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New drum gear of the month: review round-up (August 2010)

By Rhythm magazine, Si Truss, Computer Music
published 12 August 2010

July-August 2010: kits, cymbals, miking solutions and a bit of software

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July-August: kits, cymbals, miking solutions and a bit of software

July-August: kits, cymbals, miking solutions and a bit of software

Every month MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm, Future Music and Guitar Techniques - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

This is a collection of the gear from Rhythm Magazine's (and one from Computer Music's) gruelling testing process. First reviewed in Rhythm issue 179 (and Computer Music issue 155) and published on MusicRadar throughout July and August.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Mapex Horizon HX drum kit

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Mapex Horizon HX drum kit (£575)
A budget-conscious, cleverly designed beginner's package

Mapex Horizon HX drum kit (£575)

MuiscRadar's verdict:

"As a first gigging kit it sounds big and will suit any style. The Horizon HX package offers a lot for the money and its looks belie its budget status."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Horizon HX drum kit

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 179)

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Meinl Byzance Cymbals - Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges (from £132)
New additions to Meinl's traditional, Turkish made range

Meinl Byzance Cymbals - Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges (from £132)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Every cymbal here is entertaining; any of them will add exotic shades to your set-up."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Meinl Byzance Cymbals - Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 179)

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
BR Distribution Mic Holders (from £15)
Innovative new microphone clamps to take the strain out of miking your kit

BR Distribution Mic Holders (from £15)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"These aren't exactly the sexiest or most exciting bits of kit you'll ever buy, but they sure are very handy."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:BR Distibution Mic Holders

(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 179)

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Toontrack Beatstation (£80)
This beatbox wants to be all things to all users

Toontrack Beatstation (£80)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"More flexible than it seems at first look, Beatstation will appeal to those who want to create drum kits and grooves in a hurry."

FULL REVIEW:Toontracks Beatstation

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 155)

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Ludwig Element Laquer Series Power drum kit (£829)
Brilliant intermediate set with an exceptional snare

Ludwig Element Laquer Series Power drum kit (£829)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"It's impressive that Ludwig, with its illustrious history, has honed details which turn a good kit into a brilliant one. As did the Accent CS Custom, the Element Lacquer takes Ludwig's Chinese-made intermediate kits to a new level of desirability."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Ludwig Element Laquer Series Power drum kit

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 179)

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Soultone Cymbals - Vintage and Custom Brilliant ranges (from £200)
New to the UK, Soultone looks set to make an immediate impact

Soultone Cymbals - Vintage and Custom Brilliant ranges (from £200)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"These are fine instruments that possess musicality and character while being versatile enough to perform in many situations."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Soultone Cymbals - Vintage and Custom Brilliant ranges

(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 179)

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Skip to:

Roland Octapad SPD-30

Sonor SQ2 snare drum

DW SSC drum kit

Mapex Falcon bass drum pedals

Amedia Old School Series cymbals

Evans EC2 SST and Power Center drum heads

Xfer Records Nerve

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Skip to:

Alesis DM10 Pro electronic drum kit

Tama Charlie Benante Snare

Sabian SBr Cymbals

Natal Classic Series Congas and Bongos

Percussion Plus Sonix Drum Kit

Native Instruments Abbey Road 60s Drums

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Skip to:

Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum kit

Zildjian EFX Cymbals

Worldmax Microvent Snare Drum

Sonor 100, 200 and 400 series hardware sets

KickPort drum insert

Meinl Signature hand percussion

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Drum gear of the month: March-April 2010

Drum gear of the month: March-April 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Skip to:

Roland TD-4KX electronic drum kit

Yamaha DTX950K electronic drum kit

Alchemy Power-X Cymbals

Carrera Snare Drums

Drum Tuna Flip

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
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