Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune

With the ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune, Zildjian presents us with a pair of closed-back over-ear headphones that are sure to attract the attention of drummers in particular. In our hands-on test, we looked and listened to what the headphones have to offer in addition to their exceptional looks, and were pleasantly surprised by everything from the scope of delivery, ANC, sound isolation and app connectivity to the sound.

Stylish package

Available in three colours, the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune comes in a cardboard slipcase that houses the headphones in a flexible matte black silicone sleeve wrapped in protective paper. This flexible case is immediately noticeable as it is an unusual solution for protecting the headphones. The soft pouch closes with a zip and is lined with fabric on the inside. The accessory pocket in the case contains a retractor for the 1.75 m mini jack cable of the test candidate. A plug adapter for 6.35 mm jack plugs is also clipped into the retractor. All plugs are gold-plated for corrosion protection. The box also includes a USB-C cable for charging the built-in battery. The Alchem-E’s package looks standard on paper, but when you unpack it, its style and quality are convincing.

Design of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune

The shape of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune is exceptional. Its shell holder arms wrap around the shell with an elegant curve. During transport and storage, these arms can be protected by removable silicone sleeves. They are mounted as supplied. Zildjian combined the corporate colours of black and gold in the design of our test model. This looks elegant, but may not be to everyone’s taste. For those who like it more colourful, the model is also available in sandstorm white with gold applications or completely in midnight blue.

The manufacturer claims that the headphones are suitable for sports. I disagree, however, due to the numerous velvety matte black surfaces. Frequent use is likely to leave significant traces of perspiration. Should this happen, however, the headband and ear pads can be easily replaced.

All the controls are located on the right ear cup. There is also a microphone, which can be used for the ANC function as well as for phone calls. A multi-function wheel with continuous control is used to adjust the volume, start and stop the music and control the call functions.

Features and specifications of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune

The Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune uses dynamic transducers that cover a wide range of audio frequencies. It ranges from the very low 8 Hz to the very high 40 kHz. This means it can reproduce everything drummers want to hear, from the deepest kick drum parts to the highest cymbal overtones. The maximum sound pressure level we measured was 99.2 dBSPL. This puts them in a good position, especially considering that they are closed-back headphones with high passive isolation.

The Alchem-E offers Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity and two-stage active noise cancellation. The details of the headphones’ performance can be tailored to the user’s listening habits via an app on Android and iOS devices and saved as a listening profile. Zildjian call this customisation option ‘Perfect Tune’. Just how precise these settings are becomes clear when you realise that they are made separately for the left and right ear cups.

Handling of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune

The handling of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune is excellent. The shells tilt and swivel. They can be rotated 90 degrees for space-saving transport. When you put them on, the ratchet headband adjustment remembers the size you choose. The headband padding and soft memory foam ear pads provide just the right amount of protection. The high contact pressure of the headband ensures a very secure fit. However, it does mean that the inside of the ear cups rest against the auricles. This takes some getting used to. The ear pads should either be a little deeper here. The combination of relatively high pressure and a weight, including cable, of less than 400 grams means that drummers can play hard with these headphones, including light headbanging.

Intuitive wired and wireless operation

The headphones can be operated using either Bluetooth or a cable. It plugs into the left ear cup on one side. This gives right-handers plenty of freedom of movement. At 1.75m, the cable is a good compromise between being long enough for use with a body-pack receiver or, for example, with a headphone amplifier within reach. In Bluetooth mode, the Alchem-E has a range of up to 15 metres, and with a maximum battery life of over 45 hours, it will give the competition a run for their money.

The on/off, pairing and ANC buttons are located on the right ear cup. There is also a battery level indicator with four LEDs and a USB-C charging port. Everything is clearly arranged and intuitive to use. A fun detail is that when the headphones are switched on, they make an open hi-hat sound, a small gong when paired and a closing hi-hat sound when switched off.

Setting up the headphones via the app is excellent and takes just a few minutes thanks to the good instructions. A hearing test is used to personalise individual settings for the left and right ear. Equaliser presets can also be accessed and changed.

The sound of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune

Without tweaking the sound, the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune’s highs are brilliant yet warm. The mids are powerful and intelligible. They are differentiated without being cutting. These headphones are therefore ideal for listening to rock and metal music. Even guitars mixed into the foreground are reproduced without any ‘sawing’.

In the flat mode of the app’s equaliser, bass and low bass are loud and other frequency ranges are partially suppressed. It must be said, however, that the test candidate is capable of reproducing low bass impressively loudly and without distortion down to very, very low frequencies.

The Alchem-E’s overall sound is lively and powerful. As befits a headphone that many drummers are likely to pay attention to, the transient response is crisp. Especially in the bass range, the Alchem-E delivers very well contoured impulses.

The sound isolation of the headphones is fantastic. This makes them ideal for recording with microphones, even at high volumes. Under the closed ear cups, external noise is greatly reduced, allowing the musician to concentrate fully on their performance.

The stereo impression and subjective signal resolution are excellent, with discreetly controlled bass. The headphones are also well positioned in the bass range. This is also due to the fact that the occurrence of sound compression is kept to a minimum when the bass is not turned up.

The headphones’ active noise cancellation is strong and does an excellent job of suppressing background noise, especially at the highest levels. Regardless of the level, there is no noticeable change in the sound profile when the ANC mode is activated.

Conclusion

The Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune not only scored high in the test with its elegant appearance, but also with its smart, practical package. It also has a powerful two-stage active noise cancellation system and excellent internal and external sound insulation. There is also an app control that allows you to personalise the sound profiles of both ear cups independently, long battery life, high volume and an immense audio range.

Last but not least, the headphones sound really good and deliver strong transients, especially for drummers. The only thing that takes some getting used to is the way the inside of the ear cups rest against the ear due to the high contact pressure. The Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune is suitable for both live and recording environments and promises individual musical enjoyment for everyday use. For the price, the Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune is a highly recommended purchase.