Having the best headphones for music production is crucial if you’re looking to monitor your latest mix or recording at your studio. Anybody who’s a music producer that is an expert will tell you that they record with the most various systems they can access. This includes studio monitors and a Bluetooth speaker, and an auto stereo. And, of course, the best studio headphones are within their budget.
A set of high-end headphones suitable for studio use is producers’ most utilized piece of equipment in their production studio. They are essential for evaluating the stereo image with the low-end and the subtle details in each mix. Like studio monitors, it’s necessary to choose the appropriate Studio headphones, but that’s your personal choice.
In a studio, the most suitable headphones for your monitor are those that can mix and deliver the best audio quality you can think of. Maybe you’re seeking an audio system designed specifically for studio use and specifically for mixing, or one in which you could listen to music while on the move. Suppose you’re looking for a low-cost pair of headphones that are strong enough to endure the demands of everyday life. In that case, studio headphones can be used to provide this because they’re built with a higher standard than the vast majority of general-listening headphones.
For help with your choice, this guide to the best studio headphones includes our top picks. We’ve reviewed each model and discussed its strengths, flaws, and compatibility with various genres of music below.
The price comparison tool we use has discovered the best prices on the web, so you’re guaranteed to get a bargain once you’ve found the perfect pair. If you’re on a tight budget, browse our list of the best Studio headsets.
We’ve also added some valuable tips for buying at the end of this post. If you’re looking to learn more about the best audiophiles available for the studio, we’d recommend starting with the studio. If you’d prefer to get to the headphones directly, our top choices will be the next.
BEST STUDIO HEADPHONES: OUR TOP PICKS
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of studio headphones, the most popular option in studio headsets is Sennheiser HD-206. These affordable headsets have been used for a long time, but the overall performance isn’t cheap. They’re ideal for studio use and are lightweight, comfortable and long-lasting enough for long periods of recording and mixing.
The most affordable mid-range choice is a pair of the Sony MDR-706s. They’ve been in use at studios for radio stations, recording studios, and DJ booths for more than 35 years and continue to be thought of as one of the tops. At less than $1/PS100, you’ll be unable to find a product like these.
As you move up in the cost spectrum, the choices get more complex. However, we’d highly recommend the Focal Focal Listen Professional as the best choice for those who have more money. They’re priced reasonably and have an impressive track of performance (Focal is among the most reputable manufacturers of headphones.) We’re not sure you’ll get a better pair of headphones at the same amount.
BEST STUDIO HEADPHONES: PRODUCT GUIDE
1. Focal Listen to Professional Studio Headphones
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
The best Studio headphones for all needs for music production.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 22kHz
- Impedance: 32 O
- Driver type: Mylar/Titanium, 40mm
- Connection: Wired
The Focal Listen Professionals perform precisely as they say on the box. They are great to listen to as well as professional work. They rank very highest level in the field of the all-rounder. Our tests revealed that the fit was comfortable but not too rigid that long durations in the mixing saddle became uncomfortable. The longest we had them in use was about an hour, with the main issues being back pain and lack of blinking. While some audio engineers and specialists prefer open-backed designs due to their less fatigue, closed-back Listen Pros excel in this regard.
The sound quality of these headphones is exceptionally well-balanced, with an amazingly balanced, solid and neutral bass with plenty of extension, crystal clear mids, and silky, sparkling tops. A gorgeous hard-shell case accompanies the headphones. We’re not sure if there are any more versatile studio headphones at a price.
2. Sennheiser HD-206 Studio Headphones
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
The most efficient studio headphones that can make more music with less.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 21Hz – 18kHz
- Impedance: 24 O
- The type of driver is: Dynamic, closed
- Connection: Wired
If you’re looking for affordable headphones suitable for use in studios, It’s time to investigate the Sennheiser HD-206. With the popular Sennheiser brand name throughout the globe, these rugged and durable HD-206s are perfect for use over a long duration.
Very accurate for the cost The HD-206s sound better than the higher-end models. We discovered the bass response to be crystal clear and deep, with plenty of details and clarity in the mids and highs that make them the best guitar amps for those from the shredding world.
Ear pads composed of hypoallergenic materials will block out any noises not necessary in the studio or out in the field. With this affordable cost, you shouldn’t be afraid to put them into bags for notebooks. Get a pair of ear pads before Sennheiser discovers their effectiveness and raises the price.
3. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Still at the top of the charts, even after over 35 years.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 20 kHz
- Impedance: 63 O
- Driver type: Neodymium, 40mm
- Connection: Wired
Since the beginning of time, the Sony MDR series has had a long-standing history in studios, as evidenced by the years of continuous use in recording and broadcast industries worldwide. The latest version, MDR-7506, is a fantastic combination of convenience and comfort and price.
We’ve found them to be highly comfortable to wear for extended periods and specifically designed to expose the flaws in recordings rather than reveal the functioning features. Like other cans that cost twice as much as these, the sound is clear and bright throughout the entire spectrum (with the occasional increase in the middle), yet it cannot sound too sexy.
In the end, this means that the fact that heavy-duty cans are available for less than 100 cents per pound. That isn’t anything to sniff at.
4. Sennheiser HD-25
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
The perfect studio headphone for you if you’re looking for an established and tried DJ’s choice
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: On-ear
- Frequency response: 16Hz – 22 kHz
- Impedance: 70 O
- The driver’s type includes: Dynamic, closed
- Connection: Wired
Another favorite that we have, the HD-25, audio engineers adore the highest caliber for their capacity to stand up to the most extreme levels of pressure and deliver high-quality audio. They are a staple of studios due to their split headbands and rotating earpieces and their reputation for quality and durability. The HD-25s have powerful and clear sound with a small but durable packaging.
It’s classified as an on-ear type since the pads are circular in design and sit on the outer part of the ear instead of completely covering the ear. HD-25 is available in three distinct colors (Light Standard Plus, Light) with three prices for DJs or studio applications. It’s impossible to go wrong with the HD-25 by Sennheiser.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Studio Headphones
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
one of the headphones with the greatest versatility for the production of music.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 28kHz
- Impedance: 38 O
- Driver type: Large-aperture w/rare earth magnets, 45mm
- Connection: Wired
The M50 is a reissue of the M50 (‘x” means that the cord can be detached) is a popular model in the music industry and is in direct competition with Beyer dynamic and AKG. They’re comfortable, simple to bend and fold to the right angles, and surprisingly light, at 285 grams.
The audio quality is top-quality all around; however, it was challenging to employ a soft, detailed, high-frequency area during our tests. The mids are clear and forward, and the lower range can expand downwards without the high-frequency resonances. Similar to the other designs with low impedance in the reference (these have a 38-ohm measurement), it is easily pushed beyond our comfort threshold.
6. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
A modern version of the traditional pair.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Open-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 48 ohms
- Driver type: Stellar.45
- Connection: Wired
The new Beyer dynamic phones can fill the gaps and do not replace the two other models on this list (the DT 1770 and DT 707 Pro). They feature a new version with a driver, an electable cable, a sleeker, contemporary design, and a fixed impedance rating that allows them to be used in various uses. The higher price headphones have these improvements, approximately $100 more than the previous PRO models. The open-back segment of the group. As is the open-back member. The DT 900 PRO X is Beyer’s choice as the best instrument for mixing, critical listening, and mastering. There’s a different closed-back model called the part of 700 PRO X that costs the same.
The 900’s likely to be the most comfortable models we’ve tested, but the noise isolation isn’t as excellent as you’d expect for open-back headphone models. They have a uniform profile that covers all frequencies without preference or bias. You’ll be provided with an exact representation of the sound and precisely what you would think of from a headphone described as reference studio headphones. They’ll do an excellent job of revealing any flaws in your work on time to bring light to any areas that need attention.
7. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Studio headphones are best are ideal for people who need reference cans.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Open-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 470 O
- Driver type: Carbon composite resin, 45mm
- Connection: Wired
Open-back models such as the ATH R70x are more prevalent during long mixing sessions since they’re generally smaller and lighter than closed-back models. This is good because this model was created specifically as a model headphone that can be used for mixing. We’ve tested models with more air; however, we don’t believe this is an issue. This means there’s less chance to have a boring blend. On the contrary, the sound is very fluid and has the entire duration you’ll need, not even a hint of fatness or boom.
As you progress up, the lower mids remain unduly wrinkled and accessible by the fake “scooping” (a sound frequently used to conceal the lack of response). This means that you’ll hear the room’s sound regardless of whether it’s for the better or, the more. The focus is on the mids and lows for us, which is why with the R70x, all the audio is coming through seamlessly since everything is clear and clean regardless of the source is other. It’s a device with high impedance. Therefore you’ll need a suitable headphones amp to connect to for optimal results.
8. Beyer dynamic DT1770 PRO
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
The best studio headphone that blends low-end and high-frequency frequencies
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 250 O
- Driver Type: Dynamic Tesla neodymium, 45mm
- Connection: Wired
Beyerdynamic is described as a powerful audio system. It was responsible for the popular DT 100 trackers used in the 80s and 1990s and now remains in use. The current collection is vast. However, they were specially made to mix, as well. The DT1770s sound perfect across the range of audio. The mid-range is not affected by audible phase shifts and offers the clarity you need to utilize in a professional setting. A soundstage projected on your head can be equally entertaining as instructive. They provide an in-depth view of the soundscape, beginning at the left, moving toward the back, and finally towards your corners.
Since the design has extremely high impedance, it’s imperative to drive these devices. But, apart from the discreet reverb tails hidden behind an active mid-range and tiny distortions, clippings or clips, they can replicate the signal chain you’re capable of offering. Mixing, restoration of audio, and recording all get benefits of the top-of-the-line audio that the DT 1770s can offer.
9. Austrian Audio Hi-X65
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Studio cans feature open-backed, high-performance backs, designed by former AKG employees.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Open-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 28 kHz
- Impedance: 25 O
- This driver: 44 an mm driver that uses high excursion.
- Connection: Wired
A relative newcomer in the market for professional headphones, Austrian audio fielded their new open-back model focused on studios in July 2021. They have already received a rousing acceptance from critics and consumers as well. They offer an unbalanced, high-quality sound that is both neutral and clear and are paired with a sturdy build that will give you a comfortable listening experience, regardless of circumstances.
The design folds up for better mobility. Two detachable cables in various 3 meter and 1.2-metre lengths, which can be used to accomplish multiple jobs, as well as soft, long-lasting memory foam ear pads, which ensure long-lasting comfort, are part of the appeal. If you’re searching for the best headphones that will be perfect for mixing and listening, then the Hi-X65 tick many boxes.
10. Shure SRH1540
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
A firm favorite from a trusted name in the field of professional audio.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 25 kHz
- Impedance: 46 O
- Driver type: 40mm neodymium driver
- Connection: Wired, dual-exit
With an audio history that dates from the beginning of time, Shure is an established brand you should trust when choosing a pair of headphones for audio for your studio recording. In actual use, the best model, SRH1540, won’t be an issue and will provide high-quality acoustic performance, longevity and comfort for both professionals and audiophiles.
With a vast soundstage and stunning transient detail across the board, With clear extended highs and a full bass thanks to a carbon-fiber lightweight and alloy construction. The 1540’s come with amazing Alcantara leather ear pads that provide the most comfortable and complete audio isolation.
Although it isn’t the cheapest option available, the performance of the 1540s certainly is a good return for the money you put in.
11. Beyerdynamic DT-770 PRO
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
A legendary pair of headphones for studio use that doesn’t cost you a dime. costing you a fortune.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 250 O
- Driver type: Dynamic Tesla neodymium, 45mm
- Connection: Wired
Beyerdynamic headsets are loved by professionals and amateurs alike for their headphones for studio artists who need premium build quality and durability.
Like the DT-1770 models previously mentioned in this article, the DT-770s have an excellent flat frequency base, which allows you to enjoy the quality that you mix in a reasonable amount of clarity. Additionally, the headband cushioned ensures that you’ll be able to stay for hours focusing on your mix and not feel tired. The robust design guarantees they’re built to last many years.
They’re priced at a low cost, contrasted to the DT-1770. These headphones are an excellent value for the money. They’re a great first move into audiophiles, with Studio quality.
12. Pioneer HRM-7 Studio Headphones
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
A perfect set of studio headphones to mix for hours.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 45 O
- Driver Type: Dynamic, 40mm
- Connection: Wired
Headphones are an excellent option for testing bass if your monitors do not go down to the bottom. In this regard, the HRM-7s have plenty of. There’s no noise, only a clear overview of what’s happening to the bass. The low-mid and mid-range are vital to the real essence of any mix, and it’s not hard to be in problems in this area in the absence of effective monitoring.
The HRM-7s demonstrate the details within the range in a precise manner. There is no cutting in and pushing ahead, which are often harmful side effects of the bass-hyped and bass-light models (respectively). The airy high frequency, which is between 15kHz and taller, is completely accurate, and you can regulate the ‘twinkle’ without a doubt about it. The mid-upper and early high frequency (5kHz) is a little over-represented and can cause us to mix it far back.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the most popular type of Studio headphones?
For headphones suitable for use in the studio, there are three choices to consider: closed-back on-ears, open-back, and in-ear. Closed-back models are the best option for recording since they surround your ears. The padding on the ear helps to avoid spills that could be the result caused due to the track spilling out, then ending with the recorded. The padding gives additional convenience.
Spills can lead to problems when your participant is likely to play music at a particular volume and record it using microphones. These kinds of headphones are the most appropriate method to go.
Open-back cans tend to be smaller, making them more suited to being used for longer durations; however, they’re not as well-known. They have more chance of spilling audio and can better be employed for programming and mixing instead of recording. They don’t necessarily block out outside sound and closed-back options, so there are some issues with this.
In-ear monitors (aka IEMs) are typically reserved for stage use. However, they’re incredibly high-end and, in that instance, they’re suitable for use in studios. In-ears won’t be the only option in this scenario. However, we’ve provided a couple of excellent pairs in this guide for those who divide their time between the stages and studios and can only afford one purchase.
What’s the distinction between studio and regular headphones?
One of the most common questions you might be asking is whether there is an essential distinction between headphones for studio use and regular ones. You can’t simply select any headphones for production; is that true? There are two different questions, but they both have the same answer. One of them is similar in that the majority of headphones for gaming or everyday listening are equipped with an inherent boost in the frequency range to improve the quality of the music and generally improve the quality of music by amplifying the frequency of the bass and treble.
If you’re currently using a studio headset, it isn’t the best option, as you want the headphones you choose to portray the music you’re creating, not to create a more stunning sound than it sounds. This is why studio headphones are designed to provide an acoustic sound that is more balanced than standard headphones. This makes music recorded with headphones sound better when played back over various systems.
Are studio headphones necessary?
The name implies that anything labeled as an audio studio headphone has explicitly been employed for recording in studios that are focused on tasks like making recordings, recording, programming or mixing. The kind of headphones you select will be based on the particular project you’ll need the best. A design with an open-back design is more prone to spills than models with closed backs, and that’s why open-backs tend to be more effective in mixing and editing than tracking since falls are recorded via microphones.
Closed-back models are more flexible since they’re typically used for all studio-related tasks. Studio headphones generally have more sluggish curve responses than standard hi-fi models, with a more prominent low – and high-end response specifically designed to improve the sound quality and improve the experience of listening, not what you’d expect from studio headphones.
Are you need an amplifier for your studio’s headset?
One crucial element of the design of headphones that will influence the direction you decide to go is imperceptibility. An accurate “impedance” measurement can make the headphones work more efficiently, and that’s why it’s essential to consider the type of device you will plug them into. Let us discuss this a bit more.
High-impedance headsets are created to be used in studios, for example, an artist’s recording studio. It may have multiple pairs of headphones attached to a splitter box for headphones that receive a high-quality input signal from one source, such as—audio amplifiers for professional use. In contrast, headphones with low impedance can be connected directly to one source, such as the hi-fi stereo audio interface or mobiles, meaning they will create more sound with the input signal. Still, at the lower levels, they produce.
The majority of the studio headphones have a low impedance that can be connected to audio outputs of conventional devices like smartphones and laptops. Specific models like the Beyerdynamic DX770 and DT770 are available with different impedances. The ones with higher impedances were designed to be used in studio environments where they’ll need to be powered by an amplifier for a headphone for operation at their maximum capacity.
Most high-impedance headphones require more signals to produce the same amount of output as headphones with low impedance. In general, the greater the impedance rating of an audio device, the higher the quality and “pro” it was intended to be. We’ve included impedance ratings for our top studio headphones in this guide to ensure that you are getting what you pay for.
What would you rate headphones for studio use?
What you choose to wear for long periods must be comfortable. The most comfortable studio headphones aren’t an exception. The earpads that have padding are crucial for comfort, as well as for acoustic amplification, to stop the outside noise out. Also, when you intend to record in a studio, you need to block the background music from bouncing passing through the microphones.
Being surrounded by padding makes the experience very encompassing, which helps you eliminate any background noise and focus on the particulars of the music you’re listening to.
There’s also the issue of hygiene to consider. The body heat gets lost through the top of the head. Therefore, make sure the earcups and the headband of your headphones won’t make you sweat excessively. The studio spaces can get humid and stale, and the first factor in avoiding is headphones that make you sweaty even when using the same headphones with fellow studio users.
The headband needs to be soft enough to ensure it isn’t able to be a nuisance to your head when you’re in longer sessions, and you’ll end up needing to take them off so that your head can relax.
What brands make the most famous Studio headphone?
AKG, Audeze, Focal, and AKG are among the best high-end headphones. They also have high-end reference headphones for mastering that could cost over four hundred dollars. These headphones are designed for professional use and are out of the reach of many producers. For mixing, the majority of these brands have lower-priced models. Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, Shure, Sennheiser and newcomers Austrian audio are all reputable manufacturers that offer quality products.
What do you need to spend on Studio headsets?
Like any other audio device, there’s no upper price for headphones regarding cost. As we’ve already mentioned elsewhere in this post, you could spend as much as four numbers for a pair of headphones with a unidirectional frequency response that allows for the precise playback needed for mixing and mastering. Like studio monitors, studio headphones’ design and technology have experienced improvements in the past few years, and prices have fallen. The range of headphones that we test shows you could spend less than 100 bucks for a good set, but not more than $400. The average price range is $200 to $250.
A frequency spectrum and reaction were discussed.
The frequency spectrum provides an essential indicator of their quality as it displays the variety of sounds they reproduce. These include low frequencies, measured in decimal Hz to treble frequencies in the frequency range of kHz. The higher the frequency spectrum, the better, which indicates that headphones can reproduce the whole variety of music being played. The average human hearing range is 20Hz-20kHz, with a higher frequency declining as we age.
The graph displays the spectrum on top of the audio output of these headphones. It’s important because it will highlight any coloration that the headphones might have, i.e. the regions that could amplify. In the case of headphones, less expensive models may be, for instance, an enhancement in lower frequencies, which could provide the sound of an energized, warmer. When it comes to creating music, it isn’t the best idea as you’ll lose bass in the mix to compensate for the loss. This could result in your music sounding lighter in other systems used for playback.
What you want in your audio headphones for mixing is an audio frequency response that can accurately reproduce the music without color. This frequency range is outlined in terms of a band of frequencies (40Hz to 20kHz, as an example) and the figures +/- decibels on the bottom. It represents the variation in the signal’s level across the range. The lower the variance, the more precise (look for a model with amplitude of 3dB or less).
What is the best way to test headphones for studio use?
Like studio monitors, we test headphones with various references created to very high standards, although we do use some of our mixes as well. We try them to measure frequency response and overall sound quality both in playback and spatial performance and how efficient headphones can deliver the expected response, even at lower volumes that you must mix to protect the ears.
Additionally, we evaluate the degree of isolation the space will be. While mixing, you might want more excellent isolation from outside distractions to allow you to focus on the essential features of your song. This is why isolation is a vital element. The weight and quality of the device are necessary since you’ll be wearing headphones for long durations in the studio (although we recommend regular breaks). The lighter the phone, the better, but the way the headphones sit on your head is vital. A loose fit is certainly not the best thing. However, too tight headphones could cause excessive heat.
