Well, I am not a drummer nor a musician. But whenever I watch the drummer wearing headphones. A question popped up in my mind why they wear headphones. Like you, I also rely on preconceived ideas like they want to look cool and stylish.
Of course, this is not the case. That is why I did research and found the reason for wearing headphones.
When it comes to performing live in concert, the drummer played a leading role and had a duty to keep the band with the beat. In this way, Headphones played a vital role to synced the drummer with rhythm. Headphones act like a metronome to help the drummer to keep the band active and stay in line. It does not matter If the guitarists skip the beat and move too fast, but as for drummer concerns. They have to keep the pace according to the band.
Moreover, there are also other reasons to wear headphones.
If you ever have the experience of going to a rock concert and watching live. You might have experienced the loud environment. People are dancing, singing, and chill out like crazy. It is very hard to keep communication alive in such a circumstance. The drummer also has the same experience. For that matter, to stay in touch with bandmates and to protect their ears, they use headphones.
Another question that can crop up in your mind_ Not every drummer wears headphones. Yes, it is true. Despite the headphones, there are other devices as well that are used instead of headphones.
In-Ear-Monitors for drummers (IEMs)
Just like the headphones, it is a device that fits in your ears snugly. It uses musicians, drummers, and audiophiles to listen to their own vocals, musical instruments on the stage live. It is a great alternative to headphones and works in the same way. It blocks out noise and provides a source to keep in touch and customize the beats live to keep everything in rhythm.
Earplugs - Why do drummers wear earplugs
Earplugs is another excellent tool that uses drummers while performing live. It is not functional like the In-ear-monitors, but it can lower the overall conditional noise. It is a great approach to prevent hearing loss or tinnitus.
Earmuffs
Earmuff is another handy device that uses drummers. Like the earplugs, it is not fully functional, but it can block outside noise in a pretty decent way. You cannot communicate with the bandmates if you use ear muffs. In the same vein, to keep the band alines, you have to use an earpiece with earmuffs to overcome any trouble.
Conclusion
So, it was a pretty handy guide on why drummers wear headphones. It is highly likely they wear to impede the external noise. Most importantly, they are the leading roles of the band. That is why to keep the bandmates in rhythm and on beat drummers wear the headphones. Despite the headphones, they also used earmuffs, earplugs, and In-ear-monitors to forbid hearing problems.
Learn how to comfortably wear headphones with glasses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just use headphones like the drummer?
Headphones work great for the drummer because they provide a snug fit and help to block out noise. If you are not a drummer, you might find that headphones do not stay in your ears or do not provide adequate sound quality. In-ear-monitors are designed specifically for musicians and can provide superior sound quality while blocking out outside noise.
Can I use earplugs or In-ear Monitors?
Of course you can use them, but it is not as effective as the Earpiece with earmuffs.
What is the difference between in-ear monitors and headphones?
Headphones are great for personal listening, but they do not allow you to communicate with other bandmates. In-ear monitors are designed to let you hear what is going on around you while performing and usually include a mix control so you can have your vocals incorporated into the band mix.
What is the difference between earmuffs and earplugs?
Earplugs are used for noise isolation, but earmuffs are designed to help protect your ears from loud sound level. You should use them along with an earpiece to allow yourself to hear the band mix.
Why don't drummers use earplugs?
It is a matter of choice, but some prefer to use an earpiece instead of earplugs. There are no specific reasons that I know about, but I think it comes down to personal preference.
How does In-Ear Monitors help protect your ears?
In-ear monitors help to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus by providing a lower overall conditional noise. It also gives the drummer the ability to customize the beats live and keep everything in rhythm.
What is the average dB level for a rock concert?
There is no definitive answer, as concerts vary greatly in sound level. However, it is safe to say that concerts can reach levels of 110dB and higher. This is why it is important for drummers and other musicians to protect their ears with headphones, earplugs, or earmuffs.
What are the long-term effects of extended exposure to sound over 85dB?
There is a long list of potential long-term effects from extended exposure to sound over 85dB. These can include hearing loss, tinnitus, diminished frequency response, and more. It is important to protect your ears any way you can when attending a concert.
What are the short-term effects of extended exposure to sound over 85dB?
Short-term effects of extended exposure to sound over 85dB can include temporary hearing loss, tinnitus, and ringing in the ears. These symptoms usually subside after a short period of time, but it is important to be aware of them and take the necessary precautions to protect your ears.
Sabir Ali is a freelance writer and a gamer. He is a tech enthusiast who loves to explore upcoming trends in technology and write about them. When he is not writing, sabir spends most of his time with books. He is a passionate writer for no reason, and you can visit him at https://sabirjutt.com/
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