Finding the perfect pair of studio headphones is a critical decision for any audio professional or serious hobbyist. The right set can reveal the subtle details in a mix, allowing for precise adjustments and confident decisions. With so many options on the market, from trusted legacy models to modern innovations, selecting the ideal headphones for your workflow can be a challenge.
This roundup focuses on headphones designed specifically for the demands of mixing, mastering, and monitoring. We have compiled a list of ten highly-regarded models that prioritize sound accuracy, comfort for long sessions, and professional build quality. Whether you need the open-back design for a natural soundstage or the isolation of closed-back cans, there is an option here to suit your studio’s needs.
Our Top Picks for Studio Headphones
- beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- Shure SRH840A Professional Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones
- beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
- Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Headphone
- Shure SRH440A Professional Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones
- beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones
- AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X
An evolution of a classic, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X builds upon the beloved acoustic signature of its predecessor with modern upgrades. It features the new STELLAR.45 driver system, which provides a flexible and powerful performance perfect for mixing, mastering, and editing tasks. The open-back design offers a spacious and airy soundstage, helping you place elements within a mix with precision.
Handmade in Germany, these headphones are built to last. A significant improvement is the inclusion of a detachable cable, adding convenience and longevity. With an impedance of 48 Ohms, they are easy to drive from a wide range of audio interfaces and devices without sacrificing sound quality.
Shure SRH840A
The Shure SRH840A is a professional studio headset redesigned for critical listening and monitoring. It offers a tailored frequency response that delivers deep, controlled bass, clear mids, and extended highs with minimal distortion. This accuracy ensures you hear every detail in your recordings and mixes as they were intended.
Built for comfort during long sessions, the SRH840A features an adjustable and collapsible design for easy storage and transport. The upgraded durability and refined ergonomics make this a reliable tool for any studio environment, providing exceptional sound without coloration.
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X
For recording and monitoring situations where sound isolation is key, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X is an excellent choice. This closed-back model retains the trusted acoustic signature of the classic DT 770 PRO, providing a pure, high-resolution sound that is ideal for tracking vocals and instruments without bleed.
Like its open-back sibling, it is equipped with the modern STELLAR.45 driver and a detachable cable. Handmade in Germany with a 48-Ohm impedance, it combines robust construction with easy compatibility with most studio gear, making it a versatile workhorse.
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm
A staple in studios worldwide, the original beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO in 80 Ohm continues to be a top contender for professional recording and monitoring. Its enclosed, over-ear design effectively isolates noise, making it perfect for both studio and live stage use. The sound signature is known for its strong bass response and detailed treble.
These headphones are celebrated for their exceptional comfort, thanks to soft, circumaural velour ear pads that are also replaceable. This model has proven its reliability and performance over years of professional use, earning its legendary status.
Sony MDR7506
The Sony MDR7506 is an industry standard, recognized for its consistent and reliable performance. Featuring large 40mm drivers and neodymium magnets, it delivers a powerful and detailed sound that has been trusted by professionals for decades. The closed-ear design provides good isolation and comfort for extended wear.
Built with a practical, foldable design, the MDR7506 is highly portable. It comes with a long, coiled cable that terminates in a gold-plated plug and includes a 1/4-inch adapter, making it ready for any professional audio setup right out of the box.
Sennheiser HD 600
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a reference-class, open-back dynamic headphone revered by audiophiles and audio engineers alike. It is known for its exceptionally natural and accurate frequency response, which reveals the subtle nuances in music. The lightweight aluminum voice coils contribute to an excellent transient response.
With a sophisticated design finished in black and gray, the HD 600 is both elegant and comfortable. Its open-back construction provides a wide, speaker-like soundstage that is ideal for critical listening sessions where an uncolored and neutral sound is paramount.
Shure SRH440A
The Shure SRH440A offers trusted performance in a modernized and durable package. It provides a transparent and natural sound signature with an enhanced frequency response, making it a reliable tool for monitoring and recording. This model is optimized to work seamlessly with all professional audio devices.
Ideal for those starting their studio journey or needing a dependable secondary pair, the SRH440A features an adjustable and collapsible design for easy portability. It delivers studio-grade clarity without a high price tag, representing excellent value.
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
The original beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a benchmark for open-back studio headphones. It is designed for professional mixing, mastering, and editing, delivering a transparent and spacious sound with a characteristic strong bass and treble response. This sound profile helps in identifying issues in a mix that might be masked on other headphones.
Comfort is a high point, with soft, replaceable velour ear pads that make long sessions manageable. The 80-Ohm version provides a great balance, offering high-quality sound that can be driven well by most audio interfaces while still benefiting from a dedicated headphone amp.
AKG K 701
The AKG K 701 is an ultra-reference class headphone known for its extremely accurate and detailed sound. It utilizes a revolutionary flat-wire voice coil that contributes to its excellent transient response and wide soundstage. This makes it exceptional for critical listening and analytical mixing work.
Built to last with premium components, it features unbreakable metal arches that do not compromise on comfort. The K 701 demands a quality amplifier to perform at its best, but the reward is a revealing and neutral listening experience favored by many audio professionals.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
A legendary name in the studio headphone world, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is praised for its exceptional clarity and deep bass response. It is a closed-back design that provides critical listening accuracy and excellent isolation. These headphones are a common sight in studios, radio stations, and for DJing due to their robust sound and swiveling earcups.
They feature proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-closed aluminum wire voice coils. The ATH-M50x also comes with three detachable cables, including a coiled and two straight cables, offering great flexibility for various studio and field applications.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Studio Headphones for Mixing
When I’m looking for a new pair of studio headphones for mixing, my first stop is always the frequency response. You want a pair that’s as flat and neutral as possible. This means the headphones don’t artificially boost the bass or sparkle the highs, giving you a true, uncolored picture of your audio. If you mix on headphones that hype the low end, your tracks will likely sound thin and weak on other systems. A flat response is your best friend for making decisions that translate well everywhere.
Next up is the critical distinction between closed-back and open-back designs. I use both, but for different jobs. Closed-back headphones have sealed ear cups that isolate you from outside noise and prevent sound from leaking out. They’re my go-to for recording vocals or instruments because they prevent mic bleed. However, that sealed environment can sometimes create a “boxy” sound and isn’t always ideal for long mixing sessions. Open-back headphones have perforated ear cups that let air and sound pass through. This creates a more natural, spacious, and “airy” soundstage, making it easier to place instruments in the mix. The trade-off is that they leak sound and don’t block outside noise, so they’re only for quiet, private studio environments.
Comfort is something you should never underestimate. I’ve had sessions that last for hours, and heavy, clamping headphones can become a real distraction. Look for models with plush, circumaural (around-the-ear) ear pads and an adjustable headband. Materials like velour or high-quality pleather can make a big difference over long periods. Also, check if the ear cups swivel; this helps with getting a good seal and a more natural fit on your head.
Finally, consider the driver size and impedance. Driver size (usually between 40mm and 50mm) can influence the bass response and overall power, but it’s not the only factor. Impedance, measured in ohms (Ω), is more crucial. Lower-impedance headphones (under 80Ω) are easier to drive and can be used directly with your computer or audio interface. Higher-impedance models (250Ω and up) often provide a cleaner signal and better dynamic range but require a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their full potential. Think about your setup; if you don’t have an amp, stick to lower-impedance options. By weighing these factors—flat response, closed vs. open back, comfort, and impedance—you can find the perfect pair of studio headphones for mixing for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between closed-back and open-back headphones for mixing?
The main difference is in their physical design and how they handle sound. Closed-back headphones have solid ear cups that seal in the sound and block out external noise. I find them essential for recording to prevent microphone bleed. Open-back headphones have perforated ear cups that allow sound to escape and air to flow. This design generally provides a more natural and wider soundstage, which I prefer for critical mixing and mastering tasks, as it reduces ear fatigue and feels less “inside your head.”
Do I need a headphone amplifier for my studio headphones?
It depends on the headphones’ impedance and sensitivity. Many modern studio headphones are designed with lower impedance (e.g., 32-80 ohms) and can be driven sufficiently by a standard audio interface or computer output. However, if you opt for high-impedance models (like 250 or 600 ohms), a dedicated headphone amp is pretty much mandatory to provide the necessary power for them to perform correctly. An amp can also offer a cleaner signal and more volume headroom, which can benefit any pair of headphones.
Can I reliably mix a track using only headphones?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to create a great mix using only headphones, especially with the excellent models available today. The key is knowing your tools. You need to learn how your specific pair of headphones translates to other systems like car stereos and consumer earbuds. I always recommend checking your mix on multiple playback systems to identify issues you might miss on headphones alone. Using a plugin that simulates different listening environments can also be a huge help in the process.
How important is comfort for studio headphones?
Comfort is incredibly important and often overlooked. When you’re in the zone during a long mixing session, the last thing you want is to be distracted by aching ears or a tight headband. A good pair of studio headphones for mixing should feel almost unnoticeable after a few hours. Look for features like plush, deep ear pads, a padded headband, and a clamping force that feels secure but not oppressive. If they’re uncomfortable, you won’t use them as much or for as long as you should.
What does a “flat frequency response” mean?
A flat frequency response means the headphones reproduce all frequencies—bass, mids, and treble—at an equal level without boosting or cutting any specific range. This neutrality is the goal for mixing headphones because it gives you an honest, uncolored representation of your audio. If your headphones have a hyped bass, for example, you might end up mixing with too little low end, and your track will sound weak on other systems. A flat response helps your mixes translate accurately.
Are more expensive headphones always better for mixing?
Not necessarily. While high-end headphones often use superior materials and engineering, there are many fantastic and accurate models in the mid-price range that are more than capable of producing professional results. A higher price sometimes pays for brand prestige, luxury materials, or marginal gains in performance. The best headphone for you is the one that provides a flat response, is comfortable for long periods, and fits within your budget. It’s more about how well you know your gear than the price tag.