Long before we ever became musicians, we all knew the value of a good pair of headphones, right? For the older guys, Bose was the top brand. For the kids today, it’s Beats by Dre. But now that you’re doing this new “home studio” thing, you start to wonder…
Will those headphones work? Or are studio headphones different?
Well the truth of the matter is that recording studios use two very specific types of headphones for two very specific purposes.
They are
- Closed Back Headphones – which are used for recording tracks and
- Open Back Headphones – which are used for mixing.
And if you’re currently searching for a good pair of either one, in this post we’ll show you the absolute best options in the following two sections.
The 6 Best Closed Back Headphones for Recording Tracks
1. Sennheiser HD280 Pro
Chances are you’ve heard of it before. Because the Sennheiser HD280 Pro is commonly known in recording circles as the industry standard in closed back headphones.
Now I’ll be the first to admit
- they aren’t particularly glamourous, and
- there are no special features to brag about
But what they CAN brag about is the fact they’re easily the most popular recording headphones in the World.
And while they may not have the ABSOLUTE GREATEST sound you’ve ever heard they serve their purpose well.
For both beginner and advanced studios alike, I highly recommend them.
2. The Sony MDR-7506
The closest, and perhaps only real competitor to the HD280 is the legendary Sony MDR-7506.
Compared to the HD280
- They’re just as affordable
- They’re just as durable
- They provide just as much isolation
And some folks give them a slight edge OVERALL. myself being one of them.
Having used them both, I find the MDR-7506 marginally better in both comfort and sound quality. And after sifting through the reviews, I found others who agreed as well.
But seeing as both are SO popular, and some musicians are picky about their headphones.
3. The Extreme Isolation EX-29
The Extreme Isolation EX-29 is a unique pair of headphones designed with ONE SPECIFIC GOAL in mind,
Maximum Sound Isolation.
Designed BY a drummer, and intended FOR drummers.
These headphones rival the isolation of many industrial use hearing protectors! Strangely enough, when you read the specs, they’re only rated at 29dB of noise attenuation. It’s an impressive number, yes but there are plenty of other headphones boasting numbers just as high, if not better.
Yet from both personal experience and user reviews, it’s obvious the EX29 isolates sound better than any of them.
The explanation?
Well according to product descriptions, most headphones measure attenuation at just ONE frequency. But the EX-29 measures the AVERAGE attenuation over a WIDE frequency range. And as we all know, low frequencies are MUCH harder to block than high ones. While I agree they’re ugly as hell, if maximum sound isolation is your first priority.
4. The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
So far on the list, all the headphones we’ve seen cost right around $100. But the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro,
which costs over twice that. Offers some significant upgrades in overall quality.
In terms of comfort, sound quality, and style. These headphones easily blow the previous 3 out of the water. In terms of sound isolation, and durability…they’re about the same.
So the question is are they worth the added cost? Well my opinion, the DT770 Pro’s offer the perfect compromise between luxury features, and affordable price. That is why they are my #1 favorite headphoneson this list.
5. The Focal Spirit Professional
With cheaper closed-back headphones. It always seems like optimal sound quality takes a backseat to other more important features, right?
But for those can afford it…why not have BOTH?
Well with the Focal Spirt Professionals, that’s exactly what you get:
- Everything you’d expect from a pair of closed back headphones…
- With sound quality rivaling many high-end open back models
One clever feature of these headphones is the memory foam padding, which comfortably molds your head, sealing up any open gaps. That way the inside noises stay IN, and the outside noises stay OUT. Check them out. I suspect you’ll be impressed.
6. The Shure SRH 1540
Closely resembling the standard open back design. The Shure SRH-1540 is perhaps the closest you could ever come to reference quality sound in a pair of closed back headphones.
From a design standpoint they’re easily the most beautiful pair on the list by far. Somehow, you can tell just by looking at them how ridiculously comfortable they are. Now I COULD tell you about its wealth of cool features and accessories. But as I’m sure you’ll agree, the only REAL QUESTION worth answering is…
“Do they REALLY sound as awesome as they look?”
According to its reviews, all signs point to YES. Many are written not by studio musicians, but by audiophile geeks. And when it comes to high-end sound, those guys REALLY know their stuff. Would I recommend it as a first choice for a recording studio? Of course not. But if someone specifically asked me for the BEST of the BEST. I would no-doubt point them in the direction of the Shure SRH-1540.
The 7 Best Open Back Headphones for Mixing
1. The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro
Since sound quality is the top priority with open back headphones. It makes sense that the #1 pick on this list be the ones that provide the best sound, for the lowest price.
In my opinion, that crown belongs to the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro. For a mid-range model they have everything you could ask for and more.
Notable features include:
- an exceptionally wide frequency range (5Hz-35kHz)
- a strong bass presence
- a very comfortable fit
Having used them before, I can personally vouch for their comfort. Nothing’s worse than uncomfortable headphones but these ones are about as comfortable as they get.
2. The AKG K 701
Back in the day the old AKG K1000’s were not only the flagship headphones of the AKG line. They were commonly known in audiophile circles as the best headphones in the World. Today the newer AKG K701’s inherit many of the same remarkable qualities. Along with some updated technology as well.
For instance,
They’re the first to feature AKG’s flat-wire coil technology, which compared to the K1000‘s
- Provides a better low-end sound, and
- Allows them to be driven by less-powerful amplifiers.
3. The AKG K240
For beginners on a tight budget, there’s no safer bet than the AKG K240.
One look at these headphones.
And you’d be shocked to learn they cost less than a hundred bucks. Another attractive feature is their “semi-open” design, which is essentially a hybrid of the traditional open and closed back models.
If you only have enough cash for one purchase, and you need a set of headphones suitable for BOTH recording and mixing.
It’s one of the few options in this price range that delivers on its promises.
4. The Samson SR850
Never in a million years would you ever imagine.
That a $50 pair of headphones could deliver studio quality sound right?
But review after review confirms it. The Samson SR850’s are are worth much more than their modest price tag.
True you probably won’t hear its name mentioned among gear-heads. Yet the SR850‘s offer many of the same features of other headphones costing several times as much.
If you’re strapped for cash, you won’t find a better deal than the SR850‘s.
5. The Shure SRH1840
Have you ever listened to music on a REALLY good pair of headphones?
If you haven’t, it’s kinda like losing your virginity all over again. There’s nothing quite like it.
You would never imagine that such FULL, CRISP sound could come from such tiny speakers.
But once you hear it, you understand how truly amazing a great pair of headphones can sound.
Among the very best examples of headphones of this caliber.
We have the Shure SRH1840.
A standard a among audiophiles for years, these headphones are the safest bet for those looking for their first introduction to ultra high-end listening.
6. The Sennheiser HD 650
If there is one pair of headphones in the World, synonymous with high-end sound.
It’s the Sennheiser HD 650.
A long time favorite in both audiophile, and pro audio circles.
These headphones have perhaps more great reviews than any model on this list.
And that’s ESPECIALLY impressive considering that they’re by no means cheap.
Having used them for a long time, my favorite feature of these headphones is the ear cups.
Unlike most headphones which smash up against your ears, their extra large elliptical design and deep padding make it so they almost “float” around your ears.
Chances are, they’re the most comfortable headphones you will ever wear.
7. The Sennheiser HD 800
In Sennheiser’s legendary line of open back HD headphones.
There’s been a lot of updates over the years.
- First there was the classic HD600
- Then, as we just saw, the improved HD650
- Later came the mostly unsuccessful HD700
But on their final try, they got it damn near perfect with the Sennheiser HD800.
While its still rather new, its popularity is growing quickly. And my guess is, its reputation will soon surpass that of the classic HD650.
Here’s why. Despite its ridiculous price tag, it still owns a shocking number of stellar reviews from satisfied customers.
And of those who reviewers who upgraded from either the HD600 or HD650. The overwhelming consensus is the HD800 blows them BOTH out of the water. If you want the ABSOLUTE BEST there is I highly recommend them.