Protect Your Amazing Ears
Drummer Headphones
A comfortable and quality set of isolating drummer headphones is the most
important and useful drum accessory available. Do not skimp in this area!
Five Reasons Why Your Ears Will Thank You
1. Hearing Protection: If you can turn the level of the music down in your headphones while playing along, your ears benefit greatly. Hearing loss and Tinnitus are not fun and a serious risk for drummers who don't use common sense with volume levels. Seriously consider the highest DB reduction models as your first choices.
2. Practicing: Good isolating headphones will absolutely improve your practicing while playing along with music or instructional audio and video. You can also use them as earmuffs without music to keep drum levels down.
3. Learning: You need to clearly hear details in music your are trying to learn. Not all recordings are created equal so headphones that can pick up details in all frequency ranges is very helpful.
4. Recording: Isolation type drummer headphones can take the frustration of drum set volume overpowering the music in your ears. You can hear the audio at a comfortable volume while still playing normally. Any leakage into commonly used sensitive condensor overhead mics is also greatly reduced.
5. Private Listening: If you get home from a gig late or someone is asleep close by, you can still enjoy the music without disturbing anyone. The same applies to computer sound.
Drumming Headphones - What To Look For
Accurate music reproduction, isolation and comfort are the big three objectives when researching the ideal headphones. Circumaural headphones have earcups which completely surround the ear and are usually much more comfortable than the Supra-Aural type that sit directly on the ear. Don't be too concerned with the audio response specs as most quality brands will be more than accepatable.
Why would you want excess pressure on the ear? Definitely go with the larger earcups. Of course the weight and the padding on the phones can affect comfort. For years my large circumaural headphones have been a pleasure to use because they almost feel like nothing on your head, while providing very clear natural sound.
My top recommendation for hearing protection DB reduction and good sound
would be the UltraPhones. They basically consisit of a Peltor Optime 105 earmuff fitted with Sony 7506 professional studio monitor headphones. Head pressure is tight which is important, but relatively comfortable if you take them off briefly every 30 or 40 minutes. A couple sets of spare ear cushions is good to have
on hand.
UltraPhones
Direct Sound Extreme Isolation EX-29 & EX-25
Direct Sound's Extreme Isolation EX-29 (black model) is a less expensive option with sound reduction stated at 29 db, and a $120.00 street price. Their EX-25 has 25 db reduction at about $90. The owner of the company is a session drummer who really believes in customer service. After a recent conversation with him, I would feel very comfortable doing business.
Extreme Isolation EX-25 and EX-29
Beyer DT 770M / Sennheiser HD380 Pro
Two more considerations would be the Beyer DT 770M (11oz) or the Sennheiser HD380 Pro (8 oz). These are high quality "Ear-Goggles" as Jimi Hendrix called them. Stated sound reduction is 35 db on the 770 and up to 35 db on the HD380 Pro. The DT770M has noticeably less DB reduction compared to the UltraPhones, having used both. The Sennheisers I have not tested yet.
Both models are closed, around-the-ear type.
A 10 foot cable is included with each with the HD380 Pro cable being
a replaceable type. Sennheiser and Beyer have well respected reputations
in the pro sound industry for professional grade headphones.
Beyer DT 770 M
Sennheiser HD380 Pro
The Metrophones by Big Bang Distribution also have 29 db reduction and a built in metronome if that feature appeals to you.
The Sennheiser HD280 Pro is very popular and many reviews are positive. I tried them and thought they were a tad uncomfortable with minimal isolation.
Hearing Protection Is Vital
Be sure to get the highest DB of volume reduction that you can afford. If the DB figure is not stated in the specifications, call the manufactuer's technical support for an answer. Remember these are to be used specifically as drum headphones and to help protect your precious hearing. The tighter the seal around the ear, the better the protection assuming two different models have the same DB reduction specs. Don't forget comfort or using them for extended periods will be a real pain. (sorry - couldn't resist)
Try to find the headphones locally if possible. Test them for 30 minutes or so to get a feel for the sound and comfort level. If they can't be found locally, order online from companies that have excellent return policies, such as Musician's Friend. This can save money and give you more choices.
If you tend to be a drummer that is rough on gear, purchasing with an extended warranty might be a good idea. This is especially true if you decide on an expensive pair.
Do your homework and try not to rush your final choice.
A quality set of drummer headphones will last many years if properly cared for.
Be sure that you get a warm fuzzy feeling before before making that final decison.
