Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ Review: The Definitive Choice for Modern Drum Tones
We have all been there: you sit down at your kit, ready to lay down a groove, and your toms sound like cardboard boxes. No matter how much you turn the tuning key, the resonance is either choking or ringing out with unpleasant overtones. For years, I struggled with this “dead” drum syndrome, especially during high-stakes recording sessions where every frequency is magnified. The frustration of a drum that won’t “sing” can sap the creativity right out of a performance. This is why choosing the right drumheads is arguably the most critical decision a drummer makes, second only to the shells themselves. Without a high-quality surface to strike, even a five-thousand-dollar kit will sound lackluster. The Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ aims to solve this exact problem, offering a blend of durability and tonal clarity that has made it a staple in the industry for decades.
- Clear Emperor heads are made with two free-floating plays of 7 mil Mylar film
- Features consistent open tones
What to Consider Before Buying New Drum Set Tom-Tom Drumheads
A Drum Set Tom-Tom Drumheads is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for shaping the fundamental voice of your percussion instrument. When you strike a drum, the head is what translates that physical energy into sound waves. The right set of heads can compensate for a drum’s natural deficiencies, enhance its best qualities, and provide the “feel” under your sticks that allows for effortless ghost notes and powerful accents. Selecting the wrong heads, however, can result in a kit that feels sluggish or sounds thin and brittle in a live mix.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a drummer who plays with a moderate to heavy hand—someone facing the rigors of frequent gigging or long studio hours. These heads are perfect for rock, pop, R&B, and metal players who need their toms to cut through a dense wall of guitars and bass. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who play delicate, ultra-low-volume jazz or orchestral percussion, where a single-ply head might provide the extreme sensitivity they require. For those players, a thinner, more responsive head like a Remo Ambassador might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Ply Count and Thickness: The number of layers (plies) dictates the durability and sustain. Two-ply heads, like those in the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′, offer a deeper fundamental tone and more control over overtones than single-ply versions.
- Coated vs. Clear Finish: Clear heads provide more “attack” and a brighter sound with more “slap” on the initial hit. Coated heads are warmer and slightly more muffled. If you want maximum projection and clarity, clear is the way to go.
- Durability and Longevity: If you are a heavy hitter, you need a head that won’t pit or dent after one rehearsal. Look for high-quality Mylar construction that can withstand high-impact playing without losing its tension.
- Ease of Tuning: Some heads are notoriously finicky. High-quality packs are designed to sit flat on the bearing edge, allowing for a wider “sweet spot” in tuning, whether you like your toms “fat and low” or “tight and punchy.”
By understanding these variables, you can make an informed decision that elevates your playing experience. While the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- TWO PLIES: EC2S Clear heads use two plies of 7mil film for optimized tone, length of sustain, and ease of tuning.
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is coated to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans G2 heads are made with two plies of 7mil film.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′
When the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ arrived at our studio, the first thing I noticed was the consistent quality of the film. Unboxing a fresh “pro-pack” is always a satisfying experience for a drummer. The 12″, 13″, and 16″ sizes cover the most common “standard” drum kit configurations, making this an extremely convenient purchase. Upon inspection, the two free-floating 7-mil Mylar plies were perfectly aligned, and the “flesh hoop” (the aluminum rim) was sturdy and free of any manufacturing defects. In our hands, the heads felt substantial—stiffer than an Ambassador but more flexible than a heavily dampened Pinstripe. This balance is precisely what has made the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ a legend in the drumming world. It feels like a professional tool designed for high-performance music, and the polished finish gives it a sleek, modern look that complements any drum shell finish, from natural maple to vibrant sparkles.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional durability thanks to the dual 7-mil Mylar construction.
- Bright, cutting attack that excels in live, unmic’d environments.
- Incredible tuning versatility, performing well at both high and low tensions.
- Cost-effective pack pricing compared to buying heads individually.
Limitations
- May have too much “ring” for some drummers without additional dampening.
- The 13″ size is becoming less common in modern “fusion” kit setups.
The Deep Dive: Why the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ Rules the Stage
Two-Ply Architecture: The Science of Sound
The heart of the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ lies in its two-ply construction. Each head consists of two layers of 7-mil Mylar film. Because these plies are “free-floating”—meaning they are not glued together like some dampened heads—they can vibrate against each other slightly. We found that this interaction naturally suppresses some of the high-frequency “zing” that can make single-ply heads sound thin, while still maintaining a bright, open tone. In our testing, this resulted in a much “fatter” sound than we expected. When you hit a 16″ floor tom equipped with an Emperor Clear, you don’t just hear the attack; you feel a low-end thump that moves air. This is a crucial benefit for any drummer playing rock or R&B, where the tom fills need to have physical weight. We can confirm that the tonal architecture here provides a perfect marriage between the brightness of a clear head and the sustain control of a multi-ply design.
Tuning Versatility and Stability
One of the biggest hurdles we face as drummers is a head that won’t stay in tune. We put the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ through a grueling series of tests, including a three-hour rehearsal in a room with fluctuating temperatures—a notorious “tuning killer.” These heads held their pitch remarkably well. We found that the seating process was quick; once the heads were “cracked” (stretched initially), they settled onto the bearing edges with very little fuss. Even on a budget-friendly drum kit, as one user review suggested, these heads can transform the sound. We were able to tune the 12″ rack tom up for a poppy, melodic sound and then drop the 16″ floor tom down to just above a “wrinkle” for that massive, modern rock growl. The Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ is incredibly forgiving, making it an excellent choice for drummers who are still mastering the art of tuning.
Road-Tested Durability: The Heavy Hitter’s Dream
If you’re a heavy hitter, you know the pain of seeing a brand-new head dent after just a few songs. During our evaluation of the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′, we intentionally played with increased force to see how the Mylar would respond. The results were impressive. The dual-ply design absorbs shock much better than single-ply heads. We observed that the surface maintained its integrity, showing very little pitting even after aggressive session work. This durability translates directly to value. Instead of replacing heads every two weeks, you might find these lasting months, even with regular playing. One user mentioned using these heads for over 20 years as their “go-to,” and after our time with them, it’s easy to see why. You can invest in a set that stands the test of time, saving you both money and the headache of frequent head changes.
The “Clear” Advantage: Attack and Projection
In a live mix, the mid-range frequencies of the guitars and the low-end of the bass often “bury” the toms. This is where the “Clear” finish of the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ becomes a tactical advantage. Coated heads can sometimes sound too warm or muffled in a large room, but these clear Emperors have a sharp, percussive “crack” at the start of every note. We found that this helps the toms “pop” through the speakers when mic’d up, and carry further in small clubs when playing acoustically. Whether you are playing intricate gospel chops or straight-ahead hard rock, the projection offered here is top-tier. To truly elevate your drum kit’s sound profile, the clarity of the Emperor series is hard to beat.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment surrounding the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ is one of overwhelming trust. Many veteran drummers, some with over 25 years of experience, consistently return to these heads. One user noted that they “can’t beat ’em” for a deep, full sound, emphasizing that they even make low-priced sets sound decent. This aligns perfectly with our findings; the Emperor Clear is a great “equalizer” for different shell qualities.
On the positive side, users frequently praise the durability and “body” of the sound, with one reviewer stating it has been their “go-to tom head for well over 20 years.” Another drummer highlighted how easy they are to tune and how well they maintain that tuning during gigs. However, it’s important to note that a few users pointed out that for specific genres like jazz, these might be too “heavy” or dark, preferring a brighter single-ply head instead. One user also mentioned that while they are easy to get a “good” sound out of, getting a “perfect” studio-grade sound requires a bit more finesse with the tuning key—a sentiment we share, as all high-quality heads require a patient ear to truly dial in.
Comparing the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ to Its Top Alternatives
1. Evans G2 Coated Standard Tom Drum Heads
- COATED TOM HEAD: This tom head is coated to deliver additional warmth, focus, and depth.
- TWO PLIES: Evans G2 heads are made with two plies of 7mil film.
The Evans G2 is the most direct competitor to the Remo Emperor. Like the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′, it features two plies of 7-mil film. However, this specific alternative is coated. In our experience, the Evans G2 Coated offers a warmer, more “controlled” sound with slightly less initial attack than the clear Emperors. If you find the clear Remo heads a bit too “ringy” or bright for your taste, the G2 Coated is an excellent alternative. It provides a more vintage, rounded tone that works beautifully for classic rock and warmer studio environments, though it lacks the raw “bite” that the clear Emperors provide on the stage.
2. Evans Heavyweight Coated 14 Inch Snare Drumhead
- COATED DRUMHEAD: This coated drumhead is made for use as a drum set snare batter.
- FOR DURABILITY, FOCUS, ATTACK: Evans Heavyweight snare drumheads are made with two plies of 10mil film, plus a 3mil Reverse dot in the center of the head for even more durability, focus, and attack.
This is a bit of an outlier as it is a dedicated snare head, but it’s worth comparing if you are looking to match the durability of your toms to your snare. The Evans Heavyweight is significantly thicker, using two plies of 10-mil film. While the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ is designed for resonance and “singing” tom tones, the Heavyweight Snare head is built for maximum focus and extreme durability. If you are a metal drummer who breaks heads frequently, you might want to pair your Emperor toms with this Heavyweight snare head for a kit that is virtually indestructible. Just be aware that this snare head is much more muffled than the open-sounding Emperor toms.
3. Remo PP-1390-BA Ambassador Coated Tom Drumhead Pack (10″, 12″, 16″)
- Features enhanced attack with wider mid-range tones and increased durability
- Constructed with 1-ply 12-mil coated film
If you find that the two-ply Emperor heads are a bit too “stiff” or have too much “thud” for your playing style, the Remo Ambassador pack is the classic alternative. Ambassadors are single-ply (10-mil), making them much more resonant and sensitive. We recommend this pack for drummers who play jazz, fusion, or light pop where nuance and “ghost notes” are more important than sheer volume and durability. Note that the sizing is slightly different (10/12/16), which is common for modern “fusion” kits. Compared to the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′, the Ambassadors will ring longer and require more precise tuning to control overtones.
The Final Verdict on the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′
After extensive testing and comparison, the Remo PP-0970-BE Emperor Clear Drumhead Pack 12′, 13′ & 16′ remains one of the best investments any drummer can make. Its strengths lie in its incredible balance—it provides enough durability for the heaviest hitters while maintaining enough resonance for the most melodic players. It solves the problem of “thin” sounding toms by providing a rich, 2-ply fundamental tone that cuts through any mix. While it might be too aggressive for traditional jazz, its versatility across Rock, Pop, R&B, and Metal is unmatched. The value of the three-head pack is also a significant factor, offering professional-grade performance at a price that is accessible to hobbyists and pros alike.
If you are ready to stop fighting your drum kit and start enjoying a professional, consistent sound, we cannot recommend this pack enough. It is a industry standard for a reason. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to confirm what we’ve discovered. Don’t let your drums sound like an afterthought; secure your set today and hear the difference that a truly great drumhead can make.
Last update on 2026-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API