Top 5 Studio Headphones for Music Production

Studio headphones are an essential tool in the world of music production. Choosing the best headphones for recording, monitoring, and even mixing music in a portable studio, home studio, or professional recording studio is one of the most important decisions and one that will have the most impact on the final sound of our productions.

In the following article, from GuitarRec online recording studio, we want to recommend 5 of the best studio headphones based on our experience and the opinions of some of our collaborating sound engineers. You will also read about the pros and cons of each type of headphone (closed, semi-open, open) along with some tips and plugins to help you counteract their weak points.

Using Headphones in Recording Studios

The increase in processor power along with the reduction in the size of computer components makes it increasingly common for producers to work with a portable system. In this case, monitoring (listening to what we are recording and mixing) will always be easier with studio headphones than with nearfield monitors, which require a minimum of acoustic conditioning in the room to achieve reliable results.

Using Closed Headphones

Whether working in a professional studio or a home studio, when recording instruments, we will always use headphones to monitor and listen to the reference and/or click track. In this case, we will always aim to use closed headphones as they leak the least sound to the outside. The sense of isolation can lead to greater auditory fatigue if used during long studio sessions.

Using Semi-Open and Open Headphones

Both types allow more external sound to come in and out, making them more comfortable to use, but they are not the best headphones for recording in booths since the sound may bleed into the microphone. However, they are the most reliable and flat for mixing (if we choose to mix with headphones) or for EQ decisions and tweaking mix aspects combined with the use of nearfield monitors.

What Type of Headphones Do I Need for My Studio?

We recommend having at least two headphones in your home studio. A closed-back pair (for recording or for the person being recorded) and a semi-open (or even open) pair for monitoring further away from the microphone (recording another person) or for mixing if chosen due to lack of good monitors or proper room acoustic treatment.

Having two pairs of headphones will also allow you to record another person while monitoring. If your budget doesn’t allow you to start with both, start with one, but be aware of its limitations and proper use. Take it step by step…

The 5 Best Studio Headphones

Here is our list of the best studio headphones, their features, and our opinion on them. We include links to buy them on Amazon, which has a great return policy and competitive prices. Additionally, if you purchase through our links, you help us grow and create more content without increasing the final purchase price in any way.

The order in which we present the recommended headphones is not based on preference. Each headphone has a use and qualities detailed in the description. Choose the one that best suits your needs. Remember, it’s a long-term investment, and you won’t go wrong with any of them.

Audio-Technica M50x (closed-back studio headphones)

One of the most popular and widely seen headphones in studios worldwide recently. Although their strongest point is not the isolation level (despite being categorized as closed-back headphones), their sound is very natural and precise. They are comfortable, and with their low impedance (38 Ohms), they provide sufficient power in systems without a professional headphone amplifier or the one included in external sound cards.

They come with two detachable cables, undoubtedly a plus as it prevents the need for repairs involving disassembling the headphones in case of cable damage—one of the most common causes of issues when working with studio headphones.

Other features of the Audio-Technica M50 are:

• Frequency response: 15 – 28000 Hz
• SPL: 99 dB
• Impedance: 38 Ohms
• Weight (without cable): 241 g
• Includes a carrying pouch

Audio-Technica ATH-M40 X (closed-back headphones)

As an alternative, here’s the link to its “little brother,” the Audio-Technica ATH-M40 X, with a slightly smaller diaphragm, shorter cable, and a slightly lower price. It maintains similar quality and performance to the M50X.

These studio headphones are a good professional option to consider, especially if you don’t have the budget for some of the other options on this list.

Features of the ATH-M40 X:

• Frequency response: 15 – 24000 Hz
• Impedance: 35 Ohms
• SPL: 97 dB
• 2 detachable cables (coiled and 1.5m straight)
• Weight (without cable): 241 g

Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro (closed-back studio headphones)

The DT-770 Pro by German manufacturer Beyerdynamic is one of the current standards in recording booths worldwide. Being a closed-back headphone with fairly good isolation, its natural habitat is the recording booth (if you have one) to avoid click track or reference sound leaking into the studio microphone during recordings.

While the sound of these headphones is not as precise as other more open options, in our opinion, they are well-balanced in frequency and allow immediate decisions that can later be refined using studio monitors or other headphones for mixing processes.

Here are some features of the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro (32 Ohm) (the model with the lowest impedance):

• Frequency response: 5-35,000 Hz
• Cable length: 1.6m (non-detachable without disassembly)
• Sensitivity: 96 dB/SPL
• Weight with cable: 317 g
• Includes carrying pouch

Beyerdynamic DT 880 250 Ohm (semi-open headphones)

The DT 880 by Beyerdynamic is one of the best headphones we’ve tested for making EQ decisions, monitoring, and mixing. With a fairly flat frequency response and good bass response, they are perfect for mixing tasks as an online music producer of any genre.

These semi-open headphones strike a balance between the comfort and sound of open-back headphones while reducing the risk of sound bleeding into microphones (though they are still not highly recommended for recording unless used at very low volume). The 880 in its 250 Ohm version is a great professional option if you work with a good headphone amplifier (at least one included in any external audio interface) or a dedicated headphone distributor.

They are very comfortable, durable, and the sound is pleasant for long studio sessions. In our opinion, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 is one of the best semi-open headphones for precise studio work such as mixing or mastering.

More features of the DT 880:

• Frequency range: 5 – 35,000 Hz
• Weight: 290 g
• 3m cable (non-detachable without disassembly)
• SPL: 96 dB

Sennheiser HD-25 (closed-back headphones)

The iconic HD-25 from Sennheiser has been one of the most widely used headphones for years by producers, musicians, and DJs worldwide. They are closed-back headphones, though supra-aural (resting on the ears). With powerful, reliable sound and an impedance of 70 ohms (more than sufficient for any type of amplifier), they have become a favorite among live musicians (very common for drummers and DJs on stage) and for recording in professional or home studios.

While you won’t get the flattest sound possible for mixing, they stand out for their low weight (only 140 grams), resistance, and durability.

More features of the Sennheiser HD-25:

• Max. SPL: 120 dB
• Frequency response: 16 – 22,000 Hz
• Detachable 1.5m cable
• Weight: 140 g

Extra: Rode NTH-100 (closed-back studio headphones)

We’re adding to the list one of the most widely used studio headphones today, standing out for their robust construction, flexibility with a detachable cable, and ergonomic design focused on comfort in professional and home studio environments.

The Rode NTH-100 has become one of the most popular alternatives for studio headphones, challenging iconic brands like Beyerdynamic and Audio-Technica. These closed-back, circumaural headphones offer excellent clarity and sonic precision, ideal for monitoring and mixing tasks. Additionally, their comfort is guaranteed thanks to memory foam ear cushions with cooling gel, perfect for long working sessions.

More features of the Rode NTH-100:

• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Max SPL: 110 dB
• Frequency response: 5 – 35,000 Hz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.03% at 1 kHz
• Weight: 350 g
• Detachable 2.4m cable
• Cooling gel cushions for extra comfort

Recommended Software and Plugins for Mixing with Studio Headphones

1. Compared to speakers, headphone sound often feels too wide, as if part of the stereo image’s center is missing. Plugins like Goodhertz’s CanOpener Studio help control this and other aspects related to headphone use.
2. Another issue is that headphones often have irregular, exaggerated, or unnatural frequency response curves. This can result from their design or the lack of natural bass reinforcement you would experience in a real room with speakers. Plugins to simulate control rooms for headphone use, like Acustica Audio’s Sienna, address this.
3. For frequency response curves, GuitarRec uses a corrective plugin (especially for rooms with monitors) with presets for balancing the frequency levels of major headphone models. The plugin is Sonarworks SoundID Reference (with an included room measurement microphone).

Lastly, remember: take care of the cable 😉 and protect your hearing by using moderate volume (hearing loss is a serious and irreversible problem!). We hope you enjoy recording and mixing music with the ones you choose.

(Extra) Other Studio Headphones (Best Sellers)

Here’s a list of some of the most popular studio headphones currently available on Amazon.

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