For music producers, studio headphones can make or break a mix. Therefore, investing in headphones that deliver accurate and stable sound reproduction is crucial.
To help you choose the best music production headphones for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best studio headphones for music production currently available.
Best Studio Headphones For Music Production
1. Sennheiser HD 600
Accuracy is crucial for producers. The Sennheiser HD 600 has established a reputation as a reference headphone, favored by professionals for its clean, neutral sound that instantly addresses mixing errors.
If you’re looking for studio headphones that reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of a mix, these are the ones for you.
Designed for comfort during extended studio sessions without compromising sound quality, the HD 600 maintains consistent sound quality across a variety of earpad options, offering a versatile listening experience.
With a detailed soundstage and accurate sub-bass reproduction, a rare trait in open-back designs, they are ideal for both casual listening and professional mixing.
However, they lack the noise isolation typically associated with open-back headphones, making them unsuitable for noisy environments or recording acoustic instruments.
2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro studio monitor headphones are renowned for their exceptional comfort and sound isolation.
They deliver a precise and transparent sound with a slight emphasis on the lows and highs, making them ideal for enjoying detailed sound.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are popular among professionals for their closed-back design and excellent sound quality.
They offer a distinct bass response without compromising midrange and treble. However, these headphones are somewhat heavy, which can be uncomfortable during extended studio sessions.
3. Sennheiser HD 820 Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 820 headphones feature a closed-back design with glass transducers, offering a visually distinctive design and exceptional sound quality.
These headphones offer the “immersive experience of open-back headphones” while maintaining exceptional noise isolation.
One of these headphones’ unique features is the 56mm ring radiator. This generous size allows ample airflow to deliver exceptional bass response without compromising stability or response time.
Each transducer is measured within strict tolerances to ensure exceptional performance.
Every HD 820 headphone includes a unique frequency response plot, based on its serial number, to help you make informed decisions when mixing and mastering.
These headphones feature a recessed Gorilla Glass reflector and an acoustic absorption system that prevents frequency masking, delivering exceptional detail.
An ergonomically adjustable metal headband, microfiber ear pads, and headband padding ensure ultimate comfort.
4. Focal Clear MG Professional
Focal Clear MG Professional headphones deliver a truly exceptional sound experience. The open-back design creates a wide soundstage, making it ideal for precise listening and mixing.
Its detailed and accurate audio reproduction makes it a top choice for both audiophiles and professionals.
The memory foam ear cushions prioritize comfort, but the open-back design may not be suitable for noisy environments.
5. AKG K240 Studio Headphones
The AKG K240 Studio headphones are a classic choice for music production and studio monitoring. These headphones have been a favorite among audio professionals for decades and remain in high demand today.
The K240 Studio features a semi-open design, a compromise between open and closed designs. Semi-open headphones feature partially open earcups, allowing air to flow freely in and out of the earcups.
This design delivers a more natural and rich sound than closed-back headphones, while still providing some noise isolation.
Semi-open headphones typically feature larger and more powerful drivers than closed-back headphones, resulting in a wider frequency response and more accurate sound reproduction.
However, they tend to leak more sound than closed-back headphones.
6. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
At the pinnacle of Beyerdynamic’s lineup, the DT 1990 Pro headphones boast an open-back design featuring Tesla driver technology, delivering exceptional clarity and precision.
Their exceptional build quality and replaceable earpads ensure a long lifespan.
The over-ear design enhances comfort for extended use. However, the coiled cable may be uncomfortable for some users, and the sound signature tends to be richer and more colorful.
The DT 990 Pro headphones weigh just 0.55 pounds (approximately 2.2 kg), making them ideal for extended listening sessions.
The padded earcups are made of soft velour, which provides better breathability and less sweat than synthetic leather earcups.
However, the open-back design limits use in controlled environments, and their high price may be prohibitive for budget-conscious buyers.
7. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones offer excellent value for money and are very affordable. You can buy three or four pairs (enough for a band) for less than the other headphones on this list.
The closed-back design prevents sound leakage during recording, making them the perfect reference headphones for recording musicians.
In addition to their closed-back design, the Sony MDR-7506 headphones feature large 40mm drivers that deliver accurate and detailed sound across a wide frequency range.
These drivers produce a frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz, sufficiently covering the range of human hearing.
The MDR-7506 also boasts a high sensitivity of 106 dB/W/m, allowing you to enjoy high volumes without distortion.
These headphones are designed with comfort in mind. The earcups are padded with soft synthetic leather, and the adjustable headband ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
Lightweight and comfortable even for extended periods, they are ideal for recording studios, radio and TV broadcasts, and live sound recordings.
Weighing just 0.5 pounds (approximately 2.7 kg), they come with a soft carrying case for easy transport and storage.