Tongue drums are becoming an increasingly popular instrument for creativity and relaxation. At Kosmosky, we constantly experiment, innovate, and develop new technologies. Our New Wave series, especially the New Wave 15 model, became the most sought-after tongue drum of 2024.
The electro-acoustic New Waves with a built-in pickup system, allowing you to amplify, record, and modify the sound with high quality — without the need for external microphones.
We've made this detailed guide to answer common questions. If you don’t find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out using the form below or connect with us on social media. This page is continuously updated with new information.
Where do I connect the drum?
Depending on the purpose, there may be several options:
- Combo amplifier
To play at home or outdoors, to perform on stage/in public.
The volume can be either low or very high. You will only need a cable to connect. Some amplifiers have built-in sound effects, but you can also use external pedals or effects processors. Some models run on batteries.
- Audio interface (sound card)
To record and play with speakers or a combo amplifier
You need a computer, tablet, or phone. You can connect it to active and passive speakers and use digital sound processing effects.
- Sound mixing console
To play on stage and record
It is most often used on professional platforms. You can connect it to active and passive speakers. Many consoles have built-in sound effects, but you can also use external pedals or effects processors.
- Processor or effects pedal
For processing and modifying the instrument's sound.
This allows for sound experimentation, applying various effects, and expanding the instrument's capabilities. Some processors and pedals can also function as an audio interface, enabling sound recording on a computer.
- Combo amplifier
To play at home or outdoors, to perform on stage/in public.
The volume can be either low or very high. You will only need a cable to connect. Some amplifiers have built-in sound effects, but you can also use external pedals or effects processors. Some models run on batteries.
- Audio interface (sound card)
To record and play with speakers or a combo amplifier
You need a computer, tablet, or phone. You can connect it to active and passive speakers and use digital sound processing effects.
- Sound mixing console
To play on stage and record
It is most often used on professional platforms. You can connect it to active and passive speakers. Many consoles have built-in sound effects, but you can also use external pedals or effects processors.
- Processor or effects pedal
For processing and modifying the instrument's sound.
This allows for sound experimentation, applying various effects, and expanding the instrument's capabilities. Some processors and pedals can also function as an audio interface, enabling sound recording on a computer.
What combo amplifier is suitable for a steel tongue drum?
Technically, any amp will work. They vary greatly in power, sound, effects, size and price, so we recommend choosing according to your taste. A keyboard amp can sound quite clear with a tongue drum.
The drum should be connected to the Input plug. There is usually a Gain handle next to it. The Line-In and AUX inputs are not suitable because they do not have a preamp.
The drum should be connected to the Input plug. There is usually a Gain handle next to it. The Line-In and AUX inputs are not suitable because they do not have a preamp.
Which cable should I use?
Use an instrumental cable with a 6.3 mm (¼ inch) TS connector (mono jack). This is a standard mono cable suitable for an electric guitar.
What speakers should be chosen?
We recommend choosing active speakers with a built-in amplifier. For example, Bose S1 Pro, JBL EON One Compact or similar. The drum should be connected to the Input plug. The Line-In and AUX inputs are not suitable for this purpose.
If you want to play through passive speakers or headphones, the signal from the tongue drum will first need to be amplified by a separate device, otherwise, it may not be loud enough.
If you want to play through passive speakers or headphones, the signal from the tongue drum will first need to be amplified by a separate device, otherwise, it may not be loud enough.
How can I record a tongue drum without a microphone?
You will need an audio interface. It can be a sound card or a mixing console. Also, some recorders and effects processors may have interface functionality.
To record, you also need a computer, tablet or smartphone with a pre-installed audio recording application or a full-fledged DAW, for example, Reaper, Cubase, Garage Band, or Logic.
To record, you also need a computer, tablet or smartphone with a pre-installed audio recording application or a full-fledged DAW, for example, Reaper, Cubase, Garage Band, or Logic.
What input should I use to connect the tongue drum?
The drum should be connected to the instrument input. It is usually marked as Inst, Hi-Z, Input, or has a guitar icon. There is often a Gain handle next to it. The Line-In and AUX inputs won't work because they do not have a preamp.
Which sound card is suitable for sound recording?
Any sound card with an instrumental input will do. You can even use a pocket ones to record the sound. We often play outdoors and use mini sound cards to record the sound on a phone or tablet. They are comfortable, light, and do not require additional power.
How do I use sound effects with a tongue drum?
There are several options. Let's take a closer look at each of them:
1) Effects processor. This is a device with a lot of sound processing algorithms. You can set up multiple effects at the same time. You can connect the processor to a combo amplifier, any speakers or headphones.
2) Effects pedals. One pedal normally has one effect. Most of them do not have signal amplification, so you need to connect them to active speakers, a combo amp, or use a separate external amplifier.
3) Mixing console. Inexpensive consoles may not have effects, but the most common are the basic ones: reverb and delay. There are significantly more effects on professional models.
4) Combo amplifier. Just like with a mixer, a combo amp may not have effects, but it often includes distortion, delay, and reverb.
5) Digital effects on a computer, tablet or phone. The steel tongue drum is connected via an audio interface, and audio processing is configured in special programs and plug-ins. The sound can be output through a combo amplifier, any speakers or headphones.
1) Effects processor. This is a device with a lot of sound processing algorithms. You can set up multiple effects at the same time. You can connect the processor to a combo amplifier, any speakers or headphones.
2) Effects pedals. One pedal normally has one effect. Most of them do not have signal amplification, so you need to connect them to active speakers, a combo amp, or use a separate external amplifier.
3) Mixing console. Inexpensive consoles may not have effects, but the most common are the basic ones: reverb and delay. There are significantly more effects on professional models.
4) Combo amplifier. Just like with a mixer, a combo amp may not have effects, but it often includes distortion, delay, and reverb.
5) Digital effects on a computer, tablet or phone. The steel tongue drum is connected via an audio interface, and audio processing is configured in special programs and plug-ins. The sound can be output through a combo amplifier, any speakers or headphones.
Is it possible to install pickups on acoustics?
Please contact our sales manager to upgrade your tongue drum to an electroacoustic version.
How can I amplify and record the sound of New Wave Symphony?
To do this, the pickups must be installed on both instruments of the set. To connect the drums, you will need two cables, and the device must have two instrument inputs.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us here or via social media (links in the website footer).