Mapex
Product Description
Mapex Black Panther Design Lab Versatus Snare Drum – Maple-Mahogany Hybrid Versatility
The Mapex Black Panther Design Lab Versatus snare is a sonic chameleon—capable of adapting to nearly any style or studio situation with warmth, articulation, and control. Developed in close collaboration with renowned recording artist Russ Miller, this snare is engineered for maximum flexibility and musical range.
At the heart of the Versatus is a hybrid shell made from select plies of maple and mahogany, chosen for their natural blend of dry low-end tone and crisp high-end clarity. The mahogany lends warmth and body, while the maple sharpens the attack and opens up the tuning range—making this drum equally at home in jazz, pop, funk, rock, and beyond.
A unique design element is the 4-ply SAS (Sound Adjustment System) reinforcement ring applied only to the batter side. This enhances rimshot power, tightens the articulation, and dries out excess overtones—perfect for the studio and refined snare work. The snare side remains ring-free, maximizing sensitivity and snare wire response.
Sonic Saver hoops, Mapex's signature 2.3mm flanged hybrid, offer a tonal middle ground between triple-flanged and die-cast, providing comfortable rimshots, durability, and enhanced tuning stability.
Features:
- Designed with Russ Miller for multi-genre performance
- Hybrid maple and mahogany shell for a balanced tonal profile
- Batter-side SAS reinforcement ring adds focus and punch to backbeats
- Ringless snare side promotes natural snare sensitivity and airiness
- Sonic Saver hoops for strong, expressive rimshots and tuning stability
- 14” x 4.58” size – tight, articulate, and powerful
Whether you're tracking in the studio or laying it down live, the Mapex Versatus snare delivers a professional-grade voice that's as adaptable as you are.