Drum Shields, also known as acoustic panels, are specially designed barriers to control the sound and volume of drums in live performances or recording studios. These panels are made of transparent or opaque material and are strategically placed around the drum set to reduce the amount of sound that escapes into the audience or microphone.
Drum Shields serves the dual purpose of maintaining the integrity of the sound and creating an optimal listening experience for the audience. They also help to eliminate unwanted noise and create a cleaner mix for recording purposes. By providing a barrier between the drummer and the rest of the space, Drum Shields help to reduce the amount of sound that needs to be captured by the sound system, allowing for better sound quality and overall sound control.
The best reviews for drum shields
For those with drums, here are drum shields you can choose according to your needs.
Pennzoni Display DS4 L 5 Section Drum Shield
The DS4A Drum Shield is a 5-section kit with 5 clear acrylic panels measuring 1/4″ x 24 x 60. It also includes 4 living hinges for easy assembly and a total height of 5 ft. Assembly instructions are provided for your convenience.
Pros
- Soundproofing: The drum shield provides soundproofing and noise reduction, ensuring that the sound from your drums does not interfere with other instruments or vocals.
- Sleek design: The chrome plating gives it a sleek and professional look that will complement any stage or recording setup.
- Easy to use: The panels can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it a versatile and convenient solution for musicians on the go.
- Lightweight: The panels are light in weight, making them easy to transport and store.
Cons
- No return policy: Once the plastic protective film is removed, the drum shield cannot be returned.
- Price: It may be more expensive than other drum shield options available in the market.
- Limited customization options: The panels are made of clear acrylic, and the chrome plating may not suit the taste of everyone. Customization options may be limited.
Pennzoni Display DS6D 6 Section Drum Shield
The DS6D L Drum Shield is a 6-section kit with 6 clear acrylic panels measuring 1/4″ x 24 x 60 and 6 deflector panels measuring 12″ x 24″. The kit has 5 living hinges for easy assembly and 12 deflector panel holders for a total height of 6 ft with deflectors.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- It can be configured in different shapes to suit various space needs
- 6 sections protect sound bleed and help create a clean audio mix during performances
- It folds up easily for storage
- Easy to set up and take down, with minimal time required
- It can be used in studio settings or wherever loud sounds need to be controlled
Cons
- Expensive compared to other drum shields
- Not as effective at controlling sound as some other products on the market
- It may only fit some drum configurations, depending on the size of the room.
Pennzoni Display Co. Drum Shield
The Premium Quality Acrylic Drum Shield is made in the USA and consists of five panels, each 2ft x 5ft and ¼” thick with 12 bright chrome hinges to firmly hold them in place. The clear acrylic panels help to isolate the sound of drum kits while maintaining visibility, making them suitable for live performances.
These 5ft tall panels offer superior sound control, creating better harmony with quieter instruments and vocals on stage. With easy-to-follow instructions, the drum shield is easy to assemble, making it perfect for on-stage shows, studio use, or outdoor events like concerts or music festivals.
Pros
- Pennzoni Display Co. offers a variety of drum shields in different sizes and styles, giving drummers the ability to find one that fits their specific needs.
- The company uses high-quality materials, such as clear acrylic, to construct its drum shields, ensuring durability and longevity.
- The drum shields provide superior sound control, helping to prevent sound bleeding and feedback, resulting in better sound quality during live performances or recording sessions.
- The shields are easy to assemble with clear instructions, making it simple for drummers to set them up themselves.
Cons
- The clear acrylic material can scratch easily, which could affect visibility and appearance if not well-maintained.
- The drum shields may not entirely block out all sound, so some drummers may find they need additional soundproofing measures to achieve the desired level of isolation.
ClearSonic MP – MegaPac Drum Shield Package
The ClearSonic MegaPac Drum Shield Package offers maximum sound isolation for applications requiring it. The package includes 360° ClearSonic Panels for effective noise cancellation, less sound escape, and 7 feet of interior headroom using AX18 Height Extenders. It features an A2466x7 in front and an A2466x5 in the rear, which do not connect but can be moved as a door.
To further enhance sound absorption, the package comes with a 12-inch wide SORBER Lid baffle for 7’W x 5.5’D, providing coverage and two lid support BARs for stability. The package provides 112 sq. ft. of interior sound absorption with 19 S2 and 12 S1 SORBER baffles for optimal acoustic performance inside and outside.
Pros
- Maximum Sound Isolation: The package offers 360° of ClearSonic Panels for effective noise cancellation and reduces sound escape.
- Large Interior Headroom: The package comes with AX18 Height Extenders, providing 7 feet of interior headroom.
- Improved Sound Absorption: The package includes 112 sq. ft. of interior sound absorption with 19 S2 and 12 S1 SORBER baffles, improving acoustic performance inside and outside.
- Stable and Durable: The package comes with two lid support BARs for stability, ensuring the drum shield stays in place during use.
Cons
- Cost: The package may be expensive for some, making it a less accessible option for those on a budget.
- Complex Assembly: Assembling the package may be complicated and time-consuming, requiring technical knowledge and skill.
- Limited Portability: The package may be too bulky and heavy for some users, making it less portable and challenging to move from one location to another.
- Less Flexibility: The two panel systems need to connect, which may limit flexibility for some users.
ClearSonic CLE-IPB IsoPac B Drum Shield Dark Gray
The ClearSonic IsoPac B Drum Shield (Dark Gray) offers sound reduction similar to IsoPac A, but with a smaller size, allowing for a more visible drum kit. The shield features an A2466x6 CSP with AX2402412x6 Height Extenders in front, and 3 S2466x2 SORBER baffles in the rear.
It measures 6’W x 7’D x 6.5’H, providing 50-60% perceived volume reduction and a foot of open foot space. The IsoPac B also comes with a 6-inch clip-on fan for air exchange and is suitable for studio and specific life situations. All Sorber products have a Class-A fire rating.
Pros
- Sturdy construction for optimal protection from sound bleed
- Five panels provide coverage up to 8 feet wide, allowing for multiple drums in a setup
- Cutouts allow both drummer and audience to see each other without interruption
- Panels can be rearranged or added to fit different needs
- Easy to store or travel with due to its folding design
- It comes with an Acrylic Panel that provides additional dampening of sound
Cons
- Expensive compared to many other drum shields on the market
- It can be not easy to assemble if not done according to instructions
- It may only fit some drum configurations, depending on the size of the room.
ClearSonic MMP – MiniMegaPac Drum Shield Package
The ClearSonic MiniMega Drum Shield Package offers maximum sound isolation in a smaller form than the MegaPac. The package features 360° of ClearSonic Panels and less sound escape from the back. It includes an A2466x6 in front and an A2466x5 in the rear, with the ability to move the end panel of the A2466x5 as a door, as the two panel systems do not connect.
Pros
- Maximum Sound Isolation: The package features 360° of ClearSonic Panels, providing maximum sound isolation.
- Reduced Sound Escape: The package includes ClearSonic shields in the back, reducing the opening for sound to escape.
- Flexible Design: The two panel systems do not connect, allowing the end panel of the A2466x5 to be used as a door for added flexibility.
- Space-saving: The MiniMegaPac is a smaller version of the MegaPac, making it a more space-saving option.
Cons
- Cost: The package may be expensive for some, making it a less accessible option for those on a budget.
- Complex Assembly: Assembling the package may be complicated and time-consuming, requiring technical knowledge and skill.
- Limited Sound Reduction: As a smaller version of the MegaPac, the MiniMegaPac may provide less sound reduction than the larger version.
- Limited Portability: The package may be too bulky and heavy for some users, making it less portable and challenging to move from one location to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a drum shield affect your playing experience?
A drum shield can impact a drummer’s playing experience in various ways. Some musicians may feel that the sound of their drums is more muted or dampened, which can affect the feel and responsiveness of their playing. Others may appreciate the ability to control the volume of their drums and avoid overpowering other instruments or the vocals on stage.
Using a drum shield can also affect the audience’s experience by reducing the number of sound spills and increasing the overall clarity of the performance. It’s worth noting that different musicians have different opinions and preferences on using drum shields.
What is the main benefit of using a drum shield?
The main benefit of using a drum shield is the reduction of sound bleeding. Drum shields can help reduce noise for the drummer and the audience, allowing for better clarity and improved musicality.
What are the different types of drum shields available on the market?
Several different types of drum shields are available on the market, each with its unique features and design. Some of the most common types of drum shields include:
1. Acrylic Drum Shields: Made from clear plastic material, these shields are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a popular choice for gigging musicians.
2. Portable Drum Shields: These shields are designed for easy setup and are often collapsible for easy transport. They can be made of various materials, including acrylic, metal, or wood.
3. Full Enclosure Drum Shields: These shields enclose the drum kit, providing maximum sound control and isolation. They are often used in recording studios or controlled environments where sound quality is a top priority.
4. Corner Drum Shields: These shields are designed to fit in a corner and provide sound control for a single percussion setup, such as a single cymbal or snare drum.
5. Custom Drum Shields: Some manufacturers offer custom drum shield options, allowing musicians to design their shields to fit their specific needs and preferences.
What are the key factors to consider when purchasing a drum shield?
When purchasing a drum shield, key factors include size and portability, acoustic properties, design and aesthetics, and price. You should also ensure that the product is compatible with your current setup.
Conclusion
Based on the review by Zerotodrum, it appears that drum shields are an excellent investment for drummers who want to control the volume of their instruments while playing live. With various styles and materials available, drummers can find the perfect drum shield that fits their needs. With these options, drummers can have peace of mind knowing they have a reliable and effective solution for controlling volume and minimizing sound bleeding.
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