KickPort placement.  What’s best?
Where should I install the KickPort?

After years of research and development, we’ve found that:

Installing the KickPort halfway between the absolute center of the resonant head and its hoop provides the best overall frequency response range and low end for every bass drum size.

Watch this video that shows the process of installing a KickPort:

In this position, the air is “delayed” exiting the KickPort port hole and the sound waves have more opportunity to develop before exiting the drum.  Consequently, the note is longer, more focused, and more compressed – essentially a very punchy clean sound with a medium amount of sustain and enhanced attack.  This is the more widely used position for bass drum resonant head hole and very effective for KickPort with most drummers utilizing in 4-5 or 7-8 O’clock placement locations.

That said, if one is looking for minimal sustain with less shell resonance, the KickPort can be installed in the center of the head which is great for certain types of music.  In that center position, as it is directly across from the beater, the air is pushed directly out of the hole upon the beater’s impact with the bass drum batter head.  Because the air exits the drum quickly, the center hole location makes for less overall air movement and less sound pressure.  The result is a drier sound although shell type, drum size and tuning will also play a role.  It is also important to be aware that center placement does not necessarily enhance attack.  KickPort artist Jotan Afanador (Romeo Santos, Aventura) prefers this position in larger arena venues with these popular Bachata music artists.

In music as in any art, there is almost never only one right way to do something.  It involves taste and personal preference.  Sometimes the custom head graphics will dictate where the KickPort will fit in.  Please experiment and use this article to help guide your decision.  As long as there is a KickPort in your bass drum head, you will enjoy the enhancements it offers.

NOTE:
One thing to watch out for when making your hole, is where a perimeter control ring is on the inside of the drum head.

Not all heads have them, but it is something to be aware of.

You want the KickPort’s rubber collar to sit against one surface only.  If there is part a perimeter ring under a portion of the collar, there is a chance that it could cause an unwanted buzz as they vibrate at different intervals.

Simply place the T-Ring (template/reinforcement ring) a little farther from the head’s control ring.  Or VERY CAREFULLY cut away the ring that would be under the collar.

See all colors the KickPort comes in: http://kickport.com/shop/kickport

Custom: http://kickport.com/shop/kickport-custom-color-shop

Learn more about the KickPort in these videos: http://kickport.com/videos

If you haven’t tried the FX Series Ports for the rest of your kit: http://kickport.com/fx-series

The post Where to Place the KickPort on a Drum Head? appeared first on KickPort International.

Yes, you heard it right!  KickPort now offers Drum Corps Marching Ports!

 Meet the Mount Pleasant High School Battery

As one of the first schools to play the new FXMarching Ports in competition, Mount Pleasant turned heads and took home hardware!

Most notably, Mount Pleasant took home 2nd place at the 2014 Atlanta BOA Super Regionals. 

This was the first time in 11 years that Mount Pleasant competed in this high caliber competition. 

Competing in the 1A class, Mount Pleasant was the smallest and least funded school there.  So they had to be that much better against the larger schools with big budgets.  Without the big money distraction of props and effects, Mount Pleasant had to rely on their music and movements to compete.

Another impressive part of their story is that their drum line was made up of a majority of freshmen, and no seniors!  These kids progressed at an expedited rate thanks to their instructors, and their own hard work and discipline, developing a maturity beyond their years. 

FXMarching Benefits

FXMarching Ports are a great educational tool!

The FXM Ports deliver clear articulate notes, which means that they tell the truth! 
What you play is what is heard, for better or worse.  There’s no distortion or ringing to hide sloppy play behind, but when you are on, it sounds really on!  This forces drummers to work on their technique, and get better as a percussionist.  This increased articulation and removal of excessive ringing allows the drums to speak clearly, even in cement stadiums, domes, and indoor arenas. 

Improved projection!

Where the FXMarching Ports really shine, is 50 yards away in the audience and most importantly, the judge’s booth. 

The patented shape of our FXM Ports project these cleaner notes at a slightly higher volume, allowing each drum to clearly speak over long distances.  With our modern technology has allowed mic’ing other instruments to become more standard, the battery has lost some of its presence, by competing for attention over these louder amplified instruments.  FXM Ports help the battery cut through and be heard!

Like our original KickPort for the bass drum, the shape of the FXMarching Ports also increases the powerful low frequencies emanating from the drum.  These are the frequencies that you can not only hear, but feel in your chest.

One of the innate problems with marching bass drums in particular, is that when one head is struck, the sound is primarily projected out the opposite side of the drum.  The FXM Ports project sound out of both sides of the drum with every strike, giving you more consistency no matter what direction the battery is facing or which head is struck.

Percussion judge Matthew Mallery at the Mooresville Blue Devil Classic weeks before the BOA Super Regionals had this to say about the sound he heard from Mount Pleasant’s drum line:

“The contribution of the marching bass drum line has been really consistent.  A lot of other groups have had trouble with hearing the clarity amongst the different pitches of the drums.  Some have been really really boomy throughout the day.  But you guys have had a really good spacing and a really good interval between the drums in a musical sense, and it really helps when you are doing some of those run segments where you can really hear the intervals pretty clearly.  The clarity of tonal pitches in (Mount Pleasant’s) bass drums very clearly “spoke”.  The clarity between different drums was very good.  Very clearly hear the snare drums.  Other groups had clarity issues.  That can come from the arena with concrete bleachers.”

Ron Brown

It comes as no surprise, but behind most successful groups, are special leaders who know how to put people in situations where they can succeed.  A good leader knows the strengths of their group and sets up situations that play into them.  Special leaders also know how to push their group to get better to achieve something greater than they previously thought possible.

After talking to Ron Brown about drumming for a few minutes, you quickly realize that he not only truly loves music, but really understands it and knows how to manipulate all aspects of a drum to get the sounds he’s looking for.  As a member of the Vic Firth Education Program, a clinician,  session artists, and teacher; Ron is a talented man who won’t hesitant to help fellow musicians. 

With a firm yet gentle guiding hand, Ron helped the Mount Pleasant KickPort Kids become a finely tuned battery.

Ron told us that he absolutely believes that the FXMarching Ports helped his kids improve their playing and their scores.  Not only was there the technology helping them hear and project their music, but the thrill of doing something new!

Ron had a supporting cast of instructors who helped shape the larger marching band into an award winning group: the Band Directors Bart Tulbert and Keith Lee, fellow Percussion Instructor Brent Messenger, and many more.  And the parents, their tireless efforts make everything possible.

Video

Please watch this great documentary from DrumTalkTV about the Mount Pleasant Marching Band and their incredible journey to success with the aid of KickPort and our FXMarching Ports.

http://drumtalktv.com/portfolio/mt-pleasant-drum-line

 FXMarching Ports

FXM Ports work with all brands of heads and drums.  In Mount Pleasants situation, they used all Evan’s drum heads, Yamaha drums, and Vater sticks.  FXMarching Ports use 2 template/reinforcement rings, one on each side of the head, to prevent tearing.  Ported heads actually last just as long as unported heads; they do not compromise the integrity or longevity of the heads. 

The FXM Ports vibrate in tandem and independently with the drum head, doing something much more than simply having a hole in the shell.

FXM SnarePort    

1” FXM SnarePorts can be installed in any marching snare head.  Here is a Kevlar Remo Black Max pictured.  The FXM SnarePort differs from the standard FX-1SN for the drum kit by having foam stabilizers.

Clarity.
Remove excess ring from the snare drum.  Get crisp clean controlled notes without having to resort to using mufflers of any kind (tape, gels, or foams).

Add depth and body to the sound.
FXM SnarePort gives the drum more depth and low end.  Adding a rounder sound that has more punch, more volume and better projection thanks to the patented shape of the tube.  Get more from your cranked up Kevlar snare head.

Worried about water entering, relax.  Small portable FXM RainStoppers quickly cover the opening.

FXM Bass Drum Ports

Offered in 1” and 2” models, to fit all sizes of marching bass drums.  Foam stabilizers keep the port buzz free through any movement.

Improved clarity.
Excess ring from overly boomy bass drums can create a muddy soup of sound, making it hard to hear what’s being played.  FXM BD Ports allow each drum, each note, to be heard clearly.  Internals between drums becomes more distinct.

Port placement for indoor BD differs from outdoor to deal the extreme amount of ring and echoes from domes and gymnasiums.  Do it without muffling your drums with newspapers, foams, tapes, gels orother MacGyver fixes.

Increased projection.
FXM Ports project sound out of both sides of the drum no matter which head is struck.  Giving your sound more consistency with every strike, no matter what direction the battery is facing or which head is struck.

More Powerful
Our ports enhance the powerful low frequencies of the drums through our patented design.  You can still get a wide range of tuning with the ports, but you also get more low end that isn’t possible without the ports.  The low frequencies that you can feel more, and hit you in the chest.  Get your thump drum bumping!

Stay tuned for more info on FXMarching.  For questions and inquires please contact sales@kickport.com

The post KickPorts for Marching Drums? appeared first on KickPort International.

The post KickPort Overview appeared first on KickPort International.

One of many reasons drummers like to use the KickPort is you don’t need as much in your bass drum!

Let your shells be heard in clear articulate punchy notes!

Don’t muffle your drums with stuffing, feel them with KickPort!

The post Take The Stuffing Out! appeared first on KickPort International.

What Bass Drum Resonant Head to Choose for a KickPort?

All major drum head manufacturers including Aquarian, Evans & Remo have recognized KickPort International’s commitment to designing effective drum enhancement products. With well over 100,000 KickPorts sold to date, it has become not only an important accessory, but set a high bar for bass drum enhancement since the KickPort was first released in 2009. First and foremost, we deeply thank all you drummers who have used and continue to use our products – We believe in you and thank you for believing in us!

So what head do you choose for a KickPort? Over the years, we have received thousands of inquiries regarding drum head combinations – what we like…what we recommend. Our response has always been accompanied by the statement, “sound is very personal and although it flows through your ears, it must speak to your heart,” meaning there is no right or wrong….no universal best sound for everybody. That said, we do have some thoughts we would like to share based on what we have learned over the years with respect to the KickPort bass drum insert and resonant heads.

As all KickPort users are aware, the KickPort adds weight to the front head. Consequently, we encourage our drummers to use a head of at least 10 mil thickness which is fairly standard for the single ply resonant bass drum heads produced by most manufacturers.

Thinner 7 and 7.5 mil Resonant Bass Drum Heads

If a thinner head is used, we advise using two reinforcement rings (one on inside of head, one on outside of head) to add protection and reinforcement to the head.  These rings can be bought at your favorite local music store, or online: http://kickport.com/shop/t-ring/

The One Ring.  The Best Sized Ring to Use with your KickPort

The only “perfectly sized” ring on the market is the KickPort T-Ring (5.25″ interior hole size), although Aquarian does make a 5″ ring which will work. We designed our T-Ring with the idea installation and removal of the KickPort can be accomplished without removing the front head – that’s why we call if perfectly sized. The Aquarian 5″ diameter ring will work fine, just be aware you will have to remove the drum head, and remove the KickPort collar to install the port tube, after which you will need to re-install the KickPort collar which is easy to do.
SEE VIDEO: http://youtu.be/V0icZEnBKtU

Do note that the Remo Dynamo has a 5.375″ diameter hole, which is too large and can cause the KickPort to slip and even make noise or damage the unit. If you have a head with a pre-cut hole that is larger than 5.25” and not bigger than 6”, you can size down the hole using two reinforcement rings (one on inside of head, one on outside of head).
SEE VIDEO: http://youtu.be/A0_SmTF4VqU

We have also received inquiries about the use of 2-ply heads on the resonant side with the KickPort. If you like a deep, dark sound that has more thud and less sustain, it certainly can work as well – check it out and see what you think!

New Heads with KickPorts Facotry Installed:

For a tried and true setup right out of the box, KickPort does offer pre-cut heads with the KickPort factory installed. Available in the KickPort online store and Guitar Center.
Available in 20″, 22″, and 24″ sizes.

– Remo PowerStroke 3 ebony head (1 ply 10mil head with perimeter sound control ring) with factory installed black KickPort

– Evans EQ3 (1-ply 10mil head with perimeter sound control ring) with factory installed KickPort.
Only available through KickPort.com, coming soon for holiday 2014 season at Guitar Center.

What head to choose for a KickPort? It’s not a straight forward answer.  In music there isn’t right and wrong.  It’s subjective, and relates to personal preference.  If you don’t want to think about it, go with a Remo PowerStroke 3 or a Evans EQ3 with a KickPort factory installed.

Remember, a good new head with a KickPort can improve your drums sound, but good tuning is essential!

The post What Head to Choose for a KickPort? appeared first on KickPort International.

KickPort Famous Drummers – Walfredo Reyes CajonPort Demo

Then internationally renowned percussionist Walfredo Reyes Sr. is the latest of the KickPort famous drummers to stop by KickPort International’s headquarters in Northern California.  Walfredo played his Cajon for us, checked out the new FX Ports, and told us what he thinks about our products.  In short, he loves them.

CajonPort Demo

Walfredo has been a big KickPort and CajonPort user and supporter for many years.  Ever since he first saw and heard the KickPort’s drum and Cajon accessories in our early years at the NAMM Show.  Luckily, our schedules lined up allowing him to stop by our headquarters to play and hang out with us.

On the CajonPort, Walfredo says:
“It has a good, great, a great sound. Well Jesse this Cajon was made by a great maker in the Bay Area, in Concord. By the name of David Harvey. Who makes incredible Congas and everything. A house, everything. Cowbells! As you can see with the KickPort (CajonPort), the bass that I’m getting, that it didn’t have before.”

Walfredo is indeed one of the top drummers in the industry.  He has played with a list of whose who artists that stretches over the last 50 years. Here’s a few: Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett, Cachao, George Burns, Wayne Newton, Josephine Baker, and Debbie Reynolds. Impressive to say the least. Walfredo was one of the first drummers to incorporate Latin instruments into the standard drum kit to get a wider range of sounds.

Recently, Walfredo won Drum! Magazine’s 2014 Drummies Award for best Percussion Clinician.

Walfredo is the proud father of 3 successful sons in the entertainment industry. World famous percussionists Walfredo Reyes Jr., and Daniel de los Reyes (Zac Brown Band), and actor Kamar de los Reyes.

Walfredo endorses: Gon Bops, Regal Tip, Sabian, and KickPort

The post Walfredo Reyes Sr CajonPort Demo | KickPort Famous Drummers appeared first on KickPort International.

KickPorts colors to match your kit, and custom bass drum heads.

While black and white KickPort colors will match just about anything under the sun.  For those with a bolder desire for color and flair, there are 9 total colors to choose from.  Black, White, Chrome, Gold, Blue, Red, Candy, Granite, and Silver Sand.

The way light bounces off of the metallic colors of Chrome and Gold is truly awesome when lit up on stage.  Especially when they match your hardware.  See famous drummers Omar Phillips of OutKast and Alex Gonzalez of Mana sporting the metallic KickPort colors.

Don’t forget the sparkle of Element Series KickPort colors: Candy, Granite, and Silver Sand

Red and Blue. Fire and Ice. Hot and cold.  Whatever you need to match your kit and custom bass drum heads

(FX-1SN snare port slipped into the photo)

There are also a few custom KickPort colors that are available for a limited time only
http://kickport.com/shop/kickport-custom-color-shop/

The post KickPort Colors for Every Mood appeared first on KickPort International.

KickPort is proud to have so many famous drummers win Drum! Magazine’s 2014 Drummies! Readers Choice Awards!

KickPort artists always strive for the best sound from themselves and their instruments.  KickPort couldn’t be happier to see our famous drummers are being recognized for their excellent body of work, incredible skills, and signature sounds!  From the KickPort, to the CajonPort for the Cajon drum, and to the FX Series for the rest of the drum kit, KickPort International is providing tools to help drummers achieve the best possible sounds.

Big congratulations and thank you to the all KickPort endorsing winners of the 2014 Drummies!  And a thank you to the fans and readers, for supporting these great drummers!

Aaron Spears
Best Gospel Drummer

Walfredo Reyes Sr.
Best Percussion Clinician

Derek Roddy
Best Extreme Metal Drummer

Daniel de los Reyes
Best Rock /Pop/Hip-Hop Percussionist
And
Percussionist of the Year

Pete Lockett
Best World Percussionist
And
Vic Firth Pete Lockett Signature Series won Best Signature Sticks

The best of the best are using KickPort products, are you?

See all winners and nominated artists:
http://www.drummagazine.com/drummies/artist-archive/2014

The post KickPort Famous Drummers Win Drum! Magazine 2014 Drummies appeared first on KickPort International.

Sam Ash
Becoming a Professional Drummer

with

Ronald Lee

Sam Ash, KickPort, and Evans drum heads combined with professional drummer Ron Lee for a great clinic and jam session at the Sam Ash store in Puente Hills California recently on July 25th.  As always, Ron showed up with his Crush Drums 22″ bass drum equipped with a black KickPort.  Ron used to prefer the chrome KickPort saying, “My chrome port REALLY sounds amazing in my kit. Giving my kick great low end!”

Ronald lee is a versatile drummer who has been cultivated by his diverse experiences in:
– Gospel
– Jazz
– R&B
– Rock
– Latin

Ron started his percussion career under 10 years old, playing gigs in his local church.  Through his years of professional work, Ron has played with many top tier musicians including:
– Grammy Award Winner Faith Evans
– Grammy Nominated Tyrese
– J-records artist Next,
– Stax Records’ artist N’Dambi- American Idol Semi-finalist Clint Jun Gamboa

Ron will follow up this Sam Ash clinic with another event at Guitar Center in Brea, California on Thursday August 7th.  For a great event show up and enjoy yourself.

Watch Ron do his thing.

Ronald Lee endorses:
Crush Drums, Evans Drumheads, Valor Drumsticks, Trexist Cymbals, and KickPort.

The post Sam Ash Clinic with Ron Lee appeared first on KickPort International.

Cirque du Soleil Drummer Didi Negron Plays KickPort

KickPort is proud to have so many drummers and percussionists in Cirque du Soleil shows.  Meet Didi Negron, KickPort drummer in Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Amaluna’.  What helps Didi’s sound hit so hard, KickPort!  Both Didi and the ‘Amaluna’ Head of Sound Francois Lenteigne consider the KickPort to be essential part of their drum kit.

FX Series

Didi and Francois are also users of KickPort’s new FX Series Sound Ports for the rest of the drum kit.  Didi loves how the FX Series Ports remove ring, while increasing articulation and attack.  She has her snare drum ported with the 1″ FX-1SN snare port.  Her floor toms ported with the 1″ FX-1RT on her 14″ floor tom, and the 2″ FX-2FT on her 16″ floor tom.  Check out these shots below from Didi’s Instagram feed.  She chose to place the ports on the batter head for punchy articulate notes.

A Little About Didi

Nellyris “Didi” Negron is a powerful and versatile drummer with musical ability to spare.  The Cirque du Soleil touring show ‘Amaluna’ keeps Didi pretty busy by playing 9-10 shows a week!  Fortunately for the world, she seems to have an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.  Didi still finds time to teach on the side, and was on the HLAG (Hit Like A Girl) judging panel earlier this year.  Didi has a contest background, winning 1st place in LP’s 2010 Coverband competition, and was a finalist in the Guitar Center Drum-Off.  Her musical abilities extend beyond the world of percussion.  Didi is also known to sing (well), and play around with the bass guitar, saxophone, and even the trombone.  Thanks to her great musical ear,  and solid musical foundation.  Didi also finds time to be the musical director at the helm of her own band 4Truth.

At seven years old, Didi got what she wanted most for Christmas, a white Pearl drum set!  Didi was originally a self taught drummer playing gospel in church.  Her playing progressed and diversified, bringing her to the prestigious Berklee School of Music.  Majoring in Music Performance, where she studied under Bob Kaufman, Kim Plainfield, Terri Lynne Carrington, Dave DiCenso and Ralph Peterson.

Can’t get enough Didi?  Not to worry.  Pick up the latest issue (#18 the Rebel Issue) of Tom Tom Magazine (a magazine about female drummers) with Fay Milton of Savages on the cover.  There are also featured articles about Gina Schock of the Go Go’s, and the band TEEN.
Wonder what it’s like to play in a Cirque du Soleil show?  Watch this video about a day at work for this Cirque du Soleil drummer (before she installed her new FX Series Ports).

Day at work: http://youtu.be/WndRpATZX0A

 Didi is an inspiration for men and women alike.  She is one of the most talented drummers out there (period).  If you have a chance to see Didi Negron in Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Amaluna’, I highly recommend it.

Didi Negron endorses Gretch Drums, Vater, LP, Sabian Cymbals, Roland V-Drums, and KickPort.

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