How to Amplify Sound With a Drum

Hook up an amp to your drums so it can produce enough sound.

The best way to amplify sound with a drum is to use at least two amplifiers. It doesn't matter whether you use a drum amp, bass amp or guitar amp for sound. In addition, many electric drums don't have a built-in amp, therefore, you must amplify the sound being produced through the use of speakers. Although you can hear sound from your drum while wearing headphones, you need to use amps if you play live at a concert.

Things You'll Need

• Amplifiers
• Guitar cables/cords
• Cable splitter

Instructions

1. Set out at least two amplifiers. You can have as many as five to seven amps for a more powerful sound.

2. Gather the guitar cords and cable splitters. Purchase a five-way splitter if you have five amplifiers. If you have more than five, you can always use several two-way cable splitters.

3. Insert one end of the cord into the stereo input plug on the drums and the other end into a cable splitter.

4. Insert one end of a cord into the output plug on the amp and the other end of the cord into the cable splitter. Repeat this step for each amp.

5. Position the amps facing forward on each side of the drums. Keep 6 feet between the speakers and the drums when playing at a max volume. For low-volume practice sessions, place the speakers at least a foot away from the drums.

6. Test the sound from the drums and speakers. Adjust the bass, treble, pitch and volume levels as needed on the back side of the amplifiers. For a pure bass-drum sound, keep the pitch and treble low and the bass at a medium setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Unplug any electrical cords when hooking up amplifiers.

References

• "The Musician's Guide to Recording Drums"; Dallan Beck; 2004
• OSP Digital Drum: Instruction Manual

Resources

• Drum Junction: Home
• Disco Fest: Connecting Equipment to Your Mixer