Headphones for Electronic Drum Kit
Choosing the Right Headphones for Your Electronic Drum Set
If you’re a proud owner of an electronic drum set or planning to buy one, it’s essential to invest in a good pair of headphones. While speaker systems are available, many drummers prefer the ability to play quietly at times, which is one of the main advantages of e-drums. However, it’s important to consider the type of headphones that are suitable for electronic drumming. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting this crucial accessory, as it can significantly impact your playing experience. Imagine purchasing a high-quality e-drum set for €1500 and pairing it with a cheap €25 pair of headphones. This would be a waste and would not provide the level of enjoyment that a good quality pair of headphones can offer.
Consider the Frequency Range
While any functioning headphones will produce sound, there are a few factors to consider when selecting the right headphones for your electronic drum set. First and foremost, ensure that the headphones are capable of reproducing low frequencies. The bass drum of a drum set can deliver powerful hits, and certain bass drums start at 20Hz, which coincides with the lower limit of human hearing. Most headphones on the market exceed this range, typically reaching 20kHz, which is the upper limit of human hearing. In general, a frequency response of 16kHz is sufficient, but it’s advisable to choose headphones that can reach 20kHz for optimal performance.
Comfort is Key
If you’re an avid drummer, you may find yourself playing for extended periods, ranging from an hour to several hours at a time. In such cases, it’s crucial to prioritize comfort when selecting headphones. Everyone’s head shape and size are different, so what feels comfortable for one person may feel tight or uncomfortable for another after just a few minutes. Look for headphones that have soft ear pads to prevent any discomfort or constriction during long drumming sessions.
Exploring Different Headphone Models
There are three main models of headphones to choose from:
- In-ear: These headphones feature earbuds that are inserted into the ear.
- Over-ear: The ear cups of these headphones completely cover the ears.
- On-ear: These headphones rest on the ears.
Both the on-ear and over-ear types are suitable for electronic drumming. However, it’s important to note that with on-ear headphones, the softness of the pads becomes even more significant since the ear cups will be pressing against the ears throughout your drumming sessions.
Additionally, there are two major differences to consider:
- Closed-back headphones: These headphones have isolated ear cups to minimize the pickup of ambient noise.
- Open-back headphones: These headphones allow ambient sounds to be heard through the headphones.
For playing music, it is recommended to choose closed-back headphones to ensure a more immersive experience.
Choosing the Right Headphones
If you’re unsure which headphones to purchase for your electronic drum set, Thomann has compiled a list of suitable headphones specifically for drumming. You can find their recommendations here.
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