I first checked out this kit back at NAMM in January (2024). I immediately noticed some of its more eye-popping features, like RGB color rings on the drum pads, cymbals, and the onboard tutorial program. The onboard lessons are a huge plus for beginners improving their timing, rudiments, etc.

Overall, this is an interesting new addition to the electronic drum market with high-end features and more entry-level touches that make this a decent all-around kit for those looking to grow into and not have to replace it right away. 

Donner is not exactly a household name in the world of electronic drums quite yet, but they are finding a nice groove with pricing and feature sets for new players looking to get a little bit more functionality for their money. The Backbeat is the most expensive of Donner’s e-kits by quite a margin at $1599.

You really need to want these extra features as the step-down is considerably less costly and probably also great for entry-level players, minus the bells and whistles. Aside from the show-stealing light-up pads and onboard learning software, several noteworthy features elevate the Backbeat to justify this higher price bracket.

The Donner Backbeat Electronic Drum Kit ($1599)

These standout features include:

  • RGB customizable lighting on drum pads and cymbals
  • A 7″ color touchscreen module 
  • Dual-zone mesh pads on all the drum heads 
  • Bluetooth connectivity and multi-track USB audio
  • Onboard tutorials to practice your timing, rudiments, and stick work

The Backbeat’s configuration includes two 8″ rack toms, a 10″ snare, 10″ floor tom, 10″ hi-hats, 12″ crash and ride cymbal pads, plus a sturdy 10″ kick tower which could easily be upgraded to a double bass drum pedal. The kit has a single bass pedal matching the standalone hi-hat controller pedal. Everything you need is in the box except for a stool (even a pair of sticks thrown in).

The kit’s hardware is well thought out and has proved very sturdy no matter how hard I hit the pads. The four-post rack has an innovative design twist: the module’s wiring loom is hidden inside. Exposed wires have always been a pet peeve of mine, and Donner has done a damn good job reducing the external cables. 

Is The Backbeat Drum Kit Easy To Set Up?

Overall, the setup was straightforward and took about twenty minutes or so once all the components were unboxed. The “brain” or module mounts directly onto the top of the end post, simultaneously connecting to the internal wiring. Small patch bays can be found at the end of each horizontal post, which helps with cable management and minimizes the length of cable needed to connect the pads. As a result, the upper part of the rack folds out and stays as one piece, leaving the legs and snare arm to be attached. 

After everything was set up and things felt good, the first thing I wanted to do aside from flipping through all the kits was to test the RGB lighting feature. In all fairness, this is a highly polarizing feature, and many drummers might find it corny, which is understandable. Since this is such a subjective feature, I will leave my opinion out of it and say that the feature works as promised, and I see how it could appeal to some. 

The menu offers a surprising number of options for color and customization of how the drums react when struck. These options include turning the light on and flashing brighter when struck or only illuminating when triggered. There’s also a setting where the color circles around the shell and an ambient mode that fades the light up and down, essentially turning the kit into a giant LED light.

The color of each drum and cymbal can be changed independently, which has great potential for teaching, especially with younger students. My daughter had more fun adjusting the colors than actually playing the kit, which can be done from the touchscreen module and the Donner Music app via Bluetooth. When not illuminated, the shells have a clean look that will appeal to most users. 

Unexpected Features!

The kit is generally solid and has some unexpected features, but it needs to match up with some competitors regarding overall playability and sample quality. The Backbeat is not your kit if you are a more experienced electronic kit user and can play at a higher level. The best feature, in my opinion, is the onboard tutorials that allow you to practice your stick work and timing; this is one of the features that sets the Backbeat apart if you are learning how to play, and it is not available in any other kit that I’ve seen. 

Depending on the user, the lights will either be a major selling point or just a gimmick. If it’s just a gimmick, then the Backbeat kit might not be the right choice for you, and you might look at some of their other models, which come in at less than half the price of Donner and other brands.

Who Is This For?

The Donner Backbeat is a great kit for beginners looking for a kit they can grow into, not just discard it when they outgrow it. The onboard tutorial software is easy to use and will help any newbie become tighter on timing and rudiments; you must put in the time. The cost is on the higher side, but again, this is for those who want to have this kit for a while and master it, so in that regard, it’s a good investment. For more experienced players, you will be immediately disappointed in the samples and latency; they have yet to get it exactly right. Some firmware/software upgrades might help with this. 

Rating 3.0/5 Stars 

For more information and to purchase, visit Donner’s Website Here

Pros

  • Dual triggers on drum heads
  • LED lighting option
  • 7″ full-color touchscreen module that is relatively intuitive to use
  • Wireless app control for quick customization
  • Onboard tutorials 
  • Solid build quality and cable management

Cons

  • It is a high price for an entry-level kit and might not be suitable for everyone
  • Samples and latency quality will fall short for more experienced players; this is something that, if fixed, could take this kit to a whole new level

The post The Donner Backbeat Electronic Drum Kit Review: Entry Level Percussions With Some Room For Imrpovements appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.