The Evans EMAD Resonant Black BD20REMAD is a 20" single-ply resonant bass drum head built around Evans' acclaimed Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system — giving drummers active, hands-on control over their kick drum's sustain, attack, and overtone character. With a factory-cut 4" mic port and an adjustable foam damping ring held in place by an external plastic sleeve, the EMAD Resonant puts tonal shaping directly in the player's hands rather than locking them into a fixed sound. It's a versatile, industry-trusted front head that performs across styles from rock and metal to funk, pop, and beyond.
Product Overview
The EMAD system is what separates this head from a standard ported resonant. The foam damping ring mounts externally around the 4" port opening via a plastic sleeve, allowing players to engage or disengage it and adjust its position to dial in exactly the amount of overtone control, pitch focus, and attack definition they want. More ring engagement tightens the decay and sharpens the attack; less ring lets the bass drum breathe and sustain more openly. It's a level of real-world tonal flexibility that fixed internal damping systems simply can't offer.
The 4" mic port serves double duty — providing the standard opening that front-of-house engineers and studio recordists expect for microphone placement, while also functioning as the anchor point for the EMAD damping ring system. The port size is large enough for a standard kick drum microphone without requiring modification, and the ring's external mounting means the port remains fully accessible regardless of damping settings.
Constructed from a single ply of 10-mil synthetic film in a clean black finish, the EMAD Resonant delivers enhanced attack and focus relative to thinner resonant heads, with enough body to hold its shape and tuning reliably through regular gigging and rehearsal. The black finish gives the front of the kit a sharp, professional appearance on stage and in the studio.
Ideal For
- Drummers who want active control over their kick drum's sustain, attack, and overtone character rather than a fixed tonal profile
- Live players and touring drummers who need a reliable, mic-ready front head with a standard 4" port for front-of-house microphone placement
- Studio recording drummers who want to fine-tune kick drum tone session by session without swapping heads
- Rock, metal, funk, and pop drummers who need a punchy, focused attack with adjustable decay to suit different rooms and mixes
- Drummers in Idaho Falls looking for a versatile, industry-standard 20" ported resonant head with an adjustable damping system
Key Features
EMAD Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System
A foam damping ring held in place by an external plastic sleeve lets players adjust overtone control, pitch focus, and attack on the fly — engage more ring for a tighter, punchier sound or pull back for a more open, sustaining tone.
4" Mic Port
A factory-cut 4" port accommodates standard kick drum microphones without modification, while serving as the anchor point for the EMAD damping ring — practical for both live and studio applications.
10-Mil Single-Ply Synthetic Film
A single ply of 10-mil film delivers enhanced attack definition and durability compared to thinner resonant heads, holding its shape and tuning reliably through regular use.
Versatile Across Styles and Applications
The adjustable damping system makes the EMAD Resonant equally at home in rock, metal, jazz, funk, and studio contexts — one head that adapts to the sound you need rather than dictating it.
Clean Black Finish
The black film gives the front of the kit a sharp, professional look that holds up under stage lighting and in front of studio cameras.
What's Included
- Evans EMAD Resonant Black 20" Bass Drum Head (1 head)
- EMAD foam damping ring and external plastic sleeve
- Manufacturer warranty (see Evans warranty terms)
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Evans |
| Series | EMAD Resonant |
| Manufacturer Part Number | BD20REMAD |
| Size | 20" |
| Type | Resonant (front head) |
| Ply Construction | 1-ply |
| Film Thickness | 10mil |
| Material | Synthetic film |
| Finish | Clear black |
| Port Hole | 4" |
| Damping System | EMAD — externally mounted adjustable foam ring |
Get Your Hands on This Bass Drum Head Today
The Evans EMAD Resonant Black 20" is available now at No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls. Stop in and let our team walk you through the EMAD system and help you find the right front head combination for your kick drum — whether you're chasing a tight, punchy studio sound or a big, open live tone, we're here to help you dial it in.
