An electronic percussion instrument offering a digital alternative to traditional acoustic drums, the SD1250 model from Simmons features a full complement of drum and cymbal pads. The inclusion of woven synthetic material on the playing surfaces provides a responsive and quiet playing experience, emulating the feel of acoustic drumheads. This construction differs substantially from kits that use rubber pads.
The principal advantage of such a system lies in its versatility and suitability for practice. Electronic kits can produce a wide array of drum sounds, often through sampled audio, and typically incorporate features like headphone outputs for silent practice, reducing noise complaints in shared living spaces. Historically, electronic drum kits were developed to address the limitations of acoustic drums in recording and performance settings where volume control and sound customization were paramount.