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The best headphones for electronic drums let you enjoy the full-spectrum sound without interruption. We’ll show you the buying guide and 10 trusted suggestions.
The best headphones for electronic drums need to capture the realistic quality of sound and give a deep response to the content you’re listening to.
Besides, if you don’t want to disturb people around you while playing electronic or acoustic drums, a pair of headphones is the necessary accessory for noise cancellation.
Our review offers 10 top-rated headsets for electronic drummers. Among them, OneOdio Pro-10 meets all of the above needs including perfect sound reproduction and outstanding noise isolation.
But first, let’s quickly go through the buying guide to understand what criteria to consider models of headphones.
Buying Guide – What Are Essential Criteria?
A poor-quality headset disrupts the sound range, hindering your motivation to practice. That’s why we’ll show you 4 factors to consider while choosing excellent headphones for an electronic drum kit.
Types Of Headphones For Electronic Drums
This article does not fully cover all the different types of headphones. We just summarize some information regarding our top 10 picks.
Wired And Wireless Technology
Wired headphones transmit audio through cables that have two ends for each. Sound reproduction occurs when the headphone jack is put in the audio output of the instrument kits.
Pros:
- Perfect sound quality
- Ensure a balanced audio performance
- No electrical power required
Cons:
- Limit the number of connected devices
- Risk of getting tangles while on the go
- Risk of device incompatibility without the right cable
Wireless headphones connect to devices without using cables. They transmit sound by making use of radio frequencies or IR signals.
Pros:
- Convenient wire-free experience
- Allow audio to be shared between multiple devices simultaneously
- Allow listening to music while exercising
- Compatible with all devices with wireless technology design
Cons:
- Risk of interference of sound signal
- Require battery
Closed-ear And Semi-open-back Headphones
Closed-ear design seals around the rear of the cups, preventing the sound to come out and in of the chambers. These pairs of headphones feature excellent noise isolation for a crystal-clear music experience.
They are suitable for use in recording sessions, or on-stage performances. But, wearing closed-ear cups for a long time may heat your ears.
Semi-open-back headphones do not close the rear of ear cups that allow the air to go through. These headsets are suitable for casual listening at home. Because they cause sound leaking and let external noise in.
Dynamic And Planar Magnetic Drivers
Dynamic drivers are the most common type of driver available at affordable prices. They are built of three components including a diaphragm, a voice coil, and a neodymium magnet.
Dynamic headphones work on sound vibrations created by a magnetic field. This simple mechanism produces high volume without consuming much energy. However, the action of the magnetic field can distort the sound when the volume exceeds the level of 80 out of 100%.
Planar magnetic drivers are available in most open-back headphones. They reproduce sound by utilizing magnetic fields to directly vibrate the diaphragm without impacting the voice coil.
The headphones built with this technology cost more, but they enhance audio quality. They are ideal for professional recordings in a soundproof studio.
Molded And Detachable Cable
Some professional headphones come with detachable cables that end with jacks on both heads. This feature allows you to replace the damaged cable without repurchasing the headphones.
Meanwhile, a molded cable comes with one end that can not be removed from the headphones, while another tip ends as a jack. These cables are fixed on the headphones to prevent the jack from slipping out when playing vibrant drums.
What Are Features To Look For When Purchasing?
Modern headphones come in a variety of functions and specifications. There are some basic criteria you may consider to pick the right one for yourself.
Wired And Wireless Connection Technology
In our opinion, the use of wired or wireless headphones depends on the needs of each person. Wired items are ideal choices for professional recording and music composition because they can reproduce pure and solid sound.
If you don’t have a high demand for sound quality, wireless connectivity is capable of satisfying casual listening. These headphones let you enjoy your music while on the go without cable tangles.
Compatibility Between Headphone Jacks And Sound Output
Audio jacks have common sizes with a diameter of 1/4”, and 1/8”. You need to find out the type of output on your drum to choose suitable plugs.
Some headphones feature only a 1/4” jack, leaving you with limited connections to 1/8” ports. Some other products offer both 1/4” and 1/8” plugs or come with plug adapters for pairing with every audio output.
Ear Design For Comfortable Wearing And Easy Storage
The ear cushions are often made of foam and covered with leather or synthetic fabric. They give you the maximum comfort when wearing for hours.
A headphone with removable pads is the best choice for easy replacement of dirty, worn, and tearing pads.
A foldable design offers flexible use. This feature allows the ear cups to rotate out, in, left, and right.
The swiveling headphones support one-handed operation when playing an instrument or recording. This comfortable design also makes it easy to store and transport the headphones.
The Fidelity Of Sound
The fidelity of sound is the main criterion on which you must focus when considering headphones for drums. A meritorious headset needs to make the sound as accurate as possible.
Besides, noise isolation is an ideal addition to help improve the sound quality. This feature blocks outside noise, helping you enjoy crisp highs and detailed bass.
What Are The Best Headphones For Electronic Drums?
We have 10 ideal headphones that come with superior features and reasonable prices. Keep reading our straightforward reviews to pick the best headphones for electronic drums.
Oneodio Pro-10 – Best For Two-end Sound Connection
Oneodio Pro-10
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 110dB ± 3dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Plug type: 1/4” and 1/8” stereo plugs
Pro-10 features 2 detachable cables. They are 1/4” and 1/8” plugs for different needs with no more adapter. This property helps you receive a high-quality sound at both ends by connecting two modules at the same time.
For example, you join your phone with a 1/8” cable, and another 1/4” cable is connected with the drums. The music at both sound outputs will be passed simultaneously to the ear.
The 2 cables come in the length of 4 and 10 feet. These distances give you comfortable movement while immersing in your playing.
If you happen to damage the cables, you just need to replace the cable without purchasing whole new headphones.
This headset helps you enjoy the clear bass sound. It features a 50mm neodymium driver that delivers the controlled bass that a drummer needs.
It is ideal for any circumstances. Whether you’re in a professional studio or on a noisy stage, the headphones deliver powerful and clear stereo sound.
It gives you a punchy sound reproduction that may amaze you. With Pro-10, a musical experience with extended highs, solid mid-range, and clear bass will come true.
Some parts of the Pro-10 are made from black plastic, giving it a brittle feel. However, its price means you can’t ask for more about its durability. Even so, we recommend you try this set owing to its surprising sound reproduction.
- BASS SOUND: Enjoy clear sound and comfort with the OneOdio Studio monitor headphones. Large, 50 millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets; powerful bass, clear vocal, and crisp high tones form stereo sound
- BUILT TO STAY COMFORTABLE: The soft padded ear cushions are designed for monitor headphones comfort and noise isolation. The headband is adjustable and stretchable for you to find the desired angle you like to fit in
Pros:
- Features 2 detachable cables for connecting two modules at the same time
- Long audio cord for comfortable movement
- 50mm neodymium driver allows excellent bass response
Con:
- Non-premium materials
See more:
Sony MDR7506 – Best For Realistic Bass Response
Sony MDR7506
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Impedance: 63 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106dB
- Frequency response: 10-20kHz
- Plug type: A 1/8″ stereo plug with a 1/4″ screw-on adapter
Sony MDR7506 comes with a neodymium magnet that creates a magnetic field. It vibrates a 40mm PET diaphragm that reproduces a realistic bass response.
The high-quality sound is delivered at a wide frequency range of 10 Hz – 20 kHz. That helps you enjoy extended low-end, present mids, and crystal-clear highs.
You will end up hearing an excellent sound with bright tones but not harsh. It is a comfortable balance that creates solid bass, then softly leans towards the mids and highs.
The closed-ear design provides a detailed sound reproduction with effective isolation from external noises. Plus, the generous headband padding enhances the comfort experience for prolonged drum practice sessions.
A 10-foot cord makes it a disadvantage because it is easy to get caught on things. But if you ignore it, you will be hard-stressed to find an item that offers outstanding sound quality at a price you can cover.
- Neodymium magnets and 40 millimeter drivers for powerful, detailed sound
- Closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises
Pros:
- Neodymium magnet and 40mm PET diaphragm reproduce a realistic bass response
- Delivers subtle sounds
- Closed-ear design isolates external noises
- Headband padding enhances comfort
Con:
- Long heavy cord, easy to get caught on things
Oneodio A70 Bluetooth A7-001-USA – Best For Long Playtime
Oneodio A70 Bluetooth A7-001-USA
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 110dB ± 3dB
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Plug type: 1/4″ and 1/8″ stereo plugs
OneOdio A70 helps 2 and more people share the music at the same time with the combination of Bluetooth technology and wired connectivity. One headset connects to the audio device by a cable, while pairing it with the other headphones via Bluetooth.
The wireless technology features an exceptional playtime of up to 50 hours. Their battery life may be the greatest reason for you to purchase these headphones.
This dual-tech headset allows you to wear it for a long time without causing ear pain. That’s thanks to breathable protein skin earmuffs pairing with the soft sponge that gives you improved wear.
These over-ear cups deliver a superior noise cancellation than you expected. OneOdio A70 is ideal for drumming sessions in noisy environments.
It provides a built-in microphone, but it barely catches the signals of sound waves. Thus, do not expect to use this headset to receive a call or talk with your partners while playing a game.
- Jock lock design: For make sure the cable lock in place to ensure a secure connection, we add jack lock system on the stereo Aux cable. You don't have to worry about any connection problems when connecting the jacks and sockets.
- Soft Memory Earcups: The breathable protein skin earmuffs and the soft sponge inside improve the wearing experience, make sure good sound insulation and there is no discomfort for long-term wear
Pros:
- Dual-technology including Bluetooth and wired connectivity
- Playtime of up to 50 hours
- Soft ear cups for comfortable wearing experience
- Overhead headphones for superior noise cancellation
Con:
- Poor signal-transmitting microphone
AKG Pro Audio K240 K240STUDIO – Best For Detailed Sound Responses
AKG Pro Audio K240 K240STUDIO
Specifications:
- Color: Black-gold
- Impedance: 55 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
- Frequency response: 15Hz-25kHz
- Plug type: A 1/8” stereo plug with a 1/4” screw-on adapter
AKG Pro Audio K240 is made up of Varimotion diaphragms that can vibrate without obstruction. It is thinner at the edge and thicker at the center diaphragm for more dynamic bass, pure mids, and clear highs.
This version features an impedance of 55 Ohms that provides a higher volume level when used with drum kits and other musical instruments.
Its secret is the new XXL transducers with circular pads, which adjust the sound through the vents. This technology delivers a more sensitive sound experience, making it more desirable to capture every detailed sound than its predecessors.
The semi-open design allows the air to pass through their ear cups, helping to adjust the sound to a natural and clear level. But that result only occurs in a noise-isolated context.
Another advantage is that they are designed with a springy headband. That feature gives you a snug fit without adjusting the position of the cups.
But, semi-opened ear cups do not allow you to use this pair of headphones on the stage. It is ideal for mixing and mastering in recording studios without heating your ear when used for a long time.
- Professional studio headphones
- Semi-open
Pros:
- Varimotion diaphragms for unobstructed vibration
- Higher volume level
- Generate natural sound
- XXL transducers for more sensitive sound response
Con:
- Semi-open design cannot cancel external noise
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X – Best For Comfortable Wear
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Sensitivity: 98dB
- Impedance: 38 Ohms
- Frequency response: 15-28kHz
- Plug type: 2 1/8” stereo plugs with a 1/4” screw-on adapter
ATH-M50X delivers comfortable wear with super-soft padded ear-cups. Circumaural-designed contours around the ears also support noise isolation.
The pads are made up of leather but won’t make your ears sweat. A self-adjusting headband keeps you playing the drums 4-6 hours without a headache.
You can swivel the ear-cups towards both sides for a single-ear monitor. This feature allows you to work with the headset by one hand while holding the drumstick in the other.
This pair of headphones provides a balanced sound with an amazing mix of tones. The combination of copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils and rare-earth magnets creates a true and punchy bass.
The highs are piercing and sharp, while the mids come in vibrant and clear. Every detail of your playing is responded to accurately.
ATH-M50X is built with Bluetooth connectivity, but there is a defect with this technology. Wireless signal loss is still a common issue.
However, in case the connection is successful, the sound range still goes as smooth as the level that a wired headset can produce.
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
Pros:
- Super-soft padded ear-cups for long-lasting wearing
- Circumaural-designed contours support noise isolation
- Self-adjusting headband prevent headache
- Earpads absorb sweat
- Swiveling the ear-cups for single-ear monitors
Con:
- Risk of wireless signal loss
Numark HF125 – Best For Preventing Tangled Cable
Numark HF125
Specifications:
- Color: Black and silver
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 101.0 dB
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Plug type: A 1/8” stereo plug with a 1/4” screw-on adapter
Numark HF125 features a 6-foot molded cable with a 1/8” sturdy TRS jack. Plus, it comes with a 1/8” to 1/4” TRS adapter to connect with any device with ease.
The audio cord is single-sided to minimize tangles so you can concentrate on all playing. It can’t be removed from the ear headphones. This feature helps to prevent the cable from falling off during practicing.
Besides, closed-back ear cups offer superior noise isolation, avoiding interrupting your music enjoyment. It comes with a solid design to keep you focused on what is important.
The only downside is that the headband doesn’t fit with big heads. You’ll get a headache if you wear this pair of headphones for more than 30 minutes.
- Monitoring Essential - Ultra light DJ headphones with 7 different independently-adjustable position settings caters for any mixing preference
- Superior Comfort – Lightweight design fused with a padded headband and ear cushions keep you focussed on what’s important – your mix
Pros:
- Molded 1/8” jack plus a 1/4” adapter for connecting devices with ease
- Single-sided cord minimizes tangles
- Closed-back ear cups for active sound isolation
Con:
- Headband not fit big heads
Alesis DRP100 – Best For Wide Frequency Response
Alesis DRP100
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98dB
- Frequency response: 10Hz-30kHz
- Plug type: a 1/4” stereo plug
Alesis DRP100 boasts 40mm full-range drivers that offer both low- and high-frequency response, reproducing as much audible range as possible. They come purpose-built to capture the full nuances and dynamics of electronic drum kits.
You may hear the backing, click, and play-along tracks of your drums very well, even when you do not turn the volume to levels that can damage your ears.
The ear headphones also offer isolation of sound with a closed-ear design. They cancel the sound of the sticks hitting the drum pads and all of the external noise.
Although this build may heat your ears over time, the soft and cushioned ear cups still give you a smooth wearing experience. Those pads make them ideal for monitoring electric drums during practice, studio recording, and on-stage performance.
The only downside is that it comes with only a 1/4″ plug that may not fit all devices. If you like this headset because of its extended frequency response, you need to purchase extra jack adapters to pair it with all studio gear.
- Created and voiced for electronic drum monitoring
- Over-ear design provides extreme isolation and comfort
Pros:
- 40mm drivers for an extended frequency range
- Generate detailed sound
- Closed-ear design for active sound isolation
- Cushioned ear cups enhance the wearing experience
Con:
- Features only a 1/4″ plug
Roland RH-5 – Best For Sound Quality
Roland RH-5
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 92dB
- Frequency Response: 10Hz–22kHz
- Plug type: Stereo gold-plated 1/4″ plug
Roland RH-5 offers an extended 10-foot cord that allows you to move freely between different recording consoles, computers, and instruments. That feature makes practice and recording sessions more focused, comfortable, and productive.
This headset offers the best audio quality for the price that you could ask for. When you practice your drums, there is no sound leakage at all, and the notes of your playing are generated accurately.
The drumming headphones come with a closed-back design that helps you immerse yourself in the dynamic music without distractions. They keep all the notes alive with crystal-clear highs and powerful bass.
RH-5 is ideal for outstanding performance by its lightweight 190-gram construction. By adding pads to headbands and ear cups, it keeps you stay on long-term musical sessions without fatigue.
The only downside is the non-detachable cable. In case it is damaged, you must purchase a new headset.
- Equipped with high-performance 40mm drivers for dynamic sound
- Exceptional value and high-quality performance
Pros:
- A 10-foot cord for comfortable movement between different audio pieces of equipment
- Closed-back design for noise reduction
- Lightweight 190-gram construction for comfortable listening
Con:
- Non-detachable cable
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 474746 – Best For Replaceable Ear Cups
Beyerdynamic DT 770 474746
Specifications:
- Color: Gray
- Impedance: 80 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106.58dB
- Frequency response: 5Hz-35kHz
- Plug type: Stereo 1/4″ jack
DT 770 PRO is the top choice for musical professionals thanks to the replaceable ear pads. This feature helps you remove them for washing to ensure maximum comfort after hourly wear.
The super-soft cushion combined with lightweight construction keeps you stay on your playing with no interruption. These circumaural ear cups also offer a closed design for noise cancellation for impressive experiences of performances and recordings.
DT 770 PRO delivers a remarkable sound reproduction that amazes professional drummers for its pure and detailed sound. It is ideal for both stage and studio recordings because of the impedance of 80 Ohms.
This specification amazes you owing to the wide frequency response range of 5Hz-35kHz. The headset reproduces the ultra-low bass crisply, while high notes are transmitted with clear, detailed, and differentiated frequencies.
The headset comes with a 10-foot cable that may tangle over surrounding things if you use it on the go. Fortunately, the cable is single-sided, which helps avoid twisting studio gears together into a confused mass.
- Closed over-ear headphones, ideal for professional recording and monitoring
- Perfect for studio and stage recordings thanks to their pure, high-resolution sound
Pros:
- Replaceable ear pads for frequent washing
- Lightweight construction to play without fatigue
- The impedance of 80 Ohms allowing pure and detailed-resolution sound
- A wide frequency response transmitting detailed sound
Con:
- Easy-to-tangle cable
Sennheiser HD280PRO – Best For Extreme Sound Isolation
Sennheiser HD280PRO
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Impedance: 64 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 113dB
- Frequency response: 8Hz-25kHz
- Plug type: Stereo 1/4″ plug
HD280 Pro helps you play without interruption due to the remarkable capacity of noise isolation. The closed-ear design offers attenuation of outside down to 32dB.
It is a pair of headphones that allows you to hear all details of your playing without turning up the volume to ear-damaging levels. This headset also prevents the internal sound from leaking.
Experience the best sound thanks to cushioned ear cups and a padded headband. The lightweight design provides you comfortable experiences while wandering in drum beats.
However, you will have an unpleasant experience with this headset when using it on hot summer days. The waterproof material of the ear pads will trap your sweat on the surface, making you uncomfortable with the wet and sticky feeling on your ears.
- Dynamic, closed ear headphones.Weight w/o cable: 285 gram Ear coupling is circumaural
- Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design, Cord Length 3.3 9.8 feet Coiled
Pros:
- Closed-ear design for noise isolation
- Delivers detailed sound without turning the volume up to ear-damaged levels
- Cushioned ear cups and a padded headband for comfortable experiences
Con:
- Earpads do not absorb sweat
Frequently Asked Questions
This section collects the questions that customers are most interested in. We hope you will find answers to your questions below.
What Makes A Good Headphone For Electronic Drums?
A good pair of electronic drum headphones need to respond to all frequencies of drum tones. For example, AKG Pro Audio K240 can reproduce detailed bass, solid mids, and clear highs while keeping your hearing from external noise.
The structure should be built of durable design including PVC, silicone, memory foam, and copper. You may try Audio-Technica ATH-M50X that comes with soft padded ear cups and cushioned headbands, enhancing your wearing experiences.
Besides, a single-side cable may help you immerse in your playing without cord entanglement. Other features such as wireless connection technology, the ability to share music at the same time are additional factors that you can consider.
Is Playing Drums Bad For Your Ears?
Loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Thus, drummers have the risk of tinnitus by almost four times compared with the general people.
Hearing loss may cause ringing, buzzing in the ears, stuffed ear canal, or muffled hearing. These symptoms will interfere with some of your daily activities, possibly even causing you to have an accident.
What Can Protect Your Hearing While Playing Drums?
Some types of hearing loss can be cured if you stop being exposed to high-intensity noise. But if you’re looking forward to continuing to play the drums for years to come, there are a few tips to help you protect your hearing.
Wear hearing protection while you’re playing drums to prevent your ears from damage before it’s too late. You may choose earplugs for cost-effectiveness while keeping sound stays clear.
Noise-canceling headphones allow you to enjoy your drums without interrupting noise. On the contrary, you may consider earmuffs to block all sound and noise.
Why Do Drummers Wear Headphones?
Drummers wear headphones for some reason. The headset allows them to hear drumming while causing no ambient noise.
It also helps them monitor other instruments when recording in studios or performing on stages. All in all, noise-isolating headphones for drummers help protect your hearing when exposed to sounds with intensity above 85dB.
Why Is The Noise-isolation Feature Important For Playing Electronic Drums?
Isolation of sound is a critical feature ensuring that it blocks the noise of sticks and drum pads. You will only hear the pleasant beats without unwanted sounds.
Conclusion
So you have just gone through our summary of the best headphones for electronic drums. Among them, OneOdio Pro-10 is the top-rated pick for its superior studio monitoring that can reproduce detailed and crystal-clear sounds.
If you are looking for another product, we hope that you’ve found our buying guide helpful. All in all, leave your comment if you have any alternative that you think should be on our list.
