# Travis Orbin vs Matt Halpern — Drum Kit & Gear Comparison | MetalForge > Side-by-side gear comparison between Travis Orbin (ex-Periphery / solo) and Matt Halpern (Periphery). **Category:** Progressive Metal / Djent · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/travis-orbin-vs-matt-halpern Travis Orbin vs Matt Halpern — two Periphery drummers, two eras of djent drumming. Both players shaped the djent movement; their gear and approaches compared. --- ## At a Glance | Spec | Travis Orbin | Matt Halpern | |------|-------------|-------------| | Drums | DW Collector's Series | Pearl Reference Series | | Cymbals | Paiste Signature Series | Meinl Byzance Series | | Snare | DW Edge 14x5.5" Maple | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass | | Pedals | DW 9000 Series Double Pedal | Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal | | Sticks | Promark 5B | Promark Matt Halpern Signature | --- ## Gear Deep Dive ### Travis Orbin Setup - **Drums:** DW Collector's Series - **Cymbals:** Paiste Signature Series (14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Fast Crashes, 22" Dry Ride, 18" Mellow China) - **Snare:** DW Edge 14x5.5" Maple - **Pedals/Hardware:** DW 9000 Series Double Pedal, DW 9000 Hardware, DW 9120M Throne - **Sticks:** Promark 5B Travis Orbin's DW Collector's Series kit delivers warm, articulate tones from premium North American maple shells. DW is one of the most respected American drum builders, and the Collector's Series represents their high-end custom work. His Paiste Signature cymbals provide a clear, defined attack suited to djent's precise rhythmic requirements. The DW 9000 double pedal is trusted for smooth, powerful performance. ### Matt Halpern Setup - **Drums:** Pearl Reference Series - **Cymbals:** Meinl Byzance Series (15" Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, 22" Transition Ride, 18" Extra Dry China) - **Snare:** Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass - **Pedals/Hardware:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal, Pearl D-2000 Throne - **Sticks:** Promark Matt Halpern Signature Matt Halpern's Pearl Reference Series kit is one of the best production drum kits available — premium materials and construction at a more accessible price point than DW Collector's custom work. His Meinl Byzance cymbals offer dark, complex tones that add harmonic depth to Periphery's layered sound. The Pearl Demon Drive pedal is widely praised for smooth, fast response — essential for the technical patterns that define djent drumming. --- ## Style & Technique Comparison Travis Orbin recorded drums on Periphery's early material and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted drummers in djent and progressive metal. His YouTube drum covers became viral sensations, demonstrating extraordinary speed, coordination, and musicality. Orbin plays with incredible precision and energy, often adding subtle fills and ghost notes that most drummers wouldn't attempt at high tempos. Matt Halpern joined Periphery and became the face of the band's drumming for its commercial breakthrough and continued output. His strength lies in combining technical precision with a deep, communicative groove — he plays what the song needs while still showcasing formidable technique. Halpern has also built a massive educational presence through clinics, online content, and teaching, helping spread djent technique globally. Both players built their reputations partly through online video — an unusual aspect of the djent scene that elevated technical drumming to viral popularity. --- ## Key Differences Orbin and Halpern share a Promark stick preference but diverge completely on drums and cymbals. Orbin's DW/Paiste combination delivers brighter, more defined sounds; Halpern's Pearl/Meinl combination provides darker, warmer tones. Both pedal choices — DW 9000 and Pearl Demon Drive — are top-tier performers suited to demanding progressive metal. Orbin's playing is perhaps slightly more explosive and flashy; Halpern's is more service-to-the-song focused while remaining highly technical. --- ## Influence & Legacy Travis Orbin's YouTube work demonstrated that extreme technical drumming could find a global audience online. He inspired countless djent and progressive metal drummers with his combination of speed and musicality. Matt Halpern shaped djent drumming through multiple Periphery albums and built one of the most engaged drum education communities online. His influence on modern progressive metal drumming is substantial and ongoing. --- ## Verdict Travis Orbin and Matt Halpern are two complementary pillars of the djent drumming world — both technically exceptional, both products of the same band, both shaped by the online drumming community. Orbin represents raw explosive technique; Halpern represents groove-grounded precision. Djent drumming owes a debt to both. --- ## FAQ **Q: Who is the better djent drummer, Travis Orbin or Matt Halpern?** A: Both are elite-level players who defined different eras of Periphery's sound. Travis Orbin is celebrated for explosive, high-energy technique and viral drum cover performances. Matt Halpern is known for deep musical groove combined with technical mastery. The "better" player depends entirely on what aspect of drumming you prioritize. **Q: What gear does Travis Orbin use vs Matt Halpern?** A: Travis Orbin plays DW Collector's Series drums with Paiste Signature cymbals and DW 9000 double pedals. Matt Halpern plays Pearl Reference Series drums with Meinl Byzance cymbals and Pearl Demon Drive double pedals. Both use Promark sticks. **Q: How do Travis Orbin's cymbals compare to Matt Halpern's?** A: Orbin uses Paiste Signature Series for defined, clear attack with good projection — suited to technically precise playing. Halpern uses Meinl Byzance Series for dark, complex tones with rich harmonic overtones — complementing Periphery's layered, atmospheric approach to progressive metal. --- *Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/travis-orbin-vs-matt-halpern](https://metalforge.io/vs/travis-orbin-vs-matt-halpern)* *[Travis Orbin drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/travis-orbin)* *[Matt Halpern drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-halpern)* --- *Last updated: 2026-06-20 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*