Are you searching for the Best In Ear Monitors For Drummers? 🤔 many out there, but how do you know which ones will be best for drummers?
Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the top 9 in this list.
Let’s explore this guide. 📗
What we generally use in our everyday lives are over-ear headphones or earphones. These provide the sound system you need to listen to music while traveling or having a phone conversation.
In-ear monitors are different headphones/earphones that fit straight into your ear canal to provide a fuller and better listening experience.
In-ear monitors (IEMs) are pieces of equipment that musicians use to listen to their voices while performing. Whether a singer, guitarist, or drummer, IEMs are a handy tool. It is essential to hear yourself while performing to ensure that you aren’t going off-key or off-tempo.
IEMs are especially crucial in band or group music settings, where it is crucial to be able to hear one another perform to the best of the band’s abilities.
In-ear monitors are especially vital to drummers because it enables them to listen to the rest of the group and keep their hearing intact.
Many different kinds of IEMs are available in the market, including those which are wire or wireless. Depending on their technology, they can be more or less expensive.
That’s why here is a list of the best in ear monitors for drummers, to help you decide which supplementary equipment you should buy for yourself.
Before diving into this list, we will first understand why in-ear monitors are essential for drummers. There are several reasons for the same, as listed below.
Best In Ear Monitors For Drummers – Our Pick👌
Since we have discussed why drummers need in-ear monitors, it is time to address some of them. So, read on to find out about the best in ear monitors for drummers.
1. Westone UM Pro30 In-Ear Monitors
These are a second edition model of in-ear monitors by Westone in their Westone UM Pro In-Ear Monitors line. It has some incredible features which make it a perfect fit for drummers.
There are some great aspects of these IEMs which you must take a look at. It is personalizable, durable, and has several other merits, such as what follows.
The bass on this in-ear monitor is strong, rich, and full. However, it is not so in a way that it interferes with the mids’ sound, which remains crisp. Accompanying this is its drive and better tempo, all of which add to a splendid set of IEMs.
The memory wire on this IEM is flexible and, thus, shapeable to your ears to provide a comfortable and lasting fit (for long practice or performing sessions). The mid-size silicone sleeve and the foam tips help more with its fitting in your ears.
Pros:-
- A personalized fit to your ears due to its silicone sleeve and foam tips helps you have the best experience with these Westone UM Pro 30 IEMs.
- It is highly durable, and it still comes with a two-year warranty, just in case something goes wrong with them.
- It has a compact and low-profile design, which helps you play with these IEMs in your ears for hours at a stretch without feeling discomfort.
- These IEMs have a twisted MMCX audio cable to provide the best experience while using this device, as it makes the same extremely moldable and durable. Because of its texture, this braided cable also prevents the tangling of the IEMs.
- It has a durable, rock-solid carrying case in its packaging, five extra pairs of Star Silicone Eartips, 5 True-Fit Comfort Foam Tips, and an impact-resistant monitor vault.
- It has three balanced armature drivers with a fantastic three-way crossover.
Cons:-
- It can be slightly towards the expensive side
- The durability can be less in some cases, and customer support can be a little difficult to reach
- When practicing hip-hop styles, the bass on these IEMs is relatively not so good.
2. Audio Technica ATH-E70 In-Ear Monitor Headphones
The Audio Technica brand has some excellent in-ear monitors. One of their models is the ATH-IM70 in-ear monitor.
These are an excellent choice for drummers and provide a fantastic experience full of rich and clear sound straight to your ears.
These in-ear monitors have a triple-balanced armature system of drivers, providing a well-balanced and accurate response. Aside from the clarity and richness of the sound, the sound isolation property on these IEMs is brilliant.
This feature is especially great for practice, as it lets you focus only on the music you are playing without any distractions.
These Audio Technica IEMs also have an optimized audio performance system facilitated by a detachable cable from the monitor earphone head. This not only helps better the sound quality, but it also helps to make the device very durable.
The cable of these in-ear monitors wraps around your upper ear and inside your ears. The flexible cable design in this way is an attempt by the developers of the Audio Technica ATH-E70 In-Ear Monitor Headphones to provide the user with a fully personalized experience.
Pros:-
- The sound quality on these earphones is fabulous, with an extended frequency response and a highly accurate sound stage due to the triple-balanced armature driver.
- The detachable cable helps the sound optimization and keeps the IEMs durable.
- Sound isolation on these IEMs is brilliant. They allow the drummer to focus on nothing but her music with these in the ears.
- The flexible cable and round-the-ear looping account for a very comfortable fit of monitor headphones.
- It is an excellent pair of IEMs for mixing in the studio and monitoring while on stage.
- The plus points of this particular in-ear monitor are not only in its technical parts; when you receive it, it comes with extra foam tips, silicone ear tips, a plug on the adaptor, and a carrying case.
Cons:-
- These Audio Technica In-Ear Monitor Headphones are quite on expensive side.
- The tips that go into the ears may not be large enough for some customers. You get larger-sized tips, but you have to buy them separately, which can be inconvenient.
- Durability can max out in some cases where one earbud may stop working.
3. Fender FXA2 Professional In-Ear Monitor Headphones
Fender is one of the most well-known brands for musical instruments and equipment, and the best part is that they also make in-ear monitors!
These in-ear monitors have 9.2 mm precision rare-earth drivers with a Groove-tuned bass port, which helps to get the best and most decent volume levels, dynamic sound, and perfect sound definition. These IEMs can block 22 decibels of ambient noise, leading to brilliant sound isolation.
The cable is a braided MMCXi detachable cable to provide flexibility. Its detachability also adds to its durability and look. These Fender in-ear monitor headphones look groovy and slick on the style front.
Fender markets these IEMs saying that their framework is a 3D print. Thus, accompanied by the appropriate size of buds, the FXA2 Professional IEM Headphones will fit anyone’s ears to perfection.
Pros:-
- These Fender IEM Headphones have a sleek look and give a very stylish appearance to the wearer or user.
- The IEMs come with a carrying case, SureSeal tips, a cleaning tool, and a cable.
- The fit is such that because it has been 3D printed, it is the perfect fit for 95% of users who have tried these IEM headphones.
- Detachable MMCXi cables add durability to the set, flexibility to the wires, and provide the best sound quality to the user by blocking up to 22 decibels of ambient sound, which consequents fabulous sound isolation.
- It is an affordable, high-quality set of IEM headphones
Cons:-
- The music can sometimes be too bright, which is unsuitable for the ears.
- There is no in-line mic or remote in these Fender IEM headphones, which is something you need for changing the tracks without taking out your music-playing device again and again.
4. Shure SE215 -CL – Best Shure in-ear monitors for drummers
Shure is one of the best earphone manufacturing companies. All their customers are happy and loyal because they provide brilliant quality IEMs and excellent customer care.
The Shure SE215 pair of IEMs is a newer version that Shure has inspired by its previous SE210. The SE215 pair has a very different, stylish look and some other incredible features, making it one of the best in ear monitors for drummers.
These IEMs have an alternative look, with plastic or shiny outer covering with black tips, much different from what earphones or how IEMs generally look.
With the outer cover of clear plastic, you can see all the wiring inside the headset, which makes it look rather fancy. You can buy this design or one with a shiny black covering.
These Shure IEMs have a detachable head with a robust right-angle jack. The SE215 IEMs have a single dynamic driver and brilliant sound isolation tech. It also has an excellent sound stage, where you can feel the sound in your ears.
Pros:-
- The sound isolation is splendid and will help you focus on nothing but your drumming while you have these plugged in. These IEMs also have incredible bass and sound stage qualities.
- The design is very fancy-looking, where you can see the wiring of your IEM headset, which makes for an alternative look to the standard headset types.
- These IEMs come packed with six foam and rubber tips and a durable case to store your IEM headset.
- The cable is such that it has a mild texture to it, which is put in place to prevent the tangling of the wires.
- Shure is a trusted brand for its top-notch quality, durability, and product designs.
Cons:-
- If you are someone who likes bright sounds, this IEM headset is not the right choice for you. It is better for bass and mid sounds.
- The treble is not all that great on these IEMs.
5. MEE Audio M6 Pro
The MEE in-ear monitors are a hit with musicians all over the world. These fantastic second-generation headphones have a fabulous sound-isolating design, a brilliant sound system, and exceptional fit and comfort.
These in-ear monitors have an ultra-thin 5um driver and an aluminum voice coil, which make them different from most other in-ear monitors available in the market. It has a full range of audio, with incredible bass, mids, and treble.
The MEE Audio M6 Pro in-ear monitors are incredibly durable with their sweat-resistant properties and detachable headset cables. They have an exceptional fit due to the flexible memory cable and are incredibly lightweight.
The fit of these earphones is very comfortable. It is a universal fit; hence it is super comfortable for most people.
Once you have set it in your ears, there is not much need to readjust it as it remains well the way it is. It is one of the best in ear monitors for drummers for all these reasons, as well as the one that follows.
The best part about these IEMs is that they are fully customizable, so you can choose to have custom-engraved metal faceplates, selecting out of the available designs.
What makes this even better is that if you would like to submit your design for your IEMs, you can do that, too, and they will print it onto your headset!
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The MEE Audio M6 Pro that earned it a spot in our list of Best In Ear Monitors For Drummers in 2022.
Pros:-
- These in-ear headphone monitors’ exceptional fit and comfort allow you to practice your music for long periods without feeling discomfort in your ears.
- The ultra-thin driver diaphragm, accompanied by the aluminum voice coil, delivers enhanced sound quality directly to the ears.
- The sound isolation design of these MEE in-ear monitor headphones is to die for and is a must-try.
- These IEMs are fully customizable, even to the point that you can have your artistic design on the headset when you buy it
- These IEMs are durable and come to you in a package with a carrying case, foam ear tips, silicone ear tips, shirt clips, audio cable, headset cable, an adapter, and the user manual.
Cons:-
- The earphone jack may develop connectivity issues
- The silicone and foam tips and buds may not be big enough for some people who prefer a larger, tighter fit
6. BASN PROBLUE Bsinger Pro in Ear Monitor Headphone
These IEMs are one of the best models if you are looking for a type of IEM that looks good and sounds good.
These BASN in-ear monitors for drummers are fantastic because the design is fantastic, and so is the brilliance of the sound quality.
Adding to these great qualities, it also prices towards the lighter side of most budgets.
The driver on these IEMs is not only one but has two drivers, one for higher frequencies and the other for lower frequencies. This, in turn, results in a neutral sound, suitable for improved clarity and the like.
The sound isolation on these IEMs is good as it reduces ambient noise outside the headphones. The mid-range frequency allows for natural instrument sounds, which is why it is one of the best in ear monitors for drummers.
The cable looks rather fancy with some silver hand-woven into it. The cables are detachable, as with most other in-ear monitors.
These monitors are shiny and have a fun outer shape to keep them looking stylish, and they come in four different colors – shiny black, blue, maroon, or brown, and they all look as sleek as the other.
Pros:-
- Included in the bundle delivered to you are a perfect carrying case, a cleaning tool, and five distinctive ear tips of silicone and memory foam with the BASN in-ear monitors.
- The mid-range frequency is fantastic for the most natural sounds of instruments.
- This is an excellent entry-level pair of in-ear monitors for when you are just trying it out for the first time. It has brilliant sound quality, a good look, and feel, and is also relatively easy on the pockets.
- Dual drivers account for a neutral sound, which in turn leads to the incredible clarity of the audio.
- It has a stylish and sleek look and is suitable for someone who wants their IEMs to look good and sound good when using them.
Cons:-
- The fit is not all that comfortable and it can be irritating to keep pushing it back into your ears.
- Unfortunately, while the price is a plus point, the quality of the in-ear headphone monitors matches it.
7. Brainwavz Koel Reference Monitor
The Brainwavz Koel is one of the best in ear monitors for drummers because it packs in many features at a relatively low price compared with other IEMs with the same quality.
The sound quality is excellent, as is the look and its ergonomic design, which leaves a lasting impact due to its brilliance.
These IEMs use the most excellent armature technology, i.e., the balanced armature technology, which results in the most fabulous sound balance. With the combined bass, mids, and treble in their effects, the audio results are formidable, and you must try them out.
The fit of these IEMs is such that once you place them in your ears, it is easier to forget that they are even there.
Yes, this is how comfortable the Brainwavz Koel in-ear monitors are. They are super ergonomic and lightweight, so you can wear them for long periods at a stretch and be comfortable just the same.
To tell you more about the design, you must know that the design and what goes behind it are simply fantastic. These items are 3D printed and assembled in-house by Brainwavz specialists using the finest parts available.
These IEMs are available in two sleek colors: Frosty (a shiny white) or Cosmic Black (a glossy, stylish black).
Pros:-
- The balanced armature driver results in a fantastic, well-balanced sound inculcating all three: bass, mids, and treble.
- The lightweight and ergonomic design lead to an incredibly comfortable fit, wherein you may use these for hours and forget that they’re ever in your ears. They are one of the best wireless in-ear monitors for drummers because you can use them for long practices without discomfort.
- The two colors that the Brainwavz Koel comes in are two very sleek-looking colors, and they also help you look good while using these in-ear monitors.
- The fact that these IEMs are 3D printed just adds more to the perfection of their design.
- It has a detachable MMCX cable and is textured to prevent easy tangling.
- The IEM comes with a detachable MMCX cable, a hard carrying case, a shirt clip, six sets of silicone ear tips according to size, a velcro tie for the wire, and a user manual.
Cons:-
- There can be static in the sound sometimes, which is extremely irritating to the ears.
- The cable is slightly more flimsy than would be comfortable for most customers.
8. PSB M4U-4 BLK M4U 4 High Definition In-Ear Monitors
This is an in-ear monitor for drummers that don’t necessarily have the best-looking design but are more than fantastic in their audio quality.
PSB is a very well-known Canadian manufacturer of audiophile products; thus, you can trust the in-ear monitors they sell.
The design of this product is very different from the other designs and styles of IEMs we have previously discussed.
However, here’s where the phrase “never judge a book by its cover” comes in, as this set of IEMs is highly efficient in what it is supposed to do, as compared to how it looks.
The PSB M4U-4 has a two-way hybrid dual-driver design, inculcating two different drivers with a precision crossover network.
It has a coil dynamic low-frequency driver paired with a balanced armature driver for the best sound for you. The bass and mids are highly pronounced, while the treble is minimal but available.
There are two cables, both detachable and both covered with tangle-free textures. Also included are a microphone and remote control with the cable, so you don’t need to keep adhering to your device to switch up settings.
Pros:-
- The sound quality is excellent, wherein the bass and the mids are fully pronounced and vibrant, with a lesser pronounced treble.
- The IEMs come with two detachable cables rather than just one, and these cables also have a microphone and remote control, both tangle-free cables.
- The hybrid dual-driver design, which uses a 2-in-1, balanced armature + coil dynamic driver system, facilitates the best quality of audio from your device to your ears.
- Its producer is a respected and well-known brand; thus, its quality is assured to its buyers.
- The soundstage of these IEMs is brilliant and does not feel much like you are wearing a headset. PSB calls their soundstage a RoomFeel, which is just how it feels.
- It is worth the price because of its outstanding features and is one of the custom in-ear monitors for drummers.
- Easy drummer in-ear monitor setup
Cons:-
- It is slightly towards the expensive side of most IEMs
- The treble is less pronounced, so this is not a relatively not-so-good option for those who prefer brighter sounds.
- The design is not all that ergonomic, and they are not the chicest or sleekest set of IEMs.
Why In-Ear Monitors Are Essential For Drummers
Now that we are through with the list of best in ear monitors for drummers, here’s why in-ear monitors are essential for drummers in the first place.
1. These monitors help you hear the other players better. Imagine you are a drummer performing live in concert, but your tempo is going off from the other band members. To prevent this, in-ear monitors are helpful.
2. They help you with better volume control. With IEMs, you can make sure you’re not overpowering the other instruments playing with you. They help you select whether you should make your playing softer or louder.
3. They help during drum practice. Sometimes, without realizing or helping it, drummers can go off-tempo, i.e., slightly faster or slower, even during practice. IEMs help drummers stay on tempo better during practice, extending to when they play on stage.
4. They protect a drummer’s hearing. This is one of the primary functions of an IEM. Drumming is a loud job; being so close to the sound, drummers must protect their ears to prevent damage.
📗 FAQs
Below are a few queries on Best In Ear Monitors For Drummers that everyone is expecting to answer, and I did include the same for my readers.
What is an in-ear monitor?
In-ear monitors (IEMs) are similar to regular earphones used to listen to music, make phone calls, etc.
However, they are more advanced than ordinary headsets in that they are for listening to music in its rawest form for musicians and the like to review their sounds.
The drivers in IEMs are much more advanced than those in regular earphones or headphones.
What is a driver in in-ear monitors?
In the most straightforward manner of speaking, a driver of an in-ear monitor acts as a super-small speaker inside the headphone structure.
It provides the best sound according to which driver is in use.
Are in-ear monitors expensive?
Like all other products, in-ear monitors come in different price ranges, which generally depend on the type of features that the IEM packs.
While they can be expensive, you can choose cheaper ones without minging on the features it offers. This list will help you through the same.
Why do drummers need in-ear monitors?
The purpose of in-ear monitors is not only to provide audio but also to protect a drummer’s ears (there are other functions as well, which will be listed below later).
The drums are very loud, even when you play them relatively softly, and over-exposure to them can harm a person’s hearing. In-ear monitors protect the ears from loud sounds.
What are multiple drivers?
When the in-ear monitors use more than one driver, we call them IEMs with multiple drivers.
A single driver will serve one kind of purpose, while multiple drivers serve multiple purposes simultaneously. The more drivers, the better the sound quality; however, this also depends on paired drivers.
In conclusion on the best in ear monitors for drummers list
In conclusion, in-ear monitors are essential equipment for drummers to protect their hearing and be able to listen to their fellow musicians in group music settings such as band practices or performances.
Since it is one of the essentials for a musician or performer, you must choose one that suits your needs best.
The things to look at when buying an IEM are its driver, audio quality, comfort, and fit, and if you are conscious of it, the design and look of the same.
Hopefully, this list of best in ear monitors for drummers has helped you decide which in-ear monitor you’d like to buy and which will be best suited to you.