Updated: November 30th, 2020
In ear monitors are a must for any drummer as drummers are the ones responsible for the band tempo. Have you ever listened to a band that couldn’t keep a steady beat? It sucks – I tell ya.
Now, you can easily learn to keep the time, but one thing that can make or break your job on stage is whether or not you can hear exactly what’s going on with the other instruments. And that’s where the best in-ear monitors for drummers come in.
Quick Look at Our Top Pick
- Great noise isolation
- Detachable cable
- Crystal clear sound
It took me a long time to get my first pair of in-ear monitors.
Not because I didn’t think they were cool – no, I craved a pair from the first time I saw one – but because I though they must be hugely expensive. Years later it turns out this was all an excuse for not doing my research on them.
And since that time I’ve been happily using in-ear monitors for live gigs every single time. And I would buy them again and again – even just for the fact that they make you feel quite a bit more professional on stage.
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 | Best IEM for Drummers
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 | Best Under $100
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Freedrum- Play the drums anytime, anywhere
- Sensors are super accurate
- Good Value for Money
- Compatible with all major music software / DAWs
So I’ve compiled this list of what I think are the 5 best in-ear monitors for drummers today. I looked into 12 models and chose the following 5 and I’m going to show you exactly why I did so.
The Best In-Ear Monitors For Drummers
Table of Contents
- The Best In-Ear Monitors For Drummers
- 1. Audio-Technica ATH-E70 Dual Symphonic-Driver In-Ear Monitor Headphones
- 2. Clear Concept Audio CCA C10 In-Ear Monitor
- 3. Westone UM Pro 10 Single Driver In-Ear Monitors
- 4. Audio Technica ATH-IM02 In-Ear Monitor Headphones
- 5. Knowledge Zenith KZ ZS10 Pro IEM Headphone
- Things to Consider When Buying Ear Monitors
- Questions? Comments? Your Story?
1. Audio-Technica ATH-E70 Dual Symphonic-Driver In-Ear Monitor Headphones
- Has a sleek, flexible memory cable
- Blocks out external and damaging sounds
- Has a storage/carrying case
- No mic included
Size and Comfort: Greatly suited for use in studios or stages, this headphone fits right into the ear canal and ideal for prolonged usage. Made by Audio Technica, the model features a detachable memory cable that is 1.5-meter long and gives the ear a customized fit, so it does not fall out easily. Weighing about 6.6 ounces, it features soft silicone and Comply foam ear tips that are sensitive, seals perfectly and enhances comfort for the user. It comes with a carrying case that stores the ear tips together with a 6.3mm stereo adapter plug.
Performance: With several in-ear monitors available, picking one as the best has never been easy. However, Audio Technica has always been a well-recognized brand, and this model is just exceptional. The ATH-E70 in-ear monitor headphone provides an accurate sound stage and extended frequency response due to its three balanced armature drivers. It is expensive compared to most IEMs, but the excellent sound quality averages out the cost and makes you glad you got it.
Sound: Audio Technica ATH-E70 has a full sound that is rich in bass as well as in treble. The tone is neutral and nuanced with a profound response. There is no distortion detected nor any highs and lows in the frequency response. It projects impressive noise isolating effects with a frequency range of 20-19000Hz, a sensitivity of 109dB, and a nominal impedance of 39ohms. You get to focus on your music without distractions.
2. Clear Concept Audio CCA C10 In-Ear Monitor
- One year limited warranty
- Isolates noise to an extent
- Clear nuances
- Six color options
- No mic
- No carrying case
- The cable is prone to tangling
Size and Comfort: As far as comfort goes, the C10 earphones are great. It is a hi-fi audio outfit available in 6 different finishes. The earphones, housed in a resin and zinc alloy shell with excellent build quality, features ten hybrid driver designs with five on each earpiece. It is lightweight and effective at canceling noise. This in-ear monitor is well built for comfort and therefore features detachable cables that allow you to go wireless if you purchase a 0.75mm 2-pin Bluetooth adapter. They also can be worn for long periods without any discomfort and without falling off. This property is due to the extended memory wire on the cable. It is sized at 4.2 x 2.9 x 1.3 and weighs 3.2 ounces.
Performance: The CCA C10 stands against the competition with other more expensive in-ear monitors. It features five drivers on each side, four balanced armature drivers, and one dynamic driver. Additional features include the detachable cables, allowing you to replace, repair, or upgrade it cause issues.
Sound: CCA C10 is designed to cancel noises at 108dB through the in-built MEMS noise-canceling technology. When the silicone tips are included, the seal is good enough to almost completely isolating you from your surroundings. It has an impedance of 32 ohms with a frequency response rate ranging from 7 40000Hz. The sound is terrific as it has an excellent balanced mid and high tones produced without distortions.
3. Westone UM Pro 10 Single Driver In-Ear Monitors
- Crystal clear sound
- Easy to put on due to the comfortable ear buds
- Rough usage is not recommended as it may ruin the sound quality in time
- Short cable
Size and Comfort: The Westone UM Pro 10 are heavier and a bit larger than the other 2 in-ear monitors for drummers so far (1 pound at 4.2” x 2.2” x 7.2”)., but still this pair of in-ear monitors has been described by many buyers as very comfortable. This is because the package comes with multiple sizes of premium comfort ear tips which provide not only a custom fit, but also an awesome noise isolation. These in-ear monitors will also stay put as they are designed for over-the-ear wear.
Performance: For most drummers, the very basic thing to look for in a pair of ear monitors is the sound quality and noise reduction. The Westone UM Pro 10 are very well rated by professional drummers despite having “only” a single driver. Yet, that one driver seems to do its job well and provides clear sound in any frequency range. The result is of course: a more crisp and clearer sound. Apart from that, this Westone in-ear monitor is made of quality material and you’ll be able to use especially the cables for a long while. Plus: the Westones come with a two-year warranty and a cleaning tool for optimal maintenance.
Sound: Despite their tiny size, the ear buds of the Westone UM Pro 10 deliver big on sound. The dual drivers enable you to play a professional performance based on a clean, crisp, and sharp sound range. In particular this means: you’ll hear a well-rounded bass, considerable treble (if you choose too) and clear mids and highs. Because of their good noise cancellation, the Westone UM Pro 10 are a particularly good fit for very loud musical genres such as metal or hard rock.
4. Audio Technica ATH-IM02 In-Ear Monitor Headphones
- Great noise isolation
- Detachable cable
- Crystal clear sound
- Expensive
Size and Comfort: The Audio Technica ATH-IM02 are my best in ear-monitors for drummers. This pair of in-ear monitor comes at about the same weight and size as the other Audio Technica above (4” x 2” x 6.5” and 3.4 ounces), so they are easy to store and travel with. These Audio Technica in-ears come with silicone ear tips to give you a custom-like fit. You also have the option to use the foam tips that come with the package. Finally, the ear tips feature a seal for ultimate noise isolation and the ear buds are detachable from the cable in order for you to move freely behind your drum set.
Performance: Although the second Audio Technica product on the list, the ATH-IM02 has earned its spot here. It may be expensive but is one of the most used and bestselling items online. The sound quality, build quality, and the positive reviews from the customers make these in-ear monitors what I regard as best value for the money. To top it off, the Audio Technica ATH-IM02 come with the exclusive dual balanced armature drivers that produce clear, crisp, and pure sound.
Sound: These in-ears come with strong dual drivers and provide great isolation for a crystal clear listening experience. That basically means that the frequencies are generated by 2 separate drivers that, so to speak, specialize in their range of frequencies. As such, these in-ear monitors excel in the general sound department, with a particular strength at higher vocal ranges. Overall, the Audio Technica ATH-IM02 offer near perfect sound, coupled with comfort and the convenience of cable-free playing and therefore…
…these are my “Best of the Best” in-ear monitors for drummers. The Audio-Technica ATH-IM02 fulfill all the requirements that a good ear monitor must have while remaining comfortable and providing high quality sound.
5. Knowledge Zenith KZ ZS10 Pro IEM Headphone
- One-year warranty
- The overall sound is balanced
- Can be used as wired or wireless
- Sturdy and inexpensive
- Has no carrying case, no adapters, and no foam tips
- Putting on the ear tips may take time to learn
Size and Comfort: Included in the package for this product are three pairs of ear tips, one detachable cable, the IEM earphone, a manual, and a warranty card. The headphones are lightweight and great looking, and the shells are made of resin plus stainless metal. You can choose out of three color options. They are very comfortable and fit in your ear perfectly once you get the hang of them. The cable is 120cm in length, braided, flexible, and can tangle easily.
Performance: The KZ ZS10 Pro by KINBOOFI Audio features four balanced armatures, one dynamic driver, and a 10mm double magnetic dynamic driver. It has a sensitivity of 111dB, an impedance of 30ohms, and a frequency range between 7-40000Hz. The dynamic driver for the mid-frequency is fast and tight.
Sound: In terms of sound range, it offers a rich improved bass compared to the older model, with clear elevated trebles. The vocals are natural and well-controlled, with zero distortion. Noise isolation is good with a very low sound leak. The ZS10 Pro is like a regular earphone with better sounding and fit. It is suitable for monitoring and instrument separation since you can differentiate each instrument in a mix.
Things to Consider When Buying Ear Monitors
No matter what your purpose is when buying an in-ear monitor, there are always few characteristics or factors to consider.
Remember that what’s very important for one drummer might not be crucial to you.
So do make your own decisions but make sure to keep these things in mind when searching for the best in-ear monitors for drummers:
- Sound quality must be top notch. There is no room for more or less of it because you being a drummer cannot afford to have a bad sound in ears. The better the sound, the better you can coordinate with your band to play great music.
- Noise isolation is another factor to look for. The ear monitors must have the capability to reduce the outer noise thus focusing on the main music or the sound you hear directly. This will not only allow you to focus on the music without distraction but will also protect your ears from long-term damage.
- Ear buds are highly important in-ear monitors as the bad buds can ruin your ear walls when exposed to music for long hours. While banging the drums, sweating is natural and a good pair of ear monitor withstands it well to offer a comfortable atmosphere to the drummer.
- Look for a protective case and spare silicon ear buds to fit every ear size.
I hope that this guide will put you well on your way to purchasing the best in-ear monitor to achieve your drumming dreams!
Questions? Comments? Your Story?
Have you tried any of these monitors? Do you think I missed something? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Could you recommend the SoundMAGIC PL30+ In Ear Monitor, they are currently very cheap in my country and not sure if these would be good for drumming.
Hey Ruan,
Do you mean these ones? I haven’t used those myself, but from my research I’d say there is nothing wrong with them. Quality-wise, they should be roughly on one level with the MME Audio M6 Pro.
Hope that helps!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this site! My research landed me with a lot of the same conclusions. Just wish I found this a month ago and saved a ton of time.
Thanks so much Thomas! I really appreciate it!
My band uses a QU-16 digital mixer from Allen & Heath. As the drummer I am done with stage monitors and want to go with IEMs. How do I know if any of these are compatible with the QU-16? How would it work? I run an XLR cable from a aux out to the IEMs but it looks like these IEMs only have tiny little jacks… that plug into what exactly??
Hey Matthew,
I can relate to that – I’d never swap my IEMs for stage monitors again!
You’d have to use a XLR to 3.5mm jack cable.
Technically, that works fine as is, but some people want to use a headphone amp (for example this one) for sound improvements. I recommend you try the cable first and upgrade to the amp if needs be.
Hope that helps!
You list the Westone UM Pro 10 as dual driver but in the name it says single driver. Can you explain this? Looking to buy a pair but would like dual driver.
Hey Jeff,
My mistake! Very sorry for the confusion!
The Westone 20 are dual drivers, but the Westone 10 in the review are single drivers just as you say. I’ve corrected this now.
Yet, there are 2 more dual drivers in the article – so check them out and perhaps they will work for your purposes.
Thanks for making me aware of that!
Best,
Yannick.
Hey Yannick,
I have never owned a drum set in my entire life. I have the slightest bit of experience playing on acoustic sets. I really appreciate your reviews on this set. I would like to ask your opinion: Would this be a good first drum set?
Thanks.
Hey Dylan,
Thanks so much for your kind words!
I fear, though, that you’ve left this comment on the wrong page. Which drum kit are you referring to?
Let me know and I’ll gladly answer you!
Best,
Yannick.
Oh sorry Yannick! Haha. I am finding your reviews helpful so, I had both your review for the Alesis Nitro Kit and this website.
I see 🙂 Then let’s answer it here (it’s a short answer too).
Yes, I do think that the Nitro is a very good first drum set. In fact, it’s the one I recommend most of the time and that my students seem to be most satisfied with. (The reasons for that are all in my review).
Hope that helps!
Hi Yannick, thanks for your review for the best IEM, i have been using the MEElectronics M6 Pro IEM for the last 2 years, and IMHO, they are by far THE BEST IEM for your money, they’re affordable, comes with protective case, an extra cable with mic, few extra silicone tips, even a pair of Comply tips.. I mean for $50 they are literally a steal, i dont even understand how the folks at MEElectronics make profit from this product, lol..
Soundwise, they’re pretty similar with the Shure se215’s with the exception of the 215s have deeper bass, but they cost $50 more than the M6 Pro.. I once tried the shure 315s, and i still prefer the M6 Pro over the 315s..
The only downside from this product is the build quality, its true, they wear out pretty fast,after a year or so the housing starting to crack on its edge, but what else do you expect from a $50 IEM?
My conclusion is, M6 Pro is the best IEM for anyone (for people who wants to buy their first IEM, or an established musician who doesnt have deep pocket for a custom IEM)
Thats it from me, i hope i dont confuse you guys with my broken english 😀
That’s awesome, Ryan. Thanks for sharing this in such detail.
I’ve included a link to this inside the article above for I think every visitor should read this.
Thank you so much!
Hey Yannick,
i’m a drummer at my church and we’re loking for the best IEMs for me. I’ve never used IEMs before so i would really like help choosing the best one. I do frequently play so one that is durable. Sound quality is an obvious necessity. And my budget is small. I would really appreciate it if you can help me.
Hey Daniel,
I personally prefer the Sure SE215 since they give you great quality and are currently discounted. However, I recommend you re-read the article and decide based on the criteria explained in there – as I’m not fully aware of your situation and needs.
Or is there a specific question that wasn’t answered in the article?
Best,
Yannick
good day, I have a question. when I drumming I need to hear a metronome. I use the se315 and are perfect for me, but a bit expensive. do you know recommend me something similar but cheaper? thank you. (justify my English, I used Google translator) ????
Hey Manfred,
On a budget I love these in-ear monitors. You’ll find all about them in the review above too.
Best,
Yannick
Hi Yannick,
I have a 3 year old who’s about 40″ tall who wants to start playing. Debating between the Alesis Nitro and the best junior acoustic drum set you’ve recommended. Is one of them more appropriate from a size perspective?
Hey Ronald,
Well, my threshold for changing from a junior to an adult kit is 5ft. Below that your child would have to strech and strain. That said, in your case it’s probably a matter of how quickly he / she is growing – since I wouldn’t get a junior kit to throw it away after 6 months. By contrast, if you think the junior kit will last for a year or more, I would want to spare your child the stretching and straining.
As for which kit in particular, please refer to my best electronic or best kids drum set guide.
Best,
Yannick