Best Electronic Drum Amps – Tips & Reviews

While looking for powered speakers for electronic drums, you can run into many products. But how to choose the best one among all of them? The Alesis Elevate 5 MKII Powered Desktop Studio Speakers is my top pick for many reasons. It offers a strong sound system and all characteristics of reliable amps for home usage. We will discuss it and other best electronic drum amp options in more detail in this guide.

The amplifier is one of the immediate sources of sound and the easiest way to sound full without worrying about chaining separate preamps, speakers, pedals, and so on. Using such a tool is easy: you plug it in and just enjoy the sound. Obviously, an amplifier is indispensable for rehearsals, home play, and even full-fledged performances.

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The choice is quite difficult. Professional acoustic systems are presented on the market in a huge assortment, and, unfortunately, we cannot always be sure of the quality of the provided product. Among the offered models of professional acoustics, there are many discrepancies between the declared and real characteristics. And if you have bad luck buying low-quality sound equipment, you can say goodbye to your dreams of the success of your endeavors. So, let’s get a closer look at electronic drum speakers available on the market today.

Top 5 Best Speakers for Electronic Drums in 2024

Contents

The list of electronic drum amplifier reviews below includes my personal top picks. I hope this will help you to make a successful decision.

1. Alesis Elevate 5 MKII Studio Speakers – Best Drum Amp

The Alesis Elevate 5 helps you to bring out every shade and the smallest detail of your sound, giving it a pleasant purity and clarity. Alesis-powered speakers for electronic drums come in a high-quality wooden case, with a fairly dense construction, which promises deep and dynamic bass, and you can always connect an additional subwoofer. It produces a quiet, smooth sound with good detail and moderately elastic bass.

The Elevate 5 drum monitor system is equipped with a 5 “woofer and a 1” tweeter with a silk dome surrounded by an elliptical waveguide. The monitor has an internal power supply on the front side; there is also a volume control and a 3.5 mm headphone output. The rear panel contains L and R inputs for RCA and TRS 1/4 “connectors, a Bass Boost switch, and an on / off button.

Alesis has been creating studio monitors for over a quarter of a century. The technologies found in the legendary Elevate 5 MKII studio monitor are the perfect way to enhance the sound of your computer or mobile device. This monitor conveys every detail of your sound in a relaxed and crystal clear way.

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Specifications:

  • Size: 5 Inches
  • Speaker Type: Subwoofer
  • Color: Black
  • Output Wattage: 40 Watts
  • Item Weight: 12.5 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.25 x 10.6 inches

What’s included:

  • elevate 5 MKII Speakers (Stereo Pair)
  • RCA-to-1/8” (3.5mm) Audio Cable
  • 1/4” (6.35mm) Interconnection Cable
  • Power Cable
  • QuickStart Guide
  • Safety Manual
9.9Expert Score

Alesis has been creating studio monitors for over a quarter of a century. The technologies found in the legendary Elevate 5 MKII studio monitor are the perfect way to enhance the sound of your computer or mobile device. This monitor conveys every detail of your sound in a relaxed and crystal clear way.

Performance
9.8
Design/Ease-of-Use
10
Value for money
9.8
Longevity
9.9

PROS:
  • Provides amazing sound;
  • Pleasant price;
  • Works for both small and big auditoriums.
CONS:
  • None found.

2. Peavey Keyboard Amp – Powerful Amp for Electric Drums

Peavey Corporation has been operating in the international audio equipment market for over 40 years and is currently one of the first places in the world for the sale of its products. The Peavey brand is truly “national” as this equipment has incredible success with all categories of users, from super-professional musicians and sound engineers to amateurs. Peavey easily copes with any task. A concert at a stadium or in a park, a soundtrack for a theater or conference, equipment for a small bar or a huge disco, holding a studio session, or providing equipment for music schools – there is a solution for every taste.

This Peavey amp is a versatile, self-contained, and compact system that is great for vocals, synthesizers, acoustic and electric guitars, drum machines, and backing. Combo keyboard amplifier provides 20W, 8” speaker, 2 linear mono-channels, and 2-band equalizer. The amp for electric drums can be used for almost all musical instruments with a line output signal. As a result, you get acoustics with excellent sensitivity, capable of playing out all the nuances of sound.

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Specifications:

  • Size: 10 inch coax speaker
  • Speaker Type: Instrument Amplifier
  • Color: Black
  • Output Wattage: 50 Watts
  • Item Weight: 38.36 Pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 21.12 x 16.62 x 22.12 inches

What’s included:

  • 4 separate channels
  • Channels 1 & 2 have 1/4″ inputs
  • Channel 3 features XLR and 1/4″ inputs
  • Channel 4 features 1/4″ monitor input with level control
  • Channels 1 & 2 have 2-band EQ
  • Channel 3 has 3 band EQ
9.6Expert Score

This Peavey amp is a versatile, self-contained, and compact system that is great for vocals, synthesizers, acoustic and electric guitars, drum machines, and backing. Combo keyboard amplifier provides 20W, 8” speaker, 2 linear mono-channels, and 2-band equalizer. The amp for electric drums can be used for almost all musical instruments with a line output signal. As a result, you get acoustics with excellent sensitivity, capable of playing out all the nuances of sound.

Performance
9.4
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.7
Value for money
9.6
Longevity
9.6

PROS:
  • The famous brand with a good reputation;
  • Powerful electronic drum kit amplifier;
  • Easy to use.
CONS:
  • A bit pricey.

3. Alesis Strike Amp 12 – Drum Monitor System for Pros

The Alesis Strike Amp 12 is a compact yet powerful drum monitor system. It was specially designed for use with an electronic drum kit, which automatically makes it one of the best electronic drum amp options. The system is equipped with a dual amplifier with a peak power of 2000 watts. The monitor sounds clear and at the right volume in any room and under any conditions. Whether you need it at a concert, rehearsal, or recording, you’ll hear the clearest sound.

The high-quality 12” subwoofer reproduces the kicks and toms of the drums in a spacious manner. The HF compression driver with a computer-optimized waveguide captures the brilliant nuances of hi-hat and cymbals and adds brilliance to the snare drum sound. The monitor is equipped with two combos XLR / 6.3 mm inputs with independent volume controls.

An XLR output is provided for connecting a second monitor or linking to the input of some other device. A contour equalizer with a button helps you adjust the sound character. When the button is pressed, the equalizer raises the HiFi and LowFi levels by 3 dB, and when released, it gives a flat response. The monitor can be installed vertically or used in a horizontal position with an angled front wall like a conventional stage monitor.

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Specifications:

  • Size: 12-inch Woofer
  • Speaker Type: Active Drum Monitor
  • Color: Black
  • Output Wattage: 2000 Watts
  • Item Weight: 34.8 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 23.76 x 13.68 x 13.92 inches

What’s included:

  • Alesis Strike Amp 12
9.3Expert Score

An XLR output is provided for connecting a second monitor or linking to the input of some other device. A contour equalizer with a button helps you adjust the sound character. When the button is pressed, the equalizer raises the HiFi and LowFi levels by 3 dB, and when released, it gives a flat response. The monitor can be installed vertically or used in a horizontal position with an angled front wall like a conventional stage monitor.

Performance
9.2
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.2
Value for money
9.6
Longevity
9.2

PROS:
  • Provides quality sounds;
  • Designed especially for drum kits;
  • Great deal for concerts.
CONS:
  • Might not fit the budget of a beginner.

4. Roland PM 100 V-Drum Set – Compact Digital Drum Amplifier

The ROLAND PM 100 is a premium full-fledged electric drum amplifier designed for using V-Drums electronic percussion instruments. The Roland PM 100 is the perfect addition to your V-Drums kit. The compact size allows the monitor to be used for playing at home, while the powerful custom-made audio system ensures rich, full-range sound with high detalization and smooth sound. The sloping front panel provides optimal sound distribution to the musician sitting behind the V-Drums, while the full-length top handle makes it easy to carry and place the monitor on the floor.

The Roland PM 100 delivers luxurious sound with a wide dynamic range and high compactness, making it ideal for pairing with Roland V-Drums. With 80 watts of power, the PM 100 features a custom-made full-range audio system optimized for the distinctive expressive sound of V-Drums. The built-in mixer allows you to connect audio players and other equipment for practicing at home.

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Specifications:

  • Size: 10 Inches
  • Speaker Type: Personal Drum Monitor
  • Color: Black
  • Output Wattage: 80 Watts
  • Item Weight: 30 Pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 19 inches

What’s included:

  • Roland PM 100 V-Drum Set
9.1Expert Score

The Roland PM 100 delivers luxurious sound with a wide dynamic range and high compactness, making it ideal for pairing with Roland V-Drums. With 80 watts of power, the PM 100 features a custom-made full-range audio system optimized for the distinctive expressive sound of V-Drums. The built-in mixer allows you to connect audio players and other equipment for practicing at home.

Performance
9.
Design/Ease-of-Use
9
Value for money
9.3
Longevity
9.1

PROS:
  • Powerful and high-quality product;
  • Full-range sound;
  • Suits both amateurs and professionals.
CONS:
  • Works only for V-Drums.

5. Coolmusic DK-35 Amplifier – Powered Speakers for Fair Price

This two-channel combo amplifier was originally designed for electric guitars. However, it also can be used as a speaker for an electronic drum kit. The model is an absolute must-have for musicians who need high-quality sound on a small stage or at home. It provides amazing sound for quite a fair price.

It also boasts line and guitar inputs, a headphone jack, and a loop for adding effects. Despite the low price category, the brand is quite well-known and popular even among professional musicians. I recommend it for beginners and amateurs as a good option for an amp for electric drums.

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Specifications:

  • Size: 10-inch woofer
  • Speaker Type: Multi-function Amplifier
  • Color: Black
  • Output Wattage: 50 Watts
  • Item Weight: 31.7 Pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 17 x 15.4 x 13.4 inches

What’s included:

  • 1DK-35S Amp
  • 1Manual
  • 1Power cord
8.9Expert Score

It also boasts of line and guitar inputs, a headphone jack, and a loop for adding effects. Despite the low price category, the brand is quite well-known and popular even among professional musicians. I recommend it for beginners and amateurs as a good option for an amp for electric drums.

Performance
9.
Design/Ease-of-Use
9
Value for money
8.8
Longevity
8.9

PROS:
  • Pleasant price;
  • Quality sound and simple interface;
  • Best for home rehearsals.
CONS:
  • Maybe glitchy if you use it for a long time.

Best Electronic Drum Amps Buyers’ Guide

Alesis Elevate 5 MKII | Powered Desktop Studio Speakers for Home Studios/Video-Editing/Gaming

Here are some tips to help you make a well-thought decision.

What makes up the best electronic drum amps?

It is worth noting that an electronic drum kit amplifier should be selected based on your goals and aims. This equipment is not a cheap purchase, and, therefore, it will be irrational to buy a very powerful and, in all respects, 100 W progressive amplifier for a small rehearsal base. That is why it is worth considering the technical features of the devices in order to make the right choice.

Amplifier type

If you still don’t know how to choose the best amp for electronic drums, then first you should pay attention to its type. In this regard, all these devices are divided into several main categories:

  • Lamp;
  • Transistor;
  • Hybrid;

The first ones are the most classic, fragile, and expensive, but they delight the owner with a deep and rich sound.

Power

This is quite an important parameter when choosing a drum monitor system. For a person who is inexperienced and not particularly sure about the nuances of the drum sound, the power is almost a fundamental point to start with. The power affects the sound level, as well as the weight and dimensions of the device.

Small models from 10 to 30 watts are perfect for home or rehearsal use. If we talk about performing on medium-sized venues, then here it is worth choosing amps up to 50 W, but for the largest halls models, over 100 W are already used, but several of them may be required at once. If you intend to perform fully, then a 10-15 W home amplifier for private playing and a separate, more expensive, and professional device up to 50 W for rehearsals and performances is an excellent solution.

Resistance

The resistance is another factor that directly affects the sound of an electronic drum kit amplifier. However, you shouldn’t dive too deeply into this topic as long as you are just using the guitar-pedal-amp combination. The resistance becomes important at the stage of connecting other speakers to the set and creating complex speaker systems.

Speaker

The speaker diameter also affects sound quality. For example, in a small room, a digital drum amplifier with 8-10 inches speakers is enough.

Why do I need electronic drum amplifiers?

Sound amplifiers are designed specifically to improve sound quality by minimizing various distortions at high volumes, so using an electronic drum kit amplifier will boost your playing experience.

Electronic Drum Amps FAQ

Alesis Strike Amp 12 2000-Watt

In case you have any additional questions, take a look at this section.

Can you use any amp for electronic drums?

Yes, you can, but remember that a digital drum amplifier should be very powerful and strong for playing all shades of sound.

What is the best speaker for electronic drums?

Obviously, the choice is yours. However, I recommend paying attention to my top pick on the list above.

What are the best electric drum kits?

The answer to this question is very hard to manage. But as for me, I’d go with Yamaha DTX402K.

What sticks to use with electronic drums?

There are many worthy options on the market today. However, I can highlight Zildjian 5B and Vic Firth 5A. Check more in my review.

How to define the best drum machine speakers?

My best advice is to try the option you’ve chosen in a shop. To find out what the model is really capable of, you have to try it in action first.

Main Thoughts About Amp for Electric Drums

Have you found the best electronic drum monitor for you? I hope you figured out which option will work best for you using this review. Don’t forget that it is also useful to try the amp in a shop or ask your friends if they have experience using such equipment.

Don’t rush to make a decision; you have to weigh all the “yes” and “no’s” and make sure you’re buying what you really need. And of course, I’m open to any of your questions, so feel free to leave them below! By the way, what is your opinion on using amplifiers for home rehearsals? How to deal with the neighbors that will obviously be mad at you?:)

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

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