Gear Breakdown: Shannon Leto – 30 Seconds To Mars

Shannon Leto – Live Touring Kit

Powerful. Hypnotic. Primal.
Shannon Leto’s drumming has been a driving force behind 30 Seconds To Mars since day one—fusing raw emotion with tribal rhythms and electronic textures. His drum setup reflects that same energy: deep, thunderous toms, immersive electronics, and explosive cymbals that come together to create an unmistakable sonic signature.

Whether performing in massive stadiums or crafting soundscapes in the studio, Shannon approaches the drums like a composer—shaping mood, momentum, and melody through rhythm. His kit isn’t just an instrument; it’s a cinematic tool.

In this Drumeo YouTube video, we built Shannon’s full live setup—hybrid, cinematic, and ready to shake the walls. The gear breakdown lists everything Shannon’s drum tech, Kyle, used, and explores the kit, cymbals, electronics, and other hardware he uses to blast audiences into space.

---

🥁 The Kit

Sonor SQ2 Series Drums

• 20”x20” Bass Drum
• 8”x7” Rack Tom
• 10”x7” Rack Tom
• 12”x7” Rack Tom
• 16”x16” Floor Tom
• 18”x16” Floor Tom
• 14”x6.5” Snare Drum

The Sonor SQ2 series delivers massive low-end response and incredible articulation—perfect for Shannon’s rhythmic intensity. The 20×20 kick provides a deep punch that’s felt as much as it’s heard. The three rack toms and two floor toms create a tonal landscape for tribal patterns and cinematic builds. And the 14×6.5 Sonor snare brings a fat, cutting crack that drives through any mix with authority.

Sonor SQ2 Drum Kits (Europe)
Sonor 14″x6.5″ Snares (Europe)

---

🛎️ The Cymbals

Sabian

• 14” AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hats (Europe)
• 19” AAX X-Plosion Crash (Europe)
• 20” AAX X-Plosion Crash (Europe)
• 20” HHX Raw Bell Ride (Europe)

Shannon’s cymbal setup is designed for high-impact drama. The AAX X-Plosion crashes explode with brightness and decay, while the 14” hats offer crisp response and tight control. The HHX Raw Bell Ride adds depth with a dry, articulate bell—perfect for atmospheric patterns and aggressive builds alike.

---

⚡️ Electronics

Roland

• TD-71 Sound Module (Europe) (TD-50 Hardware no longer sold)
• PD-8 Pads (x5) (Europe)
• KT-10 Kick Trigger Pedal (Europe)
• Custom Electronic Pad (Created by Kyle Rodgers, Shannon’s Drum Tech)

Shannon’s hybrid setup takes full advantage of modern electronic tools. The TD-50X module powers five PD-8 pads, loaded with textures, loops, and atmospheric samples that blend seamlessly with his acoustic playing. A custom pad (made from wood, a yoga mat, and a rubber pad) rounds out the rig, while the KT-10 kick trigger allows precision layering of electronic kicks and effects.

---

🛠️ Other Gear

• DW 9000 Pedals (Europe)
• Remo Drumheads (Europe)
• DW Complete Rack System (Europe)

Built for feel and durability, Shannon’s DW 9000 pedals offer unmatched responsiveness. His kit is fully outfitted with Remo heads for versatile tone across all shells. And everything is mounted to a DW Rack System—sturdy, modular, and ready for the demands of arena-sized performance. It keeps the hybrid setup organized and rock solid.

---

The Verdict

This is the setup behind Shannon Leto’s unmistakable sound—a thunderous acoustic kit fused with electronic versatility, built for cinematic rock. From the deep toms and expressive snare to the ambient textures of his electronics, every element is tuned for maximum impact.

It’s tribal. It’s modern. It’s massive. And it’s pure Shannon.

You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.

*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check out our privacy page.

SHARE THIS: