October 21, 2026
Introducing Gretsch Catalina EVO: The Next Evolution in Digital Drums
Catalina EVO isn’t just Gretsch’s first step towards offering “That Great Gretsch Sound” to playe...
The Gretsch Catalina EVO is an electronic drum set built to feel and sound like a real kit. Gretsch sampled a range of its own acoustic drums, including USA Custom, Brooklyn, and Broadkaster models, in high resolution with multiple velocity layers, round-robin variation, and selectable ambient microphones, so every stroke has natural dynamics and articulation. Full-size shells with 3-ply mesh heads, a dual-sensor bass drum, and 3-zone cymbals with 360 degree triggering give the kit the size and response of an acoustic setup. The Catalina EVO module pairs with the Gretsch E-Drum Remote app over Bluetooth for in-depth kit editing and built-in coaching tools. Direct outputs, USB audio, and expandable trigger inputs make it as useful on stage or in the studio as it is for quiet practice at home.
- 4-piece electronic drum set with full-size shells
- Configuration: 5.5x14" snare, 7x10" rack tom, 12x12" floor tom, 14x18" bass drum
- Finish: Black Sparkle
- 3-ply True Rebound mesh heads on snare and toms
- 2-zone snare and tom pads (head and rim) with 1/4" TRS outputs
- Bass drum with Gretsch dual-sensor trigger system, suitable for double pedals
- 14" EVO hi-hats with real bottom cymbal and hi-hat controller, 3-zone with 360 degree playing surface
- 16" EVO crash, 3-zone with 360 degree playing surface and choke function
- 18" EVO ride, 3-zone with 360 degree playing surface and choke function
- Multi-function hi-hat with bow, edge, bell, chick, and splash articulations
- 50 factory kit presets plus 128 user kit slots
- More than 500 multi-layer sounds with round-robin and ambient samples
- 4 independent effects blocks: ambient samples, instrument reverb, room reverb, and multi-effects
- Pad compressor and 3-band EQ on every channel
- Separate 4-band EQ and compressor for master, headphone, and monitor outputs
- User sample import with 128 slots (WAV, up to 70 minutes mono or 35 minutes stereo)
- Stereo WAV recorder that records directly to a USB flash drive
- USB-C audio interface with 8 outputs and 4 inputs, plus USB MIDI
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI
- 2.7" OLED display (128 x 64 px)
- 10 x 1/4" TRS trigger inputs
- 2 x 1/4" main outputs (L/R) and 4 x 1/4" direct outputs
- 1/4" TRS mix input for external audio
- 1/4" and 1/8" headphone outputs on the front panel
- USB-A port for flash drives
- Coaching functions, song player, and click track
- Works with the Gretsch E-Drum Remote app for kit editing, trigger settings, firmware updates, and practice tools
- Includes Gretsch Explorer hardware: 2 boom cymbal stands, hi-hat stand, snare stand, and single bass drum pedal
- Expandable with add-on Catalina EVO drum pads and cymbals
Authentic Gretsch Sound, Captured in Detail
The Catalina EVO's sound library comes from real Gretsch kits, from modern USA Custom and Brooklyn drums to vintage-style Broadkaster tones. Each instrument was recorded across a wide dynamic range with round-robin sampling, so repeated strokes vary slightly the way they do on an acoustic drum instead of sounding like the same sample triggered twice. Selectable ambient microphone layers, along with snare-bottom and subkick mics, let you shape anything from a tight, close-miked studio sound to an open, roomy one.
Full-Size Shells With a Natural Feel
Many e-kits use small, compact pads. The Catalina EVO uses full-size shells, so the snare, toms, and bass drum sit where an acoustic kit would. 3-ply True Rebound mesh heads give a responsive, tensionable playing surface that feels close to a real drumhead while staying quiet enough for home practice. The 2-zone pads trigger separately from head and rim for rimshots and cross-stick, and the bass drum's dual-sensor design tracks single and double pedals accurately.
Cymbals That Play Like the Real Thing
The EVO cymbals have three zones (bow, edge, and bell) and trigger across a full 360 degree surface, so it doesn't matter where the cymbal ends up after you position it. The crash and ride support choke for quick cutoffs, and the low-noise playing surface stays quiet at home. The hi-hat uses a real top and bottom cymbal on a standard stand, which gives you natural foot control for chick, splash, and everything in between.
Deep Control From the Gretsch E-Drum Remote App
The module puts key controls like kit selection and headphone volume right at hand, and the Gretsch E-Drum Remote app handles the rest. Over Bluetooth or a wired connection, you can edit kits, fine-tune trigger response, and install firmware updates without a USB stick. A clear, visual interface makes detailed sound design much faster than scrolling through menus on a small screen.
Practice Tools That Build Better Habits
Built-in coaching functions, a click track, and a song player help you work on timing, consistency, and technique in every session. Bluetooth audio lets you stream songs from your phone and play along through your headphones. The mix input accepts any external audio source, and the onboard WAV recorder captures your playing straight to a USB flash drive so you can listen back and track your progress.
Built for Home, Ready for the Stage and Studio
Besides stereo main outputs, the module has four direct outputs so a front-of-house engineer can mix kick, snare, and other voices separately. The USB-C connection works as a fully configurable audio interface with 8 outputs and 4 inputs, sending multitrack drum audio and MIDI straight to your DAW. Bluetooth MIDI and USB MIDI make it easy to trigger virtual instruments or connect to other gear.
Shape Your Sound Your Way
Four independent effects blocks handle ambient samples, instrument reverb, room reverb, and multi-effects, and every channel has its own compressor and 3-band EQ. The master, headphone, and monitor outputs each get a separate 4-band EQ and compressor, so your stage mix and practice mix can be set up independently. With 128 user sample slots and support for WAV imports of up to 70 minutes, you can bring your own sounds, loops, or backing tracks into the kit.
Unpack, Set Up, and Play
Every Catalina EVO includes a full set of Gretsch Explorer hardware: two boom cymbal stands, a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, and a single bass drum pedal. The stands are lightweight but sturdy, with double-braced legs, metal memory locks, and non-slip rubber feet. You won't need to buy anything extra before you start playing.
Room to Grow
Ten trigger inputs leave space to expand beyond the standard setup, and Gretsch offers add-on Catalina EVO tom pads, floor toms, and cymbals that match the kit. The Catalina EVO comes in two configurations and two finishes, Black Sparkle and Walnut Glaze.
Authentic Gretsch Sound, Captured in Detail
Full-Size Shells With a Natural Feel
Cymbals That Play Like the Real Thing
Deep Control From the Gretsch E-Drum Remote App
Practice Tools That Build Better Habits
Built for Home, Ready for the Stage and Studio
Shape Your Sound Your Way
Unpack, Set Up, and Play
Room to Grow
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Gretsch Catalina EVO electronic drum set?
Catalina EVO is Gretsch’s electronic drum series. It pairs full-size drum shells with a sound module loaded with high-resolution samples of real Gretsch acoustic kits. You get the look and feel of a traditional kit with the quiet practice, headphone monitoring, and recording options of an e-kit. It comes in 4 and 5 piece configurations, with both being offered in Black Sparkle or Walnut Glaze finish.
What’s the difference between the Catalina EVO 4-piece and 5-piece kits?
The 4-piece J484 has an 18" bass drum, a 7x10 rack tom, a 12x12 floor tom, and a 5.5x14 snare, which makes it a good fit for smaller rooms. The 5-piece F405 adds a second rack tom and uses larger drums: a 14x20 bass drum, 7x10 and 8x12 rack toms, a 14x14 floor tom, and a 5.5x14 snare. Both kits share the same module, the same 14" hi-hat, 16" crash, and 18" ride, and the same Explorer hardware.
What drum sounds are included in the Catalina EVO module?
The module is built on multi-layer recordings of Gretsch kits, including USA Custom, Brooklyn, and Broadkaster models in both modern and vintage styles. Every sample uses multiple velocity layers and round-robin sampling, so repeated strokes sound natural instead of mechanical. You can also blend selectable microphone layers, including ambient room mics, snare-bottom, and subkick.
Does the Catalina EVO feel like playing a real acoustic drum kit?
Yes, the kit is built to feel familiar. It uses full-size shells, 3-ply Dynamic Mesh heads that rebound like acoustic drums, and 3-sensor trigger technology for accurate, dynamic response. The hi-hat has a real top and bottom cymbal on a stand with a dedicated controller, so you can play it open, closed, or with your foot just as you would an acoustic hi-hat.
How do the cymbals on the Catalina EVO respond?
All three cymbals have 3-zone triggering and 360° sensing, so you can strike them anywhere on the surface. They are balanced to move and swing naturally on their stands. This gives you expressive control over crashes, ride patterns, and accents.
What hardware comes with the Catalina EVO?
Every kit includes the Gretsch Explorer Hardware Pack: two boom cymbal stands, a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, and a single bass drum pedal. The stands are lightweight but sturdy, with double-braced legs, metal memory locks, non-slip rubber feet, and Gretsch-style T-rod wing screws. A drum throne is not part of the included hardware, so plan to add one.
Can I use the Catalina EVO for recording or live gigs?
Yes. The module has 2 master outputs and 4 individual direct outputs, which lets you send key drums to separate channels on a mixer or PA. USB Audio and MIDI let you record straight into your computer or trigger drum software. A mix input lets you bring in a backing track or click alongside your kit.
Is there an app for editing kits on the Catalina EVO?
Yes. The module itself handles essentials like kit selection and headphone volume, and the Gretsch app connects over Bluetooth for deeper control. In the app you can edit kits, mix individual drums with EQ and compression, adjust trigger settings, and use the practice tools. Firmware updates also install through the app, with no USB stick required.
Is the Catalina EVO good for beginners and practicing drummers?
Yes. It includes a metronome and built-in training games: “More is More” builds speed and endurance, “Just in Time” sharpens timing, and “Slot Machine” trains rhythmic memory. Bluetooth Audio lets you stream songs from your phone and play along on headphones. It also has both 1/4" and 1/8" headphone outputs.
Can I expand the Catalina EVO kit later?
Yes. The series offers add-on pads, including an 8x12 tom, a 12x12 floor tom, a 14x14 floor tom, a 16" crash, and an 18" ride. Both configurations use the same module, so in the 5-piece configuration you will have two open inputs on the module for extra pads. The 4-piece will have three open inputs since it comes with one less tom.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | GRE-CEJ484BKSP |
| Vendor | Gretsch Drums |
| Bluetooth | Audio Receiving and App Connectivity |
| Connectivity | USB to Device and USB to Host |
| Included From Manufacturer |
Catalina EVO Drum Module 5.5x14" Snare Pad 7x10" Rack Tom Pad 8x12" Rack Tom Pad 14x14" Floor Tom Pad 14x20" Bass Drum Pad 14" Hi-Hat (Top Cymbal, Bottom Cymbal, Controller) 16" Crash Cymbal 18" Ride Cymbal Gretsch Explorer Hi-Hat Stand Gretsch Explorer Snare Stand Gretsch Explorer Single Bass Drum Pedal (2) Gretsch Explorer Boom Cymbal Stands |
| MPN | CE-J484-BKSP |
| Number of Pads | 8 |
| Snare Pad Zones/Surface | 2-Zone (Head/Rim) |
| Tom Pad Zones/Surface | 2-Zone (Head/Rim) |
| Number of Cymbal Zones | 3 (Bow, Bell, Edge), 360° Playing Surface |
| Cymbal Choke Capability | Yes |
| Kick Pad Surface |
14x20" Full-Size Shell with 3-Ply Mesh Head Dual-Sensor Trigger System (Double-Pedal Compatible) |
| Hi-Hat Stand Included | Yes |
| Kick Pedal Included | Yes |
| Snare Stand Included | Yes |
| Throne Included | No |
| Number of Instrument Sounds | 500+ Multi-Layer Sounds (incl. Round-Robin and Ambient Samples) |
| Number of Drum Kits | 50 Presets + 128 User Presets |
| Trigger Inputs | 10x 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Sequencer/Recording | USB WAV Recorder (Stereo) to USB Flash Drive |
| Sampling | User Sample Import, 128 Slots (WAV, max. 70 min Mono / 35 min Stereo) |
| Audio Inputs |
1x 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS Mix Input Bluetooth Audio USB Audio (4 Inputs) |
| Audio Outputs |
2x 1/4" (6.35 mm) Main Outputs (L/R, TS) 4x 1/4" (6.35 mm) Direct Outputs (TS) 1x 1/4" (6.35 mm) + 1x 1/8" (3.5 mm) Headphone Outputs USB Audio (8 Channels) |
| Storage Type | USB Flash Drive (USB-A Port) |
| Finish | Black Sparkle |
Gretsch Drums Limited 2-Year Warranty
Gretsch Drums are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty. Gretsch Drums are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of original purchase through an authorized Gretsch drum dealer. All warranty claims and evaluations must be directed to Gretsch through an authorized dealer only. Authorized Gretsch dealers are conveniently located throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information and to register your product please visit www.gretschdrums.com
Ground shipping is FREE to the 48 contiguous United States for orders $99 and up.*
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