Adding electronic components to your acoustic drums can give your music a whole new level. Drum triggers are simple to set up and use once you get the hang of them. Triggers are an easy and affordable approach to create a “hybrid drum set” that combines acoustic and electronic elements. Working on a basic level is pretty simple. The signal from your drum heads is picked up by a sensor in these devices. It uses a wire to deliver the signal to a drum module or sample/percussion drum pad.
Function bands and hot-shot session musicians aren’t the only ones who use drum triggers. Metal drummers have been employing drum triggers to replace the sound of their kit for decades if they want immediate attack from their kick drums, toms, and snares. So, whether you want to shake the audience’s chests with a sub-bass kick drum, trigger sensitivity and cut through a wall of electric guitars with pinpoint precision for the playing surface, or simply reduce the number of auxiliary things hanging from your kit sound module, have a look at our list of the best drum triggers for every budget.
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Roland RT-30HR Dual Trigger for Hybrid Drumming
- Advanced dual-trigger device with independent head and rim triggering for playing electronic sources from acoustic drums
- Compatible with Roland’s TM-2 Trigger Module, TD-series V-Drums sound modules, and SPD-series percussion pads
- Installs on nearly any metal drum hoop, including the latest inward-curved hoop styles
Roland RT30 series from Roland comes in three flavors: single-zone RT-30H (tom) and RT-30K (bass), as well as dual-zone RT-30HR (snare). All of them employ a foam cone to transfer vibrations from the head to the transducer and have a heavy-duty yet lightweight ABS plastic enclosure with a simple thumb-screw attachment for mounting.
The RT-30 series’ three models all have a slimmer shape than Roland’s previous-generation RTs, which, combined with their straightforward setup, makes them a good choice for beginners just getting started with drum triggering.
Roland’s drum triggers took a big stride forward with the RT-30HR. It’s a small and easy device that works with almost any drum hoop, both traditional and inward-curved. It’s composed of high-quality ABS plastic with enough sturdiness to withstand any stray stick, albeit thanks to the exceptionally low-profile design, there won’t be many. You can be certain of long-term use.
The RT-30HR Dual Zone Trigger can take up both head and rim hits. It appears to be an excellent tool for obtaining a MIDI tone from your acoustic drum. This is an excellent trigger for playing electric sources. It also works with a wide range of Roland devices, including the TM-2, TD-series V-Drums modules, and SPD-series percussion pads. This is the Best Drum Trigger in 2022.
ddrum Red Shot 5-Piece Drum Trigger Kit
- A low-cost alternative in ddrum's trigger line for quality when you're on a budget
- Recognizes dynamics for a realistic response
- Specially designed trigger for reducing cross talk and double triggering
Any drummer wishing to incorporate electronics into a full drum kit configuration will benefit from the ddrum 5 Piece Drum Trigger Set. All of the triggers for a 5-piece drum set are included in this terrific value bundle. These distinctive red drum triggers are easy to install on most drum hoops; all you need is a drum key to keep them firmly in place on the rim. The triggers use XLR cables to connect to most existing modules.
The Acoustic Pro series is no exception to ddrum’s reputation for rapid, sensitive triggering and long-lasting sturdiness. These red metal rectangles are strong as nails and attach to the drum rim with a drum key bolt – probably more reliable than a thumb screw but less handy for quick setups. They come in single-zone (bass, tom) and dual-zone (snare) types. The trigger output is also connected through an XLR connector, which is more durable and secure.
Unfortunately, none of the Acoustic Pro models come with a cable, but you can get one directly from the company. Alternatively, any standard-wired third-party XLR-mono jack (for single-zone) or XLR-stereo jack (for multi-zone) can be used (for dual-zone). The units’ sensors properly pick up each drumhead stroke, allowing you to use electronic samples that may be fed into sound modules.
These are some of the best drum triggers for metal, playing electronic music, or even performing with a pop artist and want to set up your triggers across a full 5-piece drum set. Although the build quality of these ddrum drum triggers isn’t nearly as outstanding as that of Yamaha and Roland drum triggers, they are still a fair bargain and will satisfy the needs of modern drummers at a good price tag.
Yamaha DT-50S Metal Body, Dual-Zone Acoustic Snare/Tom Trigger
- DT50S features dual trigger capability with complete isolation between head and rim triggering
- Solid metal die-cast body for the ultimate in durability
- Chrome finish and Yamaha Absolute lug-style design provides a clean, professional look
The Yamaha DT50 Acoustic Drum Trigger is compatible with all drum trigger modules and is ideal for live music performances at a professional level. The Yamaha DT-50S is fantastic with snare drums, rack toms, and floor toms, and it’s exceptionally accurate and constant when it comes to picking up drum vibrations. It’s very simple to put together and stays put on the drum hoop.
Durability and ease of use are two other features that make this a fantastic trigger unit. It’s encased in a slim die-cast metal body that doesn’t take up much room on any drum. I enjoy how unobtrusive it is and how well it integrates with the drum’s rim when mounted. This drum trigger contains a knurled screw that lets you to modify the sensor’s level of sensitivity, which is essential if you want the device to only pick up firm strikes and not mistrigger.
Yamaha has created a fantastic drum trigger that allows you to experiment with a wide selection of sounds while using your acoustic drums. It’s another of the best drum triggers available for the money.
Pintech Percussion RS-5 Acoustic Head Trigger
- Head or shell mount capability
- Features Pintech's exclusive mounting disc that allows the free-floating chamber to move freely with the drum head and not damage it.
- Excellent sensitivity and response
Pintech’s Stick-On Drum Trigger is a low-cost, high-performance drum triggering device. It comes with a sturdy Trigger Trap mounting device that keeps the trigger in place. This Pintech Drum Trigger is an adhesive item that adheres to the bass drum head and detects vibrations on the drum skin, triggering a reaction through an embedded Piezo trigger. f you’re looking for a low-cost way to trigger your kick drum that still works, this is one of the greatest drum triggers for you.
Pintech has been in the triggering business since the 1980s, and while it now focuses on more permanent acoustic/electronic conversions and pad solutions, it still sells some basic detachable acoustic triggers.
The Pintech RS-5 is the most basic type of sticky trigger available on its own. The Trigger Trap, a metal plate that secures the transducer in place and provides some protection, is also available. It looks similar to the ddrum Red Shot, has the same tension rod mounting, and is available in red or black.
Aquarian Kickzone Bass Drum Trigger
- Kickzone Bass Drum Trigger
- The Aquarian kickZONE is an easy to use bass drum trigger designed to work off the vibration of any bass drumhead
- An adhesive backing makes for secure mounting and an included cord control bracket keeps the trigger cable secure
The Aquarian kickZONE is a simple trigger that adheres straight to the head of your drum using an adhesive backing. A breakout cable is included, along with a jack socket on the other end for connecting a longer connection between the trigger and the module, as well as a self-adhesive bracket to keep the socket in place.
The technology is now a little out of date, and there are a plethora of affordable housing options accessible. However, we wouldn’t rule this out as a simple approach to play about with triggers, especially if you want to link it to something unusual.
ddrum Acoustic Pro 5-Piece Drum Trigger Kit
- Feature superb tracking ability for discerning professionals
- Triggers fit most types of molded hoops with no adhesive needed
- Pack includes all triggers needed to turn a 5pc drum set into a hybrid kit
The Acoustic Pro series is no exception to ddrum’s reputation for rapid, sensitive triggering and long-lasting sturdiness. These red metal rectangles are strong as nails and attach to the drum rim with a drum key bolt – probably more reliable than a thumb screw but less handy for quick setups. They come in single-zone (bass, tom) and dual-zone (snare) types. The trigger output is also connected through an XLR connector, which is more durable and secure.
Unfortunately, none of the Acoustic Pro models come with a cable, but you can get one directly from the company. Alternatively, any standard-wired third-party XLR-mono jack (for single-zone) or XLR-stereo jack (for multi-zone) can be used (for dual-zone).
Roland RT-MicS Hybrid Drum Module
- Drum trigger, sound source, mic and mixer integrated into a single compact unit
- User samples can be imported via USB
- 8 preloaded sounds including hand-clap and snare variations
Roland’s RT-MicS trigger has a single zone and is simple to use. It’s more than just a trigger, though, with a built-in sound library, the ability to load your own samples, and a microphone for recording the sound of your acoustic drum. Controls on the side allow you to combine the electronic and mic sounds for transmitting to a PA speaker, or you may configure separate audio outputs for both streams. A nine-volt battery or a power supply can be used to power the entire setup.
There are a few drawbacks: there’s no ‘kick’ version, no option for outputting the trigger signal, and it’ll be deeper than some drums at 6.25 inches from top to bottom. However, if you’re looking for a simple, all-in-one solution, it’s an inventive design that will appeal if you’re looking for a means to trigger from a single drum.