Millenium MPS-850: A Comprehensive Review

The Millenium MPS-850 is a feature-packed electronic drum kit that caters to drummers of all levels. With its wide range of drum voices, robust build, and budget-friendly price, it’s a popular choice for beginners and intermediate players who want a versatile kit for practice, recording, or live performances. Here’s a closer look at what the MPS-850 has to offer.

Design and Build Quality

The MPS-850 features a durable design with components that are well-suited for both home and studio use.

Drum Pads: The kit includes dual-zone mesh snare and tom pads, which provide a more realistic drumming feel compared to rubber pads. The dual-zone capability allows for head and rim triggering, expanding creative possibilities.
Cymbals: The kit includes three cymbals (crash, ride, and hi-hat) with choke functionality and three trigger zones (for the ride). The large playing surface makes them responsive and enjoyable to play.
Hardware: The frame is sturdy and easy to assemble, ensuring stability during play. Adjustable components allow drummers to customize the setup to their preferred ergonomics.
Hi-Hat Controller: The included hi-hat pedal is responsive, but some users note that it lacks the nuanced feel of higher-end models.

Sound Module

The MPS-850 comes with a powerful drum module that offers an impressive range of features for its price point.

Drum Kits and Voices: The module features 40 preset kits and 25 user kits, along with 550 drum sounds. These include realistic acoustic drum kits, electronic kits, and a variety of percussion sounds, catering to multiple genres.
Customization: Users can fine-tune individual drum sounds, including parameters like pitch, reverb, and sensitivity. This level of customization is a standout feature in this price range.
Connectivity: The module includes MIDI and USB ports, allowing integration with DAWs, virtual instruments, and recording software. There’s also an aux input for jamming along with backing tracks.

Playability

One of the highlights of the MPS-850 is its playability.

Mesh Pads: The mesh snare and tom pads provide a responsive and dynamic feel, closely mimicking the experience of playing an acoustic kit. The adjustable tension adds an extra layer of customization for drummers who want a more tailored response.
Dual- and Triple-Zone Triggers: The dual-zone drum pads and triple-zone ride cymbal enable expressive playing techniques, making this kit a great choice for intermediate players looking to expand their skills.
Quiet Operation: The mesh heads and rubber cymbals significantly reduce noise, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or late-night practice sessions.

Performance and Versatility

The MPS-850 performs admirably across various scenarios:

Practice: Built-in features like a metronome, play-along tracks, and the ability to create custom kits make it a fantastic tool for practice.
Recording: With MIDI and USB connectivity, the kit integrates seamlessly with digital audio workstations (DAWs), enabling high-quality recording and drum programming.
Live Performance: While its sound quality is more suited to practice and recording, the MPS-850 can be used in live settings with appropriate amplification.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable price for a feature-packed electronic drum kit.
Mesh drum heads for a realistic and responsive feel.
Dual- and triple-zone triggers for enhanced expressiveness.
Wide range of sounds and customizable kits.
USB and MIDI connectivity for recording and integration with DAWs.

Cons:

Hi-hat pedal lacks the finesse of higher-end models.
Cymbal choking is not as responsive as on premium kits.
Sound quality, while good, doesn’t fully match high-end competitors.

Who Is It For?

The Millenium MPS-850 is best suited for:

Beginners and Intermediate Players: Its affordability and range of features make it a great starting point for drummers looking to learn and develop their skills.
Home Studio Enthusiasts: The USB/MIDI integration and customizable kits make it a strong choice for recording and programming.
Apartment Dwellers: The quiet operation of the mesh pads makes it perfect for practicing without disturbing neighbors.

Conclusion

The Millenium MPS-850 is a fantastic electronic drum kit for its price point, offering features that rival more expensive models. Its versatile sound module, mesh pads, and expressive triggering make it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a reliable and customizable kit. While it may not satisfy the needs of professional drummers seeking premium sound and hardware, the MPS-850 provides outstanding value for those looking to explore the world of electronic drums.

Whether you’re practicing at home, recording tracks, or experimenting with new sounds, the Millenium MPS-850 has the tools to help you elevate your drumming experience.