If you have ever watched a live performance or a recording session of a band, you might have noticed that the drummer is often wearing headphones. You might have wondered why they do that and what benefits they get from it. In this blog post, I will explain why drummers wear headphones and give you 20 reasons and solutions for doing so.
What are Headphones for Drummers?
Headphones for drummers are devices that deliver sound directly to the ears of the drummer. They can be either over-ear headphones, which cover the entire ear, or in-ear monitors (IEMs), which fit inside the ear canal. Both types of headphones have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the preferences and needs of the drummer.
Some of the benefits of using headphones for drummers are:
- They can protect the hearing of the drummer from loud noises and prevent hearing damage or loss.
- They can isolate the drummer from external sounds and distractions and help them focus on their playing.
- They can provide a personalized mix of sounds that the drummer wants to hear, such as their own drums, other instruments, vocals, click tracks, backing tracks, etc.
- They can enhance the quality and clarity of the sound and make it easier for the drummer to play in sync with the rest of the band or the recordings.
- They can improve the performance and creativity of the drummer by allowing them to experiment with different sounds and effects.
Why Drummers Wear Headphones
Here are 20 common reasons why drummers wear headphones and some solutions for each one:
To listen to a click track for live performances:
A click track is a metronome sound that helps the drummer keep a steady tempo and play in sync with the recordings or other musicians. Many drummers use a click track to ensure accuracy and consistency in their playing. A click track can be played through headphones or IEMs without being audible to the audience or interfering with the sound mix.
To monitor their own mix:
A monitor mix is a customized blend of sounds that the drummer wants to hear while playing. It can include their own drums, other instruments, vocals, effects, etc. A monitor mix can help the drummer adjust their playing according to what they hear and improve their musicality and expression. A monitor mix can be controlled by a mixer device or an app on a smartphone or tablet and delivered through headphones or IEMs.
To protect their hearing:
Drums are loud instruments that can produce sound levels up to 120 decibels (dB), which is equivalent to a jet engine or a rock concert. Exposure to such loud noises can damage the hearing of the drummer and cause tinnitus, hearing loss, or other ear problems. Wearing headphones or IEMs can reduce the sound level by 15 to 30 dB and protect the hearing of the drummer from harm.
To reduce stage noise:
Stage noise is any unwanted sound that comes from other sources on stage, such as speakers, monitors, amplifiers, microphones, etc. Stage noise can create feedback, distortion, or echo effects that can ruin the sound quality and make it hard for the drummer to hear themselves or other musicians. Wearing headphones or IEMs can isolate the drummer from stage noise and provide a clear and clean sound.
To receive instructions or directions:
Sometimes, drummers need to communicate with other band members, sound engineers, producers, or managers while playing. They may need to receive instructions or directions on what to play, how to play, when to start or stop, etc. Wearing headphones or IEMs can allow the drummer to receive such messages through a microphone or a wireless system without interrupting their playing or being heard by others.
To listen to a backing track:
A backing track is a pre-recorded sound that accompanies the live performance of a band or a solo artist. It can include additional instruments, vocals, effects, etc., that are not played live on stage. A backing track can enhance the sound quality and variety of a performance and create a fuller and richer sound. Wearing headphones or IEMs can allow the drummer to listen to a backing track and play along with it without affecting the sound mix or being out of sync.
To have a better recording session:
Recording sessions are occasions when drummers record their playing in a studio or a home setting. Recording sessions can be challenging and demanding for drummers, as they need to play with precision, consistency, and creativity. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer have a better recording session by allowing them to hear their own playing, the click track, the monitor mix, the feedback, etc., and adjust their playing accordingly.
To test the audio for recording:
Before starting a recording session, drummers need to test the audio quality and settings of their drums, microphones, headphones, etc. They need to make sure that everything is working properly and that the sound is clear, balanced, and accurate. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer test the audio for recording by allowing them to hear how their drums sound through the microphones and headphones and make any necessary adjustments or corrections.
To check the headphone mix:
A headphone mix is a specific mix of sounds that the drummer hears through their headphones or IEMs while playing. The headphone mix can differ from the monitor mix or the final mix that is heard by others. A headphone mix can affect the performance and comfort of the drummer, as it can influence their tempo, dynamics, expression, etc. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer check the headphone mix and make sure that it is suitable and satisfactory for their playing.
To practice quietly:
Practicing drums can be noisy and disturbing for others, especially in residential areas or shared spaces. Drummers may need to practice quietly to avoid complaints or conflicts with their neighbors, roommates, family members, etc. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer practice quietly by allowing them to hear their drums through electronic drum pads, triggers, modules, etc., that produce sound only through headphones or IEMs.
To practice with music:
Practicing drums with music can be fun and beneficial for drummers, as it can help them improve their timing, groove, coordination, musicality, etc. Drummers may want to practice with music from different genres, styles, artists, etc., to expand their repertoire and skills. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer practice with music by allowing them to hear their drums and the music simultaneously and clearly through their headphones or IEMs.
To learn new songs:
Learning new songs is an essential part of being a drummer, as it can help them develop their versatility, creativity, and knowledge. Drummers may need to learn new songs for various reasons, such as joining a band, playing a gig, recording a session, etc. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer learn new songs by allowing them to listen to the original songs and play along with them through their headphones or IEMs.
To learn from online lessons:
Online lessons are a convenient and accessible way of learning drums for drummers of all levels and backgrounds. Online lessons can provide drummers with valuable information, tips, exercises, demonstrations, feedback, etc., from professional drum teachers or instructors. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer learn from online lessons by allowing them to hear the audio and video content of the lessons clearly and without distractions through their headphones or IEMs.
To record videos:
Recording videos is a popular and useful activity for drummers nowadays. As it can help them showcase their talent, share their passion, promote their work, etc. Drummers may want to record videos of themselves playing drums for various purposes, such as uploading them on social media platforms, websites, blogs, etc., or sending them to potential clients, employers, collaborators, etc. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer record videos by allowing them to hear their drums and any other sounds they want to include in their videos through their headphones or IEMs.
To enjoy music:
Enjoying music is one of the main reasons why people become drummers in the first place. Drummers love music and appreciate its beauty, diversity,and power. Drummers may want to enjoy music for various reasons,such as relaxing, inspiring,entertaining,etc.
Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer enjoy music by allowing them to hear their favorite songs or artists
with high-quality sound and without interruptions or interference through their headphones or IEMs.
To improve concentration:
Concentration is a vital skill for drummers, as it helps them focus on their playing and avoid mistakes or distractions.
Drummers may need to improve their concentration for various reasons, such as preparing for a performance, recording, or audition, or overcoming stage fright, anxiety, or boredom. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer improve concentration by allowing them to isolate themselves from external noises and stimuli and create a comfortable and conducive environment for their playing through their headphones or IEMs.
To experiment with different sounds and effects:
Drummers are creative musicians who like to experiment with different sounds and effects on their drums. They may want to try different tunings, heads, cymbals, pedals, etc., or use electronic devices, such as drum modules, triggers, pads, etc., to create new and exciting sounds. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer experiment with different sounds and effects by allowing them to hear how their drums sound through different settings and devices and compare them with their original sound.
To play along with other musicians remotely:
Drummers are social musicians who like to play along with other musicians, whether in a band, a jam session, a collaboration, etc. However, sometimes it may not be possible to play together in person due to distance, time, or other constraints. In such cases, drummers may want to play along with other musicians remotely through online platforms, apps, or software that allow them to connect and play together in real-time or asynchronously. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer play along with other musicians remotely by allowing them to hear the other musicians clearly and without latency or interference through their headphones or IEMs.
To practice with a metronome:
A metronome is a device that produces a steady beat at a set tempo that helps drummers improve their timing, accuracy, and consistency. Practicing with a metronome can help drummers develop their sense of rhythm, groove, subdivision, syncopation, etc., and play more confidently and professionally. Wearing headphones or IEMs can help the drummer practice with a metronome by allowing them to hear the metronome sound clearly and without distraction through their headphones or IEMs.
To enjoy the comfort and convenience:
Last but not least, drummers may wear headphones or IEMs simply because they enjoy the comfort and convenience they offer. Headphones or IEMs can fit snugly and securely on the ears of the drummer and provide a comfortable and pleasant listening experience. They can also be easy to use and carry around, as they do not require any additional equipment or setup. They can also be customized and personalized according to the preferences and needs of the drummer.
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Drummers?
As you can see, there are many reasons why drummers wear headphones and many benefits they can get from them. However, not all headphones are suitable or optimal for drummers. There are certain factors and features that drummers should consider when choosing the best headphones for their playing. Here are some of them:
Sound isolation:
Sound isolation is the ability of headphones to block out external sounds and noises and provide a quiet and isolated listening environment.
It is important for drummers because it can protect their hearing from loud sounds, reduce distractions and interferences. And improve the sound quality and clarity. Sound isolation can be achieved by either passive or active methods. Passive sound isolation relies on the physical design and material of the headphones to seal off the ears from outside sounds.
Active sound isolation uses electronic circuitry to cancel out ambient noises by producing opposite sound waves. Generally speaking, over-ear headphones provide better passive sound isolation than in-ear monitors, while in-ear monitors provide better active sound isolation than over-ear headphones.
Sound quality:
Sound quality is the ability of headphones to reproduce sound accurately and faithfully without distortion or coloration. It is important for drummers because it can affect their performance and enjoyment of music.
Sound quality depends on various factors, such as the drivers, frequency response, impedance, sensitivity, etc., of the headphones.
Generally speaking, larger drivers produce more powerful and detailed sound than smaller drivers. Wider frequency response covers more audible range of sound than narrower frequency response. Lower impedance requires less power to drive than higher impedance; higher sensitivity produces louder sound than lower sensitivity.
Comfort:
Comfort is the ability of headphones to fit well on the ears of the drummer and provide a comfortable and pleasant listening experience. It is important for drummers because it can affect their concentration,
FAQ
Why do drummers wear headphones?
To protect their hearing, isolate themselves from external sounds, personalize their mix, enhance sound quality, experiment with different sounds, and more.
What types of headphones do drummers use?
Over-ear headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs).
How do headphones protect drummers’ hearing?
By reducing sound levels and preventing potential hearing damage.
Can drummers hear themselves and the band while wearing headphones?
Yes, by using a personalized mix of sounds delivered through their headphones or IEMs.
What is a click track, and why do drummers listen to it?
A metronome sound that helps drummers maintain tempo and play in sync with recordings or other musicians.
Can drummers communicate with others while wearing headphones?
Yes, they can receive instructions or directions through headphones or IEMs without interrupting their playing.
How do headphones benefit drummers during recording sessions?
They allow drummers to hear their playing, click tracks, monitor mix, and other elements for better recording results.
Are there any benefits to practicing with headphones?
Yes, drummers can practice quietly, play along with music, learn new songs, receive online lessons, and experiment with sounds.
What factors should drummers consider when choosing headphones?
Sound quality, comfort, durability, noise isolation, portability, and compatibility with their drumming setup.
Can drummers use headphones for remote collaborations?
Yes, they can play along with other musicians remotely through headphones or IEMs.
Conclusion:
headphones play a crucial role in the world of drumming. Drummers wear headphones to protect their hearing, isolate themselves from external noise, personalize their mix, enhance sound quality, experiment with different sounds. And improve their overall performance.
Whether it’s during live performances, recording sessions, practice sessions, or remote collaborations. Headphones provide drummers with numerous benefits and enable them to elevate their drumming experience.
When choosing headphones, drummers should consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, durability, noise isolation, portability. And compatibility with their drumming setup. Ultimately, headphones enhance the drumming experience and contribute to the success and creativity of drummers.
