Types of Drum Sets

EL, QM, SL and Rock Band 2 Drumsets (Xbox, PS3, PS2 and Wii Sets)

Rock Band 2 Wireless Drums

With the release of Rock Band 2, a wireless drum set was also made available. The size of the set is the same as the original drums but the pads are now velocity sensitive and much higher quality. Drumsoft Pads are an excellent addition to these new drum sets. They act as sound reducers, protective covers, and decorations to make the set look more professional. In our testing, we have found that Gum Rubber Composite and MCU Dual pads work the best with this model of drum.

EL and QM

When Rock Band first came out they used a model of drum called the EL (because of the EL in the serial number). Soon the reports came in of the drums breaking or not registering notes and they came out with the second series of drums called the QM series. The QM series has greater sensitivity and can be hit much more softly and still register notes. Below are two pictures of the bottom of both types of drum set. Use the pictures to see where to find your serial number and determine what type of drum set you have.

This is an EL model.

This is a QM. The arrows are pointing to the serial numbers.

If you are trying to severely dampen the sound and have an EL, you may want to consider returning it to Harmonix for the replacement QM first. If you do want to buy pads from us or anyone for the EL drums, make sure that is is one layer of soft material. The EL drum sets can't afford to lose any sensitivity.

The QM drumsets we have tested are absolutely fine with any drum pads that we offer.

A third series of drums (the SL) is also on the market. We had the help of a DrumSoft drummer to test these SL sets with all of our pad types. The following were his findings:

"The Neoprene Single was very effective as far as protection and sound goes.  The only complaint about it is the feel.  When I strike it, it feels like the stick sort of sticks to it.  But it didn't completely solve the rolling problem with SL's   
 
The Closed Cell Foam would be perfect for EL's.  It looks very clean out of the package, but after some play, it becomes a little ripped up.  It didn't solve the rolling problem at all sadly.
 
Gum Rubber was a very fun set to use.  I put them on and it instantly made the drums feel unbreakable.  It works great for protection. The sound is a little harsh.  It didn't quite solve the rolling problem.   
 
Gum Rubber Composite made the drums seem bomb proof.  But it came close to the roll problem, but yet it began to seem like the drums need something soft to absorb the blow, but still need something hard to block it off.
 
The MCU smalls and larges were a surprise.  They are very smooth and very inviting to the sticks.  But like the foam, wasn't enough to get the fast, hard roll I want.
 
The MCU Dual seemed like a blessing from above.  I put them on and started playing.... It was one of the best experiences ever!  Not only did it make playing more fun, it solved the roll problem for me!  Great feel, great sound, great protection, looks amazing, and the rebound is very good. "

Wii Drum Sets

After extensive testing we have found that the Wii sets are the same as the drum sets for the other systems. The only difference is the color. The same rules and models apply for the drum sets for the Wii system.