What are low volume cymbals?
Low volume cymbals are real metal cymbals designed to be dramatically quieter than standard cymbals. Most achieve this by using dense perforation patterns (lots of holes) that interrupt the cymbal’s vibration and reduce air movement. The result: you keep a "real cymbal" stick feel and rebound, but at a fraction of the acoustic volume.
Why you’d want them
- Practice without complaints (apartments, late nights, shared walls).
- Protect hearing during long sessions by reducing peak volume.
- Teach and take lessons in small rooms without overwhelming the space.
- Quiet rehearsals when you need to hear vocals or acoustic instruments clearly.
When and where you’d use them
- Home practice (especially with mesh heads or practice pads).
- Lesson studios and school practice rooms.
- Low-volume gigs where the drummer must be controlled (coffeehouses, small stages, worship settings).
- Recording scratch tracks where you want a drummer’s real motion without full cymbal bleed.
The 5 low volume cymbal options compared
| Brand / Pack | What’s included (sizes) | Material | Typical new price (USD) | Where to buy (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Pack (LV468) | 14" hi-hats (pair) 16" crash 18" crash ride |
Perforated low-volume cymbal design; Zildjian does not list a specific alloy on the product page. | $419.95 | Zildjian (direct) Link |
| Sabian Quiet Tone Practice Cymbals Set (QTPC504) | 14" hi-hats (pair) 16" crash 18" crash 20" ride |
Durable perforated alloy (Sabian doesn’t publicly specify the exact mix). | $391.80 | Sweetwater Link |
| Evans dB One Low Volume Cymbal Pack (ECPDB1) | 14" hi-hats (pair) 16" crash 18" crash 20" ride |
Nano-plated stainless alloy with spiral-perforated “dBalance” volume reduction. | $424.99 | Mundt Music Link |
| Meinl HCS Practice Cymbal Set (P-HCS141620) | 14" hi-hats (pair) 16" crash 20" ride |
Perforated brass alloy (Sweetwater lists BS63 brass). | $299.99 | Sweetwater Link |
| Arborea Low Volume Cymbal 5-Pack (budget option; also sold on Amazon) | 14" hi-hats (pair) 16" crash 18" crash 20" ride |
Budget-oriented metal/steel construction (varies by listing; commonly described as steel). | $128.75 | Amazon listing (availability/spec) Link |
How they differ in the real world
1) Sound and feel
- Most natural feel: Evans dB One and Sabian Quiet Tone tend to keep a more cymbal-like sustain and bell definition (for a practice cymbal), while staying quiet.
- Bright + simple: Meinl’s HCS practice set is intentionally straightforward and bright (brass alloy), and it’s a great “practice-first” choice.
- Classic benchmark: Zildjian L80 is the set many drummers start with because it’s widely available and predictable—quiet, consistent, and familiar in stick response.
- Budget sets: Arborea (and similar Amazon packs) can be surprisingly usable for basic timekeeping,
but the tone can be more metallic and less refined than the big brands, especially on the ride.
2) Pack completeness
- If you want two crashes + a ride, Sabian Quiet Tone and Evans dB One are “gig-style” practice packs with 4 cymbals (plus the hi-hat pair).
- Zildjian L80 LV468 is a 3-piece configuration (hats + crash + crash/ride). That’s great for practice, but you may miss a dedicated 20" ride.
- Meinl HCS practice set is also 3 pieces (hats + crash + ride), making it the simplest branded “complete” setup.
3) Durability and materials
- Steel / stainless-type alloys (Evans dB One; many budget sets) generally prioritize durability and consistent performance under perforation.
- Brass alloys (Meinl HCS) are commonly used for affordable cymbals and tend to sound bright; they’re a smart middle ground if you want a known brand and a lower price.
- Brand-name perforated alloys (Zildjian, Sabian) are engineered for reduced volume while keeping realistic response.
Quick Recommendations
Zildjian L80
Best for: predictable feel
- Reliable, widely used low-volume benchmark.
- Great for lessons and everyday practice.
Sabian Quiet Tone
Best for: full pack + musical response
- Includes two crashes and a 20" ride.
- Durable perforated alloy design.
Evans dB One
Best for: controlled tone + modern engineering
- Spiral perforations and stainless alloy construction.
- Pairs well with low-volume heads for a full quiet kit.
Meinl HCS Practice Set
Best for: branded value
- Cheaper than most “full” 4-piece packs.
- Simple 3-cymbal setup with a real 20" ride.
Arborea (Budget / Amazon-available)
Best for: cheapest complete set
- Usually the lowest-cost way to get hats + 2 crashes + ride.
- Expect less refined tone; perfect if your priority is “quiet practice on a budget.”
Conclusion: don’t overspend if it’s just for practice
If you’re buying low volume cymbals purely so you can practice quietly at home, you don’t need premium options. Any of the major-brand packs will work well, but the jump from "good enough" to "best" is often smaller than the price difference - especially once you add quiet heads and practice room acoustics into the mix.
A simple rule: if your main goal is quiet practice, spend your money where it matters most (a comfortable throne, decent stands, and a setup you’ll actually use daily), and consider a value-oriented low-volume cymbal set instead of the top-priced pack.