Music production is a delicate art that requires the right equipment to achieve the desired sound. Headphones are an essential tool in any music production setup, as they allow producers to hear every detail in the music they are creating. However, with so many headphones on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best for music production. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best headphones for music production.
What to Look for in Headphones for Music Production
When choosing headphones for music production, there are several factors to consider:
- Sound Quality: The most important factor is sound quality. The headphones should be able to reproduce the sound of your recordings accurately and without any distortion.
- Accuracy: The headphones should have a flat frequency response, meaning that they don’t exaggerate any particular frequency range.
- Comfort: You’ll likely be wearing the headphones for extended periods of time, so comfort is crucial. Look for headphones with soft padding and an adjustable headband.
- Durability: Music production can be a rough and tumble business, so you need headphones that can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
Criteria for Selecting Headphones for Music Production
Before diving into the top 10 headphones for music production, it’s essential to consider the key criteria that are vital when selecting the best headphones for this purpose. These include:
Frequency Response
The frequency response of headphones is crucial when producing music. Headphones with a flat frequency response are the best for music production, as they reproduce sound accurately without any coloration.
Impedance
Impedance refers to the amount of resistance the headphone has to the electrical signal. A headphone with high impedance requires more power to drive it, while a headphone with low impedance can be driven with less power. For music production, headphones with an impedance between 32 and 80 ohms are ideal.
Sound Isolation
Sound isolation refers to how well the headphone can block outside noise. This is particularly important when recording music or mixing tracks. Closed-back headphones offer better sound isolation than open-back headphones.
Comfort
Comfort is also an important factor to consider when choosing headphones for music production. You will be wearing your headphones for long periods of time, so it is essential to choose a pair that feels comfortable and does not cause any discomfort or fatigue.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are designed to isolate sound, which means that they are ideal for use in noisy environments. Open-back headphones, on the other hand, allow sound to escape, which can result in a more natural and spacious sound.
Top 10 Headphones for Music Production
Now that you know what factors to consider when choosing headphones for music production, let’s take a look at the 10 best headphones for music production:
1. Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a classic reference headphone that has been a favorite among audiophiles and music producers for years. It features an open-back design that provides a wide soundstage and excellent detail, and a flat frequency response that accurately reproduces music. The HD 650 has a high impedance of 300 ohms, which requires a powerful amplifier to drive it, but it rewards with outstanding sound quality.
2. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a legendary headphone that has been used in professional studios for decades. It features an open-back design that applies a spacious soundstage and a natural sound that allows for accurate monitoring. The DT 990 Pro has a frequency response that slightly boosts the bass and treble for an exciting listening experience, but it still provides a flat midrange for accurate monitoring. It has a high impedance of 250 ohms, requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular choice among music producers and DJs, thanks to its balanced sound, excellent isolation, and sturdy build. It has a closed-back design that blocks out external noise and a frequency response that emphasizes bass and treble slightly without sacrificing midrange accuracy. The ATH-M50x has a low impedance of 38 ohms, making it easy to drive from any device.
4. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 is a popular headphone among sound engineers and music producers, thanks to its excellent isolation, detailed sound, and affordable price. It has a closed-back design that blocks out external noise and a frequency response that slightly boosts the bass and treble for an exciting listening experience. The MDR-7506 has a low impedance of 63 ohms, making it easy to drive from most devices.
5. AKG K240 Studio
The AKG K240 Studio is a versatile headphone that delivers a balanced sound suitable for music production and mixing. It features an open-back design that provides a wide soundstage and excellent detail and a flat frequency response that accurately reproduces music. The K240 Studio has a low impedance of 55 ohms, making it easy to drive from most devices.
6. Focal Listen Pro
The Focal Listen Pro is a high-end headphone that offers a clear and detailed sound suitable for music production and mastering. It features a closed-back design that provides excellent isolation and a flat frequency response that accurately reproduces music. The Listen Pro has a low impedance of 32 ohms, making it easy to drive from most devices.
7. Shure SRH840
The Shure SRH840 is a professional-grade headphone that offers a neutral sound suitable for critical listening and music production. It has a closed-back design that isolates sound and a frequency response that provides a flat and accurate sound. The SRH840 has a high impedance of 44 ohms, which requires a dedicated amplifier to drive it to its full potential.
8. Grado SR325e
The Grado SR325e is a unique headphone that delivers a warm and detailed sound suitable for music production and critical listening. It features an open-back design that provides a spacious soundstage and a frequency response that slightly emphasizes the midrange for a natural sound. The SR325e has a low impedance of 32 ohms, making it easy to drive from most devices.
9. Meze Audio 99 Classics
The Meze Audio 99 Classics is a stylish and high-quality headphone that offers a warm and detailed sound suitable for music production and mixing. It features a closed-back design that provides excellent isolation and a frequency response that slightly emphasizes the bass and treble for an exciting listening experience. The 99 Classics has a low impedance of 32 ohms, making it easy to drive from most devices.
10. Audeze LCD-1
The Audeze LCD-1 is a planar magnetic headphone that delivers an accurate and detailed sound suitable for music production and mixing. It features an open-back design that provides a spacious soundstage and a flat frequency response that accurately reproduces music. The LCD-1 has a low impedance of 16 ohms, making it easy to drive from most devices.
Here Is a Comparison Table for Each of the 10 Best Headphones for Music Production:
| Headphones | Type | Frequency Response | Impedance | Sensitivity | Driver Size | Weight | Price |
| Sennheiser HD 650 | Open-back | 10 Hz – 41 kHz | 300 ohms | 103 dB | 40 mm | 260 g | $399 |
| Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro | Semi-open | 5 Hz – 35 kHz | 250 ohms | 96 dB | 45 mm | 295 g | $229 |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Closed-back | 15 Hz – 28 kHz | 38 ohms | 99 dB | 45 mm | 285 g | $149 |
| Sony MDR-7506 | Closed-back | 10 Hz – 20 kHz | 63 ohms | 106 dB | 40 mm | 230 g | $99 |
| AKG K240 Studio | Semi-open | 15 Hz – 25 kHz | 55 ohms | 91 dB | 30 mm | 240 g | $69 |
| Focal Listen Pro | Closed-back | 5 Hz – 22 kHz | 32 ohms | 122 dB | 40 mm | 280 g | $299 |
| Shure SRH840 | Closed-back | 5 Hz – 25 kHz | 44 ohms | 102 dB | 40 mm | 372 g | $199 |
| Grado SR325e | Open-back | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 32 ohms | 99.8 dB | 44 mm | 382 g | $295 |
| Meze Audio 99 Classics | Closed-back | 15 Hz – 25 kHz | 32 ohms | 103 dB | 40 mm | 260 g | $309 |
| Audeze LCD-1 | Open-back | 10 Hz – 50 kHz | 16 ohms | 99 dB | 90 mm | 250 g | $399 |
This comparison table highlights the key specifications and prices of each of these headphones, making it easier to compare and choose the one that fits your budget and preferences for music production.
Conclusion
Choosing the right headphones for music production can make a significant difference in the quality of your work. By considering factors such as open-back vs. closed-back design, frequency response, and impedance, you can narrow down your options and choose the headphones that best suit your needs. The 10 headphones we’ve discussed in this article offer a range of options for different budgets and preferences, all delivering exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?
A. Open-back headphones have a grille on the ear cups that allow air and sound to pass through, creating a spacious soundstage and a more natural sound. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, have a solid ear cup that blocks out external noise and provides more isolation.
Q. What is the frequency response, and why is it important for music production?
A. Frequency response is the range of frequencies that a headphone can reproduce. A flat frequency response means that the headphone can reproduce all frequencies evenly, without emphasizing or de-emphasizing any particular frequency range. This is important for music production because it allows for accurate monitoring and ensures that the mix sounds good across all playback devices.
Q. Do I need a headphone amplifier for high-impedance headphones?
A. High-impedance headphones require more power to drive than low-impedance headphones. While some devices like smartphones and laptops can drive high-impedance headphones, a dedicated headphone amplifier can provide more power and improve sound quality.
Q. Can I use any headphones for music production?
A. While you can technically use any headphones for music production, it’s important to choose headphones that offer accurate monitoring and a flat frequency response. Consumer headphones that are designed for a consumer listening experience may emphasize certain frequencies or have a bass-heavy sound, which can lead to inaccurate monitoring and a mix that doesn’t translate well across all playback devices.
Q. How do I choose the right headphones for my needs?
A. Consider factors such as open-back vs. closed-back design, frequency response, and impedance when choosing headphones for music production. It’s also important to consider your budget and personal preferences for sound signature and comfort. Researching and reading reviews can also help you make an informed decision.