7 Best studio headphones for music production 2024 & why we like them

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

When it comes to choosing studio headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are our top-rated pick. These headphones have a balanced sound, which is important for most if not all aspects of production. They make every detail clear, from the deep bass to the high notes, so you can work on music precisely.

One great thing about the ATH-M50x is that they block out outside noise well. This means I can focus on my music without any distractions. Plus, they’re really comfy to wear for long periods, thanks to the soft ear cups. This is important when you’re spending hours in the studio.

In terms of technical stuff, the ATH-M50x has a wide frequency range, from 15Hz to 28kHz. This means I can hear every part of my music clearly. The big drivers also help with clarity, so the sound is true to the original recording.

But it’s not all perfect with the ATH-M50x. Some people say the bass can be too strong, which might affect how balanced your music sounds. Personally, I haven’t had a big issue with this, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a solid choice for anyone making music in the studio. They sound great, they’re comfy, and they have all the technical features you need for professional-level work. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, these headphones will get the job done.

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Sennheiser HD600 399

The Sennheiser HD600 is a standout choice for mixing.

What makes the HD600 special is its accuracy in providing a balanced sound. This means I can trust that what I’m hearing is true. The headphones’ open-back design also helps create a wide soundstage, which is key in representing the stereo field mix.

Comfort is another big plus with the HD600. They’re lightweight and have soft ear pads, making them perfect for long mixing sessions. And they don’t need a super powerful device to sound good, which is handy.

In terms of technical stuff, the HD600 covers a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass to high trebles. This means I can hear every little detail in my music. The drivers in the headphones also do a great job of making the sound clear and accurate.

However, like anything, there are a few downsides to the HD600. Some people say they need a special amplifier to sound their best, which might be an extra cost. Also, because they’re open-back, they don’t block out outside noise much, which might not be ideal in a noisy studio.

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Focal Clear MG

These headphones are ideal for mastering with exceptional accuracy in sound reproduction. Their wide frequency response range covers the entire spectrum in with precision detail. This accuracy is a necessity for mastering. You’ll hear subtle nuances so you can make precise adjustments. So that your music can translate well across different playback systems.

The Focals feature dynamic drivers that deliver clear and accurate sound. These drivers are designed to minimize distortion and provide a flat frequency response. Again, essential for mastering purposes. The open-back further enhances performance by creating a natural and spacious soundstage. This gives you better spatial imaging and separation of instruments—a crucial aspect for mastering.

Comfort is important during long mastering sessions, and the Focal Clear MG headphones excel in this aspect. Their lightweight construction and memory foam ear pads ensure hours of fatigue-free listening. You will be able to stay focused and attentive throughout the process.

The low impedance of the Focal Clear MG headphones makes them compatible with a wide range of audio devices in your studio. Their high sensitivity utilises power efficiently for optimal performance at lower volume levels.

The performance of the Focal Clear MG headphones makes them a worthwhile investment for serious mastering work.

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Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Make no mistake, these recording headphones are professional grade and are used in many studios today.

What makes these headphones ideal for recording is their exceptional sound isolation. The closed-back cup blocks out noise for focused and uninterrupted recording. This isolation is crucial for capturing clean audio.

Comfort is another strength of the DT 770 Pro headphones. The ear pads and adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit, even during long recording sessions.

Perhaps the most important feature for recordings is the closed-back cups that prevent sound leakage. So that your mic capture remains unaffected by the headphone’s output sound. The headphones’ low impedance makes them versatile for recording in different studio setups.

The DT 770 Pro headphones’ exceptional sound isolation and comfort make them a top choice for recording music. Their isolation and comfort make them an indispensable tool for recordings in the studio or at home.

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AKG K240 Studio

The semi-open cups allow for a spacious soundstage, essential for monitoring music accurately. The space gives you that sense of depth and separation between instruments. This enables you to detect any subtle nuances or discrepancies in the balance.

The AKG K240s headphones have a wide frequency response range. This range ensures that every frequency in the music is true. Every detail in the mix can be heard with clarity and precision.

The self-adjusting headband and velour ear pads are comfortable. Even during extended listening sessions. This is essential for focus and concentration, during long periods without fatigue.

They have high-quality drivers that deliver balanced sound. The drivers are optimized to minimize distortion for clear audio for monitoring tasks.

While the K240s won’t have the same sound isolation as the DT770 pro headphones, they are great for an immersive listening experience. An excellent choice for monitoring music in the studio.

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Sony MDR-7506

These headphones are great for home studios as they reproduce sound accurately. They excel in a wide range of frequencies, ensuring that you can hear every detail just as it should be.

The MDR-7506 headphones have 40mm neodymium drivers that contribute to the detailed sound. These drivers are designed to minimize distortion staying true to the original recording. The closed-back design helps block out external noise, so you can focus on your music without distractions.

Comfort is another big plus with these headphones. They’re lightweight with soft ear pads, so you can make beats for a long time without fatiguing.

The MDR-7506 headphones are reliable and affordable, making them a great choice for home studio owners.

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Superlux HD681

These headphones are great for home studios as they reproduce sound accurately. They excel in a wide range of frequencies, ensuring that you can hear every detail just as it should be.

The MDR-7506 headphones have 40mm neodymium drivers that contribute to the detailed sound. These drivers are designed to minimize distortion staying true to the original recording. The closed-back design helps block out external noise, so you can focus on your music without distractions.

Comfort is another big plus with these headphones. They’re lightweight with soft ear pads, so you can make beats for a long time without fatiguing.

The MDR-7506 headphones are reliable and affordable, making them a great choice for home studio owners.

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Here are a few considerations which may impact your choose of headphones:

Closed-back headphones offer isolation from external noise, making them ideal for recording.

Open-back headphones provide a more natural sound but may not be suitable for noisy environments.

Semi-open headphones are a bit of both, offering some isolation while maintaining a spacious sound.

Consider the frequency response range to ensure accurate sound reproduction across all frequencies.

Comfort is crucial for long sessions, so choose headphones with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. Lastly, factor in your budget and the headphone’s durability.

Expensive headphones may offer better sound quality due to advanced tech. Yet, not all costly headphones guarantee superior audio. Some budget options can provide comparable sound with decent drivers. Factors like driver size and frequency response range play a crucial role in sound quality. It’s essential to consider individual preferences and needs when selecting headphones. The best choice depends on personal preferences and priorities.

Studio headphones, being flat, ensure accurate sound reproduction. Each frequency receives equal treatment, preventing distortion or emphasis. Professionals require this neutrality for precise audio adjustments. However, some prefer more vibrant sound profiles for casual listening. Thus, the choice depends on specific needs. Professional studios mandate flat headphones, while personal preferences vary.

The 60 rule for headphones suggests keeping the volume at or below 60% of the maximum level to prevent hearing damage. This guideline aims to safeguard hearing health by reducing exposure to loud sounds. Listening at high volumes for extended periods can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

Adhering to the 60 rule helps mitigate this risk by limiting the intensity of sound entering the ears. However, some argue that individual sensitivity varies, making a one-size-fits-all approach challenging. Factors like headphone type, ambient noise, and duration of use also influence the potential for harm. Therefore, while the 60 rule serves as a useful guideline, users should also pay attention to their own comfort and well-being.

A bigger driver may not always mean better sound quality. While larger drivers can produce deeper bass and louder volumes, they don’t guarantee superior audio. The sound quality depends on various factors, including driver material, design, and tuning.

Smaller drivers can deliver clearer, more detailed sound with better imaging and separation. Larger drivers may struggle with distortion at higher volumes and have slower response times, leading to muddier sound. However, in contexts like home theatres or bass-heavy music genres, bigger drivers may offer a more immersive experience. The best driver size depends on the listening context and application.

Professionals typically use wired headphones for critical tasks. Wired headphones offer consistent audio quality without interference. They provide a reliable connection, crucial for studio work. However, wireless headphones offer convenience. They allow freedom of movement, which can be beneficial in certain situations. Yet, they may suffer from latency issues or signal dropouts.

For professional use, wired headphones are favoured. They ensure consistent sound reproduction and minimal technical issues. Wireless headphones won’t offer the same level of reliability required in professional settings. Pros opt for wired headphones for their studio work, prioritizing stability and consistency over convenience.

Yes, regular headphones and studio headphones differ. Regular headphones are for general listening. They often emphasize bass and treble, which distorts the sound. In contrast, studio headphones focus on accuracy. They provide a flat frequency response, replicating the original audio faithfully.

Regular headphones suit everyday use. However, they may not accurately represent music. Studio headphones are essential for professionals. They ensure precise audio monitoring during recording and mixing. The choice depends on usage. If you need accurate sound reproduction for professional work, studio headphones are ideal. If you prioritize enhanced bass and treble for casual listening, regular headphones suffice.

Studio headphones are great for detail. You can catch every little sound, from a slight hiss to a soft echo. They’re ideal for mixing and mastering because you won’t miss a thing. But, if you wear them too long, they might make your ears tired. Some folks also feel a bit isolated wearing them for hours.

Now, speakers are the go-to for a natural sound. They let you hear music as it fills the room. This is how most folks will hear your work, so it’s good to test your mix this way. The downside? Room acoustics play a big role. A bad room can mess up what you hear. You might think there’s too much bass when there isn’t.

Price is another big factor. Good headphones can be cheaper than the best studio monitors. This makes headphones a solid choice if you’re watching your wallet. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Cheap headphones might not be accurate enough for serious work.

Speakers let you share the sound with others. This is cool when you’re working in a team or want feedback. But, they can be a problem if you’re in a shared space or have neighbours close by. You might end up keeping the volume low, which isn’t great for judging the sound properly.

So, think about your main needs. If you need to hear every detail and work in quiet, headphones are your friend. If you want to experience the music in a more natural way, go for speakers.

A MixButton, we use both. We switch between headphones and speakers to get the full picture. If you can swing it, this might be the best way to go. You get the precision of headphones and the realism of speakers.

Different types of headphones cater to various needs and preferences. Over-ear headphones offer excellent sound isolation and comfort, ideal for long listening sessions. On-ear headphones are more portable and lightweight but may not provide as much isolation or bass response.

In-ear headphones, or earbuds, are highly portable and great for active use, but they may not fit everyone comfortably and can cause ear fatigue over time. Open-back headphones provide a more natural soundstage but may leak sound and lack bass compared to closed-back headphones. Closed-back headphones offer better noise isolation and bass response but may feel more claustrophobic during extended use. The best headphone type depends on factors like comfort, portability, sound quality, and intended use.