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The Best Headphones for Drummers

Top Pick
KAT Percussion KTUI26
Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic
Alesis DRP100
KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones,Black, 10.8 oz
Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic Closed Headphones Black w/10' Headphone Extension Cable
Alesis DRP100 - Audio-Isolation Electronic Drums Headphones for Monitoring, Practice or Stage Use with 1/4" Adapter and Protective Bag, Black
Top Pick
KAT Percussion KTUI26
KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones,Black, 10.8 oz
Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic
Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic Closed Headphones Black w/10' Headphone Extension Cable
Alesis DRP100
Alesis DRP100 - Audio-Isolation Electronic Drums Headphones for Monitoring, Practice or Stage Use with 1/4" Adapter and Protective Bag, Black

Searching for a pair of noise-canceling headphones that allows you to focus on just the music is quite a task, but fear not, because we’re here with this guide to help you. 

After trying and testing ten different pairs of headphones, we’ve concluded that the best headphones for drummers are the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. These comfortable and excellent-sounding headphones are perfect for electronic drums. They are over-the-ear headphones with excellent sound quality. 

We’re recommending these studio headphones because they provide you with a professional-quality sound that helps with critical listening. They’re built for recording techs or drummers in the recording studio or the control room. 

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro over-the-ear design is perfect for long sessions in the studio; this is a time when the comfort factor is critical. If this isn’t enough to convince you, you’ll also get a frequency response of 5Hz-35kHz! The DT 770 headphones are long-lasting and highly suitable for long studio hours! 

If you’re searching for drumming headphones, you’re going to be looking for a pair that provides you with good quality sound and comfort while also being cost-effective. You could have a look at the Shure SRH840 or the Roland RH-300 Stereo Headphones in that case. Both headphones are priced between $140 and $190, which means they are affordable and of the highest quality. 

Roland RH-300 Stereo Headphones

You’ve come to us because you’re searching for a list of the best headphones for drummers. If you’ve been hunting for headphones that are noise-canceling, comfortable, and sound-isolating, then you’ve come to the right place. 

First, we’ll give you a list of the top ten headphones. Then we’ll give you a detailed description of each pair of headphones while breaking down its features, pros, and cons. Please keep reading for more information!

The top 10 best headphones for drummers: 

Table of Contents

  1. GK Music UltraPhones
  2. KAT Percussion Ultra Isolation Headphones
  3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
  4. Vic Firth SIH2
  5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
  6. Metrophones Studio Kans
  7. V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master
  8. Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic
  9. Sony MDR-7506
  10. Alesis DRP100

The 10 Best Headphones for Drummer Reviewed in Detail 

1. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

The best pair of headphones for drummers are the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros! These closed-back headphones are perfect for critical listening. They help with professional-quality sound in the recording studio, and they are extremely comfortable as well! 

Let’s have a look at their features. 

Product Specifications:

  • They are closed-back headphones. 
  • They are equalized to meet EQ requirements.
  • They come with an innovative bass-reflex system.
  • These headphones have a frequency response of 5-35Hz.
  • They are passive noise-isolating headphones. 

Pros: 

  • Extremely comfortable. 
  • All of the headphone’s parts are replaceable. 
  • Perfect for long sessions in a studio. 

Cons: 

  • Price is on the higher-end.

2. GK Music UltraPhones

GK Music UltraPhones | Best Headphones for Drummers
Source: www.gk-music.com

These GK Music headphones were explicitly built for drummers, which is why we’ve made them number one on our list. They were created by a drummer named Gordy Knudtson, and they are best known for their sound quality and comfort. 

Let’s take a look at the product’s specifications. 

Product Specifications: 

  • These headphones include Sony 7506 Studio Monitor components within a 3M Peltor 29db hearing protection muff. 
  • They carry 29bd of passive isolation, which means that there is no cue bleed. 
  • The speakers in these headphones are embedded in the ear cups, so you don’t have to worry about tinnitus and take extra precautions to protect your ears. 
  • The cord weighs 14oz and comes with a ¼” plug.
  • They are designed for drummers and musicians who need to wear headphones for long periods. 

Advantages: 

  • Comfortable 
  • Good quality sound 
  • Built for the studio, stage, or even the orchestra pit

Disadvantages: 

  • More expensive than other drumming headphones 

3. KAT Percussion KTUI26

KAT Percussion KTUI26

Check Price on Amazon

The third pair of headphones on our list is the KAT percussion headphones! These headphones are what we’d recommend to drummers searching for a pair of headphones that goes well with acoustic drums. We’d also recommend them to users searching for comfortable headphones for long periods of time in a studio. The audio quality with these headphones blocks outside noise, allowing you to focus on your drum set and nothing more. 

Let’s take a closer look at this brand. 

Product Specifications: 

  • These headphones cut out ambient noise, allowing you to focus only on the music. 
  • They come with an adjustable padded headband and thick leather ear pads. 
  • There is a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz. 
  • They are also passive isolation headphones, meaning that no batteries are required. 
  • The KAT Percussion headphones come with a ⅛” stereo headphone jack and a ¼” adapter. 
  • They are perfect for both the studio and if you want to listen to music. 

Advantages: 

  • They are lightweight and durable
  • They block out ambient noise 
  • Good midrange and highs
  • Ideal for drummers 

Disadvantages:

  • Not long-lasting; they last only six months before needing to be replaced. 

4. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Source: www.sweetwater.com

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pros are headphones for drummers working as recording professionals. If you’ve been searching for headphones with accurate frequency response, then these drummer headphones are for you. 

They’re incredibly popular among sound professionals, thanks to their accuracy and isolation and their comfortable design. If critical listening is a crucial aspect of your headphone requirements, then you don’t need to look much further than this pair of headphones. They’re affordable and effective, and recording professionals love these headphones for a reason. 

Let’s have a closer look at them. 

Product Specifications: 

  • They are built for critical listening, mixing, recording, and even DJing.
  • Their ear cups are thick and widely spaced, making them comfortable to wear.
  • There is 32db of acoustic isolation. 
  • Each pair comes with accurate linear frequency response.
  • They also come with an adapter so that you can use the headphones with both ¼” and ⅛” jacks. 

Advantages: 

  • Easily foldable, making them easy to transport
  • Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Sturdily built and durable
  • Strong bass

Disadvantages:

  • Lacks active noise cancelation 

5. Vic Firth SIH2

Vic Firth SIH2
Source: www.sweetwater.com

Next on our list is the Vic Firth Stereo Isolation headphones! These drummer headphones were explicitly built for an immersive listening experience. It offers drummers full-range feedback coupled with hearing protection that helps you perform your best on stage and in the studio!

Product Specifications:

  • They are isolation headphones
  • The Vic Firth SIH2 come with passive noise reduction of 25db 
  • Each pair comes with 50mm drivers that give clear sound, bigger bass, clean highs, and full mids. 
  • Even though these headphones are designed for drummers, they are suitable for all musicians. 
  • The headphones’ integrated cable comes with a ¼” adapter and a ⅛” stereo plug. 
  • These headphones are an updated version of Vic Firth’s SIH Stereo Isolation headphones. This means that the company has combined headphones with earmuffs, especially since you want to protect your hearing as a drummer and musician. 
  • They reduce external noise and, in the process, reduce headphone bleed. 

Advantages: 

  • Vic Firth headphones are explicitly built for drummers, thus providing you with the best sound.
  • Reasonably priced 
  • The build quality is high 

Disadvantages: 

  • The earpads are made from plastic, so it is uncomfortable to wear for long periods. 

6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Source: www.sweetwater.com

Some of you out there searching for the best headphones for drummers might be looking for a pair that works best for sound isolation. The Audio-Technica ATH M50x is one of the best isolation headphones for drummers. They come with comfortable ear cushions and many other cool features, so let’s take a closer look at these headphones. 

These are closed-back headphones designed for drummers and sound mixers spending long hours in the studio. They are minimal bleed headphones that come with swivel earcups and detachable cables, along with multiple other features. 

Let’s take a closer look at the product specifications. 

Product Specifications: 

  • They come with a frequency response of 15Hz-28kHz. 
  • Each pair is tuned with topnotch accuracy and for a flat response across the frequency range.
  • These headphones offer ambient noise isolation in noisy environments thanks to the circumaural designs near the ear cups.
  • They come with 45mm drivers containing neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. 
  • They also come with three detachable cables – a 3.9’-9.8’ coiled cable and two straight cables of 3.9’ and 9.8’ respectively. 
  • The headphones are sold with a 1.4” adapter as well and a carrying pouch. 

Advantages: 

  • Extremely comfortable to wear
  • Well-built and durable 
  • Consistent frequency response 
  • Fantastic bass, treble, and mid accuracy

Disadvantages: 

  • Not suitable for live performances as these earphones are built for studios and sound mixing 

7. Metrophones Studio Kans

Metrophones Studio Kans
Source: www.sweetwater.com

You might have been waiting for a pair of ultra isolation headphones, and we have finally come to it! The Metrophones Studio Kans headphones are yet another pair of the best headphones for drummers! 

The noise cancellation aspect is one of many features that draws drummers towards this particular brand. These headphones are also perfect for recording in both studios and outdoors, practicing, and live monitoring, and they fit snugly and comfortably. 

Let’s see what the product specifications are. 

Product Specifications: 

  • They are noise isolation bluetooth headphones. 
  • These headphones were developed for practicing, recording, and live playing
  • The ear pads are gel-filled.
  • They provide complete isolation of ambient noise. 
  • It comes with a padded and adjustable steel headband.
  • It comes with 29db of passive isolation.
  • You can recharge it through a USB wall charger. The wall charger and cable come with the headphones and do not need to be purchased separately.
  • The batteries in these headphones last for over 40 hours. 
  • They come with a ⅛” aux input. 

Advantages: 

  • Suitable for drummers who are at long sessions in the studio, practicing and recording
  • Noise reduction qualities are high without causing injury. 
  • Good quality sound for the drummers. 

Disadvantages: 

  • The Bluetooth option is not suitable for working in a studio because of latency issues. 

8. V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master

V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master
Source: www.sweetwater.com

It’s no secret that when choosing the best headphones for drummers, comfort and sound quality are two of the most important factors to consider before purchasing a pair, and the V-Moda Crossfade headphones are what you’ve been looking for. 

They’re used by drummers,  Grammy award-winning producers, and even DJs! They are over the ear headphones with minimal sound leakage that can be worn for several hours at a stretch. If that’s not enough to convince you, let’s take a closer look at the specifics of these headphones, so you can understand why we’re so obsessed with them. 

Product Specifications: 

  • They are designed to provide you with high-resolution sound thanks to the dual-diaphragm drivers. 
  • The cable is an aramid fiber-reinforced cable. 
  • Each pair comes with a 45-degree plug. 
  • The earpads are made of foam cushions that will mold to your ear shape. 
  • There is minimal sound leakage and perfect sound isolation.
  • It comes with a 1/8″ plug and 1/4″ adapter.
  • The headband is flexible and made from vegan leather, and it has a 3D mesh exterior. 

Advantages: 

  • It is best known for its sound quality and elimination of background noise.
  • High build quality and highly durable in areas with either high or low temperatures. 
  • They are built to last for a long time. 

Disadvantages: 

  • More expensive than other headphones for drummers. 

9. Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic

Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic

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  As we inch closer to the end of our list, we wanted to recommend another pair of the best headphones for drummers. This part is by the brand Direct Sound. The sound quality of these headphones is excellent when playing the drums, and the headband is adjustable to fit any kind of head size! 

Let’s have a closer look at the features of these headphones. 

Product Specifications: 

  • These headphones have closed backs, and they come with closed-back drivers. 
  • The design is aimed at drummers working in loud environments, such as in studios or playing at gigs. 
  • The ear cups are padded with IncrediFlex, and they come with a foldable and adjustable headband. 

Advantages: 

  • There is no sound leakage.
  • These drummer headphones are suitable for sound mixing because you won’t be affected by external noise. 

Disadvantages:

  • They are not suitable for sound mixing. 
  • Some users might find that these headphones are too loud. 

10. Sony MDR-7506

Sony MDR-7506
Source: www.sweetwater.com

If you’re working in the recording studio daily or searching for isolation headphones for drummers, then the Sony MDR-7506 is one of our best headphone recommendations. They are affordable noise isolation headphones that are both comfortable and of the highest sound quality! Their thick earpads prevent sound from leaking into microphones, and they are easy to transport. 

Let’s look at these Sony headphones in detail.

Product Specifications: 

  • In addition to working well for drummers, these headphones are also designed for DJs, personal listening, and professional studio monitoring. 
  • It comes with a StereoMatch plug so that you can plug the headphones into both ¼” and ⅛” jacks. 
  • The headphones’ frequency response is 10Hz-20kHz. 
  • They are sold with a soft carrying case. 

Advantages: 

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting
  • Affordable and worth the price

Disadvantages:

  • None! 

#10 Alesis DRP100

Alesis DRP100

Check Price on Amazon

It’s been a fun ride, and we’ve reached the end of our list. The final item on our list is yet another one of the best headphones for drummers! 

These sound isolation headphones by Alesis were explicitly built for drummers working with electronic drums. However, they can also be used in daily life and when working in the studio. 

Let’s examine these headphones in detail. 

Product Specifications:

  • They were designed for electronic drum monitoring
  • The ear cups will provide you with both comfort and extreme isolation
  • The headphones’ silicone headband is sweatproof and flexible. 
  • Each pair comes with 40mm full-range drivers. 
  • They also come with a 6.3 adapter and a 3.5mm stereo plug. 

Advantages: 

  • Affordable 
  • Sturdily built 
  • Excellent isolation 

Disadvantages: 

  • Specific to drummers
  • They last only six months

Buying Guide for Drummer Headphones 

Here’s a list of what to look for when buying a pair of headphones as or for a drummer. 

  1. The size and comfort 

As a drummer, you might find yourself using headphones constantly. However, if you’re a beginner and don’t know how to choose a pair of headphones, the important thing is to test the size and comfort of the headphones. 

Make sure the ear cups sit comfortably on your ears. They shouldn’t be too big where they envelop your ears and make you sweat, nor should they be too small and cause your ears and head to hurt. They should fit you comfortably, and they should be the right size for you. 

  1. Sound quality and ear protection

When purchasing headphones for drumming, you also want to make sure that the sounds you hear are crisp and balance. Low sound quality could potentially harm your ears and hearing in the long run, especially if the music around you is too loud. 

Make sure that you choose ultra isolation headphones that wrap around your ear snuggly and comfortably so that you can play for many hours at a stretch without developing any pain. 

  1. A good quality link cable 

A crucial item that accompanies the perfect pair of headphones for drummers is a good-quality link cable. We encourage you to invest in a cable that’s good quality because you want it to last for a long time while delivering the best quality. 

When you’re drumming, the headphones you use will need external amplification for you to get the best possible sound. This is where the link cable comes in handy. Make sure that it is an adequate length so that you can play continuously without any discomfort. 

FAQs

What headphones do drummers use?

When it comes to headphone preferences, drummers across the world have their favorites. However, some of the most popular headphones that drummers use are the KAT KTUI26 headphones, the Vic Firth SIH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones V2, and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. 

What is the best noise Cancelling headphones for drummers?

Some of the best noise-canceling headphones for drummers are the Direct Sound EX-29, the Alesis DRP100, and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. 

Are Beats headphones good for drums?

No, because they do not replicate the drum sounds correctly or accurately, they aren’t suitable for studio work. 

Are AirPods good for drumming?

No, they are not. AirPods leak sound when drumming and could cause your ears to get injured. 

Conclusion 

When it’s time to choose a pair of headphones, you’re going to try and make sure that the ones you end up choosing are good quality, long-lasting, and worth the price you pay. 
We’ve gone through a list of 10 different headphones, and the ones we’d highly recommend are V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master. If you’re not a drummer, but you’ve been searching for a guide to purchasing Checkout our guide on best headphones for hip-hop if you’re not a drummer but searching for a guide to purchasing headphones.