Evans B14HR Hydraulic Red Coated 14" Snare Batter 2-Ply

Evans Hydraulic Series: Iconic Sound and Extreme Durability

The Hydraulic series is a classic in the drumhead world. Its defining characteristic is the oil-filled construction, which inherently controls overtones and drastically shortens sustain, providing a signature pre-dampened sound. These heads are also incredibly durable and notably easy to tune, making them a "go-to" for problematic drums or for drummers who prefer a quick, hassle-free tuning experience.

14-inch Diameter for Snare Drum Batter

The "14" in "B14HR" indicates a 14-inch diameter drumhead. This is the standard size for the batter head (the top head you strike) of most snare drums.

Double-Ply Construction with a Thin Layer of Oil

The distinct sound and rugged durability of the Hydraulic series come from its unique build:

• Two Plies of 7 mil Film: The Red Hydraulic heads typically feature two plies of 7 mil (0.178 mm) film each, resulting in a robust 14 mil total thickness. This dual-ply design ensures maximum durability and a deep, full fundamental tone.

• Thin Layer of Oil: The crucial element is the thin layer of oil sandwiched between the two plies. This oil actively suppresses unwanted overtones and ringing, giving the head its characteristic short sustain and controlled sound. It also contributes to the "fat" tone that Hydraulics are famous for.

Red Coated Finish

The "HR" in the model name stands for "Hydraulic Red."

• Translucent Red Appearance: The head has a distinct, translucent red finish. This not only gives a bold and vibrant visual statement to your drum kit but also contributes to a slightly warmer and more focused sound compared to clear heads.

• Coated Surface: The surface is coated, which adds a subtle texture. This texture provides a bit more warmth to the sound, slightly softens the attack, and offers excellent brush response, making it suitable for genres where brushes are used.

Level 360 Technology for Optimal Fit and Tuning

Like all modern Evans drumheads, the B14HR incorporates Level 360 Technology. This innovative collar design ensures:

• Perfect Seating: The head sits evenly and completely flush with the drum's bearing edge from the moment it's placed, simplifying installation and maximizing contact for optimal resonance.

• Effortless Tuning: The improved contact and consistent collar profile allow for quicker, easier, and more stable tuning across the entire head's surface. Hydraulic heads are renowned for being exceptionally "easy to tune," a major benefit for both beginners and experienced drummers dealing with challenging drums.

• Extended Pitch Range: Drummers can still achieve a good range of pitches from their snare drum, despite the inherent dampening.

• Optimized Sound Quality: Ensures full and consistent contact with the drum shell, which is crucial for maximizing the drum's fundamental tone and articulation.

Sound Characteristics

The Evans B14HR Hydraulic Red Coated drumhead delivers a very specific and highly sought-after sound:

• "Fat, Deep, and Short" Sound: This is the hallmark of the Hydraulic series. It produces a powerful, low-end punch with minimal sustain and virtually no unwanted ringing.

• Controlled Overtone Suppression: The oil layer is highly effective at eliminating excessive high-frequency overtones and sympathetic ringing, resulting in a very "dry" and focused sound.

• Defined, Round Attack: A clear, solid stick impact that is punchy but not overly bright.

• Warm Tonal Character: The combination of the oil, double plies, and coated finish contributes to a warm, full-bodied sound.

• Easy to Tune: Extremely forgiving, making it an excellent choice for drums that are difficult to tune or for drummers who prefer minimal fuss.

• Great for Reverberant Rooms: The short sustain makes it ideal for live venues or recording spaces with excessive natural reverb, helping to tighten up the drum sound.

Intended Use

The B14HR is primarily a snare drum batter head (the head you strike). Its characteristics make it highly suitable for:

• Classic Rock (especially 1970s and 1980s tones): It's the quintessential head for achieving that iconic "wet blanket" or "thuddy" drum sound without needing external dampening.

• Funk, R&B, Pop: Excellent for styles where a tight, punchy, and highly controlled snare sound is desired to sit perfectly in a dense mix.

• Heavy Rock, Metal: Its extreme durability and focused power can easily withstand aggressive playing.

• Studio Recording: The pre-dampened nature significantly reduces the need for extensive post-production EQ or gating, streamlining the mixing process.

• Live Performance: Cuts through the mix effectively with a consistent, controlled tone, minimizing feedback issues and excessive stage wash.

• Beginner Drummers or Troublesome Drums: Its forgiving nature makes it a great solution for learning how to tune or for making poorly resonant drums sound much better.

• Visually Distinctive Kits: The vibrant red color adds a unique and aggressive aesthetic.