Vic Firth SIH1

More than just being a manufacturer of high-quality drumsticks, Vic Firth also produces several accessories for drummers of various ages, styles, and preferences. One of their most popular accessories is the SIH1 Stereo Isolation Headphones.

I have my SIH1 for almost 5 years, and I mainly use it for monitoring and play-along during practice and live performances. Design-wise, this is pretty much Vic Firth’s isolation earmuffs that are fitted with stereo headphones and cables for use as a monitoring and listening device. The first time I wore it, it had quite a tight fit. It was a bit uncomfortable for me at first, but later on it loosened a bit and I got used to it. Its snug fit is an assurance that these headphones won’t slip off my head during performance. I wish the design of the earmuffs was less bulky and more compact. I look like I have two large black domes on the sides of my head.

At its price range, I wasn’t expecting a stellar sound quality similar to high-end models from popular headphone brands (Shure, Monster, Sony, Audio Technica, Sennheiser, etc). I look at it as blue-collar drummer’s headphones. The SIH1's sound quality is not at par with the Shure and M-Audio in-ear monitors that I have owned and used. It may not be high-end, but its sound quality is decent enough to be used for monitoring and listening. So if high sound quality is important to you, get the high-end, more expensive models. Otherwise, the SIH1 does its job of providing decent monitoring.

I also like the idea that the SIH1 is also an ear protection device. I can also use this just like a pair of earmuffs, in case I want to preserve and protect my hearing during practice. During performance, it also helps reduce ambient noise from the drums and other instruments. In terms of ear protection (plus our responsibility of adjusting the music at a safe and reasonable volume level), this is highly effective.

One thing to watch out for is the SIH1’s cable. After months of use, the stereo jack got broken, and I had it repaired by my techie guitar player. I also have a drummer friend whose SIH1’s cables failed, and he asked his repairman to replace it with a removable cable (which is a good idea that Vic Firth can consider). Another thing to look after is its frame. With regular use, it may look like it can break pretty easily. On my SIH1, the fabric-like material on the “hairband” part of the frame already has a few small tears.

Overall, the Vic Firth SIH1 is a decent set of headphones for drummers. It may not be the best-sounding headphones available, but it does its job well in monitoring and protecting our valuable hearing.

I've had these headphones for about 4 years now and they continue to be my go to headphones. Not only do they do a great job of isolation, they also have a great sound quality. They are perfect for drummers who want to hear a click track both live and while recording. I've had a ton of drummers use them in my studio and I have heard nothing but how much they love these. They are also great for anyone recording in a studio that wants to use a nice pair of headphones. I have a few other cheaper sets of headphones and looked into buying a more expensive set (Sonys, Sennheisers), but I kept coming back to these. A few things I don't like however is the framing for them - although mine is still intact, it seems they could break pretty easily. Also, if you wear them for a long amount of time they can become uncomfortable but that really happens with all headphones for me. For this price I think you get a great deal for a very nice pair of studio headphones.

I mailed the notice on the new version of Vic Firth SIH1 headphone, with the cable in place.

-How long you use it?

I use it for 4 months now, both for playing drums on the tracks I put on my mp3 player to that of the bass by connecting the headphone output.

-What is so special that you love the most, least?

The original volume of the headset is ideal for battery cable place is nicer compared to the coil. I use it often for the battery without necessarily playing with music in the headphones and the cable does not bother me. For against this kind of headphone is the smell of perspiration and should not be too long to play with, I have a spare headphone to avoid damaging the SIH1.

-Did you tried many other models before buying it?

I tried the old version with coiled cable was not great because the wire is annoying to play with or without music, and the volume was too low, on the metal or death metal, I heard only my cymbals . Vic Firth has managed its new SIH1.

-How would you rate the quality / price?

The base price was 80 €, I got a discount for Christmas, I think € 65 would be more appropriate even if it's a very good headphone.

-With experience, you do again this choice?

With a discount for Christmas without hesitation.