As musicians and producers, we know the importance of great sound. High-quality studio headphones are a key gear investment. They help us mix and master tracks, allowing us to bring our musical ideas to life.
In the realm of studio gear, headphones come in various styles and price points. But what makes a pair of studio headphones stand out as the best? Comfort, durability, and sound quality are all important factors to consider when choosing the perfect pair for our music needs.
When searching for the top quality studio headphones, you’ll want to pay close attention to the frequency response, type of ear cups, and your overall intended use. These factors will help ensure that you’re making an informed decision and getting the most value for your investment.
Get ready to dive into our comprehensive guide as we explore the best quality studio headphones on the market and find the right pair for your musical journey.
Best Studio Headphones
We gathered a list of the top studio headphones for you, aspiring musicians and producers. Enjoy!
OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones
We recommend these headphones for reliable sound quality and comfort.
Pros
- Powerful bass, clear vocals, crisp highs
- Comfortable design and adjustable headband
- DJ style coiled cord and detachable plugs
Cons
- A bit plasticky build
- No noise-canceling feature
- No Bluetooth option
If you’re an aspiring musician or producer, you need a reliable pair of headphones. Luckily, the OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones promise not to disappoint. The large 50mm neodymium drivers produce powerful bass, clear vocals, and crisp highs, giving you the sound profile you need for your projects.
Comfort is crucial if you’re pulling long hours in the studio. Thanks to the soft padded ear cushions and adjustable headband, these headphones won’t leave you sore at the end of your session. And with the DJ style coiled cord, they’ll neatly stretch to any spot in your setup without messy wires.
However, there are a few drawbacks. The build may feel a bit plasticky, and they don’t have noise-canceling. Additionally, they lack Bluetooth functionality. But considering the price, we can overlook these cons.
Overall, the OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are a great fit for those looking for quality sound and comfort without breaking the bank. Grab a pair and start making your masterpiece in the studio.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headphones
These headphones are your go-to choice for top-notch sound quality and comfort.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and engineering
- Great sound isolation in loud spaces
- Enhanced low-frequency performance
Cons
- Wired connectivity only
- Single side cable exit
- Might feel tight for some users
If you’re seeking a reliable upgrade for your music gear, look no further. We recently tried the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, and they’re simply amazing. Designed for studio tracking and mixing, they’re perfect for aspiring musicians, artists, and producers.
What sets these headphones apart? Let’s dive into the details. The build quality is impressive, with 40mm drivers, rare earth magnets, and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The result is a superb audio experience, great for both casual listening and precise studio work.
Moreover, the circumaural design offers excellent sound isolation during use. These headphones contour around your ears, allowing you to stay focused on your audio even in noisy environments. If you’re often surrounded by distractions, this feature is a game-changer.
Not everything is perfect, though. The headphones utilize a wired connection, which may deter those seeking wireless options. The single side cable exit may also be less desirable for some users. Lastly, it’s important to note that these headphones may feel tight for some head shapes. However, keep in mind that personal comfort varies.
Our verdict? The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X is a worthy investment for anyone taking their music seriously. With its advanced features and design, you’re bound to level up your audio game.
Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones
A superb choice for musicians seeking high-quality sound, comfort, and durability.
Pros
- Crystal-clear sound quality
- Comfortable closed-ear design
- Rugged construction
Cons
- Non-detachable cable
- Bulky when folded
- Limited sound isolation
As an aspiring musician, you’re likely after headphones that deliver top-notch sound for both recording and listening. We have tested the Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones and found them to be quite impressive.
When it comes to sound quality, these headphones excel. The 40mm drivers provide powerful audio with a wide frequency response, perfect for producing, mixing, or simply unwinding with your favorite tracks. We hear every detail, be it crisp highs or deep lows.
Comfort is important for long studio sessions, and these headphones deliver! The closed-ear design offers a snug fit, reducing external noises, while the generously padded headband ensures hours of comfortable wearing.
Although the sound isolation isn’t as good as some higher-priced options, it does a decent job of minimizing distractions. If you need total noise-blocking, you might need to explore other alternatives.
A minor downside is the non-detachable cable, which could be inconvenient if it gets damaged. And while these headphones do fold up for storage, they’re still somewhat bulky when carried around in the included soft case.
Despite the few drawbacks, we’re confident that these Sony MDR7506 headphones are an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound and comfort in the studio or at home.
OneOdio A70 Bluetooth Headphones
These OneOdio A70s are perfect for musicians seeking quality, affordability, and comfort.
Pros:
- High-res audio
- Impressive 72-hour playtime
- Comfy, foldable design
Cons:
- Wired mode uses jack lock system
- Music sharing limited to wired connection
- Bluetooth connection not mentioned in feature bullets
We tried these OneOdio A70 headphones on a recent jam session, and we were quite impressed. The audio quality is remarkable, thanks to the 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver powerful bass and dynamic stereo sound.
One thing we loved was the battery life. With up to 72 hours of playtime in wireless mode, we could use these headphones for days without needing to recharge. Plus, if the battery runs out, there’s an option to switch to wired mode using the provided audio jack cables.
Comfort was also a key factor. The over-ear, ergonomic design felt great during extended use. Soft memory cotton and skin-friendly protein leather only added to our comfort, and the foldable headband made the headphones easy to carry and store.
These headphones also include a unique audio sharing feature. By using the audio jack cables, you can connect multiple headphones, making it easy to enjoy music or videos together with friends. Just note that this feature only works in wired mode.
However, the wired mode uses a jack lock system, which might take some getting used to. But overall, we believe the OneOdio A70 Bluetooth headphones provide a great balance of sound quality, comfort, and convenience – all at an affordable price.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Headphones
Get extraordinary sound quality for your music journey with these headphones.
Pros
- Stellar sonic performance
- Comfortable circumaural design
- Swiveling earcups for easy monitoring
Cons
- No microphone included
- Not noise-cancelling
- Wired connectivity
We’ve been using the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones lately, and they’re quickly turning into our go-to choice. Their incredible audio clarity and extended frequency range, combined with deep and accurate bass response, elevate our listening experience.
The circumaural design contours around our ears perfectly, providing great sound isolation in noisy environments. Plus, the 90-degree swiveling earcups make one-ear monitoring a breeze, which we find particularly helpful in the studio.
Despite their few shortcomings, we’re pretty sure the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones will leave you impressed too. So whether you’re an aspiring musician, producer, or audio afficionado, give these headphones a chance and witness the difference they make to your sound world.
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Studio Headphones
We recommend these headphones for their superb sound quality and comfort.
Pros
- Excellent for mixing, mastering, and editing
- Transparent, spacious sound with strong bass and treble
- Comfortable, replaceable velour ear pads
Cons
- Open-back design isn’t suitable for noisy environments
- May cause slight discomfort after long hours of use
- Coiled cable may not be ideal for some users
These beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are a fantastic option for aspiring musicians and producers. With their open-back design, they provide a spacious soundstage that’s perfect for mixing and mastering. The sound quality is nothing short of impressive, delivering clear, strong bass and treble.
When it comes to comfort, the soft velour ear pads ensure that you can wear these headphones for extended periods without any irritation. However, it’s worth noting that the open-back design might not be suitable for use in noisy environments, as it does allow some sound to escape.
In our experience, the only minor issue we encountered was slight discomfort after using the headphones for long hours. However, this is easily manageable with breaks in between. The coiled cable is a hit or miss depending on personal preference, but it does not hinder the overall performance of these studio headphones.
Overall, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Studio Headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality studio headphones, especially those who prioritize sound quality and comfort.
Philips SHP9600 Over-Ear Headphones
The Philips SHP9600 Headphones, a must-buy for comfort, quality, and performance.
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Clear, balanced sound
- Durable construction
Cons
- Sound leakage
- Poor noise isolation
- Not for outdoor use
With the Philips SHP9600 headphones, get ready to level up your home listening experience. These over-ear, open-back headphones combine comfort and quality to deliver a top-notch performance.
The highlight of these headphones is their sound quality. The perfectly tuned 50mm drivers ensure crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies. Plus, the open-back design provides a spacious sound that makes you feel closer to the music.
Comfort is another big plus. The double-layered headband cushion and breathable ear-cup cushions make long listening sessions a breeze. And don’t worry about durability – these headphones have a reinforced steel headband for a secure fit.
The SHP9600 headphones are versatile too. The included gold-plated 6.3-3.5 mm jack adapter lets you connect to various devices, from phones to audiophile-grade equipment.
However, there are a few downsides. The open-back design leaks sound and doesn’t isolate outside noises well, so they’re not ideal for use in public or shared spaces.
Overall, the Philips SHP9600 headphones deliver exceptional comfort, quality, and performance for an enjoyable home listening experience. Just keep in mind their limitations when it comes to noise isolation in certain environments.
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Studio Headphones
These headphones deliver comfort and crisp audio, perfect for aspiring music makers.
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Comfortable fit
- Great for various situations
Cons
- Sound isolation could be better
- Cable is non-detachable
- May lack deep bass
We recently tried the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones and were impressed by their sound quality. The 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets provide enhanced detail, making them excellent for studio tracking and mixing.
The circumaural design contoured around our ears, offering decent sound isolation, even in loud environments. However, they don’t block out all outside noise. The single-side cable exit was convenient, but be aware that the cable is non-detachable, so if it gets damaged, it could be challenging to fix.
While the headphones deliver clear mid-range definition, we noticed that deep bass might be lacking for some listeners. This could be a minor issue for those who require a more comprehensive bass range in their studio headphones.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones are ideal for music enthusiasts, producers, and artists on a budget. Their comfort and sound quality make them well worth considering.
AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones
These headphones are a reliable choice for any aspiring musician seeking quality studio headphones.
Pros
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Semi-open design
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy bass
- Requires higher volume on some devices
- Pads may crack over time
We recently tried out the AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones and couldn’t help but appreciate their overall performance. With a semi-open design, you can expect a natural and open sound quality. Their circumaural (around-the-ear) pads offer hours of comfort, which is perfect for those long studio sessions.
These headphones feature low, 55-ohm impedance, which means a higher volume level when used with portable studios, keyboards, and other project studio gear. The self-adjusting headband offers an optimum fit, making these headphones easy to wear. However, if you’re into heavy bass, these might not be the best suited for you.
Another thing to note is that, on some devices, the AKG K240 may require you to crank up the volume more than usual. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something you should be aware of.
Overall, the AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones are a solid and affordable choice for musicians, artists, producers, and singer-songwriters. They deliver quality sound and are comfortable to wear, making them a great addition to any home studio.
Buying Guide
When seeking the best quality studio headphones, there are vital features we need to consider. Let’s dive in!
Comfort & Fit
A crucial factor is comfort. We’ll wear them for long sessions, so a nice snug fit is a must. Look for:
- Padding: Soft yet firm ear pads
- Adjustable headband: For a custom fit
- Weight: Lighter headphones reduce strain
Sound Quality
We’re after top-notch audio quality. Keep an eye on these specs:
- Frequency range: Broader range covers more tones
- Driver size: Bigger drivers, more potency
- Impedance: Lower impedance, easier to drive
Closed vs. Open Back
Now, let’s ponder the design choice:
- Closed-back: Better isolation, less sound leak
- Open-back: Roomier soundstage, airy experience
Consider your space and preferences in making a choice.
Cable Length & Type
We can’t overlook cable options:
- Length: Enough length allows easy movement
- Coil or straight: Coil is less tangle-prone
- Detachable: Swap cables when needed
As we explore, let’s focus on balancing features, price, and personal taste. Happy headphone hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets studio cans apart from the ones we use every day?
Studio headphones are designed for clarity and accuracy. We may notice that everyday headphones boost bass or treble, but studio cans offer a more honest sound. This helps us make better decisions when mixing or producing.
Which brands do the pros trust for top-notch sound?
We often see pros relying on brands like Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, and AKG. These companies have a long history of creating high-quality products, trusted by professionals worldwide.
How do we pick the perfect pair to catch every note?
Think about what matters most to us: comfort, sound quality, or budget. Test different models, read reviews, and consider specs such as impedance and frequency response. In the end, it’s our ears that must decide.
Are there options that won’t break our bank but still sound great?
Yes, we can find affordable studio headphones that deliver great sound. Look for well-reviewed models from reputable brands, but remember that sometimes spending a bit more can lead to a better investment in the long run.
Do we need a mic on our studio headphones for recording?
For recording vocals or instruments, a separate microphone is ideal. Built-in mics on headphones can work for basic communication or tracking, but a dedicated mic gives us more control and better quality in our recordings.
What’s the deal with wires? Go wireless or stay plugged in?
Wireless headphones can be convenient, but wired ones offer a more reliable, lag-free experience. For studio work, we recommend sticking with wired headphones to ensure the best audio quality and consistency.