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10 Best Studio Headphones in 2023

Top Picks for Studio Recording, Monitoring and More

Studio Headphones

Music production, recording, and mixing all need extensive listening sessions. You’ll be doing a lot of listening in the studio to ensure our music recordings sound flawless on every platform. This is where you need the best studio headphones.

Research shows that the global studio headphones market size is projected to reach multi-million by 2028, in comparison to 2021, at unexpected CAGR during 2022-2028.

Standard headphones won’t help here. Studio headphones provide clear audio reproduction. After carefully identifying any audio issues, you can make the required modifications during production.

However, there are many studio headphones on the market right now and it can be daunting to find the best ones for your next recording. So, instead of directly picking the costliest option, we recommend considering studio headphones that excel in different areas, such as sound quality, comfort, durability, price, and so on.

To help you find the top studio headphones on the market, we evaluated over 40 studio headphones over two months. After thorough due diligence, we shortlisted 10 studio headphones that are worth a try.

In this article, we will cover the key factors to consider when purchasing studio headphones, discuss our top 10 picks of studio headphones, and answer some frequently asked questions about studio headphones.

Overall Best Studio Headphonesbeyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones
Best Studio Monitor HeadphonesAudio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Best Recording Headphonesbeyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Best Professional Studio HeadphonesAKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear Headphones
Best Studio Headphones for Home UseSony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
Best High-End Studio HeadphonesHIFIMAN Arya
Best Budget Studio HeadphonesOneOdio Pro-10 Wired Over Ear Headphones
Most Comfortable Studio HeadphonesAudio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Best Studio Headphones for Daily UseFocal Listen Professional Closed-Back Circul-Aural Headphones
Most Portable Studio HeadphonesAKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones

Things to Consider When Buying Studio Headphones

Usage

usage of studio headphones

Do you want a pair of headphones for mixing only or studio recording? Perhaps you’re interested in headphones that can serve as a mixing and monitoring tool.

There are also headphones designed specifically for studio recordings and monitoring. Therefore, first and foremost, you must determine why you need studio headphones.

Mixing engineers, music producers who also mix, and generalists who can do it all, require studio headphones. After all, studio headphones are one of the most important music production equipment.

Open-Back, Closed-Back or Semi-Open

Open-Back, Closed-Back or Semi-Open studio headphones

Based on physical appearance, there are three types of studio headphones.

  • Open-back
  • Closed-back
  • Semi-open

The design of open-back headphones allows the built-up pressure of sound inside the headphones to escape. These headphones are best for mixing as the open-back design prevents any internal audio reflection, and results in more precise frequencies.

Even though open-back studio headphones are prone to more background noise, music producers prefer them for mixing as they sound more natural than closed-back headphones.

In contrast to open-back models, closed-back headphones provide an enclosed sound chamber. Vocalists, in particular, use these headphones to monitor how they sound to their audiences.

The real benefit of closed-back headphones is that they block out more ambient noise than open-back headphones. Therefore, most audio professionals use closed-back headphones for studio recordings.

Semi-open headphones have a vent in the back that lets out excess pressure, so they aren’t as loud as open-back. You can use them for mixing and monitoring.

Accuracy

Accuracy of studio headphones

A professional mix is the final aim whether you mix with headphones or monitors, closed-back, open-back, or semi-open headphones. Furthermore, mixing success relies heavily on precision.

Your expertise and equipment will determine the final sound of your mixes during music production. You can’t get a professional-sounding mix without equipment that gives you precise frequency readings.

Ensure the studio headphones you’re planning to buy have a flat frequency response as they will deliver the most accurate impression of your music recording or mix.

Noise Isolation

Noise Isolation of studio headphones

When shopping for headphones to use in a studio, noise isolation is paramount.

The driver of studio headphones is typically padded with foam for isolation. This foam prevents the headphones’ sound from escaping into the outer world and isolates the headphones’ sound from any ambient noise.

Recording studios need a high level of isolation.

A good pair of headphones will keep the click tracks from escaping and being picked up by the microphones and block out ambient noise so that the performer can focus on their instrument or voice without being distracted.

In contrast to closed-back headphones, open-back headphones’ isolation is limited to blocking outside noise from entering the enclosure, making them perfect for mixing.

Closed-back headphones have two ways to achieve isolation. That indicates that neither outside noise nor sound from the headset escapes.

Comfort

Being a professional music producer requires many hours glued to the mixing board and monitor.

Consequently, ease of use is just as vital as other factors. Moreover, you can’t manage the production flow if you can’t sit for lengthy periods with your headphones on.

If you plan on using headphones for an extended period, you want to make sure you choose a comfortable pair.

One of the most useful music production tips is that you must always select comfortable equipment over fancy music production equipment.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity of studio headphones

The sensitivity of a headphone is its ability to transform electrical information into audible sound. If the headphones can output 1 milliwatt, the volume level is 90 decibels.

The greater the sensitivity, the more impressive the sound quality. Choose headphones with a greater sensitivity if you want to hear every detail.

Wired or Wireless

Wired or wireless studio headphones

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have quickly become standard wireless connectivity options, and they’re a great replacement for wired headphones. However, wired headphones are best for usage in a recording studio. Some headphones allow you to disconnect the cord from the studio headphones.

It is because wireless connections may not be compatible with most professional studio equipment because of typical latency issues. It’s also worth noting that wireless transmission sometimes results in signal compression, so you may not obtain the purest possible sound quality. However, per another research, the global studio monitor headphones market has seen an upswing in innovation during the last few years, and wireless and Bluetooth technology has revolutionized the growing market.

Impedance

The lower a headphone’s impedance, the greater the sound quality, even when supplied by a relatively weak source. Headphones require higher power with a high impedance if they are to play back high-quality audio.

Driver

The greater the volume, the larger the driver. But it would be incorrect to believe that sound quality is directly proportional to speaker size since the earphones would have the worst sound quality, right?

While the size of the driver is still important to consider when purchasing headphones, the material utilized to create the driver has a greater impact on sound quality.

Top 10 Studio Headphones on the Market

1. beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones

Overall Best Studio Headphones

  • Strong and sturdy construction
  • Excellent, clear audio reproduction
  • Well cushioned; comfortable headphones
  • Suitable for mixing, mastering and recording
  • Great bass
  • Lightweight construction
  • Less sound isolation by design

The beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones are the overall best on our list, and with good reason: they have received praise for their sturdy construction. The DT 990s from Beyerdynamic is rather stylish among studio headphones, especially open-back studio headphones..

They are small and functional in appearance and have the same basic design, but the high-quality materials used in their construction give them a more distinctive look and feel.

Fabric that looks and feels like suede covers the ear cups. The headband’s cushioning cover is fashionable and removable, while the band itself is constructed entirely of metal.

Featuring an open-back design, the DT 990 PRO are circumaural headphones. The depth of tone and sense of openness is superb — the little increase in bass and treble guarantees a nice sound.

Moreover, there is a noticeable increase in the treble without any harshness, and we noticed that the bass is not overemphasized but quite accurate.

In conclusion, the beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones sound the best when you use them in a quiet, isolated space owing to their open-back design. The metal frame gives the beyerdynamic a more solid feel and makes them a better choice for everyday use, and we did not find it lacking in bass or treble genre.

View on Amazon: beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Best Studio Monitor Headphones

  • Ear cups that rotate and swivel
  • Well-built, foldable design
  • Stellar sound quality
  • Comfortable to wear for longer periods
  • Good audio quality
  • Three detachable cords included
  • Thermal buildup
  • Insufficient low-end

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are mostly plastic, while the headband is notched metal and has foldable and adjustable hinges. The ear cups have a closed-back design and can be rotated 90 degrees from the neutral position, and the arms may fold dwith the device. The bag provides slight protection against minor scrapes.

These headphones may be a little cumbersome to use, but their realistic style makes them suitable for any environment. The audio produced by the headphones is vibrant and full of life, but the additional bass punch and weight make them unsuitable for mixing.

In addition, although the mids are evenly distributed among the spectrum, the highs are a touch boosted.

Excellent bass and midrange combine to provide a strong effect. The soundscape is expansive and, compared to similar headphones, rather good.

Anybody who has to track or monitor for extended periods will appreciate the ATH- M50x’s ability to protect their ears from the damaging effects of exposure to excessive treble.

In conclusion, although Audio the-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are not the plushest option, this model is sufficient for most uses. In general, it faithfully conveys your audio, but it won’t provide you with the most balanced or bassy sound. Instead, we can describe the ATH-M50x as “the Swiss Army Knife of studio headphones.”

View on Amazon: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

3. beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

Best Recording Headphones

  • Durable construction with replaceable parts
  • Harmonic acoustic transmission
  • Exceptionally snug
  • Available in numerous impedances
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Bulky, non-folding design

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones are a good buy for the money since they provide generous helpings of tried-and-true Beyerdynamic quality, neutrality, and use.

Professionals find its open, detailed sound, good isolation, modular design, and soft, cushioned velour ear pads appealing. They were designed specifically for use while recording instruments and voices.

Although they don’t pivot or fold, the earcups may be adjusted vertically by around 40 degrees and horizontally by about 20 degrees to provide a secure fit on various head sizes.

The level of tightness in the headband is just right for this purpose without being so tight that it causes discomfort after prolonged use.

Regardless of volume, the DT 770 has a distinctively Beyer sound. It has a balanced, but not completely flat, profile, as one would hope for in a studio reference monitor headphone designed for professionals.

The closed-back design gives them a little bass boost and emphasizes the highs, which may sound grating when playing very sibilant records.

Given that they are closed-back headphones, the soundstage is surprisingly wide and detailed, especially considering the price point. The plush velour upholstery isolates you from the world and allows you to immerse yourself in the music fully.

In conclusion, beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones is an excellent closed-back model that excels in several key areas: soundstage size, speed, bass response, treble response, and comfort throughout an entire listening session.

View on Amazon: beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

4. AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear Headphones

Best Professional Studio Headphones

  • Detailed, ethereal audio
  • Classic design
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable headband
  • Excellent vocal sounds
  • Replaceable components
  • Lack in noise isolation

The AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear is an amalgamation of vintage and cutting-edge aesthetic preferences. The cans have a bit of a 1970s vibe thanks to the self-adjusting dual-headrail design that many people might have seen but aren’t for everyone.

Furthermore, a big AKG logo is gold on the headband, and there are L/R indication labels on the adjustment points on both sides to help with alignment.

In terms of convenience and ease of use, the K240 Studio excels. Light clamping force and a lightweight design make these cans comfortable to use for long listening sessions, even if you need to wear glasses.

The self-adjusting headband, a trademark of AKG headphones, contributes its weight, or lack thereof, to the equation by adapting itself to the wearer’s head.

The ear cups don’t do a great job isolating your ears from ambient noise since they’re vented at the back, letting air (and consequently sound) flow through.

It is a common problem with semi-open headphones. In contrast, closed-back studio headphones have an ear cup, a single unit that prevents sound from entering or leaving the studio.

We were impressed with the K240’s rich, expansive, and organic sound. The sound was very clear, with lots of detail audible across the board and a soundstage that was expansive enough to make us grin.

In conclusion, AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear Headphones come into their own for verifying the stereo image of your mix or for enjoying a natural, detailed sound while listening to non-bass dependent music at a reasonable volume in a calm area, especially considering the low price.

View on Amazon: AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear Headphones

5. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones

Best Studio Headphones for Home Use

  • Excellent value for money
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Length of the wire is ideal for studio usage
  • Extremely comfy for long use and lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Sometimes a heavy cable might be too lengthy
  • No inbuilt remote or microphone

The Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones have a different fit than many other modern studio headphones since they are relatively thin. The drivers and the ear cushions are quite close together.

The vinyl-wrapped ear cups may become hot, but the headphones nevertheless provide a good seal and a comfortable fit thanks to the adjustable clamp and little pressure from the foam-lined headband.

The coiled wire looks sturdy, but its weight makes it seem like it might pull apart modern electronics. Avoid letting it rest in a way that may cause it to pull on or pressure any plugs or cables. Setting up the MDR-7506 is a one-time deal; you can forget about it once you have done that.

If you give the MDR-7506 a chance, you’ll quickly see why it’s been a mainstay in Sony’s catalog for the last two decades.

The bass, midrange, and treble are balanced, reproducing all musical styles faithfully. So it’s no surprise that the MDR-7506 is a go-to for audio pros for recording and mixing anything from music to radio to film and television. So if you’re an audiophile on a budget, you’ll like these headphones.

In conclusion, you would have to hunt far and wide to find a cheaper pair of studio headphones than Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones that perform as well as these do. If you can get beyond the dated aesthetic, you can get your hands on a high-quality set of headphones for next to nothing.

View on Amazon: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones

6. HIFIMAN Arya

Best High-End Studio Headphones

  • Superior design, construction, and finish
  • Long-listening comfort with large ear cups and permeable ear cushions
  • High dynamic range
  • Rapid and robust bass
  • Superior extension and clarity in the treble
  • Extensive and revealing detail
  • May be harsh on subpar recordings, exposing every annoying detail

The HIFIMAN Arya may be the ultimate pair of studio headphones for most buyers since they deliver on almost every sonic wish. The Arya is designed for and will appeal most to music lovers, especially those who see this caliber of equipment as a long-term financial investment rather than impulse buys for themselves.

Incredible to look at and wear, these planar magnetic headphones would be a fantastic and rare addition to the collections of many audiophiles.

The Arya are open-back, circum-aural headphones that are based on the design of the now-iconic HE1000 and have ear cups that are somewhat asymmetrical to better fit the contours of a person’s ears.

There may not be any organic components, but using metal and high-quality polymers ensures that these items are lightweight, long-lasting, and high-quality.

The Arya has faultless performance, including frequency response and tuning, tonal balance, and dynamics. Right now, they’re up there as one of our all-time favorite products since they have almost no flaws when purchased as is.

The soundstage’s breadth is greater than typical. Resolution, accuracy, speed, detail, and dynamics are all top-notch, as is the sense of space and imaging. Arya is very proficient at all kinds of music.

In conclusion, the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Planar Headphones are an excellent investment and a must-have if you’re in the market for a high-quality, long-lasting pair of studio headphones. They’re sturdy and work well with various amplifiers for headphones.

View on Amazon: HIFIMAN Arya

7. OneOdio Pro-10 Wired Over Ear Headphones

Best Budget Studio Headphones

  • Fits comfortably
  • Beautiful Design
  • Sonorous highs and deep lows
  • Foldable design
  • Value for money, amazing sound quality
  • Affordable price
  • Not very comfortable for big-size ears

The OneOdio Pro-10 Wired Over Ear Headphones have a rather simple design but seem modern and chic. There’s a lot of padding in the large, rounded earcups. Most of these cups are plastic, but they have a shiny metal-like finish on the sides and the OneOdio emblem in the center.

The headband has cushioning on the inside to make it more bearable. The headband is soft and pliable; you can twist it easily, and it has a leathery feel. The OneOdio logo sits above a leather-like finish on the headphones’ top, giving them an upscale appearance.

The headphones’ hinges connecting to the ear cups further increase their already impressive degree of adaptability. Because of the hinges, they can be folded up and stored in a pouch or a bag with ease.

These headphones provide a clean sound with deep bass and crisp highs, making for a satisfying listening experience.

However, given that its intended use is for the studio, a broad soundstage or well-balanced audio isn’t necessary. Instead, you’ll hear a punchy bass and piercing highs. The headphones are also great at reproducing the midrange. You can hear them without being intrusive or annoying.

In conclusion, the OneOdio Pro-10 Wired Over Ear Headphones are one of the best-sounding headphones available right now, and a great deal if you’re in the market for a pair of headphones for the studio or just listening to music.

View on Amazon: OneOdio Pro-10 Wired Over Ear Headphones

8. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Most Comfortable Studio Headphones

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Amazing treble
  • Flat sound definition
  • A reasonable pricing point
  • Long wire for ease of use
  • Sound staging is not up to the mark

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones look fantastic, as one would expect from Audio-Technica. They are composed of plastic with an oval shape to the speaker enclosure and weigh slightly under 190 grams without the cord, which is little.

While it’s true that the headphones’ cord isn’t removable, this is very standard for headphones in this price range.

They were constructed with durability in mind, thanks to the copious usage of sturdy plastic. The ear pads and headband are made of rexine, a leathercloth fabric that is embossed to seem like leather and both soft and sturdy.

The sound from the headphones is powerful and crisp. If you’re looking for a dramatic audio experience, the ATH-M20X is not for you. But, in reality, it has no distortion and delivers a balanced sound.

The headphones’ ability to reproduce high frequencies is also impressive. However, unlike the bass response of most commercial headphones, which isn’t “boomy,” this pair of cans sound good. Overall, the soundstage is solid but not outstanding.

In conclusion, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are an excellent pair of headphones for the price and must-have for music lovers just getting started. Consider these headphones for your professional studio if you’re looking for the utmost comfort during your recording or mixing sessions.

View on Amazon: Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

9. Focal Listen Professional Closed-Back Circul-Aural Headphones

Best Studio Headphones for Daily Use

  • Excellent build quality
  • Comfortable and durable
  • Excellent adaptability
  • Good tonal quality
  • Great isolation
  • Great precision
  • Slightly bulky

Thanks to their ergonomic design, you can use the Focal Listen Professional Closed-Back Circul-Aural Headphones comfortably. The ultra-plush microfiber ear pads make these headphones ideal for extended listening sessions.

You can’t expect top-tier materials everywhere at this price point, but the materials chosen here are a good compromise, and the Listen Professional is clearly made with care. Neither a weak spot nor one that would allow it to weaken exist. The overall casing is resistant to scratches, making it perfect for daily use.

Regarding ergonomics, the Focal Listen Professional is a breeze to use. The lightweight design and ultra-plush microfiber ear cushions make these headphones a delight. As a bonus, the Listen Pro’s ear cushions are made of memory foam, and there is no uncomfortable clamping action.

The lows and lower mids of the Listen Professional are particularly striking. The bass from these headphones is so powerful that it may seem bloated on the improper mixes — specifically, songs emphasizing the bass. The peaks don’t seem manipulated or artificial.

In conclusion, the Focal Listen Professional Closed-Back Circul-aural Headphones are a fantastic buy for the price. The benefits start with a well-made structure that goes above and beyond. Plus, they have the expectedly excellent sound quality. These headphones shine as an analytical listening tool, bringing out sound nuances throughout the frequency spectrum.

View on Amazon: Focal Listen Professional Closed-Back Circul-Aural Headphones

10. AKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones

Most Portable Studio Headphones

  • Outstanding sound quality
  • Comfortable with or without glasses
  • Moving ear cups
  • Excellent isolation
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Minor sound leakage

Even though the AKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones are middle-tier professional headphones, you shouldn’t let their price deceive you; these headphones deliver excellent sound quality.

In addition, you can rotate both ear cups 180 degrees, allowing you to position one or the other to block out ambient noise as desired.

However, the K371 holds up well and can survive being thrown about in a crammed book bag. The ear cups are cushiony memory foam and completely enclose the ear.

The AKG K371 headset is lighter and more compact than competing models, making it ideal for on-the-go use. While it can’t compete with the convenience of wireless earbuds or on-ear headphones while traveling, the K371 offers superior sound quality and higher comfort.

The dynamic drivers of the AKG K371 are among the highest-quality options in their price range. The bass is notably prominent at the low frequencies, or sub-bass, as some people like to refer to it.

You’ll discover that it adds a satisfying rumbling without dominating the track as a whole. All instruments are discernible, and the mid-range frequencies seem quite genuine.

In conclusion, if you want to get into the audio production field but aren’t ready to invest in a more costly set of headphones, the AKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones are an excellent option. However, for touring artists or students pursuing a degree in audio, the compact foldability of these headphones is a huge plus.

View on Amazon: AKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones

How to Assess the Sound Quality of Studio Headphones?

The sound quality of studio headphones is based on both their objective qualities (such as frequency response, total harmonic distortion (THD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and so on) and the subjective quality (how much you like listening to music with them).

Frequency Response

While talking about headphones, the term “frequency response” refers to the frequencies that you can hear when using the headphones. Wider ranges are preferred; however, it varies from model to model. For example, the typical human hearing range is 20Hz to 20kHz, which is the frequency range faithfully reproduced by the vast majority of headphones (aka audible spectrum).

Although most people’s ears cannot pick up all of these frequencies, the human body and brain can still detect them, making headphones with a wider range considered preferable.

Frequency response measurements, however, may be performed and provide quite precise results. For example, it’s necessary to use measurement tools and “dummy heads” for this purpose. Therefore, you can test the accurate frequency response of the headphones by inserting measurement microphones into each ear canal of the fake head. The frequency range that it reproduces and the relative earphone output level at each frequency are depicted as two separate lines on a graph showing the results of these experiments.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Audiophiles and professional musicians often need this information, but the average consumer has no idea what it means or how to use it properly with their audio gear. THD metric represents the harmonic distortion (due to driver flaws) in the signal that your headphones pick up. 

This data is often omitted from spec sheets, even though values below 1% are preferred. Though it would be ideal to eliminate all distortion, this is not achievable; thus, you should adhere to the rule that reduced THD results in greater sound quality and more correctly recorded audio information.

Signal-to-Noise and Distortion Ratio (SNDR)

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNDR) is a metric for assessing transmission efficiency. The standard unit of measurement for SNDR is decibels (dB). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is another way to put it, and it refers to how well a signal is transmitted or received relative to the combined strength of any background noise or distortion.

Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)

Small-signal-to-noise ratio (SFDR) is a metric for determining how much noise you can tolerate before marking a significantly weaker signal. A better definition would be the output’s ratio of the fundamental signal to the strongest interference signal. As a rule, the SFDR is expressed as dBc (in terms of the carrier signal) or dBFS (in terms of a full-scale range).

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

Sound-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a dB-based indicator of audio quality (decibels). If the SNR of your headphones is high, it means that they can faithfully reproduce the source sound (the sound of higher quality).

Most of us don’t have perfect hearing; thus, the ideal headphones help us overcome our hearing loss while providing an exciting, uplifting listening experience. So, if you’re still not convinced by these scientific metrics for evaluating the quality of a pair of headphones’ sound, we advise you to drop the matter.

You should go to a shop and try on a bunch of different shoes. You can’t go wrong with headphones if you listen to some of your favorite songs on several sets and then get the one that makes you want to get up and dance. So forget the statistics and press play!

How to Properly Use Studio Headphones?

It takes more than buying a good pair if you want to get the most out of your headphones. In this section, we will explain here how to use studio headphones properly.

Observe Audio Levels Correctly

You need to adjust the monitoring levels so that loud noises are not played again at a louder volume than they were recorded at if you want to hear all frequencies.

Get the volume down low at first, then gradually turn it up until you reach a level where you can hear every frequency clearly without any sonic distortion.

Nonetheless, it would be best if you use caution. Moreover, exposure to excessive loudness over extended periods might cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Put in some earplugs if you need to while calibrating your studio monitors. After listening at high volumes, your hearing may adjust to the change in pressure, and you may need to turn the volume down by another 10–20%.

Utilize Superior Audio Equipment

If you’re going to be utilizing headphones for monitoring, you must power them by reliable equipment. Also, by investing in high-quality hardware, you can be sure your headphones are getting the juice they need to perform at their best.

Invest in a high-quality audio cable, mixer, and other accessories to get the most out of your headphones.

Examine the Equipment Calibrations

Calibration of the audio playback device is crucial when utilizing studio headphones. Doing so will help you avoid any issues when it comes time to mix or produce your music in the future.

You must calibrate using the recorded levels since this is how the music would sound when played on other systems.

If you calibrate your equipment beforehand, you can faithfully represent the results of your mixing, monitoring, or production efforts.

Try Different Musical Genres

You should expand your musical horizons beyond the genres you already know. Moreover, you may practice mixing in various settings and with many musical genres in this manner.

Using monitoring headphones will enable you to listen more critically than conventional speakers, ultimately leading to higher-quality music production.

Additionally, if you listen to a wide variety of music, you’ll get insight into optimizing your system’s middle and treble.

Wear Headphones Properly

When using headphones, ensure that you have fastened them securely before you begin listening.

  • Determine the left and right sides of the on-ear or over-ear headphones. Typically, each side’s “L” and “R” signs indicate the typical orientation. 
  • After confirming proper alignment, put the headphones on. You must place the headband over the middle of your head and each ear cup squarely on the ears.
  • Try several positions for the earpads to rest on your ears while using on-ear headphones to find one that allows you to hear the music well without feeling too constrained or unpleasant.
  • Make sure the earpads on any over-ear headphones fully enclose your ears. It is advantageous to wear the headphones with your ears in the center of the ear cups and with no visible protrusion from the ear pads.
  • Adjust the headphones’ additional components as needed. The headband’s clamping force, the height of the headphones, and you can alter the cord’s location (for wired headsets) to prevent obstructions. Play around with the placement to get the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studio Headphones

What are reference headphones?

Reference headphones can reproduce sounds accurately. It means that the sound you hear via these headphones is as true to the audio source as possible. These tools are often used for sound creation and mixing by those who work in recording studios.

What are studio monitor headphones?

Studio monitor headphones provide precise and detailed sound reproduction when listening to music. They work very well for both professional artists trying to create and others who want to jam out. These headphones provide an authentic sound, not simply a pleasant one.

What are studio monitor headphones used for?

You’ll often put on a pair of studio monitor headphones for:

Mixing audio

The neutral frequency response of studio monitor headphones is ideal for mixing music since it places little focus or de-emphasis on certain frequencies. Moreover, it is critical because it lets the user hear the bass, mids, and highs without “coloration.”

Monitoring while recording

Monitoring in audio production is the process of actively listening to and evaluating the musical and technical qualities of a recording while it is being made. The headphones’ audio reproduction quality is crucial for this task. It has to precisely pick up and differentiate between instruments, allowing for fine-tuned volume control.

Are studio headphones good for gaming?

Even though studio headphones are typically designed for mixing, monitoring and recording music, they can be used for gaming if you’re looking for excellent sound performance.

Since studio headphones come with a wide frequency response and precise sound production, they can be highly suitable for delivering immersive and detailed sound while gaming. Nevertheless, some studio headphones lack features required for gaming, such as noise cancelation and surround sound. Moreover, they are bulkier than gaming headphones and headsets, and unsuitable for long gaming sessions.

What is the difference between studio headphones and studio monitors?

Studio monitors are a pair of high-end speakers designed to reproduce music accurately. They are capable of producing an accurate acoustic picture. On the other hand, perfecting their sound quality is not easy and often expensive.

The purpose of studio headphones is to isolate any imperfections in the recorded sound. However, they shouldn’t make everything sound good; rather, they should provide the sound engineer with an unfiltered look into the recording so they may make the required adjustments throughout the production process.

– Studio monitors are not portable, while studio headphones are.
– Studio monitors are expensive compared to studio headphones.
– Studio monitors provide a larger, more accurate stereo image than studio headphones.
– Using headphones, you may pick up on flaws in the sound that would have escaped your attention on studio monitors.
– Studio monitors may be quite distracting and annoying if you live in a tiny apartment, but this is obviously not the case with studio headphones.

Final Words

Anyone who appreciates music understands the importance of having high-quality studio headphones. In the recording studio, headphones are a must-have. The finest studio headphones will help you mix the album and make the sound appear infinite when you hear it.

If you ask for our advice, we recommend beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones, owing to its spacious soundstage and pristine midrange and treble. The recording’s soundstage is excellent; plus, it is a high-quality and comfortable set. However, you can pick any other studio headphones from our list, as we have tested them thoroughly.

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