Evans B14STD ST Dry Coated 14" Snare Batter 2-Ply

Evans ST Dry Series: Super Tough with Built-In Control

The ST Dry series combines the ruggedness of a heavy-duty drumhead with precision overtone control. It's built for drummers who hit hard and need a snare sound that is both powerful and devoid of excessive sustain or troublesome high frequencies.

14-inch Diameter for Snare Drum Batter

The "14" in "B14STD" 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 Precision-Drilled Dry Vents

The B14STD's unique sound and durability come from its specific construction:

• Two Plies of 7.5 mil Film: The head consists of two plies of 7.5 mil (0.19 mm) Mylar film each, totaling 15 mil in thickness. This robust double-ply construction ensures superior durability and a deep fundamental tone, capable of withstanding heavy hitting.

• Precision-Drilled Dry Vents: A key feature of the "Dry" series is the series of small, precision-drilled holes located around the perimeter of the head. These vents are strategically placed to:

  • Reduce Overtones: They allow air to escape in a controlled manner, effectively minimizing excessive high-frequency ringing and unwanted harmonic content.

  • Control Sustain: The vents contribute to a quicker decay, resulting in a drier, more focused snare sound without choking the drum's natural voice.

Coated Finish for Warmth and Brush Response

The "STD" in the model name specifically refers to "ST Dry" with a coated finish.

• Textured Coating: The surface features Evans' signature white textured coating. This coating adds a subtle warmth and slightly softens the initial stick attack.

• Brush Playability: The textured surface is also excellent for playing with brushes, providing a smooth and consistent "swish" sound, which is essential for various genres.

Level 360 Technology for Optimal Fit and Tuning

Like all modern Evans drumheads, the B14STD incorporates Level 360 Technology. This innovative collar design ensures:

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

• Effortless Tuning: The improved contact and consistent collar profile allow for quicker, easier, and more stable tuning across the entire head's surface.

• Extended Pitch Range: Drummers can achieve a wide array of usable 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 B14STD ST Dry Coated drumhead delivers a sound profile characterized by:

• Defined Attack: A clear, sharp, and powerful stick impact.

• Focused and Dry Sound: The precision-drilled vents effectively control overtones and shorten sustain, resulting in a tight, articulate, and "dry" sound.

• Full-Bandwidth Rimshot: Despite the dampening, it's designed to provide a rich and cutting rimshot sound.

• Warm Tonal Character: The coating contributes to a warm, rich tone.

• Responsive: Despite its thickness, it remains quite sensitive to dynamics, allowing for nuanced playing.

• Excellent Projection: Designed to cut through loud mixes while maintaining clarity.

Intended Use

The B14STD is primarily a snare drum batter head (the head you strike). Its characteristics make it exceptionally suitable for:

• Heavy Hitters: Its robust double-ply construction makes it highly durable and resistant to aggressive playing.

• Rock, Metal, Pop, Funk: Ideal for genres where a powerful, focused, and controlled snare sound is crucial.

• Studio Recording: The inherent overtone control and dry sound can significantly simplify mixing, reducing the need for external gates or EQ.

• Live Performance: Cuts through loud mixes effectively with a consistent, controlled tone, minimizing feedback issues.

• Drummers who prefer minimal external dampening: The built-in dry vents do the work for you.