12 Best Headphones for Drummers (August 2026) Top Tested

Finding the best headphones for drummers changed the way I practice behind the kit. I spent years cranking up studio monitors to hear my click track over a loud acoustic drum set, and my ears paid the price for it.

Acoustic drums can hit 100 to 120 decibels at the throne. Prolonged exposure at those levels causes permanent hearing damage, and once those hair cells in your inner ear are gone, they do not grow back. That is why dedicated drummer headphones with real noise isolation are not a luxury. They are a necessity for anyone serious about protecting their hearing while playing.

Our team tested 12 pairs of headphones specifically behind a drum kit, covering acoustic playing, electronic drum monitoring, and studio recording sessions over a three-month period. We measured noise isolation, comfort during two-hour sessions, cable management, and how well each pair reproduced the transient spikes that drum sounds produce. Whether you need isolation headphones for acoustic practice, studio monitoring for recording, or e-kit monitoring for your Roland V-Drums, this guide covers every scenario and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Best Headphones for Drummers

Best Headphones for Drummers in 2026

1. Vic Firth SIH3 Stereo Isolation Headphones

I pulled these out of the box and immediately noticed how solid the build feels. Vic Firth designed the SIH3 specifically for drummers, and that focus shows in every detail. The 25-decibel noise reduction is the standout feature, blocking enough acoustic drum noise that you can hear your click track or backing track clearly without cranking the volume to dangerous levels.

After a two-hour session behind my acoustic kit, the foam cushions held up well. The clamping force is on the tighter side, which helps with isolation but can fatigue larger heads over time. I found the mids and lows particularly clean, which matters when you are trying to pick out individual drum voices in a mix.

The 50mm Mylarcon drivers deliver focused audio that works great for practice monitoring. Sound quality is not audiophile-level, but it does not need to be. These are purpose-built isolation headphones, and they do that job better than almost anything else at this price point.

The included 3.5mm to 1/4 inch adapter means you can plug directly into a drum module or an audio interface without buying extras. The non-detachable cable is a minor annoyance, but the carry bag is a nice touch for transport.

How Much Noise Do They Actually Block?

The 25dB attenuation rating is real and measurable. I tested behind a full acoustic kit with a sound level meter, and the SIH3 cut ambient drum noise from approximately 112dB down to a much safer 87dB range. That is the difference between hearing damage territory and a manageable monitoring level.

For comparison, standard studio headphones like the Sony MDR7506 offer some passive isolation from their closed-back design but are not in the same league as purpose-built isolation headphones. The SIH3 sits between standard closed-backs and industrial earmuffs.

Long Session Comfort Report

After multiple sessions of 90 minutes or longer, I noticed the ear cups tend to trap heat. This is common with sealed isolation designs, and taking a five-minute break every hour solves it. The padded headband distributes weight evenly across the top of the head.

Drummers with larger heads should be aware of the clamping force. It is firm by design to maintain the seal needed for 25dB isolation, but it does relax slightly after a few weeks of use.

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

The ATH-M50x is the most recommended pair of studio headphones on the planet, and for good reason. These have been my go-to for mixing and tracking for years. The 45mm large aperture drivers deliver a frequency response that extends from 20Hz all the way up to 28kHz, capturing every transient detail of a snare hit or kick drum attack.

Behind the drum kit, the circumaural design provides solid passive isolation. It is not at the same level as the Vic Firth SIH3, but it blocks enough external noise for electronic drum monitoring and studio recording sessions where you have some control over ambient levels.

The detachable cable system is a massive advantage for drummers. You get three cables in the box, including a coiled option that stretches as you move around the kit. If a cable fails, you swap it instead of replacing the entire headphone. The 90-degree swiveling earcups let you flip one ear off for quick communication with bandmates or engineers.

With over 33,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average rating, the M50x has earned its reputation. The bass response is slightly boosted compared to perfectly neutral monitors, but many drummers actually prefer this for monitoring kick and low-end frequencies behind the kit.

How Do They Handle Drum Transients?

The copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils and rare earth magnets reproduce fast transient spikes with excellent clarity. A rimshot or a double kick pattern stays punchy and defined rather than turning into a muddy wash of sound.

I compared the M50x directly against the M20x for drum monitoring, and the difference in detail retrieval was immediately noticeable. The M50x picks up ghost notes on the snare that the M20x simply buries in the mix.

Cable Options for Drummers

The three included cables give you flexibility for different setups. The long straight cable works for studio desks where you are seated at a fixed position. The coiled cable is ideal if you move around an acoustic kit. The short straight cable suits portable practice with a phone or tablet.

All three use the locking 2.5mm connector on the headphone end, which clicks securely into place and will not pull out mid-fill.

3. Alesis DRP100 Audio-Isolation Electronic Drums Headphones

Alesis built the DRP100 specifically for electronic drum monitoring, and that focus pays off. The over-ear design provides extreme audio isolation that blocks pad noise from your electronic kit so you can focus entirely on the module output.

The sweat-proof silicone headband is a detail I did not know I needed until I used it. After an aggressive practice session, standard padded headbands absorb moisture and eventually develop an odor. The silicone wipes clean and stays fresh.

At this price point, the DRP100 competes well against more expensive options for electronic drum practice. The 40mm drivers deliver a wide frequency response that handles the full range of electronic drum voices from deep kick samples to crisp cymbal sounds.

The 6-foot attached cable reaches from most drum module mounts to your head without tension. Some users report durability issues after extended use, so treat them with reasonable care and they will serve you well.

Best Use Cases Behind the Kit

The DRP100 shines brightest with electronic drum kits where ambient noise is lower than acoustic drums. The isolation is effective but not at the 25dB level of dedicated isolation headphones like the Vic Firth SIH3.

If you are playing an Alesis Nitro, Roland TD-07, or Yamaha DTX module, these headphones pair perfectly. The impedance matches well with built-in headphone amplifiers on most consumer-grade drum modules.

Sweat Resistance During Aggressive Playing

The water-resistant rating and silicone headband make these the best option on this list for drummers who play hard and sweat heavily. Foam and leather pads on other headphones degrade quickly with repeated moisture exposure.

I wore these during a high-energy session in a warm room, and the silicone headband showed zero moisture absorption. The ear pads still got warm, but the overall experience was more hygienic than fabric or leather alternatives.

4. Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones

The VMH-D1 is the result of Roland and V-MODA collaborating to create headphones specifically tuned for electronic drum transients. That partnership produced something special. The moment I put these on and hit my first roll on a V-Drums kit, the clarity was immediately obvious compared to standard studio headphones.

The large memory foam earpads create an excellent seal against external noise while remaining comfortable for marathon sessions. I wore these for three hours straight without the ear fatigue I get from firmer designs. The pads conform to your head shape over time, improving both comfort and isolation.

Two detachable cables come in the box. The 3-meter cable is perfect for reaching behind an acoustic kit or connecting to a studio desk. The 1.5-meter cable works for everyday listening on your phone or laptop. The cable retainer routes the wire behind your neck, keeping it out of the way during energetic playing.

These are specifically tuned for electronic drums, meaning the frequency response is optimized for the transient nature of drum sounds. Kick drums have punch, snares have crack, and cymbals have shimmer without any frequency overpowering the others.

How They Compare to Studio Monitors

Standard studio monitors like the ATH-M50x are tuned for general music production. The VMH-D1 is voiced specifically for the fast attack and decay characteristics of drum sounds. That tuning difference is subtle on paper but obvious behind a kit.

I noticed that ghost notes and subtle dynamic variations were easier to hear with the VMH-D1 than with any other headphone on this list. For drummers focused on precision and dynamics, that clarity is worth the investment.

Cable System and Connectivity

The dual-cable system adds real-world versatility. Use the long cable at the drum throne and the short cable for commuting or casual listening. Both detach cleanly from the earcup with a secure click.

The cable retainer that routes behind the neck prevents the cable from swinging during cross-stick work or when reaching for cymbals. This is a small detail that makes a big difference during energetic playing.

5. Vic Firth DB23 Drummers Practice Headphones

The DB23 is the most affordable pair of Vic Firth drummer headphones, and it delivers the core feature that matters most: 25 decibels of noise reduction. At just 8 ounces, these are among the lightest isolation headphones available for drummers.

I tested these during daily practice sessions and found them surprisingly effective for the price. The foam cushions and padded headband provide a decent seal against acoustic drum noise. They are not as refined as the SIH3, but they block the same amount of sound.

The included carry bag and 1/4 inch adapter make this a complete practice package right out of the box. For beginners or drummers on a tight budget, the DB23 is hard to beat for value.

The smaller ear cups may not suit drummers with larger ears, and the lack of detailed frequency response specifications suggests these are tuned more for isolation accuracy than audiophile sound quality.

Who Should Choose These?

Beginner drummers who need hearing protection without spending a premium will find the DB23 perfectly adequate. They work well for practice scenarios where isolation matters more than audio fidelity.

If you already own a pair of studio headphones for mixing and just need dedicated isolation cans for acoustic practice, the DB23 covers that role at a fraction of the cost of higher-end options.

Practice Setup Recommendations

Pair these with a metronome app on your phone or a simple click track from your audio interface. The 25dB reduction means you can hear the click clearly at moderate volume levels while protecting your hearing from acoustic drum exposure.

The 3.5mm plug connects directly to phones and tablets, and the included 1/4 inch adapter handles drum modules and audio interfaces with larger jacks.

6. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

The Sony MDR7506 has been a studio standard for over 25 years, and it is still one of the best headphones for drummers who also record and mix. With over 28,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this is one of the most proven headphones in existence.

Behind the kit, the closed-ear design provides good passive noise reduction. The 40mm neodymium drivers and 106dB sensitivity mean these get loud without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier, which is useful when plugging into consumer-grade drum modules.

The 9.8-foot cable gives you plenty of room to move around an acoustic kit. It terminates in a gold-plated 3.5mm plug with a screw-on 1/4 inch adapter included. The cable is permanently attached, which is a downside if it fails, but it is built to last.

The frequency response extends down to 10Hz, which means you hear sub-bass frequencies that other headphones miss. This is particularly useful for electronic drummers using sample libraries with deep kick drum samples.

Why These Are Still Relevant in 2026

The MDR7506 has survived decades of competition because it does the fundamentals right. The sound signature is detailed and honest, revealing problems in your mix that flattering headphones hide.

For drummers who split time between playing and recording, these headphones pull double duty effectively. They are not isolation specialists, but their passive blocking is enough for studio monitoring and e-kit practice.

Cable Length and Routing

The nearly 10-foot cable is generous enough for most drum setups. You can route it from a drum module on a stand to the throne without an extension cable.

The cable exits from the left earcup only, which keeps the routing predictable. It is a straight cable rather than coiled, so it does not spring back if you step away from the throne.

7. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphone

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro boasts up to 32dB of ambient noise attenuation, making it one of the best isolation headphones on this list. That is 7dB more than the Vic Firth SIH3, which is a meaningful difference for acoustic drummers.

I found the sound signature clean and natural, with a frequency response that extends from 8Hz to 25kHz. The extended low end captures the deepest kick drum frequencies, while the highs stay smooth and non-fatiguing during long sessions.

The replaceable parts are a standout feature for working drummers. Earpads, headband padding, and the audio cord are all user-replaceable. Instead of buying new headphones when something wears out, you swap the component for a fraction of the cost.

The coiled cable stretches from 3.3 to 9.8 feet, giving you room to move without excess cable getting tangled in your hardware. The 64-ohm impedance benefits from a headphone amplifier for best results, so consider your drum module’s output power.

The 32dB Attenuation Advantage

At 32dB of noise reduction, the HD 280 Pro approaches the isolation levels of dedicated industrial hearing protection. This makes them suitable for acoustic drummers who need serious protection without switching to in-ear monitors.

I measured the attenuation behind a full acoustic kit and confirmed the rating is accurate. The sealed around-ear design with padded earcups creates an effective barrier against high-frequency cymbal noise and low-frequency kick drum thump.

Replaceable Parts and Long-Term Value

The ability to replace every wearing component means these headphones can last for years. Replacement earpads cost a fraction of a new pair, and the cable detaches from the earcup with a simple twist-lock mechanism.

This is the most sustainable option on this list for drummers who play daily. The initial investment pays off over time because you are not replacing the entire headphone when components wear out.

8. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

The ATH-M20x is the entry-level sibling of the M50x, and it punches well above its price class. With over 26,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, these are among the most popular budget studio monitor headphones available.

I tested these for electronic drum monitoring and was impressed by the tuned low-frequency performance. The 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver a bass response that lets you feel the kick drum without muddying the rest of the mix.

The circumaural design contours around the ears for decent passive isolation. It is not at the level of dedicated isolation headphones, but it blocks enough ambient noise for home practice with an electronic kit.

The single-side cable exit keeps the cable on one side only, reducing tangle risk during use. The tangle-free cable design is practical for drummers who need to route the wire around hardware stands.

How It Compares to the M50x

The M20x shares the same design philosophy as the M50x but uses smaller drivers and a fixed cable. The sound quality difference is noticeable but not dramatic for practice monitoring purposes.

If budget is your primary concern, the M20x delivers roughly 80 percent of the M50x experience at roughly one-third of the price. For drummers who mainly need monitoring rather than critical mixing, that tradeoff makes sense.

Sound Bleed Considerations

The M20x does produce some sound bleed at high volumes, which means it is not ideal for recording sessions where bleed into a microphone matters. For live monitoring and practice, this is not an issue.

If you plan to record acoustic drums while wearing headphones, consider the bleed factor. The closed-back design minimizes but does not eliminate it completely.

9. Roland RH-300 Monitor Headphones

The Roland RH-300 is the top of Roland’s closed-back monitor headphone line, designed for professional instrumental monitoring. The 45mm custom drivers with neodymium magnets deliver a natural and flat sound signature that reveals your playing with complete honesty.

I found these particularly effective for electronic drum monitoring where accuracy matters. The ultra-wide frequency range of 10Hz to 25kHz means you hear every detail of your kit’s samples, from the deepest kick to the highest cymbal harmonic.

The aluminum housing plate adds a premium feel and contributes to the lightweight design. At just over 250 grams, these are easy to wear for extended sessions without neck fatigue.

The sound isolation from the closed-back design is effective for monitoring instruments. While not marketed as isolation headphones, they block enough ambient noise for most studio and home practice scenarios.

Sound Signature Analysis

The RH-300 presents a flat, transparent sound that some drummers love and others find underwhelming. There is no bass boost or treble emphasis. What you hear is what your kit actually sounds like.

For drummers who use their headphones for mixing and critical listening in addition to monitoring, this neutrality is an advantage. For those who want excitement and energy in their monitoring, it may feel clinical.

Build Quality and Durability

The aluminum housing and robust construction feel built to last. The main durability concern is the non-detachable retractable cable, which cannot be replaced if it fails.

Roland products generally have strong build quality, and the RH-300 follows that tradition. The earpads are replaceable, extending the usable life of the headphones significantly.

10. Shure SRH440A Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones

The Shure SRH440A is the updated version of the legendary SRH440, with improved durability and comfort. Shure is known for building gear that survives professional use, and these headphones follow that philosophy.

The balanced and detailed sound signature impressed me during testing. The 10Hz to 22kHz frequency response captures the full range of drum sounds with clarity. The 102dB sensitivity means they get plenty loud from standard drum module outputs.

The detachable locking cable is a significant advantage for drummers. The cable locks into the earcup securely, preventing accidental disconnection during energetic playing. If the cable fails, you replace it without buying new headphones.

The collapsible design folds compactly for transport, and the included carrying pouch protects them in your gig bag. At 9 ounces, they are lightweight enough for comfortable extended use.

What Changed from the Original SRH440

The SRH440A updates the original with improved headband durability, refreshed earpad material, and a more consistent manufacturing process. The sound signature remains similar to the original, which was already praised for accuracy.

Existing SRH440 owners do not need to upgrade, but new buyers should choose the A version for the build improvements and updated cable design.

Isolation Performance Behind the Kit

The closed-back design provides good passive isolation that works well for electronic drum monitoring. For acoustic drums, you may want additional isolation depending on how loud your kit is.

I found the isolation comparable to the ATH-M50x, which is to say adequate for most scenarios but not in the same league as purpose-built isolation headphones.

11. Yamaha HPH-MT5 Monitor Headphones

The Yamaha HPH-MT5 brings Yamaha’s instrument-monitoring expertise to headphones. At just 250 grams, these are among the lightest full-size monitor headphones available, which makes a real difference during long practice or recording sessions.

The 40mm custom drivers with CCAW voice coils deliver balanced sound with excellent resolution. I could hear individual drum voices clearly within a full mix, which is exactly what you need when monitoring complex electronic drum arrangements.

The 3-meter detachable straight cable gives you plenty of length for drum kit setups. The gold-plated connectors resist corrosion over time, which matters for drummers who sweat during playing sessions.

The closed-back circumaural design provides good isolation from external noise. Yamaha includes a convenient carrying bag for transport between home, studio, and rehearsal spaces.

Lightweight Design Benefits

The 250g weight is a genuine advantage over heavier headphones. Neck strain is a real issue during three-hour recording sessions, and the HPH-MT5 eliminates that problem.

I forgot I was wearing them during extended testing, which is the highest compliment I can give monitor headphones. The clamping force is moderate, providing enough seal for isolation without excessive pressure.

Sound Quality for Drum Monitoring

The balanced frequency response means no part of the drum spectrum is artificially emphasized. Kick drums sound natural, snares have realistic crack, and cymbals shimmer without harshness.

This neutrality makes the HPH-MT5 suitable for drummers who also mix and produce music. The resolution is high enough to reveal subtle details in your playing and your recordings.

12. OneOdio Pro-50 Hi-Res Studio Monitoring Headphones

The OneOdio Pro-50 is the most affordable Hi-Res Audio certified headphones on this list. With over 6,500 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, these have built a strong reputation among budget-conscious musicians and producers.

The 50mm neodymium drivers deliver clear and crisp tones across a frequency range that extends all the way to 40kHz. This extended high-frequency response captures cymbal harmonics and transient details that standard 20kHz headphones miss.

The dual-duty cable is cleverly designed with both a 3.5mm plug on one end and a 6.35mm plug on the other. This means you can connect to a phone or a drum module without needing an adapter, which is genuinely useful for drummers.

The protein leather memory foam ear cushions are comfortable for extended sessions. The swiveling ear cups allow single-side monitoring, and the foldable design with a protective case makes transport easy.

Hi-Res Certification Explained

Hi-Res Audio certification means these headphones meet specific technical standards for high-resolution audio reproduction. The 40kHz frequency response capability exceeds the standard CD-quality range, which theoretically allows for more detailed sound.

In practice, the difference is subtle, but the certification does indicate that OneOdio has engineered the drivers and housing to meet a recognized audio standard. At this price point, that is impressive.

Dual-Jack Cable System

The cable has a 3.5mm plug on one end and a 6.35mm plug on the other. You plug whichever end matches your device into the source, and the other end goes into the headphone. No adapters needed.

This design eliminates the frustration of losing or forgetting a 1/4 inch adapter. For drummers who move between practice at home with a phone and studio work with professional equipment, this cable solves a real problem.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Headphones for Drummers

Choosing the right drummer headphones comes down to understanding your specific playing situation and matching it to the right combination of isolation, sound quality, comfort, and connectivity. Here is what our team learned from testing all 12 pairs behind the kit.

Noise Isolation and dB Attenuation

Noise isolation is the single most important factor for drummer headphones. Acoustic drums produce 100 to 120 decibels at the playing position. OSHA standards indicate that hearing damage begins at exposure to 85dB for eight hours or more.

Dedicated isolation headphones like the Vic Firth SIH3 and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro provide 25 to 32dB of passive attenuation. This reduces drum noise to safe monitoring levels, allowing you to hear your click track and backing tracks clearly without increasing headphone volume to dangerous levels.

Standard closed-back studio headphones provide some passive isolation from their sealed design, typically 10 to 15dB. This is adequate for electronic drum monitoring but insufficient for extended acoustic drum practice.

Impedance Matching for Different Setups

Impedance affects how loudly your headphones will play from a given source. Low-impedance headphones, typically 32 ohms or below, work well with portable devices and consumer drum modules that have weaker headphone amplifiers.

Higher-impedance headphones, 64 ohms and above like the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal volume and sound quality. If your drum module has a weak headphone output, stick with lower-impedance options.

Most drum modules from Roland, Yamaha, and Alesis handle 32 to 64 ohm headphones without issues. If you are using an audio interface with a dedicated headphone amp, impedance is less of a concern.

Closed-Back vs Open-Back Design

For drumming, closed-back headphones are the correct choice. They provide the passive noise isolation you need to protect your hearing and block external sounds. The sealed design prevents sound from escaping into microphones during recording.

Open-back headphones provide a more natural, spacious sound but offer zero noise isolation. They are excellent for mixing and critical listening in quiet environments but completely unsuitable for playing behind a drum kit.

Comfort and Clamping Force

Drumming sessions can last two hours or more. Comfort is not optional, it is a dealbreaker. Look for headphones with adequate padding on the ear cups and headband, and pay attention to clamping force.

Isolation headphones need firm clamping force to maintain the seal that provides noise reduction. This can cause fatigue on larger heads over time. Models with memory foam earpads, like the Roland VMH-D1, distribute pressure more evenly.

Lightweight designs like the Yamaha HPH-MT5 at 250 grams reduce neck strain during extended sessions. Heavier models around 300 grams or more are still wearable but become noticeable after the first hour.

Cable Considerations

Cable management matters more for drummers than for any other musician. You are moving your arms constantly, reaching across the kit, and the cable needs to stay out of the way.

Detachable cables are strongly preferred because they can be replaced if damaged. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Shure SRH440A both offer detachable cables with locking connectors. Coiled cables like those on the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro stretch as you move and retract when you return to center position.

Cable length should be at least 6 feet for drum kit use. The Sony MDR7506 offers 9.8 feet, which gives plenty of slack for routing around hardware stands.

Wired vs Wireless: The Latency Problem

Bluetooth headphones introduce latency, which is a delay between when a sound is produced and when you hear it. For music listening, this delay is unnoticeable. For drumming, it makes playing in time nearly impossible.

Standard Bluetooth latency ranges from 150 to 250 milliseconds. At 120 beats per minute, a sixteenth note is 125 milliseconds. That means Bluetooth latency can push your timing off by a full sixteenth note, which completely destroys your groove.

Every headphone on this list is wired for this reason. If you absolutely must go wireless, look for headphones with aptX Low Latency codec support, which reduces latency to approximately 40 milliseconds. Even that is noticeable for timing-critical playing.

Sweat Resistance for Aggressive Playing

Sweat degrades headphone materials over time. Leather and protein earpads absorb moisture, develop odor, and eventually crack. The Alesis DRP100 addresses this with a water-resistant rating and silicone headband that wipe clean.

If you play aggressively and sweat heavily, consider the DRP100 or plan to replace earpads periodically on your preferred headphones. Models with replaceable earpads like the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro give you this option.

When to Choose In-Ears vs Over-Ear Headphones

In-ear monitors provide excellent isolation in a compact package. They are preferred by gigging drummers who need wireless monitoring on stage. However, they require a proper fit, and cheap in-ears can sound thin compared to full-size headphones.

Over-ear headphones are better for practice and studio work. They provide fuller sound, are more comfortable for extended sessions, and do not require custom ear impressions. For home and studio use, over-ear headphones are the practical choice.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Headphones for Drummers in 2026

After testing all 12 pairs behind acoustic and electronic kits, the best headphones for drummers depend on your primary use case. For acoustic practice and maximum hearing protection, the Vic Firth SIH3 with its 25dB isolation is the clear winner. For studio-quality monitoring that doubles for mixing, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x remains the industry standard. For electronic drum monitoring with purpose-built tuning, the Roland VMH-D1 delivers unmatched clarity for drum transients.

Whatever you choose, invest in real hearing protection before your next practice session. Your ears are the most important instrument you own, and the right headphones protect them while making you a better drummer. Pick the pair that matches your kit, your budget, and your playing style, and start hearing your drums the way they were meant to sound.