For roughly a decade now, Donner has been offering up an impressive array of instruments and gear, from guitars, keyboards and microphones to effect pedals, MIDI controllers and even electronic drum kits. The company’s newest entry in that last category is one of its coolest yet. Donner’s BackBeat e-drum set is not only an eight-piece kit loaded with more than 1,100 sounds, it’s also primed for both learning and recording, and, yes, even lights up.
But don’t let the flashy lights fool you – the BackBeat is so much more. The e-drum set features all-mesh pads, with two eight-inch rack toms, a 10-inch snare, a 10-inch floor tom, 10-inch hi-hat, 12-inch crash and ride cymbal and a 10-inch kick tower. There’s also a seven-inch touchscreen, 100 drum kits and a 10-channel audio interface for precise recording.
“The main unit is centered on the touchscreen, which for me was extremely intuitive and easy to use,” Jimmy Franklin says in the accompanying demo video. “Everything is very clearly laid out and it took no time at all for me to just turn it on and start playing.”
What’s more, the BackBeat is capable of reproducing tones from VST sound sources, has app control and can be set up effortlessly via its integrated E-Rack and internal cable management system.
Of course, there’s also the very awesome interactive LED drum pad and customizable color presets. “All you have to do is hit the drum to select and you can change the color,” Jimmy says. “You also have different options on how to set the lights, which is pretty cool,” he adds.
But wait – there’s more. The BackBeat comes equipped with a built-in practice feature, which Jimmy runs us through via the touchscreen. He merely selects from three categories – Rudiments, Groove Library and Songs – and starts learning as he’s playing.
The result is an electronic drum kit that allows you to express yourself artistically, while also inspiring and even teaching you. And did we mention it lights up?
“I don’t like tossing around the word innovation just for no reason,” Jimmy says. But the BackBeat, he concedes, “looks like it’s from the future, and that’s amazing.”
For more information on the BackBeat Electronic Drum Set, head to Donnermusic.
