There are many headphones on the market that claim to be suitable for studio use. There are several that deliver amazing audio for the ordinary wannabe producer, but those in the know realize that they aren’t quite true to input, making editing difficult.
Which headphones are the best for music production? Many sound engineers will tell you that the gear they use is purely determined by the type of music they perform. So that boils to your preferences because each person’s needs in terms of headphones for music production are unique.Â
We will guide you instead of your choice, this includes our top picks. We’ve reviewed every model and have highlighted the strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different musical disciplines below.
1. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones
The Sony MDR series has been around for a long time and has a strong studio pedigree, as evidenced by decades of use in the recording and broadcast industries around the world. The MDR-7506 is a fantastic combination of comfort, practicality, and value in its current version.
These are designed to show what’s wrong with a recording rather than what’s correct and are quite pleasant to wear for long periods of time. The sound is strong and clear throughout the spectrum (with a little bump in the upper mids) while not being excessively flattering, comparable to other cans costing twice as much.
Overall, the fact that these workhorse cans can be had for under a hundred pounds is not to be overlooked.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Closed-back, over-ear
Frequency response: 10Hz – 20kHz
Driver type: Neodymium, 40mm
Impedance: 63 Ω
Connection: Wired
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PROS
+Excelent sound quality
+Comfort
+Workhorse headphones
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CONS
-Heavy wired cable
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Head on the Amazon website to check for the best deals.
2. Sennheiser HD 206
The Sennheiser HD 206 music production headphones are meant to provide an individual with the greatest quality sound and comfort at a very low price. The Sennheiser HD 206 headphones have noise-canceling technology, which is a terrific feature. This means that the headphones will not only allow you to hear your own voice, but they will also block out all surrounding noise, allowing you to concentrate solely on the music and the performer. In certain cases, such as when you have many microphones in front of you, this can assist you to gain an advantage.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Connection: Wireless
Noise Cancelling
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PROS
+Great compatibility
+Affordable
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CONS
-May not feel premium as other headphones
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Click here to buy the Sennheiser HD 206
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Studio Headphones is a popular model in the audio market, competing directly with Beyerdynamic and AKG. They’re lightweight, comfy, and fold and flex in all the right places (285g).
Overall, the sound quality is acceptable, albeit they avoid a detailed, airy HF area. The mids are clear and upfront and the bottom end stretches out without any peaky resonances. They are readily driven above our comfort threshold, as are all of the low impedance designs here (these are 38 ohms).
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Open-back, over-ear
Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
Connection: Wired
Driver type: Carbon composite resin, 45mm
Impedance: 470 Ω
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PROS
+Unique design
+Excellent detail and clarity
+Stereo separation is excellent
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CONS
-It would have been wonderful to have a coiled cable option
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4. Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 OHM is a semi-open back studio headphone with a reference sound. It is the only semi-open back headset that has made our list, therefore you can anticipate it to be the best semi-open back headphone for music creation that you will be able to find, regardless of price. When you use the DT 880, you’ll get the best of both worlds: a natural and transparent sound stage typical of open-back headphones, with the power and concentration of a closed-back headphone.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Open-back, over-ear
Frequency response: 5Hz – 28kHz
Connection: Wired
Impedance: 25 Ω
Driver type: 44mm high excursion driver
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PROS
+Comfortablity
+Excellent separation and detail
+Neutral sonic signature
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CONS
-Wired connection
-Not comfortable to wear
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Head on the Amazon website to check for the best deals.
5. Pioneer HRM-7
Whether you’re a music producer seeking the best music production headphones, the Philips HRM-7 is a good option. These headphones are perfect for usage in recording studios, studios, and radio stations. They were created with functionality and adaptability in mind. In order to meet the diverse needs of artists, the firm has developed a variety of models that are appropriate for a variety of recording conditions. Soft velour ear cushions are used in the headphones, allowing the wearer to feel secure while using them.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Closed-back, over-ear
Frequency response: 5Hz – 40k
Driver type: Dynamic, 40mm
Connection: Wired
Impedance: 45 Ω
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PROS
+Ease to use
+Clean and accurate sound
+Fully enclosed pads
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CONS
-This is not suitable for use in a booth.
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Click here to buy Pioneer HRM-7
6. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro studio headphone is designed primarily for mixing and mastering music. They are the buyer’s pick for professional music producers looking for the best studio headphones for music production at a price that is commensurate with their quality. Despite the price, it is thought to be superior to some of the more expensive models available. As a result, it earns a spot in this studio headphones buying guide and review as a recommended option.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Open-back, over-ear
Driver type: Dynamic, 45 mm
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz
Impedance: 250 Ω
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PROS
+Comfortable earcups
+Audiophile grade quality
+Natural unhyped soundstage
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CONS
-Slightly recessed mids
-Might be out of some buyers’ price range
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Click here to check for the best deals.
7. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
The ATH-R70x music production headphones are built for the highest possible audio quality, and they can make any music you listen to sound as fantastic as you can dream. They use Dynamic Frequency Control (DFC), a proprietary technology that allows them to identify and reduce unwanted background noises while still offering crisp, clear music. They also employ a unique low-frequency driver, which is ideal for producing high-quality bass.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Open-back, over-ear
Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
Connection: Wired
Driver type: Carbon composite resin, 45mm
Impedance: 470 Ω
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PROS
+Solid built
+Comfortability
+Clear sound
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CONS
-Expensive
-Small pad cups
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Head on the Amazon website to check for the best deals.
8. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is a reissue of the original HD 280 PRO, which was a long-time favorite among studio and live audio professionals.
With the new iteration, not much has changed. Fans of the previous model will be pleased to learn that the upgraded HD 280 has the same terrific sound and sturdy construction as its predecessor. The only difference, according to Sennheiser, is that the new model has been revamped for “cleaner aesthetics and a more comfortable fit.”
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Closed-back, Over-ear
Driver type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 8Hz-25kHz
Impedance: 64 Ohm
Weight: 0.49 lbs
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PROS
+Affordable
+Comfortable pads
+Sturdy and durable
+Neutral sound
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CONS
-For some, the bass frequencies may be too “thin”.
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Click here to buy Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
9. Focal Listen Professional Studio Headphones
The Focal Listen Professionals is great for listening as well as pro work. In the all-rounder category, this puts them at the top of the heap. Overall, the fit is snug, but not so tight that sitting in the mixing saddle for lengthy amounts of time is uncomfortable.
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In reality, we only wore them for about three hours at the most, with the only drawbacks being backache and a lack of blinking. While many engineers and audio specialists favor open-backed designs because they are less tiring, the closed Listen Pros do an excellent job in this regard. We found these cans to have a superbly balanced response, with amazingly neutral, powerful bass with lots of extensions.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Closed-back, over-ear
Driver type: Mylar/Titanium, 40mm
Connection: Wired
Frequency response: 5Hz – 22kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω
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PROS
+Comfortable to wear
+Audiophile Certified
+Sleek design
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CONS
-Sweat is attracted to silicone headbands
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CONCLUSION
Headphones for music production should have a lot of power, a lot of impedance, and a shape that fits your head and ears (otherwise you won’t be able to use them for long). A lot of high-quality components and high-build standards are required for neat, high-quality “honest” sound.
As you may have seen, a decent set of headphones is useful not just for the uses listed above, but also for a variety of others that you may not have considered. These headphones, for example, can be used to improve video sound quality, produce surround sound effects, and even improve the visual clarity of the music.
