Let’s get one thing straight: if you want to advance your music skills with any type of instrument, you should first listen closely to the sound you create – and yes, this includes drumming too.
Many people think that there’s not a lot of effort involved in listening to how they play the drums. After all, they are extremely loud and impossible to miss. But the problem is, not a lot of people are positioned in the right type of environment to play as loud as they want. And this is especially true for the apartment-dwelling drummer.
Perhaps this is the reason why many drummers have turned away from acoustic drums and are now electronic drum junkies. With an e-drum, users can conveniently connect their headphones using an electronic drum amp. They can then play their hearts out on the drums, without having to worry about disturbing their neighbors.
But that’s not all a good quality electronic drum amp can do. Thanks to the technological advancement of musical instruments, electronic drum amps today possess quite a handful of desirable features. Below is a list of our favorite electronic drum amps. Check them out and you’ll understand why we’re in love.
Contents
10 Best Electronic Drum Amps in 2024
- Behringer Ultratone KT108
- Powerwerks PA System (PW50)
- Peavey KB 1 20W Amp
- Coolmusic DK-35 35watts
- ddrum Electronic Drum Accessory Black DDA50
- Simmons DA50 Electronic Drum Set Monitor
- Roland Drum Monitor PM-100
- KAT Percussion 50 Watt Amplifier
- Simmons DA200S Electronic Drum Set Monitor
- Ampeg BA108V2 Combo Amplifier
Also Great | Editor's Choice | Budget Pick |
Behringer Ultratone KT108
When it comes to electronic drum amps, what you really want to get is a clean and even tone. You need a tool that can capture your sound in detail while also translating it accurately and naturally through your speakers or headphones.
If sound quality if your top priority, then the Behringer Ultratone KT108 will not disappoint.
The Ultratone KT108 has the Behringer VTC technology that allows users to tap into aggressive sound with the right amount of grind. Compared to other electronic drum amps, this one provides users with an acoustic experience.
If you are worried about not getting the same feel a traditional drum kit gives, then the KT108 is the option for you.
- Sports a super compact and sleek design
- Made with great quality components
- Excellent sound quality with three frequency control for perfect adjustments
- Easy to use
- Versatile and portable
- Insufficient volume levels
- Not loud enough for some users
- Lacks power and bass response
Powerwerks PA System (PW50)
The Powerwerks PA System PW50 may look structurally different to your regular electric drum amp, but that definitely doesn’t set back its ability to deliver amazing results.
Like most electronic drum amps on this list, the PW50 wasn’t created primarily for the e-drum. It works with vocals, keyboards, instruments, and a variety of audio devices as well.
In my opinion, the 4.5” speakers and the high-frequency driver on the PW50 make it a stellar device. It provides users with impeccable balance, minimizing harsh and unwanted frequencies on your sound recording.
It is also crisp and accurate in reproducing the sound you create. Plus, the Powerlink Circuit allows two or more units to be linked together, functioning as one PA system – talk about convenience and usability!
- Ample workspace
- Allows users to connect multiple units at one time
- Provides a natural reproduction of recorded sound
- Detailed yet free of unwanted noise
- Built for portability and durability
- A great companion to bring along
- Cracks and pops on lower frequencies
- Lacks volume compared to other options
- May sound dull on headphones
Peavey KB 1 20W Amp
Looking for a super versatile amp? Although marketed primarily as a keyboard amp, the Peavey KB 1 works with a wide variety of instruments. From electric guitars and bass guitars to vocal mics, and yes, you’ve guessed it – electronic drums, the Peavey KB1 can handle them all.
But versatility isn’t the only reason to love the Peavey KB 1. It comes with five independent channels, so you can run your electric drum, guitars, vocal mics, and more.
If you’re looking to travel with your music but don’t have enough trunk space to fit all your gear, then you’ll find that the Peavey KB 1 is the ultimate space-saver. I personally recommend this e-drum amp for musicians who are constantly on the road, moving from one live performance to another.
- Super versatile
- Has five channels that work with a wide variety of instruments
- Highly-portable and comes in a slick and compact design
- Great for traveling musicians
- Pro-level quality sound at a more affordable price range
- Works best with small to medium venues
- Not so much in larger environments
- Average audio range
- Slight hiss can be heard at higher volumes
Coolmusic DK-35 35watts
Some audio devices come in weird designs just for the novelty of it all. And yet, there are also some, like the Coolmusic DK-35, that can justify its design with function.
The Coolmusic DK-35 is one electronic drum amp with an irregularly-shaped cabinet. Though it may look like a subtle change, it was actually designed for a better drop resistance.
Up until mentioning the DK-35, our roundup included super versatile amps. If you’re looking for an amp that was made specifically for the e-drum, then this is the option for you.
It has a drum amplifier and active monitor speakers that were specifically made for percussion sources. So you can expect to hear nothing but deep bass drums, bright and lively rhythm toms and cymbals.
I also like that users can connect an external CD or MP3 to the CD IN jack. This way, users can practice their drumming along with the music that they love.
- Made specifically for percussion instruments
- Produces great drum sounds
- Comes with a CD IN jack to connect CDs and MP3s
- Allowing users to play along to their favorite songs during practice
- Supports other instruments as well
- Log your guitar
- Keyboard or vocals
- Some components such as the on/off switch is weak
- Durability needs to be improved
- Sounds noisy at higher volumes
ddrum Electronic Drum Accessory Black DDA50
The brand name says it all. Ddrum is all about the drums – acoustic or electronic. The company was founded in the year 1983 and they are also said to be the pioneers of digital percussion.
With that said, one could only expect their products to be the real deal. And true enough, one of their electronic drum amps, the DDA50, lives up to those standards.
The ddrum DDA50 works best as a practice amp. But unlike most e-drum amps meant for practice, the DDA50 has enough power to last live performances. And that’s not all – this electronic drum amp also aims to give users a more acoustic feel.
Users can get into the groove and feel the bass notes with its thumping 10” woofer. The 2.5” tweeter also keeps the snare and cymbals brilliant and crisp.
But if you’re asking me what’s the best thing about this amp, it would have to be its ability to tone down for quiet practice. The DDA50 also comes with MP3 input and a headphone jack for those who want to enjoy their sound on a more personal level.
- Great for practice but has enough power to play a live gig
- Made for e-drums
- Hits deep bass notes and bright cymbals and snares perfectly
- Comes with an MP3 input and headphone jack
- Comes with no XLR line out
- Works well with smaller venues
- Not much volume for larger environments
Simmons DA50 Electronic Drum Set Monitor
They say to never judge a book by its cover; we say never judge an electronic drum amp by its size. The Simmons DA50 may seem like your average drum amp, no thanks to its smaller, and more compact design. But make no mistake, it is actually more powerful than you would think.
This 50-watt electronic drum monitoring system is flexible. It comes with a high-frequency tweeter and a heavy-duty 10” woofer that’s great for practice, band rehearsals, and even for small gigs.
Plus, it has a 1/8” MP3 input and a 1/4 aux input with independent volume control, allowing users to mix in pre-recorded backing tracks. And like most drum amps, this one also has a headphone jack for silent practice.
Personally, I would recommend this for a drummer in a young band. If you have long hours of practice and a couple of small gigs in your schedule, consider on getting the Simmons DA50.
- Provides an ample amount of power for small live gigs
- Has a high-frequency tweeter and durable woofer for best sound reproduction
- Made with good-quality components
- Comes with five soft-touch knobs
- The quality of the internal transformer needs improvement
- Does not reach the lower end as well as other options on the list
Roland Drum Monitor PM-100
Own a Roland V-Drums kit? With its dedicated V-Drums input, the Roland PM-100 serves as the obvious perfect match for you. And if you don’t own this drum kit, no worries!
Although this amplifier was designed specifically to accommodate the brand’s very own V-Drums, that does not mean that you can’t enjoy what it has to offer.
There’s a lot of reasons why you might consider purchasing this amp. First, it has a lot of power compared to most electronic drum amps. Coming in at 80 watts, the PM-100 isn’t just great for long hours of practice – you can also bring it to a small-size gig when you need it.
And with its custom 10” speaker and tweeter, you get great sound reproduction guaranteed.
But that’s not all – the PM-100 also comes with an integrated mixer with independent volume controls. It also has a global EQ, 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch line inputs for connecting percussion pads, smartphones, and music players.
However, if you’re asking me what I love most about the PM-100, it has got to be its unique angled design. Thanks to the amp’s positioning, seated players can get full sound coverage like no other electronic drum amp.
- 80 watts of power
- Great for rehearsals and for playing small-sized performances
- Robust and durable
- Has custom-made and high-quality components
- Has a unique angled design providing full sound coverage for the player
- Does not come with a headphone or line out socket
- Susceptible to damage when continuously played in high volumes
KAT Percussion 50 Watt Amplifier
Working in a smaller space is never a great environment for any drummer. But a small room or a tiny apartment is never a good excuse to keep you from playing. Thankfully, there’s now an electronic drum amp that understands your needs…
The KAT KA1 Digital Drum Amplifier is said to be the best companion for drummers with limited space. It sports a compact, space-saving design and it comes with three 0.25” inputs that accommodate various instruments and other sound sources.
This powerful 50-watt amp also features a three-band EQ for fine-tuning. Personally, I just love how portable this amp is; it comes with a large carry handle for easy transport so you can bring this handy equipment with you on the road too.
- High durability
- Portable with a convenient large carry handle
- Made with good quality materials
- Provides the most accurate acoustic response
- Tailored for e-drums
- Comes with a lot of power at 50 watts
- Only comes with a 1/8 headphone output
- No 1/4 outputs
Simmons DA200S Electronic Drum Set Monitor
Loving the Simmons brand? Here’s another high-quality electronic drum amp from the same maker to add to your list. The DA200S is a personal favorite of mine. First, it has an impressive 100-watt power – just the right amount for the advanced drummer.
It is made with heavy-duty components, from its mid-range speakers to the 12” down-firing subwoofer – both of which provide users with the best mid-frequency and bass response.
They say that the inside is what matters most, but the Simmons DA200S also aims to impress with its appearances. This electronic drum amp comes with soft-touch knobs that are adjustable and a ribbed handle for easy transport. Personally, I think this is one of the fancier electronic drum amps anyone could ever have.
- Made with high-quality components
- Well-built with great craftsmanship
- Produces a realistic audio experience whether live or at a studio
- Provides a lot of power at 100 watts compared to other options on the list
- Inconsistent sound quality at the lower end
- Lacks volume for some users
Ampeg BA108V2 Combo Amplifier
Working with a smaller space as a musician is always a nightmare, especially when using an amplifier. Not only do you have to deal with the louder volume and the warped quality of sound, but you also risk disturbing your neighbors or family members.
If you’re a drummer with a limited amount of space, then the Ampeg BA-108 might be the perfect amp for you
This amp is built for small spaces with its front-facing controls and 60-degrees monitoring angle, ensuring best quality sound no matter how small your environment may be. It also comes with auxiliary inputs and a headphone jack for more private practice.
Tonally, the Ampeg is known as a classic, thanks to its Ampeg custom speakers. But the best reason why this amp is on my personal favorites list is its portability. Despite wearing an all-steel chassis, this amp is lightweight. It also sports impact-resistant metal corners and rugged enclosures but that does not weigh it down at all.
- Provides high quality tone through the classic Ampeg custom speakers
- Features 60-degree monitoring angle providing more clarity to sound
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for taking your music anywhere you go
- Very affordable making it a good option as a starter amp
- Not as durable as other options on the list
- Inconsistent sound quality
- Static can be heard just after a few months of use
How To Choose Best Electronic Drum Amps
If you’ve been reading our reviews for quite some time, you’d know that price is hardly an important factor in choosing the best audio equipment for us. The same rule applies to electronic drum amps.
If you’re looking for the best electronic drum amps for you, the first thing you need to consider is your needs. Our roundup is merely a guide to help you weed out the good ones from the rest. But in the end, it all boils down to how you play.
The first thing you might want to consider is your setting. Are you working with a small amount of space? And if so, you might want to look at smaller-sized amps.
The next thing you’d want to reflect on is how you play and where you play. If you are the type of person who does not like using headphones when drumming, then opt for an amp with better-quality speakers.
On the other hand, choose an amp with a reliable headphone jack if you prefer to wear your headphones. And lastly, it is time to consider where you play.
If you are going to use these amps mainly for practice, maybe you don’t need to worry too much about portability. But if you are thinking of getting an amp for live performances, you have to make sure that your amp packs a lot of power to last the whole gig.
Our Choice
After a lot of consideration, we still believe that the best electronic drum amp is the Behringer Ultratone KT108. Not only is it produced by a well-known company, but it is also the most versatile in our opinion in a sense that it addresses the needs of almost any kind of drummer.
While it may not have the highest amount of power, drummers on the road can still bring this amp around thanks to its high portability. The KT108 also focuses a lot on sound quality so you know that you’re getting the best possible sound reproduction no matter what genre you play.
Plus, it comes with a headphone jack that also allows users to practice drumming to their favorite tunes. Overall, it’s a great companion for practice and for small gigs as well.