Choosing the Best Low Volume Cymbals for Quiet Practice

One of the harshest realities of being a drummer—aside from hauling gear to gigs—is volume. Drums are loud. Cymbals are even louder. And while that power is part of what makes the instrument so exciting, it can also make practicing difficult, especially if you don’t live in a remote area or have a fully soundproofed space.

So what are your options?

For most drummers, it comes down to two choices: electronic drums or reducing the volume of an acoustic kit. While electronic kits are a great solution, they can be expensive and don’t always replicate the feel of real drums and cymbals. That’s where low volume cymbals and heads come in—a practical, affordable way to keep playing your acoustic kit without overwhelming your surroundings.

In this guide, we’ll walk through five of the best low volume cymbal options available today, based on a full comparison demo from Drum Center of Portsmouth. We’ll also explore how they perform, how they feel, and which one might be right for your setup.

Low volume cymbals have become an essential tool for modern drummers who need to balance practice time with real-world volume limitations. Designed to reduce sound levels by up to 70–80% compared to traditional cymbals, they allow you to maintain a natural playing feel while keeping noise under control. 

Whether you're practicing in an apartment, teaching lessons, or simply looking for a more manageable setup at home, low volume cymbals offer a practical and cost-effective alternative without sacrificing the core drumming experience.

Before diving into low volume cymbals, it’s important to understand what we’re comparing them against.

The demo begins with a full acoustic setup using the Zildjian A Sweet Set Cymbal Pack (15/18/20/23) DCP Exclusive. This pack includes:

• 15" New Beat Hi-Hats
• 18" and 20" Thin Crashes
• 23" Sweet Ride

This set represents an excellent value in traditional bronze cymbals, delivering full tone, projection, and musicality—along with all the volume you’d expect.

The drums themselves are the Ludwig Neusonic 4pc Rapid Mod2 Drum Set Titanium Super Sparkle, featuring:

• 7-ply maple/cherry hybrid shells
• 5.5mm shell thickness
• Compact “Rapid Mod” configuration for modern playability

To measure loudness, the demo uses RMS (root mean square), which reflects perceived volume over time rather than peak spikes. This gives a more accurate sense of how loud the cymbals feel in a real-world setting.

Before swapping cymbals, the kit is fitted with Evans dB One 5pc Rock Pack low volume drumheads.

These heads are designed with a combination of mesh and foam materials to significantly reduce volume while maintaining some tonal response. 

Key features include:

• Multi-layer construction for durability and feel
• Reduced attack and sustain for quieter playing
• A specialized snare head that simulates snare wire response—even with wires disengaged

This setup dramatically lowers the overall volume of the kit, making it possible to fairly evaluate the cymbals in a controlled, low-volume environment.

Each cymbal set in this comparison includes:

• 14" Hi-Hats
• 16" Crash
• 18" Crash
• 20" Ride

Let’s break down how each one performs.

The Evans dB One Cymbal Pack (14/16/18/20) is a modern take on low volume cymbals.

Key Features:

• Nano-plated stainless steel construction
• Distinctive matte appearance
• Includes a carrying case
• Heavier bottom hi-hat cymbal for improved response

Performance:

Because they’re made from stainless steel rather than bronze, these cymbals have a slightly higher pitch and a more controlled, dry sound. However, they offer a surprisingly satisfying feel under the stick and a well-balanced response across the set.

The hi-hats stand out thanks to the heavier bottom cymbal, which improves articulation and foot control—something not always prioritized in low volume designs.

Best For:

Drummers who want a thoughtful, well-designed practice solution with solid feel and modern aesthetics.

The Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Box Set (14/16/18) paired with the Zildjian L80 Low Volume Ride Cymbal 20 is widely considered the gold standard in this category.

Key Features:

• Proprietary perforated bronze alloy
• Sandblasted finish
• Designed for up to 80% volume reduction

Performance:

The L80s deliver the most realistic cymbal experience in the lineup. They retain more of the warmth and complexity of traditional bronze cymbals while significantly reducing volume.

They also feature the most responsive and “lively” bells in the comparison, making them feel closer to full-volume cymbals than any other option here.

Best For:

Drummers who want the closest possible approximation to real cymbals at a reduced volume—and are willing to invest in premium gear.

The Sabian Quiet Tone Practice Cymbals Set (14/16/18/20) offers a strong mid-range option.

Key Features:

• Stainless steel construction
• Perforated design for volume reduction
• Durable and consistent build quality

Performance:

These cymbals strike a balance between cost and performance. They feel solid under the stick and offer decent bell definition, though not quite as expressive as the Zildjian L80s.

Volume-wise, they are slightly louder than the Evans and Zildjian options but still well within “practice-friendly” territory.

Best For:

Players who want reliable performance and feel without stepping into the highest price bracket.

For budget-conscious drummers, the Wuhan ORA Low Volume Cymbal Box Set (14/16/18/20) is a compelling option.

Key Features:

• Lightweight construction
• Flexible feel
• Extremely affordable price point

Performance:

These cymbals offer a softer, more flexible response—especially noticeable in the crash cymbals, which feel more forgiving and easy to play.

However, the ride cymbal lacks some definition, and overall volume begins to creep up slightly compared to higher-end options.

Best For:

Drummers looking for a budget-friendly way to reduce volume without overthinking the details.

The Avenir Lovo Low Volume Cymbal Set (14/16/18/20) is the most affordable option in this comparison—and one of the most surprising.

Key Features:

• Ultra-budget price point
• Standard perforated design
• Similar construction to mid-range options

Performance:

While not particularly remarkable in terms of tone or features, these cymbals deliver exactly what they promise: reduced volume at an incredibly accessible price.

The bells are less pronounced, and the overall feel is more basic, but for many players, the value alone makes them worth considering.

Best For:

Beginners or anyone needing the lowest-cost entry into low volume practice.

It’s important to be realistic about what low volume cymbals can and can’t do.

Benefits:

• Dramatically reduced volume (ideal for apartments or shared spaces)
• Real stick rebound and playing feel
• Compatibility with your existing acoustic kit
• More affordable than most electronic drum kits

Trade-offs:

• Reduced tonal complexity
• Less sustain and projection
• Different stick response compared to full bronze cymbals

In short, you’re trading sonic richness for practicality—but for many drummers, it’s a trade worth making.

The right choice depends on your priorities:

• Best overall performance: Zildjian L80
• Best design and value balance: Evans dB One
• Best mid-range option: Sabian Quiet Tone
• Best budget pick: Wuhan ORA
• Best ultra-budget option: Avenir Lovo

If your goal is the most realistic playing experience, the L80s are hard to beat. If you want something more affordable with thoughtful design, the Evans set is an excellent alternative. And if price is your main concern, both Wuhan and Avenir offer solid entry points.

Quiet practice doesn’t have to mean giving up your acoustic kit. With the right combination of low volume cymbals and heads, you can dramatically reduce your sound level while preserving the feel and workflow of real drums.

Whether you’re practicing late at night, sharing walls with neighbors, or just trying to keep the peace at home, there’s a low volume solution that fits your needs—and your budget.