New Sonor Kompressor Metal Snare Drums | 8 Models Reviewed!

We review all 8 models of the NEW Sonor Kompressor metal snare drums! If you like them, you can buy them from us using the links below the chapter selection!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Metal Snare Drum History
01:16 Sonor Kompressor Overview
03:39 Kompressor Steel 14x5.75
06:01 Kompressor Steel 14x6.5
08:32 Kompressor Brass 14x5.75
10:46 Kompressor Brass 14x6.5
13:07 Kompressor Brass 13x7
15:43 Kompressor Aluminum 14x5.75
18:01 Kompressor Aluminum 14x6.5
20:13 Kompressor Aluminum 14x8
23:07 Head 2 Head Komparison
Buy the Sonor Kompressors here:
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x5.75 Chromed Steel
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-140575-SDS
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x6.5 Chromed Steel
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-1465-SDS
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x5.75 Black Nickel Plated Brass
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-140575-SDB
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x6.5 Black Nickel Plated Brass
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-1465-SDB
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 13x7 Black Nickel Plated Brass
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-1307-SDB
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x5.75 Polished Aluminum
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-140575-SDA
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x6.5 Polished Aluminum
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-1465-SDA
Sonor Kompressor Snare Drum 14x8 Polished Aluminum
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/KS-1408-SDA
Drum kit used in this video: Sonor SQ2 Vintage Maple in African Marble
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/
Cymbals Used:
Sabian HHX Complex Thin Ride Cymbal 22
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/12210XCN
Sabian HHX Complex Medium Big Cup Hi Hat Cymbals 15"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/11502XBCN
Microphones used to capture the drums:
Bass Drum:
Audix D6 Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-d6...
Audix A133 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-a1...
Snare Drum:
Audix i5 Dynamic Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-i5...
Audix ADX51 Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-ad...
Toms:
Earthworks DM20 Small-diaphragm Condenser Drum Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
Overheads:
Earthworks SR25 Small-diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
Room Mics:
Earthworks QTC30 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
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[@drumcenternh]

To answer a FAQ, these drums have a seam.

[@wesleydavidson7525]

I recently called in to order something over the phone and I heard a snare in the background, and I asked the sales rep “is that a recording or a real snare?” He said that’s a real snare and that Tony was filming some new snares. I’m guessing it was these! They sound great!

[@drumcenternh]

That would be correct Wesley!

[@nawsnivek]

The 13 x 7 sounds amazing!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

You're right. I skipped ahead just to listen to it. Wow!

[@ryanboyce3365]

13” snare drums are awesome. This one is no exception.

[@dimitarbozhinovski1383]

You know what is best

[@dr.threatening8622]

It sounds like a sample

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

Came here to say the same thing

[@steverichdrummr]

I could listen to Tony play all day, and man he got a workout on this one. Great job guys.

[@tinterlande]

Thanks Steven, you are too kind!

[@danecampbell639]

Great video! I'd struggle to choose just one. All the steel shells sound great, the 3x7 and 14x6.5 brass sound awesome and the 14x6.5 aluminium is probably the best of the aluminium options even though that 14x8 is a beast.

[@boogingtonthunderwood8969]

Shane, what a wonderfully executed vid!

[@ghostdrums]

Great you made a head 2 head Komparison this time. 😄Suits the Kompressor snares really well. 👍

[@ricrocren]

Thanks for the review and great drumming! I checked out this video because I already had it in my head I was going to purchase the 14x6.5" Brass drum, just on principle, without even a listen. However, now I've seen and heard them all and I really like the Steel drums, both sizes! As for looks, the Aluminum drum is sleek and gorgeous to the eye, especially the 14x8". They all sound great so I guess its really all about what you're going for. Great video!

[@krusher74]

yeah we often buy the one we romantically think will sound the way we want in our heads, but this is the right way to really tell what to buy.

[@rogerpye1865]

They all sound great. I have to say though that the Aluminum have the best tone for my ear. Great video - as always!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching!

[@pannocchio]

Great review! I've had a lot of vintage and non vintage snares: ludwig, slingerland, gretsch, tama, premier, pearl and so on.. I then bought a $1200 sonor artists series steel snare. it's the best I've ever had. Now with the Kompressor steel snare you can get the same sound for less.

[@patsquid1579]

Prices are

[@jawoody9745]

You guys put on a hell of a demonstration, and provide tons of knowledge! Thank you! Now tell Sonor to get the same color for drums as Suburu has for cars.

[@LordAlwyn]

Shane, I remember seeing you play during Clash of the Titans: Rush vs Tool. Wow, amazing playing that stuck in my memories until this day. It inspired me enough to bug the heads of the Clash to let me form a Deftones group for their Deftones vs Nine Inch Nails night. I gotta get down there to Portsmouth and check out the shop. Cheers!

[@user-tl8sx5cz8z]

Thanks for the video. I very much like the 13*7 in low as well as high tuning., Need to check it myself at my local dealer.

[@readrepairs]

Brilliant review. Excellent planning.

[@sammcdouall4849]

What a great sounding line of affordable Sonor snares. Please consider selling & reviewing snares from PA Lovetone. Australian hardwood drums that are 100% solid shells

[@MaTTheWish]

Great Demo, great drums...

[@dreamdrummer01]

Great snares, but I'm having a Universal 14x8 with die cast hoops. Love your videos!!!

[@mgdrummer77]

I picked up a 6.5x14 aluminum about a month ago and have had it out on a few gigs so far. I didn't realize (because the specs were kinda kept secret until now) that it's got a 2mm thick shell. You can feel and hear that extra mass when you play it, say, versus a Supra, etc. I think these are going to do well for Sonor. Great video!

[@surfsubotnikerfurt2278]

Great Sound-Concept. My favorite is the 14x6,5" Brass.

[@drumcenternh]

Good choice!

[@markkeneson6806]

My favorite drum was the floor tom. It sounded awesome.

[@TheCapedCrusader94]

The drought is finally over! It's always exciting time when Sonor brings out new instruments and these sound as great as any Sonor drum. The history bits in the intros are always appreciated as I didn't know that Sonor started the whole metal snare drum business, cool stuff!

[@jakedamphier2445]

I just added the 14x6.5” chrome over steel Kompressor. My first Sonor drum, although I do have Sonor hardware (4,000 series kick pedal, 4,000 series double boom stand, 1,000 series hardware pack with 2 boom stands, hi hat stand and snare stand). I have 3 kits - a Yamaha SC 7-piece for at home and solo practice sessions. I gig with a Mapex Armory 6-piece (2 up, 2 down) and record on a Tama Starclassic Birch/Bubinga. I’ve always wanted a Sonor kit but their higher end kits are a little out of my price range, but I finally at least got a taste of Sonor’s famous craftsmanship and engineering with the Kompressor snare. I like the steel shell so much that I’m looking into adding either the brass and/or beech model in the 13x7 size. Love me a 13x7 snare so they’re definitely on my radar.

[@joshuatuttle8599]

I really love this aluminum snare.

[@gt3065]

Omg these are all incredible. I've always always liked brass and bronze bat that steel is so nice.

[@krusher74]

it was brass, not bronze

[@chottozumi]

They are expensive....... Your honesty is much appreciated😆😆

[@johnfartson4080]

14x8 aluminum and 6.5 brass for me. I think these are a good addition for sonor to have some affordable metal drums on the market, 2/3x less expensive than the German made variants. Everyone’s complaining about the seam but no one complains when it’s on dw’s, dunnetts, mapex, yamaha, tama etc.. all making their own versions of these drums for around the same price.

[@lungching7102]

Great sounds ! A 13x06 aluminium Will be amazing .A funk dream

[@petermasalsky8844]

Enjoyed those brass snares quite a bit, but that ride cymbal was outstanding.

[@drumcenternh]

Yeah big fan of that one!

[@csalgar811]

"do'n't ask me the shells...have no idea"...,,, hilarious , love it!! :) 🤭🤭

[@EdmundJrKeene]

The number of lugs on a snare has a tremendous effect on how it sounds and especially how it tunes up, and it looks like some of these are 8 lugs (my personal favorite) and some are 10 lugs, but I can't find any info about that. Is it listed and I just didn't see it? Love the videos you guys create! Keep them coming!

[@aaronraulston6248]

They all seemed to start at the given tuning and then settle into a spot where they didnt move…. Like the next chromatic note down. But the aluminum 5.75 in the higher tuning dropped twice! But with that being said, they all sound incredible! The brass 13x7 and aluminum 6.5x14 were my faves

[@krusher74]

They probbaly didint stretch the heads in. tuning with a tunebot I find a head will take about 6 or more stretching cycles (leaning on it with a cloth in the middle with my full weight) from new till it will hold its tune after playing.

[@gabrielemartino2466]

HA! didn't notice that when I first watched it but WOW, you're damn right hope it's the head's fault (even though I own some AQ series drums which they say have the TuneSafe and they do not hold tuning well... 🥶)

[@GregBatte]

Shallow Aluminum was my favorite. 13" Brass close 2nd.

[@danyheld9952]

The Aluminium 14 x 6,5 is Perfect

[@Juniscrazy]

He got aggressive with the aluminum 5.75 nice sound on all of them but love aluminum. Might have to get one

[@vincenzoa2929]

That “achievement unlocked” move was hilarious! You guys make such great, informative and funny videos that are always entertaining to watch!

[@adamfrost3722]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@kushking420]

The tune safe works great for the toms and bass drum, i just usually have the spot i do rim shots go loose

[@timgregory5235]

In around 2002 I bought a Horst link 14x6.5 bell bronze for around $700 at the time, I sold it for around $2000 in 2007.. I really wish I'd kept it !

[@TheDude1764]

🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂 1:33 made me LOL and snort! Scared the hell out of the studio cat!

[@DulceDul217]

I usually don't like lower tu Ned snares, but that 6.5" aluminum... Damm 🔥

[@dancalabrese3523]

Tom Mills looks so much like Barrett. Are they related (lol)? In the Head 2 Head the Aluminum 6.5 got my vote.

[@semmel195]

Comparing the steel an the aluminum...which one would you guys say has the more cutting sound? Really hard to tell even though the video is amazing quality as always.

[@AndreiJumuga]

They sound amazing. But does the Dual Glide snare strainer fit these snares?

[@jansluter4104]

It would be nice to compare these to the Yamaha Recording Custom metal snare drums - similar price point (at least in Germany) , same shell material, similar sizes.

[@drumcenternh]

Maybe one day!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Hilarious...Shane was listing the attributes of Sonor snare drums and TWO seconds before he said it, I said it out loud..."And...they're expensive!" 😂🎉

[@johnjsavage]

I’m sure someone has mentioned this before but Tony looks just like Eric Wareheim. It’s also interesting because you guys use that same kind of subtle silly humor in your videos. Keep up the good work

[@TC-lk2ev]

oh my god you're so right. I never realised this until now hahahaha.

[@JonathanOnDrums]

Subtle? 😂fun fact: Shane used to be a stand-up comic.

[@timbofromkeno]

That 14x8 aluminum is really interesting. I wonder if they're rolled or seamless. They certainly sound similar to the seamless Sonor ferro shells of yesteryear!

[@adamfrost3722]

Seamless. It was mentioned in the video, but easy to miss, I guess

[@timbofromkeno]

@@adamfrost3722 Thanks Adam!

[@rockdahaus]

@@adamfrost3722 i own a 14x8... it has a seem. Sounds great like in the video.

[@aristidescavalcante3516]

Great sounding snares! They all went down in tuning, though. 😇

[@roybeckerman9253]

I’m not a fan of steel usually, but it was my favourite here.

[@rnemchev]

Yeah, great snare!

[@aelffenagash132]

13x7" Brass 🤘

[@waltheisenberg7626]

The Brass 6.5” at higher tuning was the best of these choices.

[@JohnJohnson-rc6ci]

Can any of these snare drums be got with diecast hoops? Each has its place, I particularily liked the brass 14x5.75. Shalom.

[@starbeardiesyoung]

A great promotion video, Kudos for that. Yet, if I‘m not mistaken, none of the Kompressor series‘ shells are actually seamless (see 2mm alu shell praise)

[@karlmaanum4286]

What a conundrum! I have to have one of these but can’t decide. Already have two brass snares, a Keplinger and DW NOB, a Sakae Steel and a Q Drum Aluminum. Like the idea of a thicker aluminum drum. Any thoughts?

[@tinterlande]

With what you have, go with the 14x8 aluminum!

[@dariusburke8625]

That 14x5.75 Bronze in my opinion was the absolute winner in this and I bet is going to fly off the shelves! That snare is the most versatile and it sounded great in the low tuning and even better in the high tuning! Thanks for all the work you put into these videos.

[@banditY2K]

Bronze? Not seeing that

[@piercejenkins13]

I think he meant brass

[@themog4911]

14x5.75 or 14x6.5 Brass, sounded best to me :)

[@ericwilhelm2941]

That FLOORTOM!!!!!!!!!!

[@polarnatten]

I'm a Ludwig guy and after listening to Kompressors I have to admit... that I will decidedly stay with Ludwig snares.

[@tomanetopotomane1953]

Bad for you

[@kennytesta9312]

You can always be more than one “guy “

[@t-man5196]

​@@kennytesta9312speak for yourself, rich boi

[@banditY2K]

Nice video! Very comprehensive. I'd grab one of these aluminum snares. The tune-safe lugs are a huge selling point for me. Ludwig should take note. I've sold Supras because they won't stay in tune.

[@siim605]

Tunesafe is awesome. I have Sonor SQ2 drums and they do go out of tune, but it takes a looooooong time and a lot of playing.

[@banditY2K]

@@siim605 Truth... I too have an SQ2 and I beat the living hell out of that thing and same with the Prolite I used to have. They literally will hold tune for weeks.

[@siim605]

@@banditY2K Nice to see someone else with SQ2s! What did you go with? I've got 10, 12, 14 and 16 on the toms, and a 22x18 bass drum. Heavy maple, sparkle white finish with black ruthenium hardware. Got them used for 4400 euros.

[@banditY2K]

@@siim605 Nice setup! I've got Medium maple all around. Ebony gloss outside and ebony semi gloss inside 22x16,10x8, 12x9, 16x16. Like yours, they ROCK!

[@siim605]

@@banditY2K I tried sending you a message to get a photo of my drums for you, it got deleted though. Would love to see your kit!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Shane, didn't Premier use that undersized shell scheme on certain lines?

[@mgdrummer77]

Yes, the 90's stuff was all 6mm undersized. Signia, Genista, Marquis, Gen-X, etc.

[@purgie]

How is this comparable to for example a alu Pearl Sensitone which is almost half the price ?

[@ericwilhelm2941]

I never owned an Aluminium Snare , so the 8" would be a serious candidate

[@hoozerob]

This is what I do, to help prevent lug tension screws from coming loose. Wait for it. >>> How bout, a simple jam nut, locking the screw, to the lug! Whoo Hooooo! For a few dollars, I can lock all my lug screws, with just a simple, thin, jam nut. it works. No fancy, expensive locking mechanisms, like DW puts out there, or after market manufacturers work up fixes.

[@tobyvattilano7846]

Kind of surprised I'm not more impressed with all of them tbh.

[@toomuchfandango]

sounds very black beauty similar snap. with that sonor tightness.

[@dave_sanderson]

It’s awesome to see them doing the 5.75” depth. Tip of the hat to tradition. The 8” alu and the 5.75” are both beasts. Question - how wide are the snare beds and will they support wide wires such as 42s?

[@descantinginsalubrious]

also, the Brass are my personal flavor favorites

[@RogerBergqvist]

I have a Pearl M-514D Professional Model 14×6.5 Chrome Over Steel Snare Drum. That is an amazing snare drum. And it got the 2,3 mm Powerhoops.

[@javiergonzalezthedrummer]

Questions, where are these Sonor snares made? Does Sonor actually make the shells? I ask because many high end drum companies have outsourced their lower lines to Asia mainly.

[@drumcenternh]

These are manufactured in China.

[@mattmiddletonmusic]

These shells are proprietary. Different diameter and thickness than similar drums from other companies who use OEM suppliers.

[@javiergonzalezthedrummer]

Thank you guys at DCNH for putting out this video. It’s so hard nowadays to choose a snare. Soooo many choices. I wish I lived up north and be able to go to the store and try as many snares as I could.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Kompressor Aluminum 8x14 Wow!

[@descantinginsalubrious]

I don't think I realized Sonor shells were undersized. My Premier Signia kit from mid 90s has those undersized shells, and they are LOUD.

[@drumcenternh]

Yup, the undersized shells are a HUGE part of the Sonor sound!

[@jcmussolini]

The aluminums are great.

[@robwestndrumr7648]

Just got my 6.5 steel, some amazing right outa the box even before i tweak it. Paid 300...bargain!

[@paulysci925]

Sonor made a sensitone 😆

[@ChopsMarkets]

They all sounded great, but I’m partial to the aluminum.

[@dimitarbozhinovski1383]

My choice is 13x7 brass and 14x8 alu.

[@joshroscoe8766]

Still baffles me that Steel gets a bad rep. These modern snares built by Sonor, Pearl, Tama etc are all fantastic. And everytime I hear a steel model, it's always my favourite or at least as good as the brass or alu. Maybe I need to train my ear.

[@krusher74]

The bad rap it gets is as it a cheap material to make a drum from it was always used on entry level kits , for example the Pearl export stock snare. So everybody then felt when i get a good kits it will come with a "real snare" brass or wood!, the Drum industry is full of long lasting tropes.

[@TheDrummerAK]

Are these seamless shells?

[@drumcenternh]

they are not

[@GeoffBosco]

Well, if you guys are putting your Kompressor video up, I guess I can too. It’s rendering as we speak.

[@adamfrost3722]

The key is wait until AFTER the embargo

[@hasan_bahramian]

❤❤❤

[@bradplaysdrums]

Are these seamless?

[@drumcenternh]

They are not

[@krusher74]

I wonder why they are called "Kompressor" i think thats german for supersharged? as they dont sound compressed.

[@cicciosun1487]

Seamless?

[@adamfrost3722]

Only the aluminum

[@stergos60]

are they seamless? Thanks for your answer!

[@adamfrost3722]

Only the aluminum

[@stergos60]

@@adamfrost3722 both of them or only the 14x8?

[@adamfrost3722]

@@stergos60 all 3 aluminum sizes are seamless

[@stergos60]

@@adamfrost3722 thank you very much!!!

[@lukefreeman970]

I saw a dude at church last night and 100% thought it was Shane. Almost asked for a picture but then I realized it was not him. Weird experience

[@digitaldesigner5284]

Giant sound.

[@t-man5196]

Nah, gargantuan

[@patovega]

brass 14 x 6.5 for me please!

[@drumcenternh]

We love that drum!

[@jeromelester8]

I prefer 5.75 ALUMINIUM, 6.5 STEEL and 8.0 should be made of BRASS for my personal taste.

[@ericnathandrums6373]

Unfortunately as much as I love these, (I’ve had the 14x8 alum for a few weeks now) none of these INCLUDING the aluminum shells are seamless. Confirmed with Sonor Germany today via email. Absolutely wonderful snares but none are seamless.

[@luxuriousfir]

Seems like the aluminum snare should be super cheap such an abundant recyclable material:/

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

Chinese quality at sonor prices?

[@bgnPrinceton]

My thoughts as well.... Not that there's anything wrong with that. :D I'd guess these are made in the Mapex Chinese factory, which to me makes fine drums. Would just like to see price reflect coo. But they do seam (:D) to be making their own shells and hopefully they are using good quality hardware too. That will increase price.

[@johnfartson4080]

This isn’t anywhere near the cost of the German made drums at “sonor prices”.

[@bgnPrinceton]

@@johnfartson4080 Agreed, they aren't too far above others in this class. They seem to be in line with Mapex Black Panther series, so I guess they aren't too far out of line. Would have to see/feel the quality of the hardware to say one way or the other. All product from China has gotten more expensive so I will correct myself and say these are fairly priced in the current market. I just got used to seeing a significant (imo) saving from MIC products but that's changed. For example, the aluminum models are very close to Ludwig Supraphonic model pricing, and I'm sure many folk would consider that crazy. Just my thoughts...

[@matthewpaluch777]

🤔No 8×14 NOB???

[@CymbalVault]

Sounds like the overtones are pitch bending on most of these drums.......

[@calzaondrums]

Beautiful snare drums. But that throw off is a nono for me

[@drumcenternh]

It was working great for us!

[@jslovelymusic]

It’s been too long 😭😭

[@baptistefall7131]

Pearl snare ...is the best

[@hellrideization]

It’s pronounced Sonawr, not Sonar. It’s German.

[@drumcenternh]

K thanks bud

[@t-man5196]

Whats the difference?

[@Not_Andrew_Huberman]

Worst sounding hats!! 🤢

[@Assimilator702]

Those Sabians sound amazing!

[@Jaake-my2rq]

Meh. I'm done with Sonor. The only thing they have left that makes them "special" from the heyday is beech wood and the undersized shell, but it's not like the rest of the quality drum makers didn't eventually catch on to the fact that having a drum head rubbing up against the shell was a bad idea that needed to be addressed. If the difference between the two manufacturers is 1/16 of an inch? Pfffffffffft.

[@bishopoftroy]

So basically they are versions of the AQ2 steel (which i owned and sold rapidly). I hope this time they have decent hardware(especially that throw-off which is a nightmare), but i would stay away from Sonor, it`s the worst brand in terms of quality/price.

[@drumcenternh]

these are substantially better than the AQ2s

[@banditY2K]

Quite possibly the dumbest, most uniformed post on here!

[@laiftaim]

What country is it produced in? CHINA?

[@adamfrost3722]

Correct!

[@laiftaim]

@@adamfrost3722 Thx!