Punchy head for a 20 x 18 Virgin Mapex Pro-M

[Big Chris]

I've recently bought a Mapex Pro-M, but it still has a very flimsy BD head, which is very boomy (No damping). I was wondering about a decent replacement. I like a deep-ish punchy sound, but i use a fair bit of fast double-kick, so don't want much overhang.

My Old kit was an 80s Premier APK, and i used a 22 x 16 regular kick with a Powerstroke 3 and a pilow. The sound was OK, but too dead for live performances.

Would a PS4 with no damping be more 'alive' without booming? Should I stick to a PS3, but used minimal damping.

Opinions & advise please.

Ta.

[Ironcobra]

I have the EMAD2, and it is very boomy and has a very tight slappy sound, I think it's an amazing head for metal, but I haven't tried Aquarians SK equivalent.

[harryconway]

... with a Powerstroke 3 and a pilow. The sound was OK, but too dead for live performances.



Powerstroke3 batter and reso. (no pillow or laundry in bass, please) will give you a good "punchy" sound with very little overtone. I like a live sound, so my favorite combo is P3 batter and Ambassador reso.

[Cymbalrider]

The best sound combination I've heard on a bassdrum to date= My Mapex Pro M 22x18 EMAD2/EQ1 Coated Reso. Tune them high and you get a boomy sound or keep them low for a powerful but solid punch.

[Big Chris]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I went and bought a Powersonic. I liked the idea of the damping pad that can be easily removed/replaced where necessary.

Sounded good at the gig i did last week, but not had the chance to try it out at the studio yet.

Will report my findings as and when.