drummer.
Therefore, we’ve gathered everything you need to know and which drum triggers you should consider before making that final decision.
Here are the top 6 drum triggers for acoustic drums that you should consider:
Our top recommendation is the Yamaha EAD10 Electronic-Acoustic Drum Module with Stereo Microphone and Trigger which comes with everything you need to set up your drum trigger and enhance your sound quality.
Easy to set up, simply attach the EAD10 sensor to the bass drum to create a complete hybrid system which includes a kick trigger and a stereo microphone.
With 50 preset and 200 user scenes that allow you to customize your drum sound as well as connecting the triggers and drums for your preferred set up, you have complete control over your playing.
What makes this our winner? This kit comes with a trigger as well as the module so you don’t need to spend any further money or time sourcing more equipment.
You can connect this kit to the inbuilt app which allows you to practice alongside your favorite song, making it perfect for beginners.
Whether you are playing leisurely or as part of a band, drummers of all abilities can benefit from this kit as it is made from the best materials to provide durability and reliability.
Pros:
Easy to set up, simply attach the EAD10 sensor to the bass drum to create a complete hybrid system which includes a kick trigger and a stereo microphone
Features 50 preset and 200 user scenes that allow you to customize your drum sound as well as connecting the triggers and drums for your preferred set up
Can connect this kit to the inbuilt app which allows you to practice alongside your favorite song, making it perfect for beginners
Our second selection is the Roland RT-30K Bass Drum Trigger which is an advanced trigger device specifically designed for acoustic bass drums.
Compatible with Roland’s TM-2 Trigger Module, TD-series V-Drums sound modules, and SPD-series percussion pads, this is one of the best drum triggers on the market for advanced and professional drummers.
The newly developed self guided mount means that installation is quicker and easier than ever so you don’t have to spend too much time setting up.
Made from the highest quality materials, this drum trigger is made from a durable fiberglass reinforced ABS body that boasts a secure mounting mechanism for dependable operation.
The protective grip prevents any marring of the wooden bass drum hoops. This drum trigger also comes with a TRS connection cable so you have everything you need to connect it to the module.
Pros:
Compatible with Roland’s TM-2 Trigger Module, TD-series V-Drums sound modules, and SPD-series percussion pads
Newly developed self guided mount means that installation is quicker and easier than ever so you don’t have to spend too much time setting up
Made from a durable fiberglass reinforced ABS body that boasts a secure mounting mechanism for dependable operation
Our third choice is the Roland RT-30HR Dual Trigger which is an advanced dual trigger device that comes complete with an independent head and rim triggering for both bass and snare drums.
It is compatible with the majority of Roland modules including the TM-2 Trigger Module, TD-series V-Drums sound modules, and SPD-series percussion pads and is one of the best dual triggers on the market thanks to the high quality materials.
An incredibly versatile trigger, this is perfect for drummers of all abilities as it can easily be installed on nearly any metal drum hoops including the latest inward curved hoop styles making it a great asset for the majority of kits.
Quick and easy to install thanks to the newly developed self guided mount, this drum trigger comes with a TRS connection cable so you can connect it to your module on arrival and put it straight to use.
Pros:
Compatible with the majority of Roland modules including the TM-2 Trigger Module, TD-series V-Drums sound modules, and SPD-series percussion pads
Can easily be installed on nearly any metal drum hoops including the latest inward curved hoop styles
Comes with a TRS connection cable so you can connect it to your module on arrival and put it straight to use
Our fourth recommendation is the ddrum Acoustic Pro 5-Piece Drum Trigger Kit which features a superb tracking ability for professionals who want to improve the sound quality for live performances or recording sessions.
These drum triggers fit most types of molded hoops with no added adhesive needed meaning that you have everything you need to set these triggers up with the module.
Comes as a kit of 5 pieces so you can attach one to every drum with a couple to spare should you need an emergency replacement.
What makes these drum triggers a great choice is that they are compatible with the majority of existing drum modules with no problem.
They boast an XLR output for a secure and professional connection which has made them popular with gigging drummers as they enhance the overall performance and control of the sound.
Pros:
Features a superb tracking ability for professionals who want to improve the sound quality for live performances or recording sessions
Fits most types of molded hoops with no added adhesive needed meaning that you have everything you need to set these triggers up with the module
Boast an XLR output for a secure and professional connection
Our penultimate selection is the Pintech Percussion RS-5 Acoustic Head Trigger which has a head or shell mount capability.
Featuring Pintech’s exclusive mounting disc, this drum trigger has a free floating chamber that can move freely with the drum head without damaging it.
With excellent sensitivity and response, this is one of the best models on the market for those who are on a stricter budget. The versatility makes it a favorite for those who like to use their drum trigger during live performances.
This drum trigger is incredibly easy to install and use thanks to the “Kwik Klip” mounting system making it accessible for drummers of all abilities.
Made in the USA, this drum trigger has been made from the best materials to ensure its reliability and ability to be used on bass and snare drums.
Pros:
Has a free floating chamber that can move freely with the drum head without damaging it
With excellent sensitivity and response, this is one of the best models on the market for those who are on a stricter budget
Made in the USA, this drum trigger has been made from the best materials to ensure its reliability and ability to be used on bass and snare drums
Cons:
They are not sticky enough to stay on certain surfaces
Our final choice is the Yamaha DT-50K Metal Body Acoustic Bass Drum Trigger which has a solid metal die cast body to provide ultimate durability and reliability.
The chrome finish and Yamaha Absolute lug style design gives the drum trigger a clean and professional look that is great for touring drummers who want their equipment to look top notch.
Made for the bass drum in particular, you’ll be able to hear a higher clarity in the sound quality with this drum trigger.
Yamaha has long been a trusted brand when it comes to their musical instruments and the same can be said about their smaller pieces of equipment as well.
This drum trigger has a small footprint and the soft material for the head contact doesn’t impede the acoustic drum sound.
Compatible with a variety of Yamaha modules including the DTX900M, DTX700, DTX502 and DTXM12, this is a great asset for those who want to invest in a high quality drum trigger that has been designed to last a long time.
Pros:
Has a solid metal die cast body to provide ultimate durability and reliability
Has a small footprint and the soft material for the head contact doesn’t impede the acoustic drum sound
Compatible with a variety of Yamaha modules
Cons:
The sound isn’t as strong for recording sessions
Buyers Guide
Drum triggers are an easy product to install and use and the difference they produce in sound quality makes them an essential for many drummers.
To save you extra money and time, it’s best if you do thorough research so you can know what you want to get out of the trigger and know that it will be compatible with your drum.
When researching what drum trigger is right for you, it’s important to consider various factors before making that final decision. Always think about what type of drum the trigger will be used on, how many you will need, how often you’ll be using it and your budget.
Once you’ve thought about all of these aspects thoroughly, you’ll be able to make a decision you are fully confident with and know what to expect from the product.
Type of drum
The first thing to think about is what kind of drum you want to attach the trigger to. A lot of drum triggers are hybrid models meaning that they can be attached to both bass and snare drums whereas others are made specifically for bass or snares.
It’s important to consider this as you may want to experiment with both drums or have a particular drum that you want to try the trigger with.
How many you need
The next aspect you need to consider is how many drum triggers you will need. Some drummers like to add triggers to all their drums whereas others just use one. You’ll find that some brands sell drum triggers in kits so you can have that option.
If you are wanting to buy more than one then purchasing a kit can be a cost effective way to do so rather than purchasing them separately.
How often you’ll be using it
Another important factor is thinking about how often you’ll be using the trigger. Whether you plan on using it every time you play or just for live performances and recordings is important as this will determine how quickly you go through the product.
Drum triggers aren’t designed to last forever so the more you use it, the sooner it will need replacing.
Budget
Lastly, think about your budget. As you can see from our selections in this guide, drum triggers are available at various price points which makes them great for those on a budget as well as those who have the money to spend.
Whichever trigger you choose, you can be assured of the quality and performance that it will bring. The higher end brands such as Yamaha utilize the best materials in their designs but there are plenty of great cheaper options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drum triggers cheating?
There’s a common misconception that drum triggers are seen as cheating. However, drum triggers can elevate the sound quality and bring the drummer a greater level of control.
The drumming itself sounds richer with drum triggers, especially during recording sessions.
Can you use drum triggers without a module?
Drum triggers have to be used with a module or they won’t work. The audio output comes from the module not the trigger and the trigger sends that sound signal to the module meaning that you need both to get the results you want.
Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
