Importance of Quality Headphones for Drummers
Drummers need headphones that have passive isolation and allow them to hear their instrument clearly without being drowned out by other external noise. Regular headphones simply don’t offer the sound and passive isolation they required for drumming. Specialized drummers headphones block out all background noises and outside noise, and provide passive isolation and top-notch audio quality so drummers can pick up on the nuances of their drum sound.The 4 Best Wireless Headphones for Drummers
- My Favorite Pick : No products found.
- The Runner Up: No products found.
- Best Quality No products found.
- Best Price No products found.
My Favorite Pick
- Excellent wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation,
- noise reduction hearing protection, cancellation and isolation
- Battery life could be better
The Vic Firth Bluetooth Isolation Headphones are my top pick for drummers looking for a great pair of wireless cans. I’ve used these headphones extensively over the past year and have been consistently impressed with their performance.
The Bluetooth connectivity on these headphones is rock solid. I’ve never experienced any dropouts or interference, even when using them across multiple rooms. The batteries last around 6-8 hours per charge, which is decent but not exceptional. I wish they could hold a charge a bit longer, but it’s easy enough to top them off between sessions.
Where these headphones really shine is with noise isolation. The snug fit and closed-back design block out a ton of external noise, allowing me to really focus in on my playing. I like to play along to tracks and these headphones make it easy to hear all the nuances in direct sound, even at low volumes. The audio quality overall for affordable headphones is crisp and balanced.
The padding on the ear cups and headband is soft and comfortable. I can wear these headphones for hours without any irritation or fatigue. They are lightweight and don’t put too much pressure on your head.
For drummers needing a versatile set of wireless headphones, the Vic Firth Isolation cans are hard to beat. The noise isolation is some of the very best headphones I’ve tried and the wireless performance is flawless. They may not have the longest battery life, but the comfort and audio quality more than make up for it. These have become my go-to headphones for practice and performing.
A funny story I had using the Vics was once I was playing drums and jamming with my band, crushing the grooves on “Play That Funky Music.” Lost in an intense drum solo, I didn’t notice the power went out! My bandmates yelled to no avail – the Vic Firth headphones blocked everything out.
Oblivious, I kept drumming to silence as they watched amused. When I finally ripped off all the headphones and saw the darkened studio, we busted up laughing.
Though embarrassing, it proved the Vic Firth’s worth – their stellar isolation and great sound that let me achieve drum nirvana, completely immersed in music. Now I never play without them!
The Runner Up
- Excellent sound quality and comfort
- Not wireless and the cable length is very long
The beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones (listed above) are a close second choice for me. The audio quality on these wired cans is stunning – extremely clear highs and deep, resonant lows. The 80 ohm impedance gives them plenty of power when driven by a headphone amp or audio interface.
Comfort-wise, these are some of the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn. The velour ear pads feel like pillows on your ears. The headband is adjustable and distributes weight evenly without pinching. I can wear these for many hours without fatigue.
My only real gripes with the DT 770s are that they are wired rather than wireless, and the cable is almost 10 feet long. This makes them tricky to use with portable devices. However, for home studio use they are hard to beat, especially at this price point.
For drummers looking for pristine audio quality and sublime comfort in a wired set of headphones, the beyerdynamic DT 770s represent a terrific value. They may lack the wireless flexibility of my top pick (listed above), but the sound is spectacular.
Best Quality
- Superb sound quality
- very durable
- Expensive
- wired instead of wireless
The Roland RH-5 headphones offer the best sound quality out of all the options here, but they come at a steep price. These headphones are built to last – the construction feels very solid and durable. The audio is crystal clear, with a flat frequency response that accentuates the nuances in your playing.
Comfort-wise, these feel great on the head thanks to thick, cushioned ear pads. The headband is padded as well for a secure yet comfortable fit in ear monitors. I can wear these for hours without any ear fatigue.
My main complaints are the lack of wireless connectivity and the high price tag. At over $200 these are quite an investment, especially considering they still use a wired connection. However, if pristine audio quality is your top priority, the RH-5s deliver in spades. The superb build quality also means they should hold up for years of use.
For drummers who play electronic drums and want the absolute best sound reproduction and don’t mind paying a premium, the Roland RH-5s are a phenomenal choice. Just be prepared to be tethered by the cord. Personally I prefer the flexibility of wireless, but the wired RH-5s still deliver superb performance if audio quality trumps all.
Best Price
- Great sound value for money
- Materials feel a bit cheap
- wired instead of wireless
If you’re looking for an inexpensive set of headphones, the OneOdio A71s deliver surprisingly good audio for a very affordable price point. While the build quality is not on par with more expensive options, the sound itself packs a punch.
These headphones provide a fairly balanced sound profile with a slight boost to the lows. The 50mm speaker drivers deliver solid bass response without muddying up the mids and highs. Comfort is decent thanks to the padded ear cups and headband.
My main complaints are with the materials, which feel a bit cheap and flimsy. The plastics creak a bit when adjusting the fit. I’d worry about long-term durability with heavy use. However, at this price point, the OneOdio headphones are a very compelling value.
For drummers on a tight budget, the OneOdio A71 headphones provide surprisingly capable audio reproduction for the money. I would still recommend spending up for something more durable, like my top pick (listed above). But if you need something inexpensive that sounds decent, these get the job done.
Features to Consider When Buying Headphones for Drumming
When shopping for the best headphones for drummers, there are several key features to keep in mind:
Sound Quality
The most important factor is superior sound quality and the frequency range and response of isolation headphones. Drummers need the best isolation headphones that reproduce clean highs, solid low end, and detailed mids. Good isolation headphones for drummers will have a wide frequency range and flat frequency response to accurately convey the drum kit’s sound.
But what exactly makes up excellent sound quality for drumming headphones? The best drumming headphones will have a balanced and detailed sound with accurate frequency range to convey the full drum kit sound. This allows drummers to hear the detail of electronic and acoustic drums both during their playing.
Comfort and Fit
Since drummers wear headphones for extended and long periods often, comfort is a must. Most drummers prefer over-ear headphones with soft ear pads. The best headphones for drummers, should be adjustable and feel comfortable during the long periods of drumming sessions.
Durability
Look for sturdy headphones that can withstand regular wear and tear. Strong headbands, detachable cables, and quality ear cups extend the headphones’ longevity. Go for a decent pair built with durability in mind.
But why is durability so crucial for drummer headphones and drumming headphones specifically? Drumming headphones need to be durable because they undergo a lot of wear and tear during rigorous practice and recording sessions. Drummers need them to last through long sessions.
Price
There are quality headphones available at every budget. Consider affordable options from brands like the Vic Firth headphones, or invest in premium studio headphones for long sessions of critical listening.
Wireless vs. Wired
Wireless headphones provide freedom of movement, while wired headphones have better sound quality. Choose what works the best headphones and for your needs.
But should drummers choose wireless headphones or wired headphones? It depends on the drummer’s priorities – wireless for more freedom, wired for optimal sound quality. Both have pros and cons to weigh.
Are noise-cancelling headphones good for drummers?
Yes, noise-cancelling and sound isolation in headphones are excellent choices for drummers. They provide superior external noise reduction so drummers can focus solely on their drum sound. The sound isolation also enhances their ability to pick up on subtle technique and rhythm in their playing. Noise-cancelling sound isolating headphones are ideal headphones for drummers for both practice and recording applications.
How do I choose the right headphones for drumming?
The key is finding over-ear drum isolation headphones that check all the boxes: excellent noise isolation, top-notch sound quality and frequency response, durable and comfortable design, and a reasonable price point. Prioritize noise isolation above all else, as that is crucial for drummers.
Then consider sound quality – the best solid isolation headphones around should convey clear highs, robust low end, and articulate mids. Premium studio headphones deliver pristine audio but are expensive, so also look at budget drumming headphones from brands like Vic Firth headphones. The headphones should be comfortable and sturdy enough to withstand regular use.
Can I use regular headphones for drumming?
It’s not recommended to use standard, casual listening, headphones for drumming. Regular headphones are designed for casual listening and music listening, not professional drumming. They lack the specialized, noise reduction and isolation technologies and frequency response tuning that drums require. Drummers need headphones designed specifically to enhance their playing, not hamper it. So while regular headphones may be okay as best headphones for drummers and hobbyists, serious and professional drummers will need headphones tailored for their craft.
How We Test Wireless Headphones
We rigorously test each pair of wireless earbuds to provide you with comprehensive and unbiased reviews. We focus our testing on three key areas – frequency response, battery life, and noise isolation.
To test frequency response, we play sine sweeps through the earbuds using a dummy head. The dummy head simulates how the earbuds will sound for most human ears. We log the frequency response curve to analyze the audio quality and performance across the frequency range.
For battery life, we play continuous pink noise at a calibrated loudness of 75dB SPL. This allows us to directly compare battery life across different earbud models, with each tested under identical conditions. We play music on a loop until the earbuds shut off to determine maximum battery life.
Noise isolation is tested by playing 90dB SPL pink noise one meter away from the dummy head, first with the earbuds off and then with them on. We subtract the two audio measurements to determine how much external noise the earbuds reduce.
While our testing methodology focuses on core performance metrics, real-world battery life and noise isolation can vary based on your personal usage and ear anatomy. However, our controlled lab tests provide a consistent basis for comparison between earbud models so you can find the best pair for your needs. Discover our latest wireless earbud reviews and recommendations!
Summary
Choosing the perfect pair of headphones for drummers is crucial for an optimal drumming experience. Prioritize sound isolation, audio quality, comfort and durability when shopping for the best headphones for drummers everywhere. Investing in a really decent sound quality pair allows drummers to fully immerse themselves in their craft.
Quality drumming headphones are an indispensable tool electronic drum kits. Do your research on ear headphones to find the ideal pair that enhances your playing to the fullest.
My #1 choice and Best Overall Pick is the Vic Forth for drumming headphones.
