Headphones
Headphones for music production and recording can be difficult to find, but we've got you covered. Check out our must-have headphones with the best options from across a variety of brands, including Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Audio-Technica and more.
What are Headphones?
The history of headphones dates back to the 1940s when they were first used by radio and telephone operators. Since then, there have been massive improvements in technology and quality, making them ideal for personal music listening. Today, headphones are one of the most popular ways to listen to music on the go. After years of development, headphones have come a long way since Nathaniel Baldwin first made them in his kitchen by hand in 1910. Back then, they were crude and uncomfortable to use. But now, they are so much better in terms of sound quality, comfort, and privacy. In fact, the US Navy even ordered 100 pairs prior to World War I!
Circumaural vs. supra-aural headphones
Headphones come in a wide variety of brands and models, each with its own unique features and benefits. On a broader level, headphones can be divided up into two main types: circumaural and supra-aural. Circumaural headphones completely enclose the ear, while the earcups of supra-aural headphones sit on the surface of the ear. Since circumaural headphones go around the ear, they are typically better at blocking out sound. When you research circumaural and supra-aural headphones, you might see certain models advertised as being either “open” or “closed.” Closed headphones have a hardcover that seals the outside of the earcups so that listeners only hear what is playing through their own headphones " not any external noise. With open headphones, the earcups are not covered and do not have any sort of insulating shell. As a result, there is less of a sound barrier between the listener and the outside world. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Studio is an iconic example of closed, circumaural headphones while the Audio-Technica ATH-M2X is a good example of an open supra-aural model.
What should I consider when choosing headphones?
If you're starting a headphone collection or looking for another pair to Compliment your current set, it helps to know the main factors influencing your purchase. That way, you can more easily narrow down your options. Here are the primary considerations when purchasing headphones.
Recording VS Engineering
When it comes to headphones, recording artists and audio engineers may be looking for different specs. A singer or rapper might want closed-back or semi-open headphones in order to monitor themselves while recording, reduce audio bleed back into the microphone and get a clean performance. On the other hand, those who are focused on frequency response may not need to worry as much about this aspect. Meanwhile, audio engineers typically prefer open-back headphones with a flat and accurate frequency response for reference against their other studio monitors. Open-back headphones provide clear stereo separation, which enables audio engineers to make informed mixing decisions in their sessions. One downside of open-back headphones is that they can leak sound, making them less desirable for use when recording or working in a noise-sensitive environment.
Impedance and headphone amplification
Impedance corresponds to the amount of amplification required to power and use your headphones. All headphones need some degree of amplifier " a common impedance level being 32 ohms. Audio engineers looking for improved frequency responses and sound production prefer headphones that require a higher impedance level, which also calls for more amplification output. To make sure you're using compatible devices, it's important to match headphone impedances.
Wired vs. wireless
If you're looking for a totally carefree way to monitor your sound, or if you want the freedom to move around while you wear headphones, then wireless monitoring is probably ideal for you. Just be mindful that Bluetooth can cause latency issues, which might make it unusable during recording sessions or when tracking audio.
Driver size
The world of headphone driver count and size can be confusing. The most important thing to keep in mind is that generally speaking, larger drivers create better frequency response and stereo imaging in your headphones. For shoppers looking at in-ear or live sound monitoring models, additional drivers might need to be considered.
If you're looking for headphones, it's important to decide how you plan on using them first. Studio headphones are made for people in the audio industry who need to be able to pick up on small details and have a wide range of sound. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones are popular among professionals for this reason ” they're used in many recording studios around the world. Studio headphones are beneficial for mixers, musicians, and engineers seeking the best sound quality with minimal outside noise interference. This isolation also means that musicians don’t have to worry about their headphone mix bleeding into microphones, which is essential for professional recordings. Furthermore, studio headphones provide a lucrative listening experience to fans and professionals once the music has been tracked.
If you're looking for headphones that are great for the classroom, check out the Samson CH70 Reference Headphones. If you're a professional DJ, you'll love the Direct Sound EX-29 Isolating Headphones – they offer thick padding, isolation, and incredible clarity, even in noisy clubs. Isolation headphones are most commonly used at shooting ranges in order to protect users’ ears from the incredibly loud gun blasts. When manufacturers installed drivers into these headphones, isolation models became a favorite of drummers everywhere because they provide a way for them to hear other musicians clearly amidst the high SPLs (sound pressure levels) of a drum kit.
Why shop Studio Monitors at MikesMixMaster.com?
All of the products listed on this site have been sourced from different manufacturers and physically tested for quality over long periods of time by real audio engineers. Only products with top reviews and customer satisfaction have been chosen. Affordability has also been taken into account when sourcing these items. There is lots of audio equipment online and it can be hard to know what is actually worth your money, so we've spent hours, days, and months researching and testing these items so you can spend more time recording.