13 Best Headphones for Mixing

13 Best Headphones for Mixing

Finding a decent set of headphones is no less than finding a diamond in a coal mine. With so many options available, it becomes hard for non-tech people to define their needs in selecting a headphone.

You won’t be creating a professional quality without quality headphones made for music mixing. You can be overlooking a lot of small factors.

We’ve also included a selection of studio headphones for mixing to accommodate various budgets. The expression “you get what you pay for” does apply in some cases, but as we will see, there are still some excellent affordable solutions.

1. Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser HD 600

Specification

  • Type: Over-ear
  • Connection: Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm
  • Impedance: 300 Ohm
  • Driver Type: n/a
  • Frequency Response: n/a

Pros

  • Reference for neutral audio
  • Realistic voice performance.
  • Featuring velour earpads for a comfortable fit.
  • Repairable and robust build.

Cons

  • Needs an amp for optimal performance
  • Small soundstage

Audio quality that is smooth and free of interference. In the audio industry, many music professionals have picked Sennheiser as their brand of choice since it leads the market in its pricing range. These are excellent for a musician or music producer with considerable talent.

It is preferable for a studio engineer that takes mixing professionally to use these benchmark headphones. They are ideal for focusing on professional mixes due to their excellent quality and flat response.

Additionally, the frequency response is excellent for mixing any genre of music, so there is no need to be concerned about an imbalanced sound.

An excellent pair of open-back headphones also provide spatial sound as a bonus.
They are cozy due to their large ear cups and velour ear cushions. They also come with a protective cover to make transportation simpler.

Only using an amp with these high-end headphones will ensure their best performance (300 Ohms of impedance).

2. Focal Listen to Professional Studio Headphones

Focal Listen to Professional Studio Headphones

Specifications

  • Type: Closed-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 5Hz – 22kHz
  • Impedance: 32 Ω
  • Driver type: Mylar/Titanium, 40mm
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • The shape is both strong and comfy.
  • Low volumes with good sound reproduction.
  • Unique appearance.

Cons

  • Silicon headband attracts sweat

The Focal Listen Professionals do exactly what they claim to do; they are excellent for listening and professional tasks. As all-around, they are now unquestionably at the top of the list. The overall fit was snug but not so tight that it was uncomfortable.

The most we ever wore was around three hours; the only problems we had were back pain and a lack of blinking. In reality, this was far from the case. Although many engineers and audio professionals would choose open-backed designs for their lack of fatigue, the closed-back Listen Pros perform wonderfully in this respect.

The response of these cans was amazingly neutral, powerful, and had lots of extensions. The midrange was full and clear, and the highs were dazzling and smooth. We don’t believe there is a better all-around studio headphone available for this price that comes with a gorgeous hard-shell casing.

3. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

Specifications

  • Type: Over-ear
  • Frequency Response: 5-40.000Hz
  • Impedance: 470 Ohm
  • Connection: Wired – 6.3mm & 3.5mm
  • Driver Type: 45mm

Pros

  • Detailed, neutral sound
  • Lightweight, comfortable design

Cons

  • Don’t fit users with smaller heads

These are an effort by Audio-Technica to create their own HD 600, attaining superb neutral frequency response. With precise bass frequencies and luscious treble, the R70x features a smooth, airy audio quality.

Despite having an open-back design, they don’t offer a highly three-dimensional sound. Thank goodness, the imaging is still good.

R70x feels like you’re wearing nothing because they’re made largely of aluminium. They softly lay on your head, their two wings carrying their entire weight.

The driver is visible under a metallic mesh, which is pretty amazing.

They include velvety ear pads that feel comfortable on your skin, but since the ear cups are fixed, they aren’t suited for those who have smaller heads.

Due to its increased resistance (600 ohms) compared to conventional headphones, high-impedance headphones require a strong audio interface to be driven correctly.

4. Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

4. Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

Specifications

  • Type: Closed-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
  • Impedance: 48Ω
  • Driver type: Dynamic STELLAR.45, 50mm
  • Connection: Wired, detachable

Pros

  • Excellent isolation
  • Excellent sound
  • Very comfortable.

Cons

  • A bit expensive

The DT 700 PRO X is an improvement over the DT 770 Pro in terms of pricing and features. It has a revised design, even softer earpads, and better sound owing to a new STELLAR.45 transducer with a quicker response. This makes it possible to have a precise transient response and a consistent, distortion-free sound even at loud sound pressure levels.

The 770 PRO X is one of the most convenient cans we’ve used for extended periods and is offered with a single 48 impedance rating, making it a reasonable choice for studio and daily usage. These are a good option if you want to move up from the 770 Pro because of this, plus the fact that the earpads, headband pads, and cords can all be readily replaced. You get to choose between two cords when you open the package..

5. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones

Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones

Specifications

  • Type: Closed-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 10Hz – 20kHz
  • Impedance: 63 Ω
  • Driver type: Neodymium, 40mm
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Reliable headphones
  • Suitable for extended wear
  • Great-sounding

Cons

  • The long coiled cable is quite heavy

The Sony MDR series has a strong studio heritage, supported by years of continuous usage in the recording and broadcast sectors around the globe. The MDR-7506, in its current guise, is an excellent compromise between comfort, usefulness, and affordability.

These, in our opinion, are quite comfortable to wear for lengthy periods and are intended to highlight a recording’s flaws rather than its strengths. In operation, the sound is powerful and cleans across the spectrum (with a modest increase in the high mids) while avoiding overly flattering—on par with rival cans priced twice as much.

Overall, it is not to be scoffed at that these robust cans are available for under 100 dollars/pound.

6. Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro

Specifications

  • Type:  over-ear
  • Frequency response: 5-40.000Hz
  • Impedance: 250 Ω
  • Driver type: n/a
  • Connection: Wired – 6.3mm & 3.5mm

Pros

  • Detailed sound
  • Controlled bass response
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Can get a bit sibilant

With precise, controllable bass performance, they provide a sound that is incredibly detailed across the frequency range.

They can also be used for casual entertaining because they are less sibilant at greater levels than some other Beyerdynamic headphones.

These headphones are top-of-the-line, have excellent construction, and should hold up in a demanding studio setting. A strong, hard-shell carrying case is included with them.

So that you won’t have to worry about sore ears, velour earpads are generously cushioned and incredibly comfortable.

A specific connection is used, but the cable is detachable and high-quality. Even though using a headphone amp is still the best option, they are pretty simple to drive.

7. Sennheiser HD-25

Sennheiser HD-25

Specifications

  • Type: On-ear
  • Frequency response: 16Hz – 22kHz
  • Impedance: 70 Ω
  • Driver type: Dynamic, closed
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Experts’ choice
  • Lightweight
  • RobustPros

Cons

  • They are not the comfiest earpads

Another of our long-time favourites for the studio, HD-25s are praised by professionals for their capacity to tolerate loud sound pressure levels and provide high-quality sound reproduction. The HD-25s are a mainstay of the DJ booth because of their split headband, adjustable earpieces, and history of longevity. They provide powerful and precise sound in a lightweight yet durable design.

The Sennheiser HD-25 is offered in three varieties (Light, Standard, and) at multiple price points. It is categorised as an on-ear styling because the pads are spherical and stay on the outside of the ear instead of completely enclosing it. For general studio/DJ duties, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of Sennheiser HD-25s.

8. AKG K702

AKG K702

Specifications

  • Type: Over-ear
  • Frequency response: 10-39.800Hz
  • Impedance: 62 Ω
  • Driver type: 45mm
  • Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm

Pros

  • Flat frequency response
  • Comfortable with velour earpads

Cons

  • Earpads and cables could be more durable

It’s ideal for premium mixing in a crowded studio. Flat and somewhat precise mids, highs, and lows are essential for high-quality output.

AKG is still setting new standards. They have incorporated a two-layer diaphragm, a patented design, for an enhanced high-frequency range. This provides a great deal of high-end clarity.

It has detachable cables compatible with 6.3mm and 3.5mm connectors. The ear cushions are comfy and can be replaced when they start to look old and shabby.

These are some of the greatest headphones for mixing and mastering since they don’t increase the bass, which may not be ideal for listening to hardcore trance.

There’s also a fantastic AKG K 701 option created in partnership with Quincy Jones, a well-known personality in the entertainment industry.

9. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Studio Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Studio Headphones

Specifications

  • Type: Closed-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 15Hz – 28kHz
  • Impedance: 38 Ω
  • Driver type: Large-aperture w/rare earth magnets, 45mm
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Affordable
  • DJ friendly
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not very detailed high-end

The reissued M50 (‘x’ = detachable cable) is a well-liked model in the audio industry, going head-to-head with major brands like Beyerdynamic and AKG. They are comfy, folded and bent in the ideal areas, and weigh only 285g, making them rather lightweight.

Overall, the audio quality is decent, although, throughout our tests, they avoided a detailed, airy HF area. The midrange is sharp and forward, while the bottom end stretches downward without any peaks. They are quickly driven above our comfort limit, much like all the low-impedance designs in this tutorial (these are 38 ohms).

10. AKG K245

AKG K245

Specifications

  • Type: Over-ear
  • Frequency response: 15-25.000Hz
  • Impedance: 32 Ω
  • Driver type: 50mm dynamic
  • Connection: Wired – 3.5mm

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Foldable design
  • Replaceable cable

Cons

  • The Treble is a bit too smooth
  • Replacement earpads are needed for the best comfort

In terms of technicality, the sound is more advanced than the K240’s analytical quality. In particular, the bass response sounds more powerful and well-defined. As a result of the smooth treble, the soundstage is smaller this time.

By the size of your ears, they fit quite comfortably. Other users could feel uncomfortable, while those with smaller ears shouldn’t have any issues. The issue should be resolved by switching out the earpads for larger, plusher ones.

However, the structure is extremely light because it is made primarily of plastic. Using a proprietary, distinctive folding headphone design, AKG even made the K245 foldable.

In addition, replacing a broken cable is simple. You should be aware that it connects with an AKG-exclusive mini-XLR port.

11. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Specifications

  • Type: Open-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
  • Impedance: 48 ohms
  • Driver type: Stellar.45
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Strong structure
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Natural, neutral audio
  • Perfect for mixing

Cons

  • Not the best choice for tracking
  • Not very portable

These brand-new Beyerdynamic headphones fill in the gaps between the other two models in this square but do not replace them (the DT 1770 and DT 770 Pro). They have one set impedance rating, a sleeker, more contemporary appearance, removable cables, and an upgraded driver layout that suits them for various applications. The new PRO versions cost around $100 more than the earlier ones, which reflects these changes.

The DT 900 PRO X is Beyer’s recommendation for a preferred instrument for critical listening and polishing since it is the open-back member of the squad. In addition, they are among the top mixing headphones available. Additionally, the 700 PRO X has a closed back and costs the same to purchase.

The 900s are arguably the most ergonomic full-size cans we’ve tested, but as you might assume from open-back cans, noise isolation is not the best. They feature a flattish profile in terms of sound, providing each frequency range impartially. What you desire from a product labelled as a studio reference monitor headset will be presented to your ears: a refreshingly realistic picture of what’s there. They will perform a great job of pointing out any problems in your projects and quickly shed light on any potential trouble spots.

12. Austrian Audio Hi-X65

 Austrian Audio Hi-X65

Specifications

  • Type: Open-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 5Hz – 28kHz
  • Impedance: 25 Ω
  • Driver type: 44mm high excursion driver
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Neutral sonic signature
  • Very comfortable fit
  • Excellent detail and separation
  • Two detachable cables (1.2m / 3m)

Cons

  • Less popular than Audio Technica, Sennheiser et al

Austrian Audio, a relatively new player in the pro headphone industry, released its most recent studio-focused, open-back design in July 2021. They have since received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both users and reviewers. They provide great, balanced, neutral, and extremely detailed sound, and their sturdy construction makes for a satisfying listening experience in any environment.

Twin detachable cables with various 3-metre and 1.2-meter lengths to accommodate a range of jobs, a foldable structure for increased mobility, and soft, slow-retention memory foam earpads for all-day comfort contribute to the attraction.

The Hi-X65 headphones check many boxes if you’re looking for a high-end set that is great for mixing and close listening.

13. Shure SRH1540

Shure SRH1540

Specifications

  • Type: Closed-back, over-ear
  • Frequency response: 5Hz – 25kHz
  • Impedance: 46 Ω
  • Driver type: 40mm neodymium driver
  • Connection: Wired, dual-exit

Pros

  • Excellent clarity and detail
  • Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Excellent low-end extension.
  • Alcantara ear pads

Cons

  • Non-foldable

When selecting a pair of headphones for your studio, Shure is a brand you can rely on because of a pro audio history spanning decades. The top-of-the-line SRH1540 headphones do not let professionals or audiophiles down in practice, providing superb acoustic performance, comfort, and durability.

The 1540s are rounded off with stylish Alcantara leather earpads for unbeatable comfort and sound isolation. They offer a wide soundstage and impeccable transient detail throughout, with clear, extended highs and warm bass in lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre design.

The performance provided by the 1540s proves to be more than ample compensation for the investment, despite not being the least expensive choice on the list.

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