The Pearl Musical Instrument Company founded in 1952 predominately manufactures drums kits, shell packs, drum hardware and percussion instruments.  For more info check out the Pearl Drums review.

While Pearl has a long history of producing acoustic drum kits, they have recently introduced a line of electronic drums called the ePro Live which is heavily promoted by Motley Crue drummer and artist Tommy Lee.

 

ePro Live

The unique element behind the Pearl ePro Live drum kit is that at first glance, the drums look fully acoustic.  The drum kit hardware is real along with the shells including genuine sizes at 10, 12 and 14 inch toms, a 14” snare and 20” bass drum.  This allows the drummer to practice using the same mechanics as they would on a traditional acoustic set.   Additionally, the ePro Live has the capability to be converted between fully electronic and acoustic drums by changing out the drum heads and cymbals.

Driving the ePro Live is the r.e.d. (Real Electronic Drums) box drum module which features 128MB RAM capacity, 1,000 on board sounds, 100 preloaded kits and 100 custom user defined kits.  Pearl also partnered with drum samplers, Toontrack, Zildjian and Steven Slate Drums to give the drummer the ability to flash the memory of the r.e.d. box on the e Pro with newer high-end rum acoustics.

 

 

ePro Live Features, Components and Configuration

The ePro live mounts on the Icon e-Rack and utilizes seven pipe clamps, three tom holders, two cymbal holders, a hi-hat holder, snare stand and universal clamp to support the drums shells and cymbals.  What is the most versatile part about the kit however are the EPAD Pearl electronic drum heads which attach like acoustic heads and offer dual zone sound recreation.

Because Pearl’s Tru-Trac electronic heads fasten like traditional drum heads, it allows the drummer to sub any other popular head such as Remo or Evans on the shells.  The cymbals included in the kit are Pearl’s ECC real brass high-end electronic cymbals which feature a 3-zone ride and crash as well as realistic hi-hat triggers.  Rubber cymbals pads or traditional cymbals can also be substituted.

 

Pearl ePro Live Review & Price

Priced at between $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the selected options, the ePro Live kit aggressively competes with Yamaha’s and Roland’s mid to high range electronic drum kits.  However, given that the ePro offers a traditional drum kit look, with the option to play it acoustic, the ePro retains a unique competitive edge over the market space.

Updated: Since the writing of this article Pearl has discontinued the ePro Live

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