Electronic drum

An electronic drum is an electrical device struck by a drummer, played in real time to produce a selection of sounds, instruments and effects, from either samples or modeled sounds contained in a processor or drum module. Some would designate it an electronic synthesizer that can, with developments in the last decade, replicate the sound of an acoustic drum kit credibly and with good quality. Strictly speaking according to a somewhat narrow definition, sequencers and drum machines are therefore not actually an electronic drum. [For the definition employed here cf: -'The Case for Vintage Electronic Drums' by Michael Render, page 1 & sourced from "The Electronic Drum Experts" web site] The electronic drum is usually sold as part of an electronic drum kit, consisting of a set of drum pads mounted on a stand or rack in a configuration similar to that of an acoustic drum kit layout, with rubberized or specialized acoustic/electronic cymbals. The drum pads themselves are either discs or shallow drum shells made of various materials, often with a rubber/silicone or cloth-like coated playing surface. Each pad has a sensor that generates an electric signal when struck.