As a passionate drummer navigating the challenges of apartment living, I’ve had to get creative with my setup. When COVID-19 hit and my rehearsal studio became off-limits, I knew I had to find a solution that would allow me to keep practicing without angering my neighbors. After a lot of research and experimentation, I’ve put together a mini electronic drum kit that not only fits my small space, but also delivers an incredibly powerful and immersive drumming experience.

Choosing the Right “Brain”

The heart of any electronic drum kit is the module, or “brain,” that controls the sound and functionality. After considering a few options, I settled on the Yamaha DTX Multi-12. This multi-pad is an incredibly versatile and powerful electronic drumming tool, capable of so much more than a typical compact kit.

The 64MB of onboard storage might seem limiting at first, but I’ve found that it’s more than enough for me to create dozens of custom kits and load up hundreds of individual drum and cymbal samples. And while the menu system can be a bit overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, it offers an incredible level of customization and expandability.

The Yamaha DTX Multi-12 has 12 built-in pads, which is essentially a mini e-drum kit all on its own. But the real power comes from its ability to easily integrate additional electronic drum pads from brands like Roland. This allowed me to create a compact setup that still feels like a full-sized drum kit.

Quiet, Yet Powerful Pads

Once I had the module sorted, it was time to select the right electronic drum pads to bring my mini kit to life. Being in an apartment, noise reduction was a top priority, so I opted for mesh drum heads from Roland.

The Roland PDX-8 snare with its 8-inch mesh head and 10-inch rim gives me the perfect balance of a solid playing surface and muted, apartment-friendly sound. For the floor tom, I went with a Roland PD-80, which is a single-zone mesh pad that delivers a nice, deep but controlled thud.

And for the kick drum, I chose the Roland KD-7, a compact trigger that takes up minimal space. To further reduce the noise, I’ve added a folded towel to the beater strike zone, which dampens the sound without compromising the responsiveness.

The Roland PDX-8 snare and PD-80 floor tom have been game-changers for me, allowing me to play with the feel and response of a full-sized kit without disturbing the neighbors.

Putting It All Together

With the module and pads in place, the next step was to figure out the layout and mounting of my mini electronic drum kit. I wanted to create a setup that would feel natural and intuitive to play, almost like an acoustic kit, but within a much smaller footprint.

I ended up mounting everything on a single double-braced drum stand, which allows me to position the pads exactly where I need them. The Yamaha DTX Multi-12 sits at the center, with the snare, toms, and cymbals arranged around it just like a traditional drum set.

The electronic hi-hat is positioned to the left of the snare, and the floor tom is placed where you’d expect it to be. This careful arrangement allows me to move around the kit and play intuitively, without feeling cramped or disconnected.

Endless Customization Possibilities

One of the things I love most about the Yamaha DTX Multi-12 is its incredible customization capabilities. With the ability to assign up to four different samples to each of the 12 built-in pads, I can create drum kits that are truly unique and personalized.

I’ve experimented with all sorts of different configurations, from standard acoustic-style kits to more experimental and genre-specific setups. The multi-sample functionality allows me to layer sounds, cycle through different samples, and even adjust the velocity sensitivity to get the perfect response.

Whether I’m looking to emulate a classic drum kit or build something entirely new, the DTX Multi-12 gives me the flexibility and creative control I need to craft the perfect setup for my needs.

Rounding Out the Setup

Of course, a high-quality electronic drum kit isn’t complete without the right supporting gear. I’ve got a few essential items that help take my mini setup to the next level:

• Headphones: A good pair of in-ear or over-ear headphones, like my Audio-Technica IM-01 or Sennheiser over-ears, are a must for immersive and distraction-free drumming sessions.
• Monitors: When I want to really feel the sound, I’ll plug into my KRK Rokit 5 monitors for a more powerful and resonant experience.
• Foam Tiles: To prevent my pedals from sliding and reduce noise transfer to the floor, I’ve placed some inexpensive foam tiles underneath the kit.
• Cables: I’ve invested in quality instrument cables to ensure a reliable and interference-free connection between my pads, pedals, and module.

These additional components have proven to be invaluable in creating a seamless and enjoyable drumming setup, even in my small apartment.

Bringing It All Together

As I sit here behind my mini electronic drum kit, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come. What started as a necessity born out of limited space has evolved into a highly capable and incredibly fun drumming experience.

The Yamaha DTX Multi-12, paired with carefully selected electronic pads and supporting gear, has allowed me to create a compact yet powerful setup that feels just as expressive and responsive as a full-sized acoustic drum kit.

Whether I’m jamming along to my favorite tunes, experimenting with new sounds and textures, or preparing for an upcoming gig, this mini kit has become an indispensable part of my drumming journey. And the best part? It all fits neatly into my small apartment, without disturbing my neighbors.

So if you’re a drummer like me, facing the challenges of limited space and noise restrictions, I encourage you to explore the world of mini electronic drum kits. With the right setup, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities and continue to hone your skills in the comfort of your own home.

Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new passion for electronic drumming, just like I did. And if you’re in the market for a compact, yet powerful drum kit, be sure to check out the offerings at Sofa Spectacular – they might just have the perfect solution for your small-space needs.