Onyx Drum Head - 8" | Evans | Musicmaker Dublin
There's something rather satisfying about a tom that delivers a proper, punchy note without ringing on for the next three songs. The Evans Onyx 8" Drum Head is built for exactly that kind of controlled aggression, combining a striking matte black finish with a thick, two-ply construction that keeps your toms sounding focused, powerful and ready for action.
The Onyx series has become a favourite among drummers who like their toms with a bit of muscle. Its two plies of 7.5mil film provide a substantial playing surface, delivering a strong attack and a warm, controlled response. Add the frosted black coating and you get an extra degree of tonal focus, helping tame excessive overtones without completely choking the drum. It's a particularly appealing combination for rock, metal, alternative and heavier styles where every tom hit needs to land with authority.
On an 8-inch tom, that focused character is especially useful. Smaller toms naturally produce higher pitches and plenty of attack, which can sometimes become a little sharp or ringy when you're playing hard. The Evans Onyx helps keep things nicely contained, giving you a crisp initial hit followed by a compact, musical decay. Think tight, punchy fills that cut through the mix without leaving a trail of unwanted overtones behind them.
And then there's the durability. Two plies of film make the Onyx a reassuringly sturdy choice for enthusiastic players, particularly those who like to give their toms a proper workout. The coating also adds a distinctive texture to the playing surface, while the all-black appearance looks fantastic on everything from a stripped-back practice kit to a full-on rock setup. Black drumheads have a certain attitude, and the Onyx wears it very well indeed.
Evans also includes its Level 360 Technology, designed to help the head sit evenly on the drum's bearing edge. That makes tuning more straightforward and helps you get a consistent response around the drum. It's one of those clever details you might not notice immediately, but you'll appreciate it when you're trying to get an 8-inch tom sounding just right before rehearsal.
The Evans Onyx 8" is a cracking choice for drummers who want a tough, focused tom head with a strong attack, controlled sustain and a properly mean appearance. It's particularly well suited to players chasing a tight, modern drum sound without needing to cover everything in gels and tape. Although we all know there's probably a roll of gaffer tape somewhere in the drum bag anyway.
Features
- Two-Ply Construction: Two layers of 7.5mil film provide a durable playing surface with a powerful, defined attack.
- Frosted Black Coating: Special translucent coating adds warmth, tonal focus and a distinctive matte black appearance.
- Dark, Punchy Tone: Increased low-end presence and controlled overtones suit modern rock and metal sounds.
- Short Sustain: Focused decay helps keep fast tom fills clear and articulate.
- Enhanced Durability: Robust double-ply design stands up well to energetic playing.
- Level 360 Technology: Specially shaped collar helps the head sit evenly on the bearing edge for easier tuning.
- Wide Tuning Range: Responsive collar design helps the drum maintain a consistent sound across different tunings.
- USA-Made Quality: Designed, engineered and manufactured by Evans in the United States.
Specifications
- Brand: Evans
- Model: B08ONX2
- Series: Onyx
- Product Type: Tom Batter Drum Head
- Diameter: 8" (20.32cm)
- Construction: Two-Ply
- Film Thickness: 7.5mil per Ply
- Total Film Thickness: 15mil (0.381mm)
- Surface: Frost Coated
- Colour: Matte Black
- Sound Character: Dark, Warm and Focused
- Attack: Defined and Powerful
- Sustain: Short
- Collar Technology: Evans Level 360
- Intended Position: Batter Side of Tom
- Compatible Drum: 8" Tom
- Country of Manufacture: USA
- Quantity: 1 Drum Head