Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Black Hole Practice System?
A game changing practice system that lets drummers turn down the volume of their acoustic drums while maintaining their tone and playing experience.

Is the Black Hole a mesh head?
While it uses mesh, it is more than just a mesh head. It has a patented tuning ring that allows users to tune their heads from a single point to their desired tension. The sound patch in the center enhances the realism of the response and provides a more audible attack. The rubber rim allows for you to practice rim shots without a significant increase in volume. The self-contained tension system means that users no longer need to remove their heads for quiet playing; Black Holes easily snap on and off in seconds without any tools.

Are the Black Holes sold individually?
Yes.

Is there a combo pack?
Yes, the Starter Pack includes our 5 best-selling sizes, 10”, 12”, 14”, 16” and 22”.

What sizes of the Black Hole are available?
Sizes 8”, 10”, 12”, 13”, 14”, 16”, 18, 20”, 22” and 24”.

Can I use a tom size on my bass drum?
Absolutely, but you would need to purchase a conversion kit.

What is a conversion kit?
It is a pack that includes 3 elastic attachments and a bass extender which is used to connect the Black Hole to your bass drum and the pedal to your drum.

Do I need to purchase a conversion kit if I bought a starter pack or a bass drum size?
No, it is already included in the box.

Can I use Black Holes if I have die-cast or wooden hoops?
Yes, but you may need to use optional elastic hook attachments (sold separately) to lock the Black Holes in place. You may purchase at any major music retailer or at our online store.

Where can I find these attachments?
A quick google search should pop up all dealers who have these available.

Do the Black Holes lower the volume enough to use in an apartment setting?
Yes!

Where can I use the Black Holes?
The possibilities are endless but some quick ideas are in an apartment, dorm room, studio, during drum lessons, church band, and any other place you would want lower volume.

Do Black Holes sound like real drums?
Yes, that is the beauty of it. They sound just like your real drums just quieter.

Do I need tools to install the Black Hole Practice System?
No.

Can Black Holes be used with top mount suspension systems?
Black Holes are not compatible with this system type but you may be able to make it work if you connect the tom-mount suspension system to the bottom rim of your toms.

Can Black Holes be used with a bass drum that uses a riser?
Not all risers are compatible with the Black Hole Practice System.

My tuning ring has dislodged from my Black Hole. Is it broken?
The tuning ring stays in place with tension. If the tension is loosened too much it may cause the tuning ring to come loose from your Black Hole head. Please visit our YouTube channel for a tutorial on how to reinstall your tuning ring correctly:https://youtu.be/dO5Nlr1xKes

The base pedal extender included with my bass drum Black Hole is not compatible with my bass pedal. What should I do?
We recently redesigned the bass pedal extender to work with a broader number of bass pedals. Please email rtom3@verizon.net with a picture of your extender part and a request for the new extender.

The sound patch in the center of my Black Hole has begun to wear. Can I purchase more?
Yes, the sound patch is available for purchase at most online music retailers or at our online store.

Do Black Holes have a warranty period?
Yes! RTOM offers a one-year Manufacturer’s Defect Warranty.

Do drum triggers work with Black Holes?
Because of their unique rubber rim design, most drum triggers do not provide the best accuracy with Black Holes. For this reason,  we designed our own bh Triggers that are specifically designed to work with the Black Hole Practice System. Click here for more information on bh Triggers.

Can a Black Hole double as a practice pad?
Absolutely! Place your Black Hole on a snare stand and practice away!

Is Black Hole mesh two-ply?
No. Black Holes feature a heavy-duty mesh that is comparable to dual-ply meshes.

Why are Black Holes more expensive outside of the United States?
Unfortunately, there are many expenses that countries must pay when importing goods that greatly affect prices. These include tariffs, national sales and local taxes, and, in some instances, customs fees.