Simmons Titan 50 Review: Better than the Nitro Mesh?

Are you a beginner drummer looking for an affordable electronic drum kit? Or are you a seasoned drummer on a tight budget searching for a practice kit that won’t break the bank?

The Simmons Titan 50 may be a good option. This budget-friendly option offers mesh snare and tom pads with adjustable tension, rim shot detection, cymbal pads, and a kick pad tower wide enough to support double kick pedals.

While lacking in features compared to more expensive models, the Titan 50 offers a good feel during play, particularly with its fun-to-play snare pad. The drum module is straightforward, offering sounds produced explicitly for this kit. The Titan 50 is also relatively easy to set up and has a 2-year warranty.

Snare Pad

The snare pad provides a realistic feel that mimics an acoustic drum set, making it perfect for beginners or those on a budget. The dual-zone system of the snare pad allows for accurate detection of rim shots, adding another layer of realism to your playing.

Moving on to the tom pads, they’re also made with mesh material and have adjustable tension. However, they only have a single sensor towards each pad’s bottom. Despite this limitation, they still provide a satisfying response when hit and can help you develop better muscle memory as you practice different patterns.

Tom Pads

The tom pads on the Titan 50 are single zone, which means they can only produce one sound at a time. This limits the range of sounds produced and may not provide enough expressiveness for more advanced drummers. However, single-zone tom pads are acceptable for beginners or those on a budget.

Cymbal Pads

Moving on to the cymbal pads, while they are also single zone, they do have the right amount of response and give. Despite their limitations, the cymbals still provide a decent playing experience and can be used effectively in performances or recording sessions.

If you want more expressive cymbal pads, you should spend more on a different electronic drum set. While these cymbals have a decent response and give, they offer little dynamic range or nuanced playing styles.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering a pricier e-kit with better cymbals:

• Dual-zone cymbal pads can offer more versatility with separate triggers for the bow and edge of the cymbal.
• Three-zone cymbal pads can add even more expression with additional triggers for the bell of the cymbal.
• Larger diameter cymbals can provide a wider playing surface and feel closer to their acoustic counterparts.
• Chokeable cymbals allow for abruptly stopping the sound by grabbing onto the cymbal’s edge.
• Electronic ride cymbals with multiple zones and bell triggers can replicate complex ride patterns in different music genres.

Moving on from cymbals, let’s look at another vital aspect of an electronic drum kit – the kick pad & tower.

Kick Pad & Tower

The kick pad and tower on the Titan 50 are decent. The material is different than what’s on the tom and snare drum pads. It feels harder, like a practice pad, yet still has a decent rebound. It’s not super bouncy, like mesh heads.

The included kick drum pedal is worth upgrading to something a little better. It may work fine for a beginner, but I find these types of entry-level kick pedals hard to play as an advanced drummer. Learning on a solid kick drum pedal will help you avoid bad habits when compensating for a cheaper build quality.

The Simmons Titan 50’s kick pad tower is wide enough to accommodate double pedals, making it an excellent option for drummers looking to incorporate advanced techniques into their playing style. With the ability to play intricate rhythms and fast-paced beats with ease, you’ll have greater control over your sound and be able to produce more complex arrangements.

But keep in mind that the simplicity of the single sensor towards the bottom of each drum pad may limit some of the nuances in your playing, especially regarding complex bass drum patterns. We’ll discuss this further in the next section about sensors.

Not all electronic drum kits are ‘double kick friendly.’ If you’re considering purchasing a different model or brand of electronic drums, check if the kick pad tower is compatible with double pedals before purchasing. There’s nothing worse than getting a new e-kit home only to find you cannot play along to your favorite metal tracks.

Sensors

The drum pads have a single sensor towards the bottom of the pad. They’re highly responsive and can detect even the slightest touch. You can play with greater accuracy and precision on this kit, whether practicing your rudiments or jamming to your favorite songs.

In addition, the dual-zone snare pad on the Titan 50 is especially impressive. It has a rim-shot detection feature that responds quickly to each hit, giving you a more realistic sound and feel.

These sensors add extra depth and realism to your playing experience on the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit. Now let’s talk about how all this translates into feel and playability.

Feel & Playability

You’ll love the feel and playability of the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit. Its mesh snare and tom pads, adjustable tension, and responsive sensors make each hit come to life. 

The dual-zone snare pad allows for realistic rim-shot detection, while the cymbal pads offer just the right amount of response. The kick pad tower is wide enough to support double kick pedals, and the hi-hat cymbal can easily produce open, closed, and half-open sounds.

The Drum Rack

The pre-assembled rack is sturdy, made from metal, durable, and designed with your comfort and efficiency in mind. With mounting hardware and boom arms already in place, you can set up your kit quickly and easily.

The Simmons Titan 50 drum rack features adjustable heights for each pad, allowing you to customize your setup based on your preferences. The pads are securely mounted onto the rack, so you won’t have to worry about them shifting or moving during play.

You can fold the kit up when not in use and store it away in a closet with a bit of adjustment of cables and some pads. You need to buy a drum throne, as one is not included with the Titan 50.

Titan 50 Drum Module

The drum module of the Titan 50 is designed to provide immersive and dynamic practice or recording sessions. With its straightforward interface, this budget-friendly electronic drum kit offers a nice set of sounds produced specifically for this module.

I love the fact that it has a flip-up stand that holds your phone or smaller tablet.

Here are some features that make it stand out:

• The module has 25 preset drum kits, ten user kit slots for custom drum kits, and 187 overall drum voices.
• You can easily edit and save your customized kit using the configuration options available on the module.
• The metronome settings are standard, and nothing flashy is going on here.

Additionally, the song mode allows you to play with audio files or MIDI tracks, while practice mode lets you play with songs and score your accuracy.

Inputs & outputs also deserve mention, as they allow you to integrate your electronic drums seamlessly into your home studio setup.

Inputs & Outputs

The module has a variety of inputs, including a USB port for MIDI connectivity, an auxiliary input for playing along with music from your phone or MP3 player, and two additional trigger inputs for adding extra pads or cymbals to your setup.

There are also two outputs: one for headphones and one for connecting to an amplifier or PA system. The headphone output is excellent for practicing without disturbing others, while the main output can be used to amplify your sound in live performances or recording sessions.

Overall, the inputs and outputs on the Simmons Titan 50 offer plenty of flexibility and versatility regarding connectivity.

Now let’s discuss the sounds produced by the Titan 50.

Sounds

The sounds produced by the Titan 50 electronic drum kit are impressive, with various acoustic and electronic options. Here are some key features that make the sound quality of this kit stand out:

• The dual-zone snare pad allows for realistic rim-shot detection, providing an authentic playing experience.
• The cymbals have just the right amount of response and give, making them feel like an actual set of hi-hats or crashes.
• Thanks to 25 preset drum kits and 187 drum voices, there are plenty of sounds to experiment with.
• The acoustic drum sounds were recorded using 22 different microphones at London Bridge studio, resulting in a truly dynamic and powerful sound.

Compared to the Alesis Nitro Mesh, the Titan 50 wins out—there’s no comparison. The sounds from the drum module are leaps and bounds ahead of the Nitro Mesh. I am no huge fan of most drum module sounds, but the Titan does nail it for the price (I prefer VST drums like Superior Drummer 3 with e-drums).

Simmons also offers additional sound banks called Titan Packs you can load into the module. Currently, there are only two packs; hopefully, we will see more come out in the future.

Moving onto Bluetooth compatibility, it’s worth noting that the Titan 50 offers even more versatility in terms of connectivity options.

Bluetooth Compatibility

You’ll love how easy it is to connect your electronic drum kit to other devices thanks to the Bluetooth compatibility offered by the Titan 50. This feature lets you wirelessly connect your drum kit to your phone, tablet, or computer and use it as a MIDI controller for software instruments.

You can also play along with backing tracks through your device or stream music directly from a service like Spotify. The Bluetooth connectivity on the Titan 50 is a great addition that expands its versatility beyond just being an electronic drum kit.

It’s perfect for home recording studios or musicians who want to practice quietly without disturbing others. Overall, this feature adds even more value to an already impressive package of features, making the Simmons Titan 50 an excellent choice for beginner or budget-conscious drummers.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I was impressed with the features and value of the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit, especially for beginners or budget-conscious drummers. Here are some key points to consider:

• The double-layer mesh pads and low-profile rims give a realistic feel, especially with the dual-zone snare system for rim-shot detection.
• While the cymbal pads are basic and only single zone, they still offer the right amount of response and give.
• The sound library is limited but offers good-quality sounds explicitly produced for this module.
• Bluetooth, MIDI, and USB connectivity easily integrate your home studio setup. Plus, you can use it as a MIDI controller for software instruments.
• Practice tools like meter exercises can help improve your chops.

While there may be some limitations regarding pad features and sound libraries, the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started on drums without breaking the bank. It’s worth considering, with its impressive features and realistic feel. Compared to the Alesis Nitro Mesh, it’s night and day. The Titan 50 is by far the best entry-level electronic drum set for the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price range of the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit?

The price range of the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit varies depending on the retailer, but it typically falls in the budget or entry-level range for electronic drum kits. You can expect to spend around $400-$500 for this kit.

Is the Simmons Titan 50 suitable for advanced drummers?

The Simmons Titan 50 is an entry-level electronic drum kit suitable for beginners or drummers on a budget. While it offers excellent sounds and a realistic feel, it may not meet the needs of advanced drummers who require more features and customization options.

How does the sound library of the Simmons Titan 50 compare to other electronic drum kits in the same price range?

The Simmons Titan 50’s sound library may be limited compared to other electronic drum kits in its price range. However, it offers a nice set of sounds produced specifically for this module and the ability to edit presets, making it a decent option for beginners or budget-conscious drummers.

Can the Simmons Titan 50 be used as a MIDI controller for software instruments?

Yes, the Simmons Titan 50 can be used as a MIDI controller for software instruments. With Bluetooth, MIDI, and USB connectivity, it integrates easily with a home studio and offers editing options and presets for electronic sounds and world percussion.

Does the Simmons Titan 50 come with any additional accessories or expansion packs?

Yes, the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit has an expansion pack with an additional tom and crash cymbal. It is called the Titan 50 Expansion Pack and can be purchased separately.

Conclusion

Overall, the Simmons Titan 50 electronic drum kit suits beginners or those on a tight budget. The mesh snare and tom pads with adjustable tension provide a good feel during play, while the rim shot detection adds to the overall experience. However, the basic cymbal pads may leave more experienced drummers wanting more.

The kick pad tower is wide enough to support double kick pedals, making this kit versatile for various playing styles. While lacking in features on the pads, the drum module offers a nice set of sounds explicitly produced for this kit. It’s also easy to set up and comes with a 2-year warranty covering defects in workmanship and material.