Electronic drum pads have revolutionised the way we create music, offering endless possibilities for sound manipulation and expression. As a drummer, you’re no longer limited to purely acoustic or electronic sounds, rather, there’s a world of hybrid setups to explore! By simply adding some electronic drum pads to your acoustic kit, you can trigger an exciting array of sampled sounds and backing tracks.

In this guide, we will explore the best electronic drum pads on the market today, providing detailed specifications, an overview, and the pros and cons of each model.

2. Roland Octapad SPD-30 Total Percussion Pad

Specifications:

• Trigger Pads: 8
• Built-in Sounds: 600+
• Connectivity: USB, MIDI, Audio Out
• Effects Types: Ambience (7 Types) Equalizer, Limiter, Multi-Effect (30 Types)

Pros:

• Extensive library of built-in sounds for various music genres
• Compact and lightweight design, ideal for musicians on the go

Cons:

• No option for loading your own custom sounds and samples

The Roland Octapad SPD-30 Total Percussion Pad has been designed to be as easy to use as possible for musicians of all levels. The controls are intuitively placed, allowing you to quickly access various functions without needing to consult complex menus or settings.

On stage or in the studio, the SPD-30’s user interface fosters not only a smooth workflow but also creativity. The pad is equipped with 99 on-board kits and well over 600 sounds, and as they’re so easy to access, you have the opportunity to make your sound as uniquely styled as possible.

USB inputs put you in control of how much storage you have at your disposal, and it has the ability to add up to four additional pads plus a hi-hat controller.

3. DD70 Portable Electronic Drum Pads by Gear4music

Specifications:

• Trigger Pads: 7
• Built-in Sounds: 265
• Connectivity: MIDI, Audio Out
• Songs: 100 Preset Songs

Pros:

• Affordable option for those starting their drumming journey
• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability

Cons:

• Limited built-in sounds compared to higher-end models

The DD70 Portable Electronic Drum Pads by Gear4music are extremely convenient, especially for drummers who need a portable setup that’s ready to go from gig to gig. With its compact size, it provides the full drum kit experience without taking up much space. Plus, it’s easy to transport and store.

In terms of usability, the DD70 is designed to be intuitive, allowing both beginners and experienced drummers to easily navigate the various features. The controls are straightforward and easy to understand, making them accessible to drummers of all skill levels. And when you start playing, the seven touch-sensitive drum pads respond accurately, ensuring that every beat is captured.

256 drum sounds give you plenty of opportunities to explore your favourite drumming genre and style. The DD70 is also packed with 45 preset kits and five user kits for those who just want to crack on and get grooving.

4. Nord drum 3P 6-Channel Percussion Pad Synthesizer

Specifications:

• Trigger Pads: 6
• Sound Channels: 6
• Synthesis Engines: Virtual Analog, Sample Playback
• Connectivity: MIDI, Audio Out

Pros:

• Versatile instrument with a wide range of synthesis engines
• Six sound channels offer ample room for creative experimentation

Cons:

• Heavy in weight compared to other models, potentially hindering portability

The Nord Drum 3P 6-Channel Percussion Pad Synthesizer boasts streamlined controls and a straightforward layout that make it easy for musicians of all skill levels to navigate and adjust settings without any complications.

The simplicity of its design also ensures that you can quickly dive into your creative process without being hindered by complex features or technical jargon. The controls are well-placed, allowing you to easily understand and adjust parameters such as volume, tone, and modulation for each channel.

In terms of sound quality, the Nord Drum 3P offers high-resolution samples and advanced synthesis algorithms. Every strike of the drum pad is accurately reproduced, delivering dynamic and expressive tones. From traditional drum sounds to innovative percussive textures, this synthesizer offers impressive versatility and fidelity.

5. Alesis Strike Multipad Sampling Drum Pad

Specifications:

• Trigger Pads: 9
• Sample Memory: 32 GB
• Built-in Sounds: Over 7,000
• Connectivity: USB, MIDI, Audio Out

Pros:

• Extensive sample memory and built-in sounds for limitless creative possibilities
• USB connectivity enables seamless integration with recording software

Cons:

• Higher price point may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers

The Alesis Strike MultiPad Sampling Drum Pad is a major competitor in the world of drumming pads. One standout feature is the nine LED indicators; these not only add a fun aesthetic touch but also provide useful feedback during performances.

The Strike Multipad offers a straightforward interface that allows you to quickly navigate and control various features. Plus, the LED lights can be customised to ensure the pad is usable on dark stages, enhancing the user experience.

The sound quality doesn’t disappoint either. At your fingertips, you have samples of exceptional quality and a wide variety of sounds to choose from. Each sample can be assigned a playback mode, giving you the flexibility and control over how you want your sounds to be played.

Add your own samples via USB to further expand your overall sound and, to keep things on the safe side, you can also back up your settings to the USB stick – ideal for percussionists on the road.

6. Yamaha DTX-Multi 12 Digitial Percussion Pad

Specifications:

• Built-in Pads: 12
• External Inputs: 5 (One 3-zone input, 4 monaural inputs)
• Maximum Polyphony: 64
• Voices/Effects: 1277

Pros:

• Extensive internal storage capacity with the option to extend storage via USB
• High-quality sound reproduction that captures the dynamics of real instruments

Cons:

• Features five external inputs, which might be restrictive if you need more connectivity choices

The Yamaha DTX-Multi 12 Digital Percussion Pad is exceptionally easy to use for both beginners and experts alike.

The brand’s emphasis on concise communication and accessibility is reflected in the pad’s straightforward design – its controls and menu navigation allow you to quickly access its wide range of features without the need for extensive technical knowledge.

Better still, the DTX-Multi 12 excels with its ample internal storage space. There’s a generous 64MB ROM for built-in sounds, and you can enjoy a vast library of drum, percussion, and effects voices, providing endless creative possibilities for performances and studio sessions.

This significant storage capacity enables you to import your own samples and expand your repertoire even further.

As well as being well-crafted and durable enough to withstand rigorous playing and transportation, the DTX-Multi boasts 1277 drum/percussion voices that are ready to go. It’s extremely versatile for all drummers and percussionists, from beginner to pro.

7. Alesis Samplepad Pro Percussion Pad With Onboard Sound Storage

Specifications:

• Number of Pads: 8
• Built-in Percussion Sounds: 8 200
• Preset Kits: 10
• Connectivity: USB/MIDI Input/Output, Mono/Stereo ¼’’ Output, ¼’’ Headphone Output, Trigger In

Pros:

• 10 preset kits give you a great idea of the arrangements you can create
• The LCD screen and intuitive interface make it simple to navigate and customise the pad’s settings

Cons:

• Some users may find the selection of sounds to be somewhat limited

The Alesis Samplepad Pro Percussion Pad is installed with 10 preset kits and 200 pre-installed drum and percussion sounds raring to be unleashed. And thanks to its easy-to-navigate user interface, it’s never been easier and quicker to groove to the sounds you’ve always dreamed of.

The eight responsive and velocity-sensitive pads, illuminated with blue LEDs, provide a visually appealing and intuitive playing experience.

In terms of storage, the Samplepad Pro offers expandable options to accommodate a wide range of sounds. With a built-in SD storage input, you can enhance your sound collection by adding your own samples or accessing the internal library of over 200 playable drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds.

8. Yamaha DD-75 Electronic Drum Pad Kit

Specifications:

• Number of Pads: 8
• Voices: 570
• Preset Drum Kits: 75
• Included Accessories: 2 Pedals, Wooden Drumsticks

Pros:

• With 8 touch-sensitive drum pads and two assignable foot pedals, the DD-75 provides a realistic and expressive drumming experience
• The kit offers a wide variety of high-quality drum and percussion sounds, allowing drummers to experiment with different genres and create personalised drum kits

Cons:

• Unlike some higher-end electronic drum kits, the DD-75 may have limited options for expanding the sound library or integrating additional components

The Yamaha DD-75 Electronic Drum Pad Kit is a portable and versatile digital drum set that offers drummers and percussionists a range of features for live performances and practice sessions. With its eight touch-sensitive pads and two assignable foot pedals, the DD-75 provides an intuitive and expressive drumming experience.

The DD-75 comes with 570 high-quality drum and percussion sounds, allowing you to explore different genres and create personalised drum kits. These stereo-sampled voices provide authentic and dynamic drum tones, giving you excellent sound quality for both rehearsal and live performances.

The user interface of the DD-75 is straightforward to grasp, with its clearly laid out drum pads and manageable, labelled controls.

9. Roland SPD:ONE ELECTRO Trigger Pad

Specifications:

• Number of Instruments: 22
• Effects: Reverb and Delay
• Internal Sound Banks: 12
• Connectors: Mono and Headphone Outputs, USB Port

Pros:

• The compact size of the SPD:ONE ELECTRO makes it easy to carry and set up for performances, studio sessions, or practice at home
• With 22 high-quality electro-percussion sounds included, the SPD:ONE ELECTRO offers a diverse sonic palette to explore different genres and create unique rhythms

Cons:

• The unit features a single trigger pad, which may limit the multitasking capabilities of drummers who prefer multiple pads for simultaneous triggering

The Roland SPD:ONE ELECTRO Trigger Pad might only have one trigger pad, but it is a highly accessible instrument that offers musicians and electronic music enthusiasts a versatile range of features for creative expression and performance.

When it comes to ease of use, the SPD:ONE ELECTRO shines with its intuitive design and streamlined functionality. Operating this trigger pad is easy and it can be seamlessly integrated into any setup or live performance.

There are 22 built-in sounds to choose from, all inspired by dance-style samples. They’ve been taken from the TR-808, TR-909, and other iconic synthesizers, giving you a recognisable vintage tone. And thanks to the durability and simple layout of the pad, it can be played by just about anything, from drumsticks to hands to feet.

You can also utilise your own sounds and samples thanks to a handy USB connection. Just upload your WAV files and you’re good to go – there are 12 internal sound banks for you to make full use of.

Roland has multiple SPD:ONE trigger pads to perform different sounds and ensembles. Check out the full range available here.

10. VISIONPAD-6 Electronic Drum Pad by Gear4music

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.51kg (main unit only)
• DC Input: 9V/2A
• Built-In Speaker: Yes
• Power: Adapter (included) or batteries

Pros:

• The four velocity-sensitive pads of the VISIONPAD-6 provide an authentic drumming feel, allowing users to express their creativity with dynamic playing
• With a built-in speaker, the VISIONPAD-6 allows drummers to play without the need for additional amplification

Cons:

• The VISIONPAD-6 does not provide extensive sound customisation options, limiting the ability of users to modify or tailor the drum sounds to their preferences

The VISIONPAD-6 Electronic Drum Pad by Gear4music is a tabletop electronic drum kit that makes for the perfect introduction to drumming. This drum pad features four pads and two foot pedals, giving you a realistic drumming experience.

The VISIONPAD-6 can be set up right out of the box, courtesy of its compact size and tabletop design. Plus, the simple layout and intuitive controls ensure that users can easily navigate the drum pad and access its various features.

The user interface of the VISIONPAD-6 is designed with simplicity in mind. It prioritises accessibility and clarity for a wide range of users.

11. Roland HPD-20 Handsonic Electronic Percussion Pad

Specifications:

• Number of Pads: 13 (including the dynamic rubber pads and LED indicators)
• Sound Engine: SuperNATURAL
• Effects: Ambience, Multi-effects, EQ, and more
• Instruments: 850

Pros:

• With its user-friendly interface and LED indicators, the Handsonic is easy to navigate and control
• The dynamic rubber pads on the Handsonic offer excellent response and sensitivity, enabling expressive playing

Cons:

• Due to the extensive range of features and options, mastering the full capabilities of the Handsonic may require some time and practice

The Roland HPD-20 Handsonic Electronic Percussion Pad is a versatile instrument that offers an extensive range of percussion sounds and features.

Its sophisticated display provides clear visual feedback, so you can select and adjust settings with precision. There are 13 velocity-sensitive pads, all optimised to ensure they’re ergonomic and effortless to use.

Fully loaded with a whopping 850 on-board sounds, the HPD-20 has every sound you need to level up your drumming. There are percussion instruments from around the world as well a more melodic and orchestral percussion. Plus. the sounds are powered by Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, which gives you extensive dynamic expression.

You can also import up to 500 of your own WAV samples via USB. These can be short percussive strikes, sound effects, or even backing music.