# Ben Koller's Complete Drum Setup — Converge Gear Guide

> Complete breakdown of Ben Koller's drum setup with Converge. Tama Starclassic Performer kit, Zildjian K and A Custom cymbals, Tama Iron Cobra pedals, and Evans heads — the full gear guide for hardcore's most intense drummer.

**Type:** Kit Breakdown
**Drummer(s):** [Ben Koller](/llms/drummers/ben-koller.md)
**Band / Album:** Converge
**Genre:** Hardcore / Metalcore

## Overview

Ben Koller's drum setup is the visceral core of one of the most influential bands in modern hardcore. As Converge's drummer since 1999, Koller has spent over two decades refining a setup that can deliver the controlled chaos of "Jane Doe," the grinding intensity of "Axe to Fall," and the experimental heaviness of "Bloodmoon: I" — all while maintaining the raw energy that defines Converge's relentless live show.

His current setup is built around a Tama Starclassic Performer B/B kit paired with Zildjian K and A Custom cymbals — a combination chosen for durability, cutting power in dense live mixes, and the response needed to execute his blend of blast beats, intricate fills, and full-kit chaos across Converge's demanding touring schedule.

## Gear Breakdown

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Performer B/B (birch/bubinga shells)
- **Snare:** Tama S.L.P. Snare, 14" x 6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian — K Custom and A Custom Series
- **Hardware / Pedals:** Tama Iron Cobra Double Pedal; Vic Firth or Promark 5B sticks
- **Heads:** Evans G2 Coated (toms, batter), Evans G1 Clear (toms, resonant), Evans EMAD (bass, batter)
- **Snare tuning:** Medium-bright for cut and rimshot authority through dense hardcore mixes

### Ben's Tama Starclassic Performer B/B

The Tama Starclassic Performer B/B is built around a birch/bubinga shell construction. Birch provides a focused, punchy attack with a tight, controlled low end, while bubinga adds warmth and a deeper fundamental tone. For Koller's style — where every hit needs to register clearly through Converge's dense, distortion-heavy guitar arrangements — this combination delivers the clarity and impact that all-birch or all-maple kits can't match alone.

Configuration: 22" bass drum, 10" and 12" rack toms, 16" floor tom. Deliberately stripped-down for quick setup/breakdown during Converge's intense touring schedule.

### The Snare: Tama S.L.P.

The Tama S.L.P. (Studio Legendary Percussion) snare at 14" x 6.5" has the depth to project volume and body while maintaining the sharp attack and quick decay that hardcore drumming demands. In Converge's live mix — guitars tuned down to B standard and below — the snare must be tuned aggressively to cut. The 6.5" depth provides a fuller, more commanding voice on rimshots critical to Koller's backbeat authority.

### The Zildjian Arsenal

Ben Koller's Zildjian setup combines two series: the K Custom for complexity and darkness, and the A Custom for brightness and projection.

- **14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats**: Controlled, complex response for fast closed patterns
- **18" and 19" A Custom Crashes**: Bright, explosive response for section-ending accents
- **21" K Custom Ride**: Complex wash with defined bell
- **18" A Custom China**: Aggressive, trashy accent for Converge's most violent passages
- **10" K Splash**: Quick accent punctuation

The combination of K Custom darkness with A Custom brightness covers every expressive need from subtle to extreme.

### Iron Cobra and Evans Heads

The Tama Iron Cobra double pedal provides smooth, consistent chain-drive feel ideal for Koller's blast beats and syncopated kick patterns across thousands of live shows. Evans G2 Coated heads on toms deliver warm attack with controlled sustain; Evans EMAD on the bass drum provides focused punch.

## Live vs. Studio

**Studio**: Recorded at God City Studio in Salem, MA with producer/guitarist Kurt Ballou. Close-miked shells with minimal room ambience — raw, direct drum sound. Ghost notes more prominent in studio mixes.

**Live**: Crashes tuned slightly looser for more volume and sustain over crowd noise. Iron Cobra's consistent feel across varying stage conditions is critical for Converge's 70+ minute sets. Natural projection of birch/bubinga shells reduces PA dependency in small-to-medium venues.

## Key Facts

- Converge drummer since 1999 — joined at age 20
- Tama Starclassic Performer B/B — primary touring kit (birch/bubinga)
- Zildjian K and A Custom cymbals for brightness and cut
- Tama Iron Cobra double pedal for explosive footwork
- Evans G2 Coated (toms), EMAD (bass), G1 Coated (snare)
- Also plays in Mutoid Man, All Pigs Must Die, and Killer Be Killed
- Grammy-nominated for "The Dusk in Us" (2017)
- Recorded "Bloodmoon: I" (2021) featuring Chelsea Wolfe
- Estimated full kit value: $3,500–6,000

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What drums does Ben Koller use?**
Ben Koller plays a Tama Starclassic Performer B/B kit. The "B/B" designation refers to the birch/bubinga shell construction. His configuration typically includes 10", 12", and 16" toms with a 22" bass drum.

**What cymbals does Ben Koller use?**
Ben Koller plays Zildjian K Custom and A Custom cymbals: K Custom Dark 14" Hi-Hats, A Custom 18" and 19" Crashes, K Custom Ride 21", A Custom China 18", and K Splash 10".

**What pedals does Ben Koller use?**
Ben Koller uses the Tama Iron Cobra double bass drum pedal — a chain-drive pedal known for its smooth, consistent feel under sustained heavy use.

**What snare does Ben Koller use?**
Ben Koller plays a Tama S.L.P. snare drum in a 14" x 6.5" configuration for body, projection, and rimshot authority.

**Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/ben-koller-drum-setup

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*Last updated: 2026-06-18 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*