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.
Drum Headphones - What To Consider
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 pressure on the ear when you can have little or no pressure?
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.
A Starting Point
Two nice choices if your budget allows would be the 10.5 ounce
Beyer DT 770M or the 9 ounce Beyer DT 150. These are high quality sounding
"Ear-Goggles" as Jimi Hendrix called them. Stated sound reduction is 35 db on
the 770 (designed for drummers) and 20 db on the 150. The DT-150 sounds superb,
but isolation is not a strong point.
Both models are closed, around-the-ear type.
A 10 foot cable is included with each with the 150's being a detachable cable. Beyer
has a well respected reputation in the pro sound industry for professional grade headphones.
Beyer DT 770 M
Beyer DT 150
Direct Sound's Extreme Isolation EX-29 (black model) is
excellent with sound reduction stated at 29 db, and a $90 street price.
Their EX-25 has 25 db reduction at about $50. 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-29
Extreme Isolation EX-25
The "Metrophones" by Big Bang Distribution also have 29 db
reduction and a built in metronome if that feature appeals to you.
Vic Firth has a popular model made for drummers and
endorsed by well known drummer Rod Morgenstein.
Sennheiser HD280 Pro is very popular and many reviews are positive.
Price is also reasonable. I tried them and thought they were a tad
uncomfortable, but I'm very picky about the comfort issue in general.
The Sony 7506 model is very popular in studios. They reportedly
have fair isolation.
The Sennhesier HD 215 is another consideration. Models from
this company generally have crystal clear sound. This model even has a detachable
cable - a useful feature.
A Few Tips
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.
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.
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