Description
Optimized Shell Composition
Why spec each drum the same? The Reference optimizes the shell blend, wood thickness, and bearing edges for each drum. This means you get the
perfect dynamic range and tone from each drum. No compromises.
How are they optimized?
The Pearl Reference 20'' Fusion Shell Pack utilizes three different shell materials that have stood the test of time. Both bearing edges and wood plies vary to produce the cleanest cut from the rack toms, and the deepest boom from the floor toms and bass drum.
Three time proven woods
Maple is used throughout all of the drums for its balanced sound and wide dynamic range. The only drum to feature an all-maple construction is the 12'' rack tom. This is due to the smooth, balanced tone provided by maple - just what you want for a mid tom.
Birch is heavily incorporated with maple on the 8'' (not included) and 10'' toms, providing the ideal amount of cut and projection just where it's needed.
Then, all larger drums feature a blend of African mahogany and maple, with the mahogany ratio increasing with the size of the drum. This relatively soft hardwood provides a dramatic boost in low frequencies. That's a winning combination for maximum bass response.
Dynamic drum thickness
To achieve the optimum projection for each drum, the larger drums (floor toms, bass) feature a thicker, 8-ply construction. This increases the energy of the drums so they can be heard alongside the higher frequencies, providing a well-balanced sound that's tailor-made to excel in the studio.
Task specific bearing edges
Bearing edges affect every aspect of the drum sound. On the Reference, tom drums 8'' through 13'' feature 45° round bearing edges. That provides you with cutting attack and projection, all balanced with a solid punch from the rounding.
For maximum kinetic energy between head and shell, floor toms and bass drums on the Reference drum kits use a fully rounded bearing edge. This provides maximum resonance and a deep punch that can be felt as much as it can be heard.
Superior Shell Technology (SST)
Each shell is carefully manufactured to achieve the ultimate air chamber. The shell materials are milled to precise thickness with overlapping scarf joint seams to create an air-tight fit. The plies are saturated together using Pearl's AcoustiGlue that dries to the same consistency as the wood for maximum resonance. At the end of the process, the shells are shaped in high-temperature molds with 1000 PSI of hydraulic pressure. You can rest assured each shell is formed to perfection, giving you the purest tone and maximum shell strength.
Ultra high-gloss finish
Pearl uses a 31-step process to create unique finishes on their drums. This signature finish makes them instantly recognizable as Reference drums. Up close you can see the incredible depth of the layers. Artistically painted and polished for an immaculate look and increased durability. You can see that the painstaking 31-step process is worth it.
Minimal contact Pearl hardware
The shell may be what drives the tone and character, but hardware is just as important. That's why Pearl ensures they reach the same level of perfection with their hardware as they do with their drum shells.
BRL bridge lugs
These lugs and floor tom brackets provide maximum resonance with minimal shell contact. The Pearl BRL lugs ensure the best in tuning integrity. The unique swivel function allows the tension rods to align perfectly with the lugs to ensure no lateral pressure against the hoops. This ensures maximum resonance and sustain.
OptiMount suspension system
The OptiMount provides zero interference with the tom drums, giving those time-proven shells maximum breathing room.
Mastercast die-cast hoops
Using precise manufacturing techniques, Pearl has engineered state-of-the-art head seating and tuning abilities. The MasterCast die-cast hoops feature a system that prevents binding, allowing the shell to resonate to its maximum potential.
More Hardware Features
- Telescopic bass drum spurs with rubber and spike tips for maximum traction control
- Built-in memory locks on the floor tom keep positioning perfectly set
- Air suspension rubber tips rest your floor tom on a cushion of air allowing maximum resonance
- Rubber hoop isolators prevent scratches from the bass drum claws and provide evenly distributed tuning
Specifications
- Shell Construction: 6-ply, 5.4mm rack toms & bass drum, 8-ply, 7.2mm floor tom
- Shell Materials:
- Bass Drum: 2-Ply maple, 4-ply mahogany
- Rack Tom 1: 4-ply maple, 2-ply birch
- Rack Tom 2: 6-ply maple
- Floor Tom: 4-ply maple, 4-ply mahogany
- Bearing Edges:
- Bass Drum: Fully rounded
- Rack Tom 1: Rounded 45 degree
- Rack Tom 2: Rounded 45 degree
- Floor Tom: Fully rounded
- Hardware: Chrome
- Hoops: MasterCast Die-Cast
- Lugs: BRL bridge lugs
- Drum Heads: Remo Powerstroke 3 bass drum heads, Remo Clear Emperor tom heads
- Finish: Purple Craze ll