The 5 Best Low Volume Cymbals for Quiet Playing (2026)
Low volume cymbals have become very popular in recent years for a very good reason. They retain the feel of playing acoustic cymbals, while dramatically reducing the volume.
Low-volume cymbals let you practise stick technique on a metal surface without relying on rubber mufflers. They can suit home practice and quieter rehearsals, although the room and the rest of your kit still affect how much sound carries. Here are five sets for different practice setups.
My top pick among low-volume cymbals is the Zildjian L80 Low Volume LV468 Box Set if you want to retain the real feel of conventional cymbals but are, in fact, low volume.
My budget pick is the Wuhan ORA WUORASET4 Cymbal Pack. If you don’t want to break your bank, this is a good option for you.
Contents
- The 5 Best Low Volume Cymbals (2026)
- 1. Zildjian L80 Low Volume LV468 Box Set
- 2. Wuhan ORA WUORASET4 Cymbal Pack
- 3. Sabian Quiet Tone Practice Cymbals Box Set
- 4. Kasza Cymbals Quiet on the Set Practice Cymbal Pack
- 5. Evans dB One Cymbal Pack
- How Do You Make Cymbals Quieter?
- What Volume are Low Volume Cymbals?
- How are Low Volume Cymbals made?
- Can You Play with Low Volume Cymbals in a Band?
- Can you mic Low Volume Cymbals?
- Which brands are the best for Low Volume Cymbals?
- Summary
The 5 Best Low Volume Cymbals (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Zildjian L80 Low Volume LV468 Box Set
The Zildjian L80 LV468 remains my first choice for players who want a familiar cymbal response in a compact practice setup. Its perforated surface lowers the output, while the metal playing surface lets you work on taps, accents and hi-hat technique.
The LV468 contains a 14-inch hi-hat pair, a 16-inch crash and an 18-inch crash/ride. Zildjian advertises up to 80% less volume for the L80 series. That does not mean an identical stage-cymbal sound: the quieter, shorter voice is the trade-off for practising with a real cymbal surface.
Choose the LV468 for a small kit or a single crash/ride arrangement. If you want separate crash and ride positions plus a second crash, one of the larger packs below makes more sense than buying extra cymbals immediately.
2. Wuhan ORA WUORASET4 Cymbal Pack
The Wuhan ORA WUORASET4 is my budget full-kit pick. It includes a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a dedicated 20-inch ride. Check the model carefully: WUORASET3 is the smaller pack and omits the second crash.
The appeal is the layout. You can practise moving between two crash positions and a separate ride without changing your normal kit arrangement. The perforated metal cymbals keep a cymbal playing surface while reducing output for practice and quieter rehearsals.
I would choose this pack over an anonymous practice set when I want clearly identified sizes and a current specialist-retailer buying path. It is still a low-volume set rather than a substitute for full-volume performance cymbals, and reduced output does not guarantee silent practice outside your room.
3. Sabian Quiet Tone Practice Cymbals Box Set
The Sabian Quiet Tone QTPC504 gives you four playing positions: a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. Sabian uses a perforated alloy design and emphasises a defined bell, so this is a useful option for practising ride patterns and transitions across a full kit.
The reason to pick Quiet Tone is its complete layout and clearly articulated practice voice. I would audition it alongside the L80 if feel and bell response matter more than the smallest possible pack. The two crashes also let you practise different accent positions without sharing the ride.
4. Kasza Cymbals Quiet on the Set Practice Cymbal Pack
The Kasza Quiet on the Set QOTS2468 remains a current pack in its distributor’s 2026 catalog. It contains a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, a 20-inch ride, and a carrying bag. The bag is its practical advantage if your practice kit travels between home and lessons.
I would choose Kasza for that portable full-kit package, rather than assume it sounds the same as the L80. The current Guitar Center destination identifies the exact pack and offers a new purchase path, but its stock state was not confirmed in the affiliate feed. Check the delivery estimate before ordering.
The included bag and separate crash and ride positions make this a useful rehearsal option. Buyers who need a confirmed immediate shipment should compare the currently available full-kit alternatives above.
5. Evans dB One Cymbal Pack
The Evans dB One ECP-DB-1 is the choice for players who want a coordinated quiet-practice kit, particularly alongside Evans dB One drumheads. Evans advertises up to 80% less cymbal volume; the actual sound escaping your room still depends on the complete setup.
Its spiral-perforated stainless steel cymbals have a dark nanoplated finish. The pack contains a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. That gives you separate playing positions without adding individual cymbals to the starter pack.
The dB One pack is a coherent option when you want to build a complete practice setup around one system. I would pick it for that consistency and full layout, while choosing the smaller L80 pack when I only need hats, a crash and a crash/ride.
How Do You Make Cymbals Quieter?
Cymbals themselves are very loud and because of their sharp pitch, they seem even louder when you listen to them.
You can always use different types of sound dampeners, which are usually rubber pads that you place on cymbals. Even though they do dampen the sound a lot, they also take away a lot of the sound quality and they don’t feel like playing on cymbals. So, drummers tend to not like playing on them unless they have another option.
On the other hand, you can buy and use low-volume cymbals. They are generally a more expensive option than a piece of rubber, but you’ll get much better sound quality when playing.
What Volume are Low Volume Cymbals?
They are quieter, but they are not silent. Zildjian advertises up to 80% less volume for the L80 series. The level you hear still depends on the room, your playing and the rest of the kit.
Lower output helps with noise control, but it does not make every practice setup safe for unlimited exposure. Consider the whole kit and the length of your session when deciding whether you need hearing protection.
If you listen to them compared to the standard cymbals, you’ll notice the difference immediately. The volume reduction is noticeable, as well as the lesser sustain and cut high frequencies.
How are Low Volume Cymbals made?
Taking Zildjian’s L80 low-volume cymbals as a prime example, they make their sets using a special metal alloy with a complimented matte finish. The most significant aspect is the large number of strategically positioned holes that make them sound dull and low.
Perforations reduce vibration and sustain, helping these cymbals produce less sound than full-volume alternatives. That shorter practice voice is part of the design; it does not sound identical to a stage cymbal or automatically remove the need for hearing protection.
Can You Play with Low Volume Cymbals in a Band?
Yes, but you have to be aware that these cymbals are a lot quieter than the standard ones.
If you’re playing in a large hall, it’s probably not the best idea to use them. But, in smaller rooms, like rehearsal rooms, or if you’re playing in an acoustic band, these can be perfect.
Choose low-volume cymbals for the sound level and response your practice or ensemble needs. You may still need quieter drumheads, pads or changes to the room to control the complete kit.
Can you mic Low Volume Cymbals?
Yes, low-volume cymbals can be miked. Whether you need amplification for a gig depends on the room, the ensemble and the sound level you are trying to achieve.
As with any drum kit, or cymbal set, low-volume cymbal packs are no different when it comes to gigs. Microphones are used to bring the sound up and mix it further to produce a quality sound fit for performance.
You do not automatically need a separate microphone on every cymbal. Start with the balance of the complete kit and choose microphone placement to suit the room, ensemble and sound system.
Which brands are the best for Low Volume Cymbals?
As you can see from the list, these are the names that pop up when you search for low-volume cymbals. You will most likely see Zildjian (L80 low-volume cymbal set) as the first one, followed by Sabian.
The other packs in this guide are Wuhan ORA, Kasza Quiet on the Set and Evans dB One. Meinl Practice HCS is another current option, but check for its P-HCS model prefix: standard HCS packs are full-volume cymbals.
Summary
Low-volume cymbals are gaining more and more momentum among drummers, as they offer you the best of both worlds (retaining the feel of playing on cymbals, while reducing noise).
Low-volume cymbals preserve a metal playing surface for familiar stick technique while reducing output. Their quieter voice and shorter sustain differ from full-volume cymbals, so choose them primarily for practice or a deliberately quiet ensemble.
My top recommended set is the Zildjian L80 Low Volume LV468 Box Set if you want a set that sounds great and retains the feel of regular cymbals.
My second recommended set is the Wuhan ORA WUORASET4 Cymbal Pack for those on a tighter budget.
