BeatIt Test: Natal H-ST-DPS Double Bass Pedal

Not so long ago, we received yet another parcel from DrumStore – an excellent outlet based in Gdynia, Poland. Inside, there were two interesting bass drum pedals, which we have thoroughly tested for you. It is now time to share the results of our tests with you. You can read about the Natal H-PS-SPS Smooth Pro single bass drum pedal HERE. Today, we would like to present our review of the Natal H-ST-DPS Standard Series Smooth Cam double bass pedal.

1. The product

The Natal H-ST-DPS Standard Series Smooth Cam double bass pedal we are testing here belongs to Natal’s budget hardware series, which certainly does not mean it has been approached in a light way by the manufacturer. It is a very solid and nice-looking mechanism. The mounting system is intuitive to operate and causes no problems.

2. Basic specification of the instrument:

Manufacturer: Natal
Model: H-ST-DPS Standard Smooth Cam
Type: Twin pedal
Chain: Double
Cam shape: Round profile
Self-leveling hoop clamp: Yes
Non-slip feet: Yes
Drum key: No
Steel driveshaft

3. The test

Just as it was in the case of the Natal single pedal, we did not test the Natal H-ST-DPS Standard Series Smooth Cam double bass pedal at our own recording facility as we wanted to “torment” the device for a bit longer than just a few minutes. For this reason, our editor, Marcin ‘Viking’ Leitgeber, took the pedal to a rehearsal with his band to check it out in “combat” conditions for a few hours, and change spring settings once every few songs.

As already mentioned, mounting the master pedal to the bass drum hoop is very easy and intuitive – the screw is operated from the right side without having to slide one’s hand under the footboard. The self-leveling hoop clamp finishes the job in no time. The angle of the beater is adjusted independently from the cam, which gives practically unlimited adjustment options. Obviously, those are not solutions applied solely by Natal engineers, but it is god to know that a potential buyer gets a device equipped with all the widely available, modern technical solutions.

The mechanism itself is sturdy and stable. We dare say it is surprisingly sturdy and stable for a budget product. A drummer gets a pedal that is heavy, one that can be felt under one’s foot. As far as playing feel, it can be compared to DW 5000, Pearl Eliminator, or Yamaha FP. This means that (as in the case of the single pedal) we are dealing with a “modern classic” mechanism, i. e. it is neither vintage (or rather modern vintage) nor an ultra modern high-speed pedal. It is simply a very good and solid device, which will allow its owner to play everything that can currently be played using a twin pedal in tempos of up to 160 – 170 b.p.m. The drive shaft is made of steel, with solid-looking and silently working bearings. The whole mechanism works silently, adjusting the spring (the Natal Floating Spring System) is very convenient and offers all kinds of tension – from very light to heavy. The producer has not decided to include double-sided (let alone quadruple-sided) beaters. We simply get two single-sided felt beaters, but they give enough punch and attack. This is the ‘Smooth’ version, and the company also offers a ‘Fast’ one with an elliptical cam, which, according to the manufacturer, gives greater attack.

4. Summary

The Natal H-ST-DPS Standard Series Smooth Cam double bass pedal is a solid and well-functioning mechanism, which can easily be used in studio and on stage. Neither the way it works or its design suggest it is a budget-priced product. The price doesn’t seem too high considering the quality, and should not discourage potential buyers.

OUR VERDICT: 5/5