There are several differences between acoustic drum sets and electronic drum sets, but they serve the same main purpose. Each create a traditional drum sound, with the varying styles and types to meet the needs of any musician. With a few key differences, how sound is produced and travels, how they can be sound dampened, and their recordability, there is no one answer on which is better, only which is better for each person or situation.
Amplification and Sound Dampening
For situations where it is key to control the sound and to limit the way that the sound transfers to the surrounding areas, there is a definite advantage to electronic drums. An acoustic set of drums is loud, and while there are methods to dampen the sound, they are only effective to a certain degree. Acoustic drums will be heard by those in surrounding rooms, and for anyone who is in an apartment or shared space this may be a concern. Even outside of shared walls, they may be heard by neighbors and others in the community, creating a disturbance and limiting the hours during which they may be played without bothering others. Situations where the loudness is appreciated, the acoustics perform very well and do not require amplification for regular use, though they may be used through a speaker set for larger crowds or venues.
Best Electronic drums provide a greater control over the sound they make and how far it travels. With the ability to be connected to a headset they can be dampened drastically with only the sound of the drumstick connecting with the rubber or mesh surface being heard otherwise, and they can be connected to an amp or recording software when needed. With these capabilities they are better suited to areas where limiting sound and disturbance to others is important, and they are able to be adapted for home use and performances as needed. To improve the sound isolation
Recording
When recording each of the instruments and sounds must be heard well, and in this instance the electronic drum set offers capabilities that the acoustic do not. They are able to be connected electronically to the recording software and they will be able to be recorded directly. This removes all possibility of echo or distortion through a microphone or audio recorder and creates a smooth transition from the set to the recording and into editing. Using this method the editing time is also cut down as the sound is true and stable as it is transferred to the recording.
Playing through a headset or other equipment also allows for each of the others who are listening to have a stable and clear sound through their own headset if you are playing with a full band or anyone else. It can assist in getting the timing right and making adjustments that improve the way they are interacting and how the music melds together. For some this is a preferred method of working together, while others will prefer the sound and feel of the acoustics when they are playing together.
Sound Possibility
While a traditional acoustic drum set offers one stable sound that is consistent and reliable, the electronic drum sets come with several preprogrammed sounds within their library. To add to the resources there are additional resources online that carry additional one-shots, stabs, and other effects that can easily be accessed. To use these additional libraries, they must only be downloaded to an SD card and then used throughout any performance or practice. This flexibility well outpaces the acoustic sets with their one sound that they are designed for. Rather than needing several drums for each individual sound, trading out kits or moving to an additional one during a performance, or the need to have several at home to use the one that is needed at any time. Saving both space and cost, this feature may be one of the most valuable of the electronic sets.
Learning
Learning to play drums is a place in which the acoustic drum kits have an advantage. The traditional feel, the sound that is instantaneous, and they offer feedback in a physical way through the sticks that electronic drums do not match. They are loud, so they are not easily missed even if there is a bit of background noise, and they are felt through the feet and floor as well as through the drumsticks and hands, fully immersing the learning in the process.
Hybrids
Some people have found that to get the best of each they are able to create a hybrid kit. This involved taking an acoustic set and its shells, then adding in quiet heads and electronic drum triggers, which are fed into software that will finish the process. By doing this they are able to use their familiar acoustic kit with the advantages of recording that are only met through an electronic set.
Space
Each type of drum set takes a similar amount of floor space, and each requires there also be space for the drummer to sit, which is about 7-8 feet. Whether you are using an electronic set or acoustic, the amount of space is the same with electronic ones taking up a marginally smaller space in specific styles only.
In many situations the electronic drum set is a better fit and offers advantages that are not able to be met by the acoustic or traditional sets. These include the need for quiet and to not disturb others, the ability to play through a headset for noise suppression and to hear it directly, for improved recording digitally from the drums to the program directly and not with an audio recorder placed near the drums, as well as what is potentially the most important advantage of being able to access libraries of sounds to be changed as needed. Beginners may find the feedback and sound of the acoustic set easier to learn on, but for other purposes the electronic set will meet their needs.