The EFNOTE Aura is the newest electronic drum series from the Japanese brand EFNOTE. It combines a new compact touchscreen sound module, the EFD-AURA, with refined cymbal pads that offer 3-zone sensing and have no sensor box underneath. The EFNOTE Aura comes in four configurations: Aura 70, Aura 71, Aura 72 and Aura 73.
If you are considering a high-end electronic drum kit, the real question is usually not whether it sounds good. The real question is which configuration you need now, and what you can add later without starting again. In this article I explain what is new in the EFNOTE Aura, how the four models differ, what the expansion packs add and which technical details matter for practice, recording and live playing.
Key takeaways
- The EFNOTE Aura uses a new sound module, the EFD-AURA, with a vertical colour touchscreen, Compressor, Room Ambience, Zone Layer and USB audio with 8 separate output channels.
- All Aura kits come with EFNOTE's refined cymbal pads: 3-zone hi-hat, crash and ride with a dedicated cup zone, more even sensitivity and no protruding sensor box underneath.
- The Aura 70 is the base kit. The Aura 71, 72 and 73 are the Aura 70 plus one of three expansion packs, so you can start small and expand later.
- The module accepts additional sounds through IX (Inst Expansion) packages and your own samples through UT (User Tone).
- Owners of an EFNOTE 3, 3X, 5, 5X, 7 or 7X can use the EFD-AURA module as an upgrade.
What is the EFNOTE Aura?
The EFNOTE Aura is a full-size electronic drum series with acoustic-style shells, built around a 20 x 15 inch kick drum. EFNOTE describes it as a setup for medium and large stages, churches and studios, where the kit also needs to look like a real drum kit to the audience. Drum and cymbal sizes in this article are given in inches, as manufacturers do (1 inch is 2.54 cm).
The sound philosophy stays the same as in other EFNOTE kits: a dry, natural acoustic drum sound rather than heavily processed samples. What changes in the EFNOTE Aura is the module, the cymbal pads and the tools to shape and expand your sound. You can see the current EFNOTE range in the EFNOTE collection.
What is new in the EFNOTE Aura?
The EFNOTE Aura brings three main changes: a new sound module, a new generation of cymbal pads and more control over your final drum sound. Each change solves a different practical problem.
A compact module with a vertical touchscreen
The EFD-AURA sound module has a full-colour capacitive touchscreen in a vertical layout, plus one value knob with a ring LED. The module measures 108 x 158 x 52 mm and weighs 650 g, so it takes little space on your rack. You can personalise each kit screen with your own background image, font and theme colour. The practical benefit is simple: you find your kits quickly and keep your attention on playing.
Refined cymbal pads with 3-zone sensing
The refined cymbal pads are the most noticeable change for the player. According to EFNOTE, the bow has more even sensitivity without hot spots, the edge and cup respond better than on earlier models, and soft strokes register down to pianissimo. The sensor box under the cymbal is gone, which lowers the centre of gravity and lets the cymbal sway more like an acoustic cymbal. The cymbals also support EFNOTE's STAK technology for stacking.
The EFD-AURA module supports 3-zone triggering (bow, edge and cup) on Crash 1, Crash 2, Hi-Hat and Ride. If you want to know how electronic cymbals and modules work together in general, my e-cymbal compatibility guide explains the basics.
Sound shaping: Compressor, Room Ambience and Zone Layer
The EFNOTE Aura adds a global Compressor and Room Ambience, with a quick widget to adjust both. Because these settings apply to all kits, your sound stays consistent when you switch kits during a gig. Zone Layer lets you play two tones with one stroke on any zone, with up to six layers per kit. Alt Snare lets you switch the snare pad between two sounds, for example a second snare or a snares-off sound.
Practice tools: Stroke Scope, metronome and recorder
The EFNOTE Aura includes practice tools that are useful every day. Stroke Scope shows your timing against the click on a timeline, so you can see whether you rush or drag. The metronome covers 40 to 240 BPM, and the recorder lets you record and play back with one button. A good rule of thumb: record yourself once a week and listen back without playing. You will hear things you do not notice while drumming.
Which EFNOTE Aura models are there?
There are four EFNOTE Aura configurations. All four share the same EFD-AURA module, kick drum, 14 inch snare, 11 inch rack tom, 15 inch floor tom, 14 inch hi-hat, 16 inch crash and 20 inch ride. The difference is what is added on top.
| Model | Shells | Cymbals (incl. hi-hat) | What it adds to the Aura 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFNOTE Aura 70 (Standard Set) | 4 | 3 | Base kit |
| EFNOTE Aura 71 (Traditional Set) | 5 | 4 | 10 inch rack tom, 18 inch crash/ride |
| EFNOTE Aura 72 (Modern Set) | 5 | 5 | 8 inch rack tom, 8 inch splash, 17 inch effect cymbal |
| EFNOTE Aura 73 (Power Set) | 5 | 5 | 13 inch floor tom, 18 inch dark crash/ride, 18 inch China |
What is included in the EFNOTE Aura 70?
The EFNOTE Aura 70 (EFDAR7-STDSET) is the base configuration. It contains:
- EFD-AURA sound module
- 20 x 15 inch kick drum (EFD-K2015) with a double-layered mesh head and wood hoop
- 14 x 5.5 inch snare (EFD-S1455) with birch shell and 3 zones: head, rim and side-rim
- 11 x 8 inch rack tom (EFD-T1180) and 15 x 15 inch floor tom (EFD-T1515), both with birch shells and 2 zones
- 14 inch hi-hat (EFD-H14II), 16 inch crash (EFD-C16II) and 20 inch ride (EFD-C20II), all 3-zone refined cymbals
The drums come in a White Sparkle finish. A kick pedal, hi-hat stand, drum throne and sticks are not included. The 7 Series Hardware Set (snare stand, two cymbal stands and a tom mount) may be included or sold separately depending on the dealer, so check the product page before you plan your setup. The hi-hat works with standard hi-hat stands that fit a cymbal with a 12.7 mm hole.
EFNOTE Aura expansion packs: what do they add?
An EFNOTE Aura expansion pack is an add-on set of drum and cymbal pads with mounting hardware that turns an Aura 70 into an Aura 71, 72 or 73. This means you do not need to choose your final setup on day one.
| Expansion pack | Contents | Result with Aura 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Expansion Pack 1A | 10 inch rack tom, 18 inch crash/ride, cymbal stand, tom mount | Aura 71 |
| Expansion Pack 2A | 8 inch rack tom, 17 inch effect cymbal, 8 inch splash, tom mount, cymbal stand, splash cymbal mount | Aura 72 |
| Expansion Pack 3A | 13 inch floor tom, 18 inch dark crash/ride, 18 inch China, two cymbal stands | Aura 73 |
The module has a selectable Tom 4 / Crash 4 input. You can use it for a fourth tom or a fourth crash, but not both at the same time. Keep this in mind if you plan to combine several packs. According to EFNOTE, the Aura 70 series supports all EFNOTE drum and cymbal pads for expansion.
EFNOTE Aura technical specifications
These are the main specifications of the EFD-AURA sound module, as published by EFNOTE.
| Feature | EFD-AURA specification |
|---|---|
| Trigger inputs | 3-zone (5x): Snare, Hi-Hat, Ride, Crash 1, Crash 2. 2-zone (5x): Tom 1, Tom 2, Tom 3, Crash 3, Tom 4/Crash 4. 1-zone (1x): Kick |
| Trigger chip | ELISE 2.0 |
| Kits | 25 editable preset kits, 100 user kits |
| Audio outputs | Out 1/2 and Out 3/4 (6.35 mm jacks), headphones (3.5 mm, also Out 5/6) |
| Audio input | 3.5 mm stereo line input |
| USB | USB-C, 8-channel audio output (48 kHz/24-bit), 2-channel input, MIDI; Mac and Windows (ASIO) |
| MIDI | 5-pin DIN MIDI out, USB MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI |
| Bluetooth | Audio input for play-along, MIDI in/out |
| Editing per pad | Level, pan, tuning, muffling, 2-band EQ |
| Metronome | 40 to 240 BPM |
| Recorder | 15 tracks |
| Dimensions and weight | 108 x 158 x 52 mm, 650 g |
| Power | DC 12 V, 600 mA |
For live use, the audio routing is the detail to look at. You can send four separate drum channels to the front-of-house mixer while you monitor the click and your own mix through in-ear monitors. For recording, the 8 USB channels let you mix kick, snare and other parts separately in your DAW.
What are IX and UT on the EFNOTE Aura?
IX (Inst Expansion) is a package of additional drum instruments from EFNOTE that you install on the module. UT (User Tone) is a custom tone that you build from your own audio files. Both are managed with the free EFNOTE Desktop Tools app on your computer.
The EFNOTE Aura supports up to two IX packages, and importing UT uses one IX slot. With UT you can assign several audio files to one tone so that it responds to your playing dynamics. You can combine a User Tone with a preset sound through Zone Layer. One point to know: the Get New Drum Kits and Swap functions of the EFNOTE Mobile Tools app do not support the Aura. EFNOTE recommends firmware updates through Desktop Tools, because a wireless update takes more than 30 minutes.
Can I upgrade an existing EFNOTE kit with the Aura module?
Yes. EFNOTE offers the EFD-AURA sound module separately for owners of an EFNOTE 3, 3X, 5, 5X, 7 or 7X who want to upgrade. Your existing module does not become useless: you can connect it to the Line In of the EFD-AURA and use it as a second module. Keep in mind that a new module does not change the cymbal pads. The refined cymbals with improved sensing are a separate part of the Aura series.
Which EFNOTE Aura configuration suits you?
The right EFNOTE Aura configuration depends on the music you play and how much space you have.
- Choose the Aura 70 if you want the Aura module and refined cymbals with a compact four-piece setup, or if you prefer to decide on extra pads later.
- Choose the Aura 71 if you play a classic five-piece kit with two rack toms and want a second crash.
- Choose the Aura 72 if you use quick accents in pop, funk or fusion and want a splash and an effect cymbal.
- Choose the Aura 73 if you play rock or metal and want two floor toms, a dark crash and a China.
The EFNOTE Aura is not the right choice for everyone. If you mainly practise at home with headphones in a small room, a full-size kit with a 20 inch kick may be more than you need. In that case a smaller EFNOTE kit, such as the EFNOTE 3 series or the EFNOTE mini in the EFNOTE collection, can be the more sensible choice. For a broader overview of how to choose, see The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Drums.
What I would check first
- Floor space: a full-size kit with a 20 x 15 inch kick needs roughly the same space as an acoustic kit.
- Hardware: check whether the hardware set is included, and plan a kick pedal, hi-hat stand and throne.
- Inputs: if you want both a fourth tom and a fourth crash, remember that they share one input.
- Your workflow: if you record, check that your DAW handles 8 USB channels; if you play live, decide how many outputs your mixer needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EFNOTE Aura module compatible with other EFNOTE pads?
Yes. According to EFNOTE, the Aura 70 series supports all EFNOTE drum and cymbal pads for expansion. The EFD-AURA module is also offered as an upgrade for EFNOTE 3, 3X, 5, 5X, 7 and 7X kits. The number of pads you can use is limited by the 11 trigger inputs, and the Tom 4 and Crash 4 share one input.
Can I record the EFNOTE Aura directly into my computer?
Yes. The EFNOTE Aura connects to a Mac or Windows computer with one USB-C cable. It sends 8 separate audio channels at 48 kHz/24-bit and MIDI at the same time. On Windows it uses an ASIO driver. This lets you record separate drum tracks or trigger a software drum library through MIDI.
What is the difference between the Aura 72 and the Aura 73?
The EFNOTE Aura 72 and Aura 73 both have five shells and five cymbals including the hi-hat. The Aura 72 adds an 8 inch rack tom, an 8 inch splash and a 17 inch effect cymbal for quick accents. The Aura 73 adds a 13 inch floor tom, an 18 inch dark crash/ride and an 18 inch China for a heavier, deeper setup.
Can I play along with music on the EFNOTE Aura?
Yes. The EFNOTE Aura has a Bluetooth audio input, so you can play along with music from your phone. There is also a 3.5 mm stereo audio input for a wired connection. The module includes a smartphone tray set, so your phone stays within reach while you play.
Your next step
Start by deciding which shells and cymbals you really use in your music. If you are not sure, the Aura 70 with an expansion pack later is a safe route, because each pack turns it into one of the larger configurations. Vybe Drums is a specialist electronic drums retailer in Den Bosch, the Netherlands, shipping across Europe. If you would like to try an EFNOTE kit before you decide, you are welcome to visit the showroom in Den Bosch by appointment.
Last updated: October 2026
