17 Best Studio Headphones: Mix & Record Excellence (2024)

What Are the Best Studio Headphones in 2024?

Here are the top studio headphones to consider in 2024:

• Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
• Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
• Shure SRH1840
• Focal Listen Professional
• Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO
• Shure SRH1540
• Austrian Audio Hi-X65
• Sennheiser HD 400 Pro
• AKG K701
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
• KRK KNS 8402
• Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro
• AKG K240 MKII
• Austrian Audio Hi-X15
• Sony MDR-7506
• Rode NTH-100

Best High-End Open-Back Studio Headphones

High-end open-back headphones provide exceptional sound quality and detail, making them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. They offer a natural and spacious soundstage, which helps in accurately placing instruments and effects in the mix.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

High-Resolution Studio Mastery

Overview:

The Sennheiser HD 800 S takes you into a new realm of audio fidelity. Designed for audiophiles and sound professionals, it’s a culmination of Sennheiser’s dedication to producing top-tier audio equipment. The open-back design, paired with the largest drivers ever used in dynamic headphones, results in an incredibly natural listening experience. You’re treated to a wide and articulate soundstage, capturing every nuance and subtlety in recordings.

What sets the HD 800 S apart is its ability to reproduce even the tiniest details with precision. The patented absorber technology ensures that sound reflections are reduced, offering an even clearer auditory image. Every element, from vocals to instruments, is rendered with utmost clarity and distinction.

But it’s not just about sound; the design speaks of luxury. The headphones boast an industrial aesthetic, with high-quality materials such as stainless steel used for the housing, ensuring durability and a sleek look. The large ear cups are cushioned with plush microfiber pads, ensuring comfort for hours on end.

Final Thoughts:

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is an investment in unparalleled audio quality and comfort. While it comes at a premium price, the experience it offers is unmatched. If you’re in pursuit of acoustic perfection, especially for critical listening sessions, the HD 800 S stands tall among its peers.

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

Open-Back Brilliance Meets Robust Engineering

Overview:

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x represents the pinnacle of open-back headphone engineering. Its meticulous design, combined with advanced materials, results in a headphone that’s not only comfortable but also delivers unparalleled sound clarity. Aimed at professionals, its transparent and natural sound profile ensures that every detail in a recording, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, is faithfully reproduced.

Featuring high-efficiency magnets and a pure alloy magnetic circuit design, the ATH-R70x minimizes distortion and produces a clean and crisp audio output. The carbon composite resin within the construction ensures a detailed transient response, essential for professionals who need to pick out specific instruments or voices in a mix.

Moreover, Audio-Technica has paid significant attention to comfort. The breathable fabric earpads ensure that prolonged listening doesn’t lead to fatigue, and the improved wing support ensures a snug fit, regardless of the user’s head shape or size.

Final Thoughts:

For professionals and enthusiasts alike, the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x stands as an exemplary choice. Delivering top-notch audio performance coupled with ergonomic design features, these headphones are set to elevate any listening or mixing session.

Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

The All-Rounder for Studio and On-the-Go Listening

Overview:

Crafted for those who demand excellence in sound, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X offers an exceptional audio experience. Its open-back design ensures a spacious and transparent soundstage, letting you immerse yourself in the music and feel as if the instruments are playing live in front of you.

The headphones excel in delivering a flat and neutral sound signature, allowing professionals to make accurate mixing decisions. The high-resolution audio ensures every nuance and detail of the music comes forth, from the deep basses to the shimmering highs.

Comfort is a significant aspect of the DT 900 PRO X. The plush ear cups, combined with an adjustable headband, ensure prolonged listening sessions remain comfortable. This is especially crucial for professionals who may need to wear headphones for hours at a stretch.

Final Thoughts:

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X is a testament to the brand’s commitment to audio excellence. Whether you’re an audio engineer, a producer, or simply an audiophile, these headphones provide an unmatched listening experience, bringing forth every detail with clarity and precision.

Shure SRH1840

Professional Open-Back Headphones for Detailed Sound Reproduction

Overview:

The Shure SRH1840, designed as a professional-grade open-back headphone, stands out as an emblem of Shure’s dedication to unparalleled audio quality. Tailored for studio engineers, musicians, and audiophiles, the SRH1840 shines with its detailed sound reproduction and spacious soundstage, ensuring every listening session is intimate and authentic.

The open-back design of the SRH1840 allows for natural sound and wide stereo imaging, presenting the listener with an audio experience that is both immersive and true to source. Every element of the track, from the subtlest nuances to the boldest beats, is relayed with precision and clarity.

Apart from its sonic prowess, the SRH1840 doesn’t compromise on comfort and durability. Its construction boasts aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring both resilience and a lightweight feel. The padded headband and velour ear pads offer supreme comfort, making prolonged listening sessions a breeze.

Final Thoughts:

For those in search of a headphone that doesn’t compromise on audio fidelity, build quality, or comfort, the Shure SRH1840 emerges as an excellent choice. It’s a testament to what a well-engineered headphone can achieve, ensuring that every note is not just heard but felt.

Best High-End Closed-Back Studio Headphones

High-end open-back headphones provide exceptional sound quality and detail, making them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. They offer a natural and spacious soundstage, which helps in accurately placing instruments and effects in the mix.

Focal Listen Professional

Precision and Comfort in Professional Listening

Overview:

Focal, a leader in audio excellence, introduces the Listen Professional as one of the best studio headphones—a blend of precision and comfort tailored for professionals. With its closed-back design, the Listen Professional guarantees isolation from external noise, making it a prime choice for studio recording and mixing.

At the heart of these headphones lies Focal’s exclusive cone technology, crafted to provide unparalleled neutrality. Every frequency, from deep bass to sparkling highs, is rendered with utmost clarity and balance. It allows for critical listening without coloration, making sure that what you hear is a true representation of the sound.

Apart from sound quality, comfort hasn’t been overlooked. The memory foam ear cushions adapt to the shape of the ear, providing an ergonomic fit. This not only ensures sound isolation but also offers comfort for prolonged listening sessions. The headphones also come with a robust design that’s foldable, making them suitable for both studio and on-the-go use.

Final Thoughts:

Focal Listen Professional headphones stand as a testament to Focal’s commitment to sound excellence. They offer a listening experience that’s true to the source, coupled with ergonomic design considerations. Whether you’re a sound professional or an audiophile, the Listen Professional promises an unmatched auditory journey.

Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO

Dynamic Precision Meets Studio-Grade Comfort

Overview:

The Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing studio professionals with headphones that deliver precision and comfort. This closed-back model ensures excellent isolation, making it suitable for recording sessions, while the Tesla 2.0 drivers ensure that every nuance of a track is reproduced faithfully.

A defining characteristic of the DT1770 PRO is its undistorted sound. Whether you’re deep into a mixing session or simply enjoying music, the headphones deliver clear, balanced audio that remains consistent across various volume levels. The detachable cable, which connects via mini-XLR, is a nod to the needs of professionals who may require replacements or wish to swap cables based on their setup.

Comfort is another area where Beyerdynamic shines. The replaceable ear and headband pads ensure that users can wear these headphones for extended periods without discomfort. Additionally, the robust build quality, made using high-quality materials, guarantees that the DT1770 PRO can withstand the rigors of daily studio use.

Final Thoughts:

For studio professionals seeking headphones that offer an impeccable balance of sound fidelity and ergonomic design, the Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO is a standout choice. Durable, comfortable, and sonically brilliant, they serve as a valuable tool for any serious audio work.

Shure SRH1540

Premium Closed-Back Headphones for Audiophiles

Overview:

Shure’s SRH1540 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and impeccable audio delivery. Crafted for audiophiles and studio professionals, the SRH1540 promises a sound that is both expansive and detailed, replicating audio as it was meant to be heard.

One of the standout features of the SRH1540 is its expansive soundstage. This allows users to experience a level of depth and clarity that’s rare in closed-back headphones. Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or just listening to your favorite tracks, the SRH1540 delivers a consistent and immersive experience.

But it’s not just the sound that stands out. The SRH1540 is also designed for maximum comfort. The padded ear cups, combined with the lightweight design, ensure that you can wear these headphones for hours on end without any discomfort. Add to that a durable construction, featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and carbon fiber cap, and you have a pair of headphones that are built to last.

Final Thoughts:

The Shure SRH1540 combines the best of audio fidelity and design into one comprehensive package. For those seeking a premium listening experience without compromises, the SRH1540 is a worthy addition to your audio arsenal.

Best Mid-Range Open-Back Studio Headphones

Mid-range open-back headphones offer a good balance between price and performance. They are suitable for home studios and semi-professional setups, providing accurate sound reproduction for mixing and mastering.

Austrian Audio Hi-X65

Austrian Excellence in Professional Monitoring

Overview:

Austrian Audio’s Hi-X65 stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to audio excellence. These professional open-back headphones are engineered for mixing and mastering, offering a detailed, uncolored sound signature that professionals can trust.

The heart of the Hi-X65 is its high-excursion driver. This ensures that sound remains consistent and detailed, even at high volumes, capturing the nuance and depth of every mix. Furthermore, the open-back design creates a wide soundstage, perfect for dissecting intricate details in tracks and offering a more natural listening experience.

In addition to its stellar audio performance, Austrian Audio has made sure the Hi-X65 is built to last. With a metal-reinforced headband, these headphones are robust, yet comfortable, thanks to the memory foam padding. The built-in acoustic chamber further sets it apart, giving depth to the bass frequencies without muddying the mix.

Final Thoughts:

The Austrian Audio Hi-X65 is not just another pair of headphones—it’s a commitment to quality, both in build and sound. For professionals who need a reliable tool in the studio, the Hi-X65 is an investment worth making.

Sennheiser HD 400 Pro

Pristine Clarity Meets Studio Craftsmanship

Overview:

Sennheiser’s legacy in creating top-of-the-line audio equipment is evident in the HD 400 Pro. Designed for professionals who demand precision in sound, these headphones deliver an unparalleled listening experience. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or just enjoying your favorite tracks, the HD 400 Pro stands out in delivering high-fidelity sound.

The beauty of these headphones lies in their ability to reproduce sound with incredible accuracy. Every beat, note, and instrument is presented with clarity, ensuring that users get a genuine and authentic audio experience. The closed-back design further enhances this by isolating external noise, allowing you to focus solely on the music.

Comfort, too, is a notable feature of the HD 400 Pro. The plush ear pads coupled with an adjustable headband mean that even the longest of sessions won’t result in fatigue. The build quality is top-notch, in line with what one would expect from a brand like Sennheiser.

Final Thoughts:

For those seeking a blend of unparalleled audio quality and comfort, the Sennheiser HD 400 Pro is hard to overlook. It’s an investment in impeccable sound, comfort, and craftsmanship, making it a favorite choice among professionals and audiophiles alike.

AKG K701

Open-Back Brilliance with an Analytical Touch

Overview:

The AKG K701 stands as a testament to AKG’s commitment to superior sound quality and ergonomic design. As an open-back headphone, the K701 offers listeners an expansive soundstage, immersing them in a world where music feels alive and pulsating around them.

One of the K701’s most distinct features is its detailed sound reproduction. Its flat-wire voice coil technology, combined with the Varimotion two-layer diaphragm, ensures an incredibly accurate listening experience. From the deepest bass to the highest treble, every note is reproduced with precision.

Comfort isn’t sacrificed for sound quality, though. With its self-adjusting leather headband and velvety ear cushions, users can embark on hours-long listening sessions without any discomfort. Moreover, its meticulous construction guarantees durability, ensuring that the K701 remains a constant companion for years to come.

Final Thoughts:

For those who value an analytical sound combined with outstanding comfort, the AKG K701 is an exceptional choice. It’s not just a headphone; it’s an experience, transporting listeners to musical landscapes they might never have explored otherwise.

Best Mid-Range Closed-Back Studio Headphones

Mid-range closed-back headphones are versatile and provide good isolation, making them suitable for both recording and mixing in home studios and semi-professional environments.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The All-Rounder for Studio and On-the-Go Listening

Overview:

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a legend in its own right, striking a remarkable balance between performance and price. It’s the choice of many professionals and audiophiles alike. Known for its detailed audio and strong bass, the ATH-M50x provides an unmatched experience for critical listening.

The headphones come equipped with proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers, ensuring a wide frequency range with detailed highs and deep lows. This ensures that whether you’re mixing in a studio or just enjoying your favorite tracks, you get a clean and comprehensive sound profile.

A major highlight of the ATH-M50x is its design and build quality. The 90° swiveling earcups not only provide comfort but are also excellent for one-ear monitoring, a feature DJs and producers will particularly appreciate. Add to this the detachable cables, and you have headphones that are built for durability and versatility.

Final Thoughts:

With its combination of stellar sound performance, robust build, and comfort, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x stands tall in the world of professional headphones. Whether you’re in the studio or on a commute, these headphones are designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience, making them a favorite for many in the audio community.

KRK KNS 8402

Trusted Monitoring From a Studio Giant

Overview:

From a brand renowned for its studio monitoring solutions, the KRK KNS 8402 headphones continue the legacy. Designed with the professional in mind, these headphones provide an accurate and immersive audio experience, ensuring every element of your mix is distinctly audible.

The dynamic range of the KNS 8402 shines through its detailed sound reproduction, making them ideal for both studio tracking and mixing. The closed-back design not only ensures excellent sound isolation but also reduces ear fatigue, allowing for longer sessions without compromising on clarity.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. With memory foam ear cushions, the KNS 8402 ensures that even during the longest studio sessions, comfort remains a top priority. The headphones also come with a built-in volume limiter, a handy feature that protects your ears from unexpected volume spikes, safeguarding your hearing during critical listening.

Final Thoughts:

With the KRK KNS 8402, you’re not just getting a pair of headphones—you’re investing in a tool that promises reliability, comfort, and, most importantly, impeccable sound. For studio professionals and enthusiasts alike, these headphones serve as a dependable partner in the quest for audio perfection.

Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro

Iconic Closed-Back Headphones for Studio Precision

Overview:

The Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro, a classic in the realm of studio headphones, continues to be a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its closed-back design guarantees effective noise isolation, making it a prime choice for tracking, mixing, and critical listening in environments where background noise could be a distraction.

Sonically, the DT-770 Pro stands out with its comprehensive frequency response, ensuring both the soaring highs and deep lows are rendered with precision. This balanced sound signature ensures every detail in a mix can be distinctly heard, from subtle ambient cues to the main elements of a track.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked. The soft ear cushions, combined with a padded headband, make for a cozy fit, even during prolonged usage. Additionally, the DT-770 Pro is built to last, with a robust design and the advantage of user-replaceable parts, adding to its longevity.

Final Thoughts:

The Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro, with its blend of outstanding sound quality, comfort, and durability, remains a staple in the world of studio headphones. Whether you’re an audiophile, a recording artist, or a sound engineer, the DT-770 Pro promises a sound experience that is both immersive and accurate.

Best Budget Open-Back Studio Headphones

Budget open-back headphones are affordable options for entry-level producers and home studio enthusiasts. They provide decent sound quality and are suitable for basic mixing and critical listening.

AKG K240 MKII

Professional Studio Standard with Enhanced Comfort

Overview:

The AKG K240 MKII builds on the legacy of the iconic K240, offering enhancements in both comfort and audio performance. This semi-open headphone strikes a delicate balance – it keeps out unwanted ambient noise while preserving a natural sounding top end, making it perfect for studio monitoring and relaxed listening alike.

Sound-wise, the K240 MKII boasts enhanced bass response, clear mids, and crisp highs, ensuring an accurate reproduction of recordings. Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or just enjoying your favorite tunes, these headphones provide an authentic and immersive sonic experience.

Comfort remains paramount with the K240 MKII. Its self-adjusting headband and plush ear pads mean that extended studio sessions won’t lead to listener fatigue. The inclusion of two detachable cables – one coiled and one straight – allows users to customize their setup based on the listening environment or personal preference.

Final Thoughts:

The AKG K240 MKII stands as a testament to AKG’s dedication to delivering studio-standard sound at an accessible price point. If you’re seeking a reliable and comfortable studio headphone with decades of professional credibility behind it, the K240 MKII is a worthy contender.

Best Budget Closed-Back Studio Headphones

Budget closed-back headphones are cost-effective solutions for beginners and those on a tight budget. They offer good isolation and are suitable for tracking and casual listening.

Austrian Audio Hi-X15

The Next-Gen Monitoring Headphone Experience

Overview:

The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 sets a new benchmark in professional audio monitoring. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, these headphones deliver an audio experience that is second to none, making them an asset for any professional studio setup.

At the heart of the Hi-X15 lies its high excursion drivers, ensuring exceptional clarity across its broad frequency range. Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or mastering, the headphones capture every nuance, allowing sound engineers and artists to create with precision.

Comfort is crucial, especially during those long studio sessions. Austrian Audio hasn’t cut corners in this department. The Hi-X15 features plush memory foam earpads and a cushioned headband, ensuring they remain cozy for hours on end. Furthermore, their robust construction means they’re built to endure the rigors of daily studio use, guaranteeing longevity.

Final Thoughts:

A perfect blend of innovative technology and ergonomic design, the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 stands out as a leading choice for professionals in search of impeccable sound quality. They offer an unparalleled audio experience, making every session a true pleasure for the ears.

Sony MDR-7506

The Time-Tested Studio Standard

Overview:

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones have long held a reputation as an industry standard in the world of studio monitoring. With decades under its belt, this model has proven itself to be a reliable tool for audio professionals worldwide. Its clear and balanced sound profile ensures accurate monitoring, crucial for mixing and mastering tasks. The midrange shines, vocals stand out with clarity, and while the bass is precise, it doesn’t overpower.

One of the standout features of the MDR-7506 is its comfort. Designed for extended listening sessions, its cushioned ear pads and adjustable headband offer a snug fit, minimizing listener fatigue. Furthermore, its closed-back design provides decent sound isolation, ensuring external noises don’t interfere with your monitoring.

The collapsible design, combined with the protective pouch, makes the MDR-7506 both portable and durable. While some may argue that newer models have since surpassed the MDR-7506, its longevity and continued relevance in the studio space speak volumes about its quality and performance.

Final Thoughts:

The Sony MDR-7506 isn’t just another headphone; it’s a piece of studio history. It offers unparalleled reliability at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for both budding sound engineers and seasoned pros. If you’re looking for tried and tested performance, the MDR-7506 is a commendable choice.

Rode NTH-100

Studio Precision Meets Everyday Comfort

Overview:

Stepping into the arena of studio-grade headphones, Rode’s NTH-100 offers a compelling blend of sound clarity and ergonomic design. These headphones, designed with meticulous attention to detail, cater to professionals who seek accuracy in sound reproduction.

One of the defining features of the NTH-100 is its ability to provide a clear and neutral sound profile. This ensures that every nuance in a recording, from the subtle undertones to the prominent highs, is represented with precision. It becomes an indispensable tool for audio professionals, whether they are mixing, mastering, or recording.

Beyond its sound capabilities, Rode understands the importance of comfort, especially during prolonged sessions. The NTH-100 boasts plush ear pads and an adjustable headband, ensuring a snug fit for all head shapes and sizes. The build quality, as expected from Rode, is robust, making the headphones a long-term investment for users.

Final Thoughts:

The Rode NTH-100 seamlessly marries professional-grade sound capabilities with everyday comfort. Its neutral sound profile makes it an essential tool for those in the audio industry, while its ergonomic design ensures that long hours of use don’t translate to discomfort. For those looking for a reliable studio companion, the NTH-100 is certainly a worthy contender.

FAQ Buying Guide: Best Studio Headphones

Selecting the best studio headphones is vital for music production, capturing subtle sound nuances, or enjoying music as the artist intended.

The vast world of studio headphones offers a spectrum of options, each designed to fit specific needs, from detailed sound engineering to immersive listening experiences. But with the countless choices available, how does one discern the ideal pair?

Our comprehensive FAQ Buying Guide is designed to illuminate the path. Here, we’ll address the most pressing questions and considerations, ensuring you find the perfect headphones tailored to your studio requirements and personal preferences. Dive in and let us guide you through the intricacies of choosing the best studio headphones for your unique needs.

• Why are studio headphones important?

  Studio headphones are vital for any sound professional or music enthusiast. They provide a flat frequency response for accurate monitoring, allowing you to hear every detail of a recording, essential for mixing, mastering, and even recording.

• Closed-back vs. Open-back headphones – What's the difference?

  Closed-back Headphones: These have sealed ear cups that trap in sound and prevent bleed. They offer good isolation, making them perfect for recording to avoid mic spill. However, they might slightly overemphasize low frequencies.

  Open-back Headphones: These allow sound to pass through the ear cups, giving a more natural listening experience. They’re preferred for mixing and mastering due to their flat frequency response but aren’t ideal for recording due to sound bleed.

• What should I consider in terms of comfort?

  Extended studio sessions require comfortable headphones. Look for ones with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads/cups, and a design that doesn’t exert too much clamping pressure. Lighter models are generally more comfortable over long sessions.

• Does impedance matter in studio headphones?

  Yes, impedance (measured in ohms) can influence the sound quality and volume. Headphones with higher impedance require more power to deliver high audio levels, so they’re best paired with equipment that can supply the necessary output (like studio amplifiers). Lower impedance headphones work well with portable devices.

• How important is frequency response?

  For studio applications, a wide and flat frequency response is crucial. It ensures that the headphones reproduce audio as accurately as possible without artificially boosting or decreasing any frequency range.

• Wired vs. Wireless – Which one should I go for?

  While wireless headphones offer mobility and convenience, wired headphones are the gold standard in studios due to their reliability, zero-latency monitoring, and consistent audio quality.

• Are studio headphones suitable for casual listening?

  While designed for professional use, many studio headphones also offer a pleasant listening experience for casual listeners who appreciate a more accurate sound profile.

• How do I maintain and take care of my studio headphones?

  Always store them in a protective case when not in use. Clean the ear pads regularly, avoid extreme temperatures, and ensure the cable is not tangled or strained. Periodically check for wear and tear, especially on replaceable parts.

• What's the difference between studio headphones and consumer headphones?

  Studio headphones prioritize accurate sound reproduction, while consumer headphones might enhance certain frequencies for a more “pleasant” listening experience. The former is designed for professional tasks, and the latter for leisurely listening.

• What's my budget for studio headphones?

  Studio headphones come in various price ranges, from affordable to high-end. Determine your budget, keeping in mind that while premium headphones might offer nuanced improvements, there are many mid-range options offering exceptional value and quality.