Choosing headphones for your studio can be something of a process. Because everyone has different expectations when it comes to comfort and different opinions on what sounds accurate, choosing which headphones are best for you may be a process of trial and error. Before embarking on your journey to find the perfect headphones for your studio, you should know that isolation, balance, and size play huge roles in making the perfect pair of headphones. Keep in mind that if you aren’t comfortable wearing a pair of headphones, listening to your music for hours on end may not be as enjoyable.
Focal Spirit Professional Pro Studio Headphones – closed
Pro: Produce a pure soundCon: May be too small and tight for listeners
If these fit your ears properly, then be prepared to experience high quality sound. Many have complained that this particular pair of headphones can only be worn for a short period of time because of how tight they are and how small the ear cups seem but everyone agrees on the sound quality. The clarity these offer your music makes mixing and mastering easy as well but these, because of the discomfort they cause, are not suggested for use in casual environments.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium 250 ohm
Pro: Very comfortable and great soundCon: Faulty construction and short lifespan
When these headphones first come out of their box, you will probably fall in love with the amazing sound quality. Not only do these Beyerdynamic headphones give you great balance and sonic accuracy, they are also very comfortable. Since they are open back, they do not block out sound, however, and most customers strongly recommend pairing these with an amp. In time, customers complain that these headphones stop working or break.
Sennheiser HD25-1 II Closed-Back Headphones
Pro: Close-back makes for superior isolationCon: Clamping pressure is uncomfortable
Comfort varies from person to person but quite a few say that these headphones will squeeze rather tight. The discomfort could be worth it though once you take a listen with these. The isolation is possibly the best feature on these which can help you listen more closely to the track you’re playing. Without outside noise distracting you, these headphones will have you listening to crisp and balanced music.
NAD-VISO HP50
Pro: Balanced with solid bassCon: Do not fit well
Everyone agrees that the sound that comes from these headphones is quite good. The bass isn’t amplified but it is solid and the music never seems muddy.The balance found when using these headphones may come from the Room Feel Technology that is present in them. This technology allows listeners to hear each an every piece component of their music as if they were hearing it performed live. Unfortunately customers have complained that these headphones can be quite tight.
Audio-Technica ATH M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Pro: Excellent, natural baseCon: Struggles with upper mid range frequencies
This pair of Audio-Technica headphones seem to offer a unique experience for everyone who tries them out. Some claim they have great balance with amazing bass. Others say that the very low bass range does not get picked up well at all and that these headphones struggle with the upper mid-range frequencies. Generally, these produce a good sound if you’re just looking for something simple. Comfort may be another issue, however, as many have noted how heavy they are and how tight they fit.
AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Headphones
Pro: Self-adjusting headband makes for comfortCon: Poor construction and music “bleeds”
With these you can listen to your music for hours because the adjustable headband and large ear cups make this particular pair of headphones very comfortable. The sound is of decent quality but the burn in time is a bit high at 200 hours. Some experienced audiophiles don’t believe these should be used for studio use but instead they should be marketed towards the casual listener. Whether or not you think these sound flat enough, your friends and family might be able to offer their opinion on how your music sounds. This is what is referred to as your music bleeding. These headphones are not sealed quite enough to keep your music inside the ear cups.
Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones
Pro: Provide great sound for home recordingCon: Thin padding makes these headphones uncomfortable
These Shure closed back headphones are perfect for isolating guitar sounds and careful listening. The sound quality is great for a studio environment but many complain that these headphones are very uncomfortable. Both the band and the ear covering have little padding.
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Pro: Comfortable and well builtCon: Not for someone who wants an amplified base experience while listening
This pair of Sonys produce a clear, true sound in comfort even if you’re listening or playing for hours. They are lightweight and well built. In fact, they can easily fold up and be placed in a traveling case. This is perfect for someone who has to take their music and guitar from one venue to the next. Customers have complained that these do not amplify the bass and louder volumes may cause issues with the quality of sound.
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Pro: Very long cord reaching 9′Con: Low volume has been a common complaint
Overall these headphones produce a great sound but it may be a little quiet for your liking. If you’re an audiophile, these headphones might not pick up all the lower tones you had hoped they would. On a positive note, however, listening from a distance is easy with the 9′ cord. You could easily plug them into your guitar and then into a laptop and go sit across the room to listen for a few hours. A few hours may be all you can stand though before your ears start to get just a little too warm.
Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
Pro: Little distortion even when listening to and working on mixesCon: The construction may be a bit flimsy
The sound quality of these Behringer headphones has shocked a lot of people who have used them. They can handle loud music without losing clarity and can easily plug into a guitar amp. The problem may be how long these headphones can last as they have been said to feel “cheap”. The outer shell is made of a thin plastic and the band allows for a good amount of width. For the price, this pair is great for someone just starting out or someone in a pinch for replacement headphones.