Zildjian ALCHEM-E Headphones Review

Practical Buying Guide

Introduction:

While we all know Zildjian as a big cymbal brand, they’ve often ventured into audio and electronic equipment over the years. They recently introduced the ALCHEM-E electronic drums, and these headphones were created to support those. 

In this review, we’ll take a deeper look into the ALCHEM-E headphones. While they’re designed for those e-drums, we’ll also look at them through the lens of general headphones to use.

Key Features

These headphones have an incredible set of features that set them apart from most other electronic drum kit headphones.

Firstly, you get custom equaliser settings for each ear. This allows you to do fine-adjustments to get the best sound output possible. 

They also have a “Play-Along” mode. It cancels out ambient noise around you, allowing you to play drums without having the drums overpower what you’re hearing in your ears. This is the main thing that makes them “drummer” headphones. 

A few other features to mention are the long battery life and sturdy build. You can use the headphones for up to 45 hours before needing to charge them again. And then the build quality makes them feel incredibly comfortable while playing the drums. 

Build Quality
96%
Performance
98%
Price to Value Ratio
92%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Incredible “Play-Along” ANC mode
  • Long battery life
  • Seriously high-quality sound
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • Premium price tag, so it’s not a versatile option for most drummers
  • Doesn’t offer high-end features that other headphones in the same price range offer

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What to Expect from the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Headphones:

 

Quality 

The ALCHEM-E headphones exhibit a solid build with a focus on durability and comfort. The over-ear design, combined with plush ear cushions, ensures a snug fit, making them suitable for prolonged use. 

We have to admit that they’re incredibly comfortable to wear, which is great for drummers who want to play for hours at a time. 

The inclusion of a silicone carrying case and user-replaceable padding is also a great addition. 

Zildjian cymbals have always been some of the highest-quality options on the market, and we get the same kind of feeling with these headphones. 

Construction

The first thing we noticed about these headphones was how comfortable they were. They have a closed-back design, making them sit very nicely on your ears for long periods. 

The closed-back design also blocks sound out quite well. This is what makes these headphones ideal for drummers, as most headphones with open-back designs don’t work well for drummers. 

And while these are electronic drum kit headphones, they work just as well as monitoring headphones when you’re playing acoustic drums. 

We’re also big fans of the coloring. Having black mixed with gold always looks top-quality. 

Performance

Equipped with 40mm drivers, the ALCHEM-E headphones deliver a robust and balanced sound profile. 

We love the personalized EQ settings, as they allow users to fine-tune audio output, catering to individual hearing preferences. 

The innovative “Play-Along” ANC mode is one of the best features for drummers, enabling them to hear their instrument clearly while minimizing external noise. 

However, we’ve heard some drummers note that while the sound is powerful, it may lack the openness found in other high-end models. So, the cost is something to think about, but we’ll talk more about that later.

Prive to Value:

With a price tag around $400, the ALCHEM-E headphones position themselves in the premium segment of the market. 

The pricier tag means that you really need to think about what you’re getting here. These are primarily designed to work with Zildjian’s electronic drum kit, so that would be the best reason to spend this much.

However, the specialized features such as the “Play-Along” ANC mode and personalized sound profiles offer amazing value.

So, if those things appeal to you, it may be worth spending the money. 

Zildjian ALCHEM-E Headphones Review
  • Build Quality
  • Performance
  • Price to Value
4.5

Conclusion

The Zildjian ALCHEM-E PerfectTune Headphones are an amazing option for drummers who want high-quality sound. 

They offer unique features that address specific needs, such as the innovative ANC modes and personalized sound settings. 

While they come with a premium price tag, the specialized functionalities and quality build make them a decent option for anyone needing a fresh set of headphones to play drums with. 

We highly recommend these. But if the price is too high, there are plenty of other options out there that will suit your needs. 

I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (DrumeoGuitar GuitarAudioIssuesMusicThinkTank I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.

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