Back in December, digitalDrummer flagged that something significant was coming from the Evans Hybrid and Sunhouse collaboration. It’s now here — and it may be the most credible answer yet to electronic drumming’s longest-standing frustration.
The Sensory Percussion eKit System, launched jointly by Evans Hybrid and Sunhouse, takes direct aim at the problem that has driven drummers back to acoustic kits for decades: the unnatural feel and limited nuance of electronic cymbals and hi-hats.
The system combines new cymbal and hi-hat sensors with Evans dB One Low-Volume Cymbals and Sunhouse’s Sensory Percussion 2 software. Rather than replacing your cymbals with rubber pads, the sensors work with real low-volume and acoustic cymbals, preserving natural rebound and keeping volume around 80% quieter than standard cymbals. The system is also compatible with fully acoustic cymbals and standard drum hardware, meaning most drummers can integrate it into an existing set-up without rebuilding from scratch.
The zone capture is where the technology makes its most ambitious claims. Beyond the standard hit detection of conventional e-cymbal systems, Sensory Percussion promises to capture hi-hat foot splashes, chokes, ride bells and cymbal pings — the gestural vocabulary that separates expressive cymbal playing from simple triggering.
Sunhouse co-founder Tlacael Esparza described the cymbal sensors as representing “the level of finesse, control, and expression that makes them feel as responsive and inspiring as acoustic cymbals”. D’Addario CEO John D’Addario III called it “a breakthrough electronic cymbal and hi-hat technology solution percussionists have long sought”.
Early artist responses have been characteristically brief but pointed. Glenn Kotche of Wilco noted the compositional flexibility: “I can make it react like a regular drum or cymbal, control effects, or create completely new sounds. It’s really limitless.” Drummer Michel’Le Baptiste, who has worked with Lizzo, Normani and Adam Lambert, offered a three-word verdict: “I’m in awe.”
The Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion eKit System (digital drum and cymbal sensor bundle with four drum sensors, two cymbal sensors, a hi-hat sensor, 20″ ride, 18″ crash, 14″ hi-hat, portal interface, and Sensory Percussion 2 software) is available now through major US retailers and D’Addario’s website, priced at $1,999.99.
- digitalDrummer will be following up with a full review.