If you have the budget to buy just one pair of studio headphones for mixing, mastering, and recording, consider a pair of high-quality closed-back headphones.
Using just one pair of headphones in the studio can be a compromise, but it’s entirely possible.
Best Studio Headphones For Recording
The right headphones can make studio work easier and more enjoyable. We’ve spent a lot of time reviewing and comparing the best headphones in this category to find the best option for your recording sessions.
1. Sennheiser HD 650
For me, the Sennheiser HD 650 is the best studio headphone for mixing and mastering.
There are many more expensive models like the HD 800 S or HD 820, but the HD 650 is unrivaled in terms of value for money and is widely popular as a reference headphone throughout the music industry.
They are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and after a while, you won’t even notice that you are wearing them.
They sound very refined and neutral, with no excessive bass or aggressive high frequencies that tire your ears.
They have excellent detail and a balanced and smooth soundstage. They are honest and accurate, expressing everything that needs to be adjusted, such as volume, panning, EQ, and sound effects, immediately and clearly.
They can also be used directly with a laptop without any problems.
2. ATH-M20x Studio Headphones
The ATH-M20x felt surprisingly solid for the price. The ear cups fit snugly over my ears, effectively blocking out external noise. This made it much easier to focus on mixing and recording, even in crowded spaces.
Listening to a variety of tracks, I found that the midrange and highs were not buried, while the lows were rich.
I could easily distinguish the details of vocals and each instrument while working on a project. There was also very little sound leakage when recording, which is a huge plus.
However, the fit can get a bit tight after wearing them for an hour or two, and the fixed cable is not very convenient.
Nevertheless, for the price, the ATH-M20x studio headphones are a great value for anyone who is just starting out in the studio or needs a secondary pair of headphones to use in the studio.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770
If you’re looking for a pair of affordable headphones that are great for metal music while still offering great sound quality, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones are a great choice.
These closed headphones offer excellent isolation, making them great for recording. You won’t have to worry about outside noise seeping into your recordings.
The DT 770 headphones offer a flat frequency response, which is essential for accurate mixing.
The soft ear pads and adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit, while the long coiled cable provides freedom of movement.
4. Audio Technica M50x
Consider a high-quality closed-back headphone like the Audio Technica ATH-M50x. The sound quality is very similar to open-back headphones, with a balanced sound across the frequency response.
The biggest drawback of the M50x compared to the Sennheiser HD600 is that it is difficult to hear the soundstage clearly.
There may be some limitations when it comes to fine-tuning the panning of instruments.
One of the biggest advantages of the Audio Technica ATH-M50x is that the closed-back design blocks out sound, allowing you to hear your work clearly, even in noisy environments.
It also allows you to keep your sound intact even when mixing in a quiet space like a library.
5. OneOdio Studio Monitor Headphones
The first thing that stood out about the OneOdio Studio Monitor Headphones was the lows. They provide a deep sound without overwhelming other sounds, which adds balance and accuracy to the monitoring tracks.
Vocals and highs were clearly delivered, so no sound was buried in the mix.
Comfort is also a plus. The soft padding on the earcups and headband makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time without fatigue.
The adjustable fit is a plus, but if you have a small head, the headphones may feel a little loose.
I like the single-cable design and the shared port, which allows me to connect other headphones for quick collaboration.
The wired design is convenient, but it can be a bit of a disadvantage if you’re constantly moving around the studio.
Overall, these headphones do their job well and don’t try to impress with unnecessary extras.
6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a popular choice for home recording musicians, and for good reason.
These closed-back headphones offer a flat, accurate frequency response, making them ideal for mixing tasks.
The M50x headphones also offer excellent noise isolation, which is important when recording in noisy environments.
The padded earcups and adjustable headband make them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Another great thing about the M50x headphones is their durability. They’re built to last, thanks to their sturdy construction and detachable cable that can be easily replaced as needed.
7. AKG K72
The Austrian brand AKG has been a pioneer in headphone design since its inception.
AKG, which invented the open-back headphone in 1959, developed the world’s first hybrid dynamic and electrostatic headphones, binaural headphones, and wireless headphones throughout the 1970s and 80s.
For such a historic brand, the K72 is no surprise, but these closed headphones offer more than twice the performance and features for the price.
AKG has always strived to get the best performance for the price, and these closed headphones are a great choice for studio recording.
They may not sound as convincing as some high-end models, but they deliver all the sound you want.
8. beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a great set of studio headphones. Designed for neutrality, balance, and maximum comfort, these headphones deliver outstanding audio fidelity for both monitoring and recording.
The frequency response is extremely flat, and with an impedance of 80Ω, they are ideal for the studio.
Thanks to their unique bass reflex technology and impulse response technology, these headphones deliver powerful reproduction of all low frequencies while maintaining excellent clarity in the high frequencies.
The high sound pressure level function allows you to turn up the volume without distortion.
The DT 770 Pro features soft velour ear pads and an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit, making long recording sessions even more comfortable.
A 3m cable is also included, allowing you to move the mic freely as you wish.
9. SubZero SZ-MH200
The SubZero SZ-MH200 monitoring headphones provide musicians and audio engineers with an exceptional audio experience
These headphones feature a wide frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, accurately reproducing both highs and lows.
This feature is essential for those who want an immersive listening experience when fine-tuning recordings or mixing tracks.
Another key feature of the SZ-MH200 is its excellent noise isolation. Not only does it allow you to focus on your audio without external noise, but it also prevents sound from leaking out of the drivers.
This is especially useful for adding precision and eliminating potential noise in recording sessions.
Conclusion
When choosing a pair of studio headphones, you should focus on comfort, sound accuracy, and build quality.
For longer mixing or recording sessions in particular, it’s a good idea to choose a model with an adjustable headband and soft ear cushions.
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