RWE Compressor tuning rim

The compressor tuning rim

Resulting from detailed frequency analysis, audio comparison, and feedback, professional players have confirmed that after an intensive year of development, this innovative tuning system is now ready for marketing.

The compressor tuning frame is a funnel shaped, relatively high tuning rim, which influences the overtones and the overall frequencies of the bodhrán in a positive way. Drums fitted with the compressor rim show a more defined, clear and dry sound compared to a classical tuning system, therefore these drums can be heard better when mixed with other instruments without being loud or obtrusive. The clear sound makes the compressor tuned drums your best choice not only for studio work and in an amplified live environment, but also for acoustic sessions.

If you compare the structure of overtones to a classical bodhrán you will realize that the compressor frame provides a more regulated and a clearer structure. This means that the partial tones have a sharply bounded line and undefined overtone areas are often compressed to one defined overtone. Since all overtones are well structured it is easier to mix the drum either on stage or studio. The bass is also less boomy/roaring and better controlled.

Another advantage, apart from the positive influence of the sound, is more playing comfort. The funnel tuning rim gives the skin hand a nice rest. As no screws are touched, you get a comfortable and ergonomic place for your skin hand.

In today’s bodhrán world, tunable bodhráns using a tuning rim inside the frame are quite common. When, half a century ago, the tuning rim found its way into the bodhrán, this really changed the drum’s tonal characteristics. Before that, the wooden frame had been the only part of the drum that caused the drum skin to vibrate. Today, there are many more parts involved. Components such as reinforcement frames, tuning pegs, pressure screws, tuning screws, and holding screws influence the drum’s vibrational behavior through their own natural vibrations. Depending on construction and material, natural vibrations can build up or cancel each other out; they can become amplified or dampened. This can lead to an overall unbalanced frequency spectrum.In today’s bodhrán world, tunable bodhráns using a tuning rim inside the frame are quite common. When, half a century ago, the tuning rim found its way into the bodhrán, this really changed the drum’s tonal characteristics. Before that, the wooden frame had been the only part of the drum that caused the drum skin to vibrate. Today, there are many more parts involved. Components such as reinforcement frames, tuning pegs, pressure screws, tuning screws, and holding screws influence the drum’s vibrational behavior through their own natural vibrations. Depending on construction and material, natural vibrations can build up or cancel each other out; they can become amplified or dampened. This can lead to an overall unbalanced frequency spectrum.

A bodhrán player may notice frequency gaps when modulating the sound of the bodhrán with the skin hand. There may be certain areas in which the drum sounds dampened, empty, or “dead“. The more the overall sound of the bodhrán is influenced by the natural vibrations of its components, the higher the potential for interferences and unpredictability.

So wouldn’t it be better if the tuning rim worked as much as possible with the skin and as little as possible with the outer frame? Wouldn’t it make sense to keep the components that might interfere with the vibrations away from the vibrating system as much as possible?