The Best Headphones for Drummers

By Melodics

April 30, 2024

Are you ready to elevate your drumming experience with the best drum headphones? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, having the perfect pair of drummer headphones can improve your performance and overall enjoyment. In this guide, we'll look at the finest headphones for electronic drums, noise-cancelling headphones for drummers, and wireless and in-ear alternatives to help you choose the ideal pair of drumming headphones.

We'll go over the important things to consider when selecting your ideal pair, including isolation, sound quality, comfort, durability, and connectivity options. By the end of this article, you'll have the knowledge to make an informed decision and take your drumming experience to the next level.

Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2 (SIH2)

The Vic Firth SIH2 headphones are designed to cater to the specific needs of drummers, offering a perfect blend of sound isolation and stereo audio quality. These headphones are ideal for various drumming scenarios, including live performances, recording sessions, and practicing along with recorded music, all while maintaining safe sound levels.

Key features of the Vic Firth SIH2 headphones:

Effective noise reduction: The headphones significantly reduce the acoustical sound level in the room, allowing drummers to focus on their performance without being overwhelmed by external noise.
Stereo audio input: The headphones provide high-quality stereo audio via a TRS audio cable, ensuring a rich and immersive listening experience.
Versatile applications: Whether you're jamming with your bandmates, recording in the studio, or simply in need of reliable hearing protection, the Vic Firth SIH2 headphones have you covered.

With their combination of sound isolation, stereo audio quality, and versatile applications, these headphones are a top choice for drummers seeking a reliable and high-performing solution for their drumming needs.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X, released on September 24, 2021, is a premium offering from the renowned German audio company Beyerdynamic, founded in 1924. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $299.00 and a current price of $279 USD, these headphones are designed to deliver exceptional performance for professional users.

Key features of the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X (model number 737704) include:

STELLAR.45 drivers: These newly developed drivers ensure high-quality sound reproduction and allow the headphones to reach high volumes without compromising sound quality or introducing distortion.
Removable XLR cable: The detachable cable adds to the headphones' durability and ease of use, allowing for quick replacement if needed.
Improved construction: Beyerdynamic has enhanced the overall build quality of the DT 700 PRO X on previous models, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Higher sensitivity: The increased sensitivity of these headphones enables users to achieve optimal performance without the need for a high-power amplifier.

With its combination of advanced technology, premium build quality, and user-friendly features, the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X is a top choice for professional drummers and audio enthusiasts seeking a high-performance, reliable set of headphones from a trusted brand with nearly a century of experience in the industry.

Shure SE215 Pro

For those looking for the best drumming earphones, the Shure SE215 Pro earphones have been a popular choice among musicians and audio enthusiasts since their release in 2011, thanks to their attractive price point and impressive specifications. Originally priced at $125, these earphones (model number SE215-CL) offer great value for money, with a current price of just $99.

Key features of the Shure SE215 Pro include:

Wide frequency response: The earphones boast a frequency range of 22Hz-17.5kHz, ensuring accurate reproduction of both low and high frequencies.
Low impedance: With an impedance of 17 ohms, the SE215 Pro is easy to drive and compatible with a wide range of devices.
High sensitivity: The earphones have a sensitivity of 107 dB SPL/mW, allowing for a powerful and dynamic listening experience.

With its combination of affordability, impressive technical specifications, and Shure's reputation for quality, these earphones make a compelling choice for drummers and other musicians seeking a reliable and high-performing in-ear monitoring solution.

Roland VMH-D1 headphones

The Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones, a collaboration between Roland and V-Moda, offer a unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Priced at £159, €159, or $179, these headphones come equipped with a range of features designed to enhance your drumming experience.

Key features of the Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones include:

Customisable shields: Customise your headphones to match your style with the accompanying shields.
Long drumming sessions are made more pleasant with the generously sized memory foam earpads, which fit securely and comfortably.
Dual cable lengths: The VMH-D1 headphones include 3m and 1.5m cables, so you may choose the right length for your home or studio setup.
Convenient carry pouch: Protect and transport your headphones with the included carry pouch.

With their combination of style, comfort, and practicality, the Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones are an excellent choice for drummers seeking a high-quality, feature-rich headphone solution from two respected names in the music industry: Roland and V-Moda.

Isolation and Sound Quality

Drumming headphones must have good isolation and sound. The Vic Firth SIH2 headphones, one of our top recommendations, filter out extraneous noise at 25 dB for optimal ear protection. Despite not being noise-cancelling headphones, the ear cup shape lowers outside sounds. The SIH2's bigger than average driver produces stronger lows, clearer mids, and clear highs. However, due to the mid-range concentration, some users may find the low end inadequate.

Closed-back studio headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X are ideal for recording and monitoring. The STELLAR.45 drivers let the headphones reach high levels without distortion. Bright and analytical, the sound profile is clean and detailed like high-end open-back headphones. The bass is tight, however some may miss sub-bass.

Key info from the other top picks:

Shure SE215 Pro: These in-ear monitors provide excellent isolation thanks to their memory foam ear tips and small nozzle diameter. They deliver a pleasant frequency response with a focus on mids, which Shure is known for.
Direct Sound EX29 Plus Isolation Headphones: Offering extreme isolation and a comfortable fit, these headphones come with a detachable 9-foot cable and inline microphone.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Known for their superior sound quality, these headphones feature 45mm large aperture drivers for a rich and accurate sound signature. However, their sound isolation may not be as strong as other models.

Comfort and Durability

Since you'll wear drumming headphones for long periods during practice and performances, comfort and durability are crucial. Vic Firth SIH2 headphones are industry standards for their durable, excellent build quality and low pricing. They are comfortable for long-term use but may lose isolation if stretched. The cable is not swappable, which could cause failure.

V-Moda Roland VMH-D1 headphones have a sleek design with black components and white accents, including removable hexagonal faceplates with Roland's 'V-Drums' emblem. Deep memory foam and moisture-resistant synthetic leather headband and ear-cups provide comfort over long periods. These lightweight headphones weigh 285g +/-5g and are pleasant for long periods.

Other notable options include:

Shure SE215 Pro: These earphones have dimensions of 1.62m (cable) and weigh 30g. They offer great isolation, a sturdy MMCX cable, a vast ear tip selection, and fair comfort. The detachable and replaceable cable is covered under a 2-year warranty, and the over-ear design and ear guide technology provide an excellent fit, making them suitable for gym use and musicians on a budget.
Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Weighing 350g, these over-ear, closed-back headphones come with 3m (coiled mini-XLR) and 1.8m (straight mini-XLR) cable options. Additional features include replaceable parts, detachable cable, velour ear pads, padded headband, and locking connectors. The ear pads are cushy and comfortable for long listening sessions, and the well-sealed design, comfortable fit, and sturdy build make them a reliable choice.

Connectivity Options

When it comes to connectivity options, the headphones featured in this guide offer a range of choices to suit your needs:

The Vic Firth SIH2 headphones come with both 1/4" and 1/8" plugs, making them compatible with a variety of devices. They also feature an extra-long cable (3m) to avoid snagging during use.
The V-Moda Roland VMH-D1 headphones offer several convenient features, including a mini-jack to 1/4" adaptor, a shorter cable (1.5m) for use away from the kit & even a cable restraint device to keep the cable out of the way.
The Shure SE215 Pro earphones are compatible with the Shure Wireless Adapter (Gen 2), which supports aptX, AAC, and SBC Bluetooth codecs. This allows for wireless connectivity when desired.
The Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X headphones feature wired connectivity and have a low impedance, allowing them to be used on most devices, such as smartphones or laptops, without the need for an amplifier. They can be easily driven through a laptop headphone jack to satisfactory listening levels.
The Vic Firth Drummer's Cans offer both Bluetooth and wired versions. For recording purposes, the wired version is recommended to ensure a proper connection and avoid latency issues.

FAQs

What are the top headphone choices for drummers?

For drummers looking to protect their hearing while playing, there are several good headphone options:

Vic Firth Isolation Headphones offer good value for their price.
Direct Sound EX29 Plus provides exceptional isolation at an affordable price.
GK Music UltraPhones have excellent sound quality and isolation, justifying their cost.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers excellent sound with slightly less isolation.
Drumeo EarDrums boast great sound quality, are portable, and reliable for drummers on the go.

What do drummers listen to through their headphones while playing?

Drummers often use headphones to listen to pre-recorded tracks that guide them through the piece they are accompanying. Alternatively, they may listen to a click track, which sets the tempo for the song they are performing.

Which ear protection is recommended for drummers?

The optimal ear protection for drummers is typically custom-moulded earplugs, which are connected by a leash for convenience. These earplugs are breathable, easy to use, and allow drummers to hear their own drumming clearly. An example of high-quality moulded earplugs is the Doc's Pro Plugs Vented.

Which Shure headphones are the best fit for drummers?

For professional drummers seeking top-notch sound quality and performance, the Shure SE535 Sound Isolating Earphones come highly recommended. These earphones provide excellent sound isolation, making them a solid choice for drummers during performances or practice sessions.

NEW LESSON DROP!

Come Together

As made famous by The Beatles

Learn to play this and over 500 songs in Melodics

Play this song now