Evans BD20EMAD - EMAD CLEAR 20

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

For over 40 years, EVANS has established itself as one of the most innovative manufacturers in the world of drumheads, with iconic references such as EMAD, EC2S, and Hydraulic. The EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) range was precisely built around a simple yet highly effective idea: to offer drummers control over damping and attack from outside the bass drum. Designed and manufactured in the United States, EVANS drumheads benefit from a modern industrial process, and the brand has been part of the D'Addario and Company group since 1996, a major player in musical instrument accessories.

Who This Drumhead/Instrument Is For

This EVANS EMAD transparent bass drum batter head is aimed at drummers who want an immediately usable sound, with quick setup and consistent results from one gig to the next. It suits both intermediate and professional levels seeking a precise bass drum with present lows and a clear attack. It naturally fits into rock, pop, metal, worship, funk, or contemporary music contexts, wherever a bass drum that "cuts through" the mix without endless tweaking is expected.

Features and Innovations

The core of the EMAD concept relies on removable external dampers supplied with the head: you can adjust the amount of control, precision, and feel under the beater without accessing the inside of the shell. This system allows fine-tuning the balance between resonance and punch while maintaining the feel of a single-ply head. The transparent finish offers a behavior often more direct and open than a coated head, with a clear response and solid projection, especially appreciated live and with microphones.

Sound Characteristics

With its 10-mil single-ply film, this head favors a crisp attack and good dynamics while allowing the bass drum shell to breathe. The EMAD system then sculpts the low end: by choosing one of the two interchangeable dampers, you can enhance harmonic control and achieve a shorter, more defined bass drum sound or, conversely, retain more body and roundness.

The result is a sound that is both powerful and precise, with present bass and attack clarity that helps the bass drum stay stable in the mix, even when played loudly. This versatility makes it an effective solution for quickly switching from an open tuning to a more controlled sound depending on the venue, style, and playing technique.

Technical specifications