You would record it and program into the pad so that you can then trigger it live, without having to move from the kit. Say you’ve identified a particular ambient bird sound from your bedroom window that really adds to the feel of one of your songs. Pre-loaded kits can often be erased to make space for your own bespoke sounds. Show a drummer some love with these ace gifts for drummersĪ sample pad will allow you to trigger on-board sounds or ‘sampled audio’ – along with files you’ve recorded or uploaded yourself – and integrate them into your setup however you see fit.

Sharpen your chops with the best drum practice pads.

Best drumsticks: our guide to wooden and synthetic sticks.Generally speaking there are sample pads, percussion pads and drum synthesizers, all usually listed under the term ‘drum pad’ or ‘multipad’, so let’s take a closer look. Before investing it’s important to know the subtleties between the pads on offer, so you can accurately choose which best suits your needs. More specific features will be determined by the products’ intended use, such as sample recording, on-board audio editing, various types of wave modulation and more detailed FX.ĭepending on the type of pad, the predominant functions can be vastly different. Looking for a great Black Friday music deal? Check out our Black Friday drum deals page for all the latest news and the biggest offers on drums - including epic discounts best electronic drum pads.Ĭommon internal features include a bank of on-board sounds (usually instrument samples), sound-triggering capabilities, FX such as reverb and delay, a click track, looping and layering functions and velocity controls. Some pads can also be configured into a mini-drum kit by adding auxiliary kick and hi-hat pedals, making them excellent tools for practicing or busking. In general, drum pads are popular with drummers and percussionists, but rhythmically-minded producers and DJs have found homes for them in their studios too, since they also work a treat as MIDI controllers.

That’s where the best electronic drum pads in this guide come in. Some opt for an array of triggers or individual pads positioned around the kit, whereas others prefer a more economical approach in terms of space, convenience and affordability. The emergence of hybrid drumming – that is merging acoustic and electronic drums to enhance and expand your sound – has meant everyone from bedroom players to pro drummers are looking for electronic elements to add to their kits.

Best midi drum pad