This will probably not surprise you, but rock bands are LOUD! Stand next to a couple of dimed 100-watt amp stacks if you’re a skeptic. But that’s not all — throw in bass, keyboards, and a bunch of amplified vocalists, and you’ve got a lot going on. So how does a drummer, who is playing an acoustic instrument, compete? How are they supposed to hold down the backbeat if they can’t even hear themselves? After all, it’s not like a drum kit has a volume knob. The answer is simple: you need a stage monitor with enough power to blast through high levels of stage noise. What’s the best stage monitor for a drummer? Read on.
Turbosound Flashline TFM152M-AN
Drummers need loud stage monitors with ample power. At 2,500 watts, the Turbosound Flashline TFM152M-AN delivers the goods. It doesn’t just supply raw volume, however. Thanks to its low-distortion waveguide and impressive dispersion, the TFM152M-AN also produces superb sound. You also get Klark Teknik DSP for total control of your system and Ultranet networking that makes system integration child’s play. Beyond that, a durable enclosure and rugged powerCON connectors ensure that the TFM152M-AN is 100% stage ready.
Mackie DLM12
Need clear, powerful stage monitoring? Well, you can rely on the Mackie DLM12. This 2,000-watt powered loudspeaker has enough power and quality to base an entire PA on, so you know it’s got enough juice to tackle monitor duty. It also has a built-in kickstand for easy positioning. On top of that, you get built-in feedback suppression, six voicing modes, alignment delay, and more. Transporting the DLM12 is a piece of cake, thanks to its compact, stackable design. Setup is a breeze as well, by virtue of its storable/recallable memory locations.
QSC K12.2
The QSC K12.2 is already impressive as a top-shelf powered PA speaker. But placed on its side, it transforms into a powerful 2,000-watt stage monitor. You’ll love the clarity of this speaker, and its jaw-dropping SPL handling and bass extension ensure that you’ll hear every nuance of your performance. The K12.2 is super easy to set up, thanks to its factory presets. There are also multiple user-adjustable parameters onboard if you want to tweak things yourself.
JBL EON615
The JBL EON615 is another excellent powered PA speaker that doubles as a great-sounding floor monitor. It gives you 1,000 watts of rafter-shaking power, studio-monitor-like sound quality, and 127dB max SPL — everything you need to rise above the noise onstage. You also get the benefit of onboard DSP and Bluetooth wireless remote control. Combine all that with its lightweight portability, and you’ve got an impressively high-tech powered speaker.
Yamaha CM12V
If you’re a proponent of passive speakers, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha CM12V. This 12″ floor monitor employs a beefy enclosure for impressive low-frequency performance and oversized drivers for robust power handling. This muscular design, of course, makes it especially effective for drummers. And its crossover network ensures the best possible sound quality with minimal loss. Beyond that, its bulletproof grille, built-in overload protection, and rugged speakON connectors ensure that it can handle the hardships of the stage. Looking for a power amp for your CM12V? Look no further than the Yamaha PX10 — it’s a great match for the CM12V.
Roland PM-200
If you play electronic drums at home, you don’t need a 2,000-watt system to hear yourself. But wearing headphones can get old after a while. That’s where the Roland PM-200 comes in. This 180-watt 2-way speaker system delivers top-notch sound with detailed reproduction, enveloping lows, and crisp highs. It includes an additional independent input for your music player or smart device, so you can jam along to your favorite recordings. And if you want to play out, a pair of XLR outputs makes feeding your monitor mix to the PA a piece of cake. On top of that, a clever wedge design and top carry handle make positioning and transport a breeze.
If drummers can’t hear themselves, they play harder, lose dynamics, and can’t stay in the pocket. That’s why a quality stage monitor is so important. The drummers here at Sweetwater have used just about every stage monitor out there, and many of them gig with one. If you have any questions about which one is right for you, give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. He or she will be happy to recommend the perfect stage monitor for your needs.
