The 5 Best Headphones for Electronic Drums
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best headphones for electronic drums for your budget and situation, along with our Top 5 recommendations!
Your neighbors will thank you. They're easy to travel with. You have hundreds of sound you can access at the push of a button. No more fiddling around with mics and preamps, meaning set up for recording and performing is a breeze.
There are many, many reasons why electronic drum sets have become so popular over the years. One of the most crucial parts of an electronic setup is a good pair of headphones so you can hear yourself when you play.
When looking for a pair to use with an electronic drum kit, there are a few factors you'll want to consider.
Sound Isolation
The most important consideration is how well they isolate sound. This is especially important if you're using an in-ear monitor (IEM) system, as it will allow you to hear the electronic drums more clearly without any outside noise interference.
Comfort and Durability
You'll want a pair that are comfortable to wear on your ears for extended periods of time, and that can withstand some abuse on the road. Some like plush ear pads, others prefer earbuds.
Compatibility
It's also important to consider the type of connector they use, as this will determine which electronic drum kit they can be used with. Most use a standard 1/4" connector, but there are also some that use a mini XLR connector.
Type or Design
Closed-back or open-back? A closed-ear design will provide some isolation from outside noise, while open-back will allow more sound to leak out and be heard by others in the room.
Impedance Resistance
Lower impedance headphones will require less power to drive them, while higher impedance ones will require more power. Most beginner electronic drum kits come with a headphone amplifier that can accommodate lower impedance drum headphones, but if you plan on using high impedance drum headphones you may need to buy a separate amplifier.
Frequency Response
This measures how well they reproduce low, mid, and high frequencies. You'll want a pair that can reproduce all frequencies evenly, as this will provide the best sound from your electronic drum setup.
Size and Weight
Larger and heavier drum headphones may be more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but they can also be more difficult to carry around. Smaller and lighter pairs are easier to transport, but they may not be as comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Taking all of these factors into account, we've written up our picks for the top headphones for electronic drums below.
Samson SR350 Over Ear Stereo Headphones
Why it Rocks
Whether you're listening to high-energy EDM or quiet acoustic tracks, Samson's SR350 deliver quality bass performance and excellent sound isolation in a lightweight and comfortable design. With soft padding on the ear cups and an adjustable headband that provides a snug and customizable fit, these are ideal for prolonged listening sessions.
Plus, the low-profile, over-ear structure ensures they won't interfere with physical activities like drumming.
By far the least expensive headphones on this list, these are perfect for drummers on a budget.
What Else
At the core of great sound is the driver: component that converts electrical signals into vibrations that we hear as sound. Many options use cheap, low-quality drivers to keep costs down, but with 35mm drivers and rare earth magnets, these deliver exceptional sound with tight bass and crisp treble.
Made with closed-back design and plush earpads, they also offer outstanding noise reduction, ensuring you won't be distracted by unwanted noise while listening to your favorite tracks.
And with their contoured shape and adjustable headband, they provide a secure, comfortable fit no matter how long you listen.
So if you're looking for an upgrade from those cheap earbuds that came with your smartphone, these could be a great next step up. With their superior tonal quality, comfortable design, and low price point, they are an excellent choice for any electronic drummer.
And to top it off, they come complete with a 1/4" adapter for compatibility with any audio source.
Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2
Why it Rocks
Vic Firth is a legend in the drum world, so it's no surprise that these high-quality headphones offer superior sound reproduction, with rich lows, clear mids, and crisp highs.
They are designed to provide the perfect fit, with plush ear cups and cushioned headbands that make them comfortable enough for even long listening sessions.
They're ideal for live situations, or for drumming along with recorded music.
What Else
Whether you're trying to focus on your work or simply need some peace and quiet, outside noise can be a major distraction.
Luckily, with a good set of noise-cancelling headphones, you can reduce the amount of ambient sound entering your ears by up to 25 decibels.
They are equipped with high-quality 50m/m Dynamic Speaker Mylarcon drivers that offer crisp, clear acoustics across a wide frequency response range from 20Hz all the way up to 20kHZ.
They come with both 1/4” and 1/8” plugs, making them compatible with virtually any type of audio device, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and more.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Why it Rocks
Whether you are a drummer, music producer, sound engineer, or broadcaster, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 M are a favorite choice all over the world.
They are renowned for their incredible precision in reproducing the entire frequency response range, as well as their ability to produce punchy low frequencies in detail.
What's more, their robust spring steel headband ensures a secure fit and makes them comfortable even when worn for extended periods of time.
And thanks to their single-sided cable design, they can be put on and taken off frequently without getting tangled up.
Whether you are a professional musician or simply enjoy listening to music at home, the DT 770 M 80 is an ideal choice for high-quality aural reproduction.
What Else
Designed with the needs of professional musicians in mind, these Beyerdynamics feature high-quality construction and engineering to deliver an enhanced listening experience. With a single-sided 10 foot connecting cable that is equipped with an integrated in-line volume control, they are ideal for studio or stage use.
They are fitted with gold-plated mini stereo plugs for optimum connectivity and come with a 1/4" adapter for added versatility.
Additionally, their rugged headband construction ensures a secure, comfortable fit at all times, while the soft circumaural design and replaceable pads for the ear cups offer ample comfort during extended periods of use.
Alesis DRP100
Why it Rocks
Designed with today's electronic drummers in mind, these drum headphones offer accurate sound reproduction and extreme audio isolation for monitoring your drum kit both in the studio and on stage. Whether you're looking to capture all the intricate nuances of your drumming or simply need a comfortable set that can withstand the rigors of daily use, the DRP100 headphones could be an ideal choice.
With a rugged, lightweight design, sweat-proof silicone headband, and over-ear construction that provides extreme isolation and comfort, they are built to last and perfect for any electronic drummer.
What Else
Featuring 40mm full-range drivers, these headphones deliver a tight low end and wide frequency response, ensuring that every detail of your music is accurately reproduced.
Plus, they feature an over-ear design for extreme isolation and outstanding comfort, making them ideal for use in the studio or on stage.
Whether you're rocking out to your favorite band or recording tracks for your latest album, these Alesis will get the job done, and all at an extremely reasonable price, given the value offered.
Roland RH-300V V-Drums Stereo Headphones
Why it Rocks
Optimized for use with an electronic drum kit (such as Roland V-Drums), with their 50mm drivers, neodymium magnets, and CCAW voice coils, these headphones provide powerful, dynamic sound with solid bass frequency response and clear highs.
In addition, they are built to withstand heavy use, with robust construction and fold-up earpieces that make them ideal for frequent travel.
And the tough 3-meter cord provides excellent flexibility and mobility, ensuring that you're always free to move between instruments, computers, and recording consoles without feeling tethered or restricted.
What Else
Whether you're a seasoned musician or a novice just starting out, good headphones are essential for getting lost in your work. With their closed-back design and comfortable, lightweight construction, these headphones can help you block out distractions and fully focus on your music, resulting in more productive sessions.
Roland has been a leader in the world of electronic drums for decades, so it's no surprise that they are the manufacturer of our #1 pick for the best overall phones on this list.
FAQs About the Best Headphones for Electronic Drums
Why do drummers wear headphones?
Drummers often need headphones because it allows them to hear the music more clearly. It can be difficult to play in time with other musicians if you can't hear the music properly, and drum headphones help to fix that issue.
Drum headphones also help players to focus on their own playing without being distracted by the other musicians in the band. This is especially important during live shows, since it's crucial that the drummer stay in sync with the rest of the band.
By wearing drum headphones, players can effectively block out any unwanted noise from the audience or from other instruments onstage.
When you're performing in a band, it's important to be able to hear the other members of the band as well as the music itself. This is especially important for drummers, who need to be able to keep time with the other musicians, and they are frequently listening to a click track (i.e., a metronome). Drum headphones allow them to hear the music more clearly, which makes it easier for them to play in sync with the rest of the band.
Can you use any pair of headphones with electronic drums?
You can use any pair of headphones for playing electronic drums, but the accuracy and frequency reproduction of the headphones sound may vary. Some drum headphones are designed to work specifically with electronic drums and will provide a better sound quality than others. If you're looking for the best possible sound quality, it might be worth investing in a pair of drum headphones specifically designed for use with an electronic set, and it is recommended to focus on those with excellent noise reduction.
Can you use wireless headphones with electronic drums?
Yes, you can use wireless headphones. Wireless headphones are a great option, because they allow you to move around freely while you play, without getting tangled up in a cable.
There are a few different types of wireless headphones that you can use. Some headphones have a transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack on your electronic drum module, and others have a receiver that plugs into the input jack on your amplifier.
If you're looking for a wireless pair of headphones that will work with your electronic drums, be sure to check the specifications to make sure that they are compatible.
There are a few different ways that you can connect wireless headphones to your electronic drum set.
One way is to use a stereo headphone adapter, which will allow you to plug the drum headphones into the output jack on the drum module.
Another way is to use a wireless transmitter, which will send the frequency signal from the drum to the headphones wirelessly.
Some transmitters even come with receivers that you can wear around your neck, so you don't have to worry about being tethered to the kit.
Do noise cancelling headphones work for electronic drums?
Yes, noise cancelling headphones work for an electronic drum setup. The purpose of noise cancelling is to reduce or eliminate the surrounding environmental noise so that the person wearing the headphones can listen to audio without any interruption or distraction.
Electronic drums can be quite loud, so using noise cancelling headphones can really help to muffle the external noise and create a more immersive experience. They work by electronically cancelling out the sound of the drum set as you strike it so that you only hear the actual tone produced by the instrument, so this is a great way to improve because you can focus on your own sounds without any external noise distractions.
Summary of the Best Headphones for Electronic Drums
Not all drum headphones are created equal. Some headphones are designed to work specifically with electronic drum kits, while other headphones may not provide the level of quality sound that you need when drumming.
When choosing a pair of headphones for use with electronic drum sets, it is important to consider the type of headphone connector that is used on the drum module. Most modern drum modules use a 1/4" headphone connector, so it is important to make sure that the headphones you purchase have a 1/4" connector.
The best headphones for electronic drums will depend on your personal preferences. Some people prefer over-ear headphones with ear cups because they provide a better sound and noise reduction, while others prefer earbuds because they feel they're more comfortable to wear. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which type will be the best headphones for you.
Remember that here are a few different factors that you should consider when choosing headphones for electronic drums, such as the sound quality, comfort, and price.
If you're looking for the best possible experience with your electronic drum kit, then you'll want to choose over-ear drumming headphones. These types of headphones provide a richer and fuller sound than other types of headphones. They also tend to be more expensive than other types of headphones, so they might not be the best option if price is a major consideration.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, then earbuds might be the best choice for you. Earbuds are less expensive than over-ear headphones and they're also more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. However, they don't provide the same sound quality as a good pair of over-ear headphones.
Just to recap, here are our picks of the best headphones for drummers from above:
Best Budget Option: Samson SR350 Over Ear Stereo
Best for Comfort: VF Stereo Isolation Headphones V2
Best for Build Quality: Beyerdynamic DT 770
Best Value for the Money: Alesis DRP 100
Best Overall: Roland RH-300V
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin’.
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