The drummer is responsible for the tempo of their team. If you have ever listened to a band that lacks a steady beat, check the drummer. And this is why one of the most important lessons a drummer has to learn is keeping the time signature. You will realize most Professionals do not practice with a metronome.
At this stage, getting the time signature can really get things easy on stage. I mean, you are probably working alone, and you can hear everything around you, including the beat.
But think of a situation where you are live on stage, and everything is thunderous. Perhaps you cannot even hear what you are playing yourself.
Hence, another critical technique a drummer needs is to listen to other band members. You build or destroy your reputation on stage based on whether you can hear the other instruments.
A drum player is like a conductor for a choral performance. Every singer in every voice must look at the hand of the leader.
In the drumming scenario, it is all about following a specific rhythm. And this is where one needs the best in-ear monitors as a drummer’s accessories, not the usual traditional stage monitors that cause problems to the set, from cluttering up the stage to damaging the eardrum with high-frequency pitch. In-ear monitors for drummers are now considered to be the best tech using a sound-isolating mechanism for great on-stage performance.
In this text, I will be looking at the top in-ear monitors for drummers, and discuss a few vital ideas about buying the best. It is time you learned to keep time. The in-ear monitor is a lot like headphones but with few key differences like the cables, pair of tips that fit into the ear canal, and many others. I would be taking you through the best monitor for drummers.
The best in-ear monitors for drummers reviews
When you see a drummer wearing the best headphones on stage, it is easy to think they are normal items you wear every day.
However, there is a big difference between the best ear-monitors and ordinary headphones and earplugs. The best in-ear monitors for drumming will not only help drummers with noise isolation but also influences the sound-quality being played – because you can finally hear what you’re playing. I would like to take you through a list of 14 best in-ear monitors in the table of contents below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Audio-Technica ATH-IM50 Dual
If quality and richness of sound are your utmost desire, then you have legitimate reasons to choose Audio Technica ATH-IM50 In-ear symphonic dual driver. This is one of the best in-ear monitors on the market and for many, the brand name of this in-ear monitor is already enough to convince them to purchase this product, even if it comes with a high price.
Given the price range, it is just right to expect that it is packed with exceptional in-ear features. It is light, weighing 2.4 ounces with an approximate dimension of 4 inches by 2 inches by 6.5 inches. It is built comfortably for guitarists and drummers.
while there are many good things about the functions of this in-ear device, one of the most exceptional features I like would be the bass aside that it offers a crisp, clear, vibrant sound. it has a great punch in the absence of being excessively controlled, in line with this performance when it comes to bass, the clarity of sound is top-notch. This comes from its inbuilt symphonic drivers. You will definitely get a wonderful mix of bass and treble. In fact, as the pros have reviewed, the separation of the lows, miles, and highs are clearly heard.
The soft ear tips are worth mentioning as well. it has a customized fit based on the size and shape of your ear. More than just being comfortable, the earbuds make noise isolation possible with its sound-isolating mechanism. That is the noise-canceling properties for proficiency and protecting of ears.
These ear monitors have become popular among many professionals. Although pricy, you should never have any doubt about its performance. However, it best if we know the drawbacks that can be experienced with the use of this in-ear technology. One major drawback would be how it is bulky, many don’t want bulky in-ear tech, especially how it protrudes from the ear. This can cause discomfort and might not go quite well with some people, causing discomfort or friction to the ear. Another setback from customer’s review is the short cable. Despite the length, there are users who can still find it short. Lastly, this particular product is not for those looking for a budget-friendly monitor. These monitors for drummers are way too expensive but for beginners, I would advise you to invest in this one just yet because there several other products that are much more expensive. It all depends on the amount of work you want to handle. Well, that’s not all about this tech, you would still like a lot handling it yourself
Pros:
- enables even and clear sound rhythm
- enables good quality sound rhythm
- detachable cable
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- bulky
MEE Audio M6 Pro
The Mee Audio M6 Pros are a decently versatile in-ears. One of the features I like about the MME Audio M6 is its size and comfort which would be a perfect fit for any drummer. They come with two cables and the transparent casing on the earbuds makes them look and feel more premium. These in-ears come with a weight of 0.6 ounces with an approximate dimension of 4.2 inches by 1.8 inches by 6.6 inches and are one of the best in-ears on the market.
It is created for maximum comfort. It features detachable earbuds, which can allow you to play without cable nuisances.
They are highly rated in terms of performance with a number of additional features every drummer will love to have. They are detachable and sweat proof.
They feature noise isolating technology. This feature keeps you away from distractive noises, letting you focus on leading your band with the right tempo.
Also, these in-ear monitors are an absolute deal.
Pros:
- Beautiful audio output
- Comfortable and sweat-proof
- Custom-fit material
Cons:
- Some have complained it wears out very fast
Westone UM Pro 10 Single Driver
The Westone UM Pro 10 comes a bit heavier and larger than the ones I have listed above. They weigh 1 pound and measures 4.2 inches by 2.2 inches by 7.2 inches.
The weight is majorly because the packages contain many different sizes of premium ear comfort tips. This product has been highly rated by many drummers. It comes with sound quality and noise reduction features, even though they have only one driver. Although, the one driver seems to be all you need to get the best sound production.
Apart from their crisp and clear sound, these items are made with the highest quality materials.
Pros:
- Clear sound
- Easy to use and comfortable
Cons:
- Short cable
Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100iSBK
This in-ear monitor has become quite popular among many drummers. It comes with a weight of 3.4 ounces and measures 4 inches by 2 inches by 6.5 inches. There are easy to store and travel with.
They come with silicone ear tips for a custom fit. But you can use the foam tips which are included, for extra comfort. The ear tips have a seal, which ultimately isolates noise. it worth noting that it comes with a detachable cable, and with the available detachable cable, you can move freely around your equipment.
In terms of performance and sound, the Audio-Technica ATH-CLR100iSBK has earned an excellent reputation in the market. It may be a bit costly, but worth your investment. Honestly, I was really impressed with its sound and build quality.
This product comes with strong dual drives that ensure crystal clear sounds. It will eliminate the noise around and leave you with only what you need to hear.
Pros:
- Wonderful noise isolation
- Detachable cable
- Strong and clear sound
Cons:
- A bit costly
Shure SE215-CL
Shure makes some of the best electromagnetic devices on the planet. And the Shure’s SE215-CL has not quite disappointed. The brands from Shure are always known for their technically-precise microphones, which are used in everything from home podcasts to full concert set-ups. The same details go into Shure Se215 Cl which the company says uses the same personal monitor technology that’s road-tested by, pro-drummer, ear on their roster.
These in-ear monitors have lightweight, comfortable earbuds, produce detailed sound with solid bass and dynamics across all ranges. Shure says its noise isolation sleeves block up to 37dB of ambient noise, a perfect fit for anyone with misophonia disorder. They weight 5.6 ounces and measures 3 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches.
It comes in varying tips for any ears. The earbud nozzle is situated right inside without feeling uncomfortable. This means you can use them for long without feeling any pressure.
They come with a detachable cable system that allows you to swap for any other Bluetooth cable if you want to go wireless. And it has a sleeve fit that ensures it stays in place when you decide to use the cable. These sets include three different-sized black foam sleeves that slide over the nozzles to allow you to customize your fit. They’re soft and flexible enough to be twisted and “locked” into place. The detachable cable
Shure produces some of the finest audio equipment across the market. Hence, you can be sure about the performance and sound quality of these monitors. They are built from high-quality material, and longevity is assured even if it used roughly. They feature an acoustic seal that shuts tightly, preventing noise interruption.
Hence, you can effectively use them for listening, as well as monitoring of any instrument.
Pros:
- Great design
- Ear protection features
- Detachable cables
Cons:
- Ear tips have seals that make it difficult to
- input
BASN Bsinger+ Pro
If you are looking for a lower budget option, the Bsinger+ Pro should be a good choice.
They are quite pretty and feature a neat, clear plastic casing that displays the circuitry. The cable, on the other hand, is hand-woven and silver-plated, and they are detachable. The sound is very flat. This is a bit unusual at the beginning because such a sound signature doesn’t have many monitors. However, this is clearly a question of taste because something like this loses its liveliness in the music and becomes analytical. But you quickly get used to the frequency response. The bass isn’t very deep but isn’t far from what buyers would want to hear. Definitely not for bass crazy drummers even though it has a unique sound characteristic.
These in-ear monitors come with a remote and a microphone. It comes in a quite neat packaging. Besides the usual quick guides and warranty cards, the package contains a carrying case and five varying ear tips for your choice.
However, they are not the most comfortable bunch you may expect. And by a glance at the price tag, you would know that much is not expected from it. They are only good for the price.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Great looks
- Comes with carrying case
Cons:
- Not very comfortable
- Average on sound quality
Brainwavz Delta Earbuds
The Brainwavz Delta is one of the best monitors with a good frequency range that thrives on the harmony of its average properties and its outstanding timbre. They are well-built, noise-isolation monitors for drummers
This is another beautiful in-ear monitor that has built a mark on the market. It comes bearing a bunch of cool features and a sound quality. Also, the product is quite portable. They have detachable cable and cool, sleek design.
It comes with a balanced armature and one sound driver. From the box, you may think they don’t offer much. But then, these pieces that come all-black are really comfortable. In the package, you get six silicone ear tips of varying features, one pair of comply foam tips, cable tie, one shirt clip, user guide, and a good looking sturdy case. Hence, you can say they will fit any drummer’s taste. The product noise isolation is good, especially when combined with a deep-bass punch.
The Delta has a linear frequency range that is forward inclined between 50Hz and 1.5kHz, i.e the output decreases at an approximately uniform rate with increasing frequency. it is really a good advancement over headphones and if you want the best product for your money, I recommend you have one.
In terms of performance and sound quality, I can say they are average, based on their price tag. Also, the cable is not detachable, so you may have some trouble working freely around the stage. But it is definitely one of the best monitors even though they have been in business for several years doesn’t mean
The sound quality is quite standard.
Pros:
- Balanced armature with lengthy cable
- Comfortable pair of earbuds
- Quality sound
Cons:
- Average performance
- No detachable cable
PSB M4U-4
This is another fashionable monitor. One of the latest styles of headphones comes from these brands. A single look at the PSB M4U-4 will tell you. They are a different class of headphones, so sophisticated and are no joke. Though the product name and code are not that inspiring, this pair of these monitors is genuine, only that its design does not fit very well with many people. It appears a bit chunky. But that depends on personal considerations. Besides, they are good value for money. While most in-ear headphones have dynamic or balanced armature drivers, the M4u Hybrid Dual System makes a good combination of both
They come with a dual sound driver system. Also, they come with detachable cables, one of which has a microphone. You get six varying ear tips, three foam, and three silicone. Hence, you will be comfortable choosing whichever sits well with you.
But you have to check the color trim to differentiate the left from this right. This is a minor flow I had noticed.
Generally, there is nothing to complain about the quality of its sounding. But there a few people who don’t find refined treble production inspiring. Regardless of any shortcomings, they’re however one of the best monitors found on every market, the in-ear monitor, UK online stores have quite a number of them
Pros:
- Beautiful sound
- Two detachable cables
- 3 pair of ear tips
- Affordable
Cons:
- Uninspiring design
- Hard discerning left from right
LyxPro ERP-10
If you are looking for the perfect entry-level class ear monitors, consider the ERP-10 by Lyx. It is an affordable piece, for those looking for quality monitors on a tight budget.
They come with a single 9 mm driver on either side. Also, the ear cups of this monitor is made with clear material with a pair of Lyx logos on both earcups. They come with six ear tips, whereby three is foam, and the rest are silicone. You will find in its new case, one pair high-performance in-ear monitors, four detachable cables, a carrying case, and an audio jack adapter.
If you know about ear monitors, then the sensitivity of 94dB and a fairly low impedance of 16 ohms should be good for music. Also, it comes with a standard frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Detachable cables
- Six pair of ear tips
- flexible cables
Cons:
- Performs poorly in low frequencies
Fender FXA2 Professional Monitor
Fender FXA2 monitor is a famous piece on the market. You will get four exciting colors for your choice. The package comes with customized 9.25mm precision drivers. These are rare drivers that contain a groove tuned port.
Also, the shells are 3-D printed. With these features, you get the best custom fit with the products. It carries a frequency range of 6Hz to 23 kHz. Hence, it gives high quality and lively audio output,
It comes with a distortion-free audio feature that is very sensitive. This should make your performance quite enjoyable.
Pros:
- Durable and pocket-friendly
- Highly sensitive
- Beautiful noise reduction
Cons:
- It does not have an in-line mic
Knowledge Zenith AS10 Pure 5 Balanced Armature Drivers IEM
KZ is one of the most reputable brands for audiophile-grade monitors that can be afforded. These in-ear monitors come, bearing beautiful and functional packaging. Perhaps better than what you may have seen before. Inside, you will see a pair of earpieces, two pairs of ear tips, and a cable.
This product comes with a 5-driver configuration, which is quite functional. They perform well with EQ tuning, producing a great sound signature. Note that there are five drivers on each earbud, a total of ten.
Pros:
- Five-driver setup for impressive sound
- separation
- Warm sound
- Wide soundstage
- Great built and durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Issues with the mid-bass
- A weak treble
Simgot MT3 Hi-RES
These in-ear monitors are made with durable clear plastic. This feature of the monitor keeps them lightweight and attractive. All with comfortable finishes
The MT3 comes with a V-shaped equalizer, which differentiates them from other drives. It has a single dynamic driver, which ensures clarity and a perfect set for a home studio.
The packages come with assorted six pairs of silicone ear tips, removable cables, which make them comfortable to use. With the right fit, you will enjoy these pieces.
It has an impedance of 18 ohms and 102db sensitivity. It covers frequencies of between 15Hz and 40 kHz, with a 10mm high magnetic circuit coil driver.
.
Pros:
- Massive bass
- Quality ear tips included.
- Excellent build
- Immune to sibilance
Cons:
- It comes with an included mesh that does not
- Offer much protection.
BASN BC100 Professional MMCX Connector
The BASN BC100 comes with a functional, straightforward packing design. This helps protect the contents. In the package, you get a hard case, an extra cable with a microphone, an airplane headset adapter, even with cleaning papers and tools.
It offers a sound that is well balanced between mids, highs, and lows. Its high sound isolation makes it perfect for a music stage scene. They also make warm sound signatures, enough to make you feel great music.
It has two powerful micro-drivers involved in creating beautiful sound mixes. They contain a standard MMCX connector.
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Clear, robust, and durable.
- Value money
- Fully accessorized
Cons:
- Find the right fit is not easy
- It requires a bigger vent
Clear Concept Audio CCA C10
This is one of the in-ear monitors I was most skeptical about. But I was amazed when I opened the package. Owing to the fact that they are the cheapest earbuds you many ever find on the market, you can understand why I doubted.
They come with great in- build quality, a combination of plastic and acrylic. Hence they are quite durable. Besides, they carry 5 drivers in each earpiece.
They also have detachable cables, which makes it easy for players to move around. Also, they feature MEMS noise cancellation technology, which is useful on a loud stage.
It has the right balance between mid and high, eliminating harshness. Again, the bass and the sub-bass are quite interesting. No one overpowers the other.
You will get four balanced-armature drivers together with a single dynamic driver powering each earpiece. It comes with a sensitivity of 32 ohms and a frequency response of 7Hz to 40000Hz. This makes it a Hi-Fi grade audio product.
Pros:
- A fit for most ears
- Superb drivers
- Wide sound stage
- Clear vocals
- Value for money
Cons:
· The default cable tangles easily
Etymotic Research ER2XR
The ER2XR offers superior passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation, making it perfect for hearing all the details in music at lower, safer volume levels. The ER2XR’s balanced mids and highs, along with emphasized bass, will appeal to audiophiles and consumers who enjoy a bit more bass presence.
The ER2XR shells are made of anodized aluminium, with tight tolerances, CNC machined and a single dynamic driver, which ensures high accuracy without the added complexity of crossovers and makes it small and slim.
Additionally, it comes with a user-replaceable cable. The ER2XR is an ideal choice for musicians, audiophiles, and budget-conscious consumers looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive and have a warmer bass.
Pros
- Exceptional passive noise isolation
- Near-perfect flat impedance
Cons
A versatile deep insertion design that caters to a wide range of preferences.
Final A4000
The A4000 achieves exceptional sound quality at an unbeatable price point through the use of new development and production methods. The 6mm diameter dynamic driver necessitates not just new parts but a total redesign of the production process.
Sound design was based on our proprietary sound evaluation method, developed during the creation of our flagship A8000 model. The result is a “transparent sound” that allows for clear, localized sound images across various genres of music.
Pros
- Low power requirements
- Interchangeable cable
- Wide, immersive soundstage
- A protective carrying case included
Cons
- Unique connector design
- Third-party cables may require modification for compatibility
- Carrying case may not provide a secure fit
Sony MDRXB55AP
Experience rich and powerful low-end audio with these Sony MDRXB55AP in-ear monitors, specifically designed for drummers. The earbuds feature a unique bass duct design that ensures optimal sound isolation, allowing drummers to hear every beat clearly and accurately.
Pros
- Sound quality
- Noise cancellation
Cons
You can’t adjust the volume with the remote control
Why do drummers use in-ear monitors?
During a live performance or recording, there is usually a cacophony of sounds happening simultaneously. This means the band members can hardly hear what the others are playing.
As stated in the beginning, the drummer is considered the pacesetter. They determine how fast and slow the whole band plays.
But how can they know if they are playing off-key? How can they tell whether the tempo is right?
Well, they use the in-ear monitor. These are a type of earphones that are inserted inside the ear canal. They isolate every other sound, leaving only what the wearer wants to hear.
In-ear monitors, also known as IEM’s, are designed for music. They come with a specific purpose of helping drummers hear what they are playing during a show.
The IEMs make it possible for drummers to hear themselves. Hence, they can make corrections according to the performance.
It is, therefore, vital for drummers. Without them, they will have to rely on a stage monitor, and the problem with this is that the stage monitors are bulky and require lots of wires to connect.
Through technology, IEMs have completely overtaken the stage monitor. They are simply inserted in the ear canal. Luckily, they are made with comfortable fit considerations.
Also, each band comes with its matching IEM that handles its unique sound signature.
Now, that a band does not have keys or a vocalist, but you will never find one without a drummer. The drummer is the center of operation for the band, and as such, they must get the best IEMs for drummers.
And we have reviewed the best above.
How do you buy the best In-Ear Monitors?
As you can see, there are so many IEMs on the market today. This means you want to put your investment where it is worth it. The most important feature is a high-quality sound.
You may not need to spend a fortune to get the right gear. All you need is to know the features that make up a quality monitor. Consider the following tips.
· The configuration of an IEM system
First, understand what makes up and professional IEM system. This is the easiest way to start getting into buying.
Basically, you are looking for:
- In-ear monitors
- Wireless bodypack and receiver
- A digital mixing board
- Additional antennas in case you need to reach longer ranges
Note that you can use a headphone extension cable instead of the wireless receiver and bodypack. But this list has the skeleton of creating an IEM set.
· Wired vs. wireless options
Technology in the music industry has evolved to a point where we are getting things we never expected. Hence, Bluetooth connectivity has reached the in-ear headset market.
Wireless monitors have the advantage of great portability. They take up less space by eliminating the need for cables.
Also, cables can be quite annoying. When they get tangled, which happens a lot, and this may take you a long time to resolve.
However, do not celebrate just yet because a wireless connection can get disrupted at any time. And that will mean much trouble for you. Besides, the batteries also may not last as long as the performance goes.
· Cables and connectors
You will get a 3.5 mm mini-jack in most IEMs for MP3 player connection. You need to ensure high-quality in the cable.
A high-quality cable dictates the quality of content. It allows the sound signal to reach its destination much faster.
Connectors are vital because they give a quality connection with the player. Go for angles connectors. They are less vulnerable to tone than straight ones.
· Accessories
Look for other features, like an integrated microphone and remote controls. They may increase the price, but they make your life much easier. Also, check the compatibility with your Android or iOS hardware.
An IEM should allow for extended listening. This is why the majority come within interchangeable ear tips.
Sound quality
I cannot emphasize enough about the importance of getting the best sound quality for your performance.
Most of the products in the list above feature noise elimination functions. It is, therefore, much easier to hear your output.
As stated above, a drummer in the most important member of a band. Hence, your playing will have pretty much everything to do with how the rest of the performance turns out.
Do drummers need earplugs?
Drums, especially for loud genres of music, like hard rock, can cause ear problems. Therefore, drummers need hearing protection.
Earplugs are some of the ear protection drummers use. Hence, if you don’t have IEMs with protective features, earplugs are the best option.
We have seen many situations where drummers have lost their sense of hearing due to constant loud sounds. This makes earplugs an essential accessory.
As much as you enjoy gigging, your health comes first.
What do drummers wear in their ears?
Ear protection is important for drummers. Soft drumming may not be any issues. But if you are the kind who wants to rip on your kit, you may suffer hearing loss as much as you want to hear what the rest of the band is playing.
Drummers use different gear to resolve these issues. They include:
- In-Ear Monitors
- Earplugs and
- Headphones
Drummers always have something in their ears. It could be headphones for studio recording and quiet practicing with an electronic drum kit. Or it could be for stage performance to protect their ears and eliminate noise.
Whatever the case, it is vital to get the right in-ear monitor that fits.
Conclusion
I hope you have learned something from this guide. The products reviewed above are the most popular on the market. If you dream of getting the best, then it should be easier from now.
