When we first swapped the stock head for the Evans EMAD Coated White 24″, it felt less like a routine maintainance task and more like installing a new voice for the kit. The EMAD name isn’t just marketing – the externally mounted adjustable damping system is the headline feature here, and in our sessions it proved to be an intuitive way to shape attack and focus without resorting to gaffer tape or pillow tricks.
Over a few rehearsals and a couple of studio takes we flipped between the two foam rings, tightened and loosened the hoop with Evans’ level 360 collar, and listened for how the head responded across rock grooves and laid-back ballads. The single 10 mil coated ply delivered a warmer, slightly focused tone with a translucent matte look that sat well in close mics, while the EMAD system let us dial either punch or low-end heft quickly. It’s clearly designed with working drummers in mind - flexible, durable, and easy to tune – and the 24″ format gives a roomy low end that can be refined or left open depending on the damping choice.
In this review we’ll walk through what we heard and felt during our tests, how the two damping rings compare, how the Level 360 collar affects tuning and seating, and whether the coated single-ply construction makes sense for gigging and studio use. If you’re considering an EMAD for a 24″ kick, here’s what our hands-on experience uncovered.
Our First Impression and Overview of the Evans EMAD Coated White Bass Drum Head
On first handling we noticed the satin, translucent white finish and the reassuring weight of the single 10 mil film – it feels purpose-built rather than toy-like. The externally mounted adjustable damping immediately caught our attention: swapping the thinner foam ring for the wider one gave us two distinct characters without retuning. With the Level 360 collar the head seated neatly on the hoop and tuning felt more predictable; that instant “studio-ready” vibe was real. The coating adds a touch of warmth and focus,yet the head still breathes enough for a pleasing resonance at low volumes and a punchy attack when we dialed in the thinner foam.
We put the head through a range of gigs and rehearsal scenarios and came away impressed by its versatility – from tight, articulate click for pop to fuller, thumping low end for rock. The swap-and-play damping options let us choose emphasis on attack or on boom in seconds, which is why this feels like a true working drummer’s choice. Highlights we kept coming back to:
- Adjustable attack via two foam ring options
- Easy tuning thanks to Level 360 seating
- Warmth & focus from the coated surface
- Made in the USA – reliable build quality
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 24″ |
| Ply | Single 10 mil |
| Damping | Externally adjustable (2 rings) |
| Finish | Coated,translucent white |
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Examining Construction and Controls: What We Observed About Tone Durability and the EMAD System
We were immediately struck by how the construction choices translate to practical control. The head’s single-ply 10 mil coated film gives a pleasing balance of warmth and clarity, while the coating adds a slightly translucent depth that tames harsh overtones. The signature externally mounted adjustable damping system is where the design really pays off: we can swap between the thinner foam ring for extra punch and maintained resonance or the wider ring to maximize low-end weight and attack. Pairing that with the Level 360 collar made tuning less finicky - the head seats evenly, responds predictably across the hoop, and reaches usable studio tones with less effort than conventional bass heads.
In use, the EMAD controls let us dial tone and durability to match the gig, rather than chasing compromises. The adjustable rings change the character noticeably, so we can choose focus for articulate patterns or open low-end for a fuller backbeat, and the coated surface holds up well under regular striking. Our speedy takeaways:
- Attack: Highly adjustable via ring choice
- Focus: Improved with the thinner ring
- Resonance: Retained surprisingly well even with added damping
- Tuning consistency: Better thanks to level 360
| Ring | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Thinner | Punchy, focused | Articulate playing |
| Wider | Deep, powerful | Big backbeats |
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Hands On Insights and Our Tuning Recommendations for Different Genres and Setups
We found the combination of the externally mounted adjustable damping and the new collar seating to be genuinely liberating at the kit - the head settles quickly and gives us a wide, usable pitch range in minutes. The single 10 mil coated film delivers a warm, focused tone with a pleasing translucent look, and the two removable foam rings let us dial punch or plush low-end depending on the gig. With the thinner ring installed we get pronounced attack and clarity without killing sustain; swap to the wider ring and the drum becomes weightier with maximum low‑end and a defined smack that fills stadiums.level 360 really simplifies tuning by helping the head seat evenly, which means less time fussing and more time playing.
| Foam Ring | Result | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Thinner | Punchy, open | Funk, Jazz, Pop |
| wider | Big low-end, more attack | Rock, Metal, Studio Low-End |
When it comes to tuning and setup we treat the head as a versatile tool and adjust simple variables to suit the music and room. Our go-to tips:
- Rock/Alternate: Medium-low batter tension with the wider ring for weight and attack; use a front port for focused mic placement near the beater.
- Metal/Heavy: Higher tension and the wider ring or a thicker two-ply option when available; aim for controlled resonance and a tight, aggressive click.
- Funk/Pop: Slightly higher pitch with the thinner ring for more slap and articulation; a small front hole or cardioid placement captures the beater click cleanly.
- Jazz/studio: Lower tension and the thinner ring to preserve decay and warmth; keep the front head unported for natural body and mic a bit farther out.
We recommend experimenting with batter tension first, then choosing the foam ring to fine‑tune attack versus sustain – once you hear the difference, dialing in the mic and porting becomes straightforward. ready to try it on your kit? Check current price on Amazon
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
We put the Evans EMAD 24″ Coated bass head through a range of kit contexts – from tight studio clicks to roomy live rooms – and came away impressed by its flexibility. Below is a concise rundown of what we liked and where we think it might not be the perfect fit for every player.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adjustable EMAD damping for quick tone changes | Single-ply construction can wear faster under heavy hitting |
| Level 360 collar makes tuning more reliable | External ring design may feel unfamiliar to some drummers |
| Coated surface adds warmth, focus and a classic look | Coating reduces extreme high-end brightness |
| 24″ size delivers big low-end and studio-ready presence | May need foam-ring swapping to find the ideal attack |
| Versatile across genres – punchy or boomier with simple adjustments | Not as heavy-duty as EMAD Heavyweight for constant hard-hitting styles |
- What we loved: The combination of the removable foam rings and Level 360 seating gave us a very usable palette - we could dial in a tight, clicky punch one song and open it up for deep sustain the next without swapping heads.
- What to watch for: If you’re a heavy hitter who wants an indestructible front head, consider the Heavyweight or EMAD2 variants - the single 10mil ply favors tone and resonance over absolute durability.
Q&A
Q: What exactly are we looking at when we say “Evans EMAD 24-inch Coated”?
A: It’s a 24″ bass drum head built from a single 10 mil ply with a coated surface, equipped with Evans’ EMAD externally mounted adjustable damping system and Level 360 collar. In plain terms: a warm, focused, versatile head with an external foam ring you can swap to change attack and low end.
Q: What makes the EMAD system special?
A: The EMAD system gives us two removable foam damping rings (thin and wide) so we can dial attack versus sustain on the fly. it’s external, so we don’t have to jam internal muffling inside the drum to get different tones.
Q: What does the coating do to the sound?
A: The coating adds warmth,slightly darkens the top end,tightens the click,and gives a little extra focus to low frequencies. It also produces that classic translucent white look and helps control overtones compared with a clear head.
Q: What’s Level 360, and why should we care?
A: Level 360 is Evans’ collar design that helps the head seat more consistently in the hoop. For us that means easier, more predictable tuning and a broader usable tone range from the head-less fighting with uneven seating.
Q: How does it sound with the thin vs. wide foam ring?
A: With the thin ring we hear more punch and focus while preserving resonance-great when we want a defined beater attack. The wide ring emphasizes low end and tightens the attack for a meatier, more controlled thump.
Q: Is this head better for studio or stage?
A: Both. It responds well to microphone placement and gives a controlled, focused sound on stage while providing a warm, tunable tone that sits nicely in recordings.The adjustable damping is especially useful for quick tone changes between environments.
Q: How does this single-ply EMAD compare to EMAD2 or the Heavyweight EMAD?
A: The single 10 mil ply EMAD is more open and resonant than the two‑ply EMAD2 or Heavyweight models. EMAD2 and Heavyweight give more durability and a harder, more pronounced attack-useful for heavy hitters or when maximum punch is required. We’d pick the single-ply for versatility and sustain; choose the heavier options if you need extra durability and cut.
Q: Any tuning tips specific to this head?
A: Start with all lugs finger‑tight and crank in small, equal increments around the hoop so the Level 360 collar can seat properly. For a fattier, low-end thump tune a bit lower on both batter and resonant. For a quick, clicky attack tighten the batter slightly more and try the thin foam ring. Small adjustments go a long way.
Q: Will the external damping get in the way of internal mics or air flow?
A: Because the damping is externally mounted, the drum interior stays clear-so internal mic placement is still straightforward and the drum breaths normally. We didn’t find any practical obstruction to miking or air movement.
Q: How durable is a single-ply 10 mil coated head for a working drummer?
A: It’s plenty durable for everyday gigging, but single-ply heads naturally show wear faster than double‑ply or heavyweight models. If you’re a heavy hitter or need heads that last longest between changes, consider EMAD2 or the Heavyweight EMAD. For balance of tone and durability, this 10 mil is a solid working choice.
Q: Which genres does this head suit best?
A: Very versatile-rock, pop, country, blues, funk and even lighter metal setups. With the right damping ring and tuning it covers everything from warm vintage thumps to modern focused punch.
Q: Any maintenance or care we should know about?
A: Wipe off moisture after shows,avoid over‑overtightening which can dent or weaken the film,and swap the rings or replace the head when you start getting visible dents or loss of tone.Keep it out of extreme temperature/humidity for longest life.
Q: Is it a good value?
A: Yes. We think it offers a lot of tonal flexibility for the price-two damping options, Level 360 ease of tuning, and a classic coated sound make it a worthwhile investment for drummers who want one head that can handle many situations.
Q: Where is it made?
A: designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA.
Q: Any final takeaway?
A: If we want a 24″ bass head that’s easy to tune, adaptable on the fly, and delivers a warm, focused sound, the Evans EMAD 24″ coated is a reliable, workhorse choice. Choose the thin foam when we need more attack and resonance; choose the wide foam when we want weight and control.
Transform Your World
Our take is simple: the Evans EMAD 24-inch Coated bass head is a thoughtfully engineered, studio-ready option for drummers who want control without complexity. The single 10-mil ply gives a balanced mix of attack and resonance, the externally mounted EMAD damping with two removable foam rings lets us dial in punch or low-end weight on the fly, and the Level 360 collar makes tuning feel more predictable and wide-ranging. coated for extra warmth and focus and built in the USA, it’s the kind of versatile head that suits a working drummer across genres.If you’re chasing a tighter, more focused low end or a bass head that adapts to different styles and rooms, this 24″ EMAD is worth a serious listen. We’d recommend trying both foam rings to find the sweet spot for your drum and playing situation – that adjustability is the real selling point.
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