As a musician, your headphones are just as crucial as your instruments. They are essential for making music, whether recording, mixing or just jamming out. But with so many options on the market, knowing which ones to choose can take time and effort. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best headphones for making music, including their features, specifications, and pros and cons.
1) Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- Best audio quality and no sound leakage
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Nice stereo image
- The open-back design provides a spacious soundstage
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is popular with music producers and audiophiles. These are best studio headphones offer a flat, neutral sound signature ideal for mixing and mastering. They have an open-back design with a spacious soundstage and excellent instrument separation. The DT 990 Pro also features soft, velour earpads that provide excellent comfort for long listening sessions. Let’s have a look at the detailed features of the product.
Features:
- The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a high-end open-back studio headphone designed for professional audio applications. Some of its key features include:
- The DT 990 Pro has an open-back design that allows for a natural and spacious soundstage, making it a popular choice among audiophiles and studio professionals.
- The headphone features significant 45mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 5Hz to 35kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The DT 990 Pro has an impedance of 250 ohms, making it ideal for use with high-end audio equipment and a sensitivity of 96 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone has a padded headband and soft ear cushions that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The DT 990 Pro has a rugged construction with a steel headband and aluminum yokes, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
- The headphone has a detachable coiled cable that is 3 meters long and terminates in a 3.5mm jack. It also comes with a 6.35mm adapter with a broader range of audio equipment.
- The DT 990 Pro is compatible with various audio devices, including professional audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and headphone amplifiers.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 35kHz
- Impedance: 250 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96dB
- Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
- Weight: 250g (8.8oz)
Testing Review:
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a high-end studio headphone with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
2) Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Accurate, balanced sound signature
- Ideal for mixing headphones, casual listening and recording audio
- The closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation
- Detachable cable for easy storage and transport
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are budget headphones and are a popular choice for musicians and music producers. These music production headphones offer a balanced, accurate sound signature suitable for various genres. Their closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for recording in noisy environments. The ATH-M50x also features swiveling earcups and a detachable cable for easy storage and transport.
Features:
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular closed-back studio headphone designed for professional audio monitoring and music production. Some of its key features include:
- The headphone features significant 45mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 15Hz to 28kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The ATH-M50x has a closed-back design that provides excellent isolation from external noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments such as recording studios or on-stage performances.
- The headphone has a padded headband and ear cups that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The ear cups also swivel 90 degrees, allowing for easy one-ear monitoring.
- The ATH-M50x has three detachable cables (1.2m – 3.0m coiled cable, 3.0m straight cable, and 1.2m straight cable), allowing for versatile connectivity options. The wires are also interchangeable and can be easily replaced if damaged.
- The ATH-M50x has a rugged construction with a collapsible design that makes it easy to transport. The headphone is built with durable materials that can withstand daily use.
- The ATH-M50x is compatible with various audio devices, including professional audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and headphone amplifiers.
- The ATH-M50x delivers accurate and detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum, making it an ideal choice for music producers, audio engineers, and audiophiles.
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a high-quality closed-back studio headphone with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 28kHz
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Sensitivity: 99dB
- Cable length: 1.2m – 3m (3.9ft – 9.8ft)
- Weight: 285g (10oz)
Testing review
It is highly recommended on the basis of its features.
3) Sennheiser HD 650
- Excellent sound quality
- The open-back design provides a spacious soundstage
- Lightweight, comfortable design
- Ideal for electronic music producers
- Good audio interface
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a high-end Bluetooth headphones widely considered one of the best headphones for music production. These headphones offer a warm, detailed sound signature ideal for critical listening and mixing. They have an open-back design with a spacious soundstage and excellent instrument separation. The HD 650 also features a lightweight, comfortable design that makes them suitable for long listening sessions.
Features:
- The Sennheiser HD 650 is a high-end open-back headphone designed for audiophiles and professional audio monitoring. Some of its key features include:
- The HD 650 has an open-back design that allows for a natural and spacious soundstage, making it a popular choice among audiophiles and studio professionals.
- The headphone features significant 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 41kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The HD 650 impedes 300 ohms, making it ideal for use with high-end audio equipment and a sensitivity of 103 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone has a padded headband and soft velour ear cushions that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The HD 650 has a rugged construction with a titanium/silver finish and high-quality materials, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
- The HD 650 delivers an accurate, detailed, and natural sound signature that is well-balanced across the entire frequency spectrum, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 39.5kHz
- Impedance: 300 ohms
- Sensitivity: 103dB
- Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
- Weight: 260g (9.2oz)
Testing Review:
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a high-end open-back headphone with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
4) Sony MDR-7506
- The MDR-7506 delivers accurate and detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum, making it an ideal choice for music producers, audio engineers, and audiophiles.
- The headphone has a comfortable fit that makes them suitable for extended listening sessions.
- The MDR-7506 is built with high-quality materials that can withstand daily use.
- The MDR-7506 is relatively affordable compared to other high-end studio headphones.
The Sony MDR-7506 is a popular choice for musicians and music producers. These headphones offer a balanced, accurate sound signature suitable for various genres. Their closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for recording in noisy environments.
Features:
- The MDR-7506 has a closed-back design that provides excellent isolation from external noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments such as recording studios or on-stage performances.
- The headphone features 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 20kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The headphone has a padded headband and ear cups that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The MDR-7506 has a folding design that makes it easy to transport and store.
- The MDR-7506 has a rugged construction with high-quality materials that can withstand daily use.
Specifications:
- Driver size: 40mm dynamic drivers
- Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz
- Impedance: 63 ohms
- Sensitivity: 106 dB
- Maximum power input: 1000 mW
- Cable length: 9.8 ft (coiled)
- Connector: Gold-plated 3.5mm stereo mini jack with 1/4″ adapter
- Weight: 8.1 oz (without cable)
Testing Review:
The Sony MDR-7506 is a high-quality closed-back headphone that delivers the accurate sound and a comfortable fit at an affordable price. Its tangle-prone cable and lack of deep bass may be considered drawbacks, but these are minor issues compared to its overall performance and durability.
5) AKG K240 Studio
- Classic, trusted design
- Ideal for studio use
- Balanced, neutral sound signature
- Comfortable, over-ear design with replaceable earpads
The AKG K240 Studio is a classic headphone that has been a staple in music studios for decades. These headphones offer a balanced, neutral sound signature ideal for mixing and monitoring. Their semi-open design provides a good balance of sound isolation and spaciousness. The K240 Studio also features a comfortable, over-ear design with replaceable earpads for long-lasting use.
Features:
- The AKG K240 Studio is a semi-open over-ear headphone designed for studio and professional audio use. Some of its key features include:
- The K240 Studio has a semi-open design that balances the natural soundstage of an open-back headphone and the isolation of a closed-back headphone.
- The headphone features significant 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 15Hz to 25kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The K240 Studio impedes 55 ohms, making it easy to drive with portable devices such as smartphones and laptops, and a sensitivity of 91 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone has a self-adjusting leatherette headband and velour ear cushions that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The K240 Studio delivers a balanced, detailed, natural sound signature well-suited for studio monitoring and critical listening.
- The headphone has a rugged construction with high-quality materials, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
Testing Review:
The AKG K240 Studio is a decent pair of semi-open over-ear headphones with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 25kHz
- Impedance: 55 ohms
- Sensitivity: 91dB
- Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
- Weight: 240g (8.5oz)
6) Shure SRH840
- Flat, accurate sound signature
- Excellent noise isolation
- Comfortable, over-ear design with replaceable earpads
The Shure SRH840 is a professional-grade headphone designed for critical listening and music production. These headphones offer a flat, accurate sound signature ideal for mixing and mastering. Their closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, making them suitable for recording in noisy environments. The SRH840 also features a comfortable, over-ear design with replaceable earpads and a detachable cable for easy storage and transport.
Features:
- The Shure SRH840 is a professional-grade closed-back over-ear headphone designed for critical listening, studio monitoring, and audio production. Here are some of its key features:
- The SRH840 has a closed-back design that provides excellent isolation from external noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments such as recording studios or on-stage performances.
- The headphone features significant 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 5Hz to 25kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The SRH840 impedes 44 ohms, making driving easy with portable devices such as smartphones and laptops. It has a sensitivity of 102 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone has an adjustable padded headband and ear cups, providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The SRH840 has a detachable coiled cable that allows users to move around while listening to music or monitoring audio.
- The SRH840 delivers a balanced, detailed, natural sound signature well-suited for critical listening and studio monitoring.
- The headphone has a rugged construction with high-quality materials, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
Testing Review:
The Shure SRH840 is a high-quality professional headphones headphone with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 25kHz
- Impedance: 44 ohms
- Sensitivity: 102dB
- Cable length: 1.8m (5.9ft)
- Weight: 318g (11.2oz)
7) Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
- Balanced, detailed sound signature
- Excellent noise isolation
- Comfortable, over-ear design with replaceable earpads
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a closed-back headphone popular among musicians and producers. These headphones offer a balanced, detailed sound signature ideal for critical listening and mixing. Their closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, making them suitable for recording in noisy environments. The DT 770 Pro also features a comfortable, over-ear design with replaceable earpads and a single-sided cable for easy storage and transport.
Features:
- The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a closed-back over-ear headphone designed for professional audio applications. Here are some of its key features:
- The DT 770 Pro has a closed-back design that provides excellent isolation from external noise. It is ideal for noisy environments such as recording studios or on-stage performances.
- The headphone features significant 45mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 5Hz to 35kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The DT 770 Pro is available in three impedance versions: 32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms, providing users with flexibility regarding the devices they can drive it with. The headphone also has a sensitivity of 96 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone has a softly padded headband and ear cups that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The DT 770 Pro has a detachable straight cable that allows users to move around while listening to music or monitoring audio.
- The DT 770 Pro delivers a balanced, detailed, natural sound signature well-suited for critical listening and studio monitoring.
- The headphone has a rugged construction with high-quality materials, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
Testing Review:
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a high-quality headphones with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 35kHz
- Impedance: 80 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96dB
- Cable length: 1.6m (5.2ft)
- Weight: 270g (9.5oz)
8) Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
- The ATH-R70x is known for its clear and accurate sound reproduction, making it a perfect choice for critical listening and studio monitoring.
- The headphone features a lightweight, ergonomic design that provides a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The headphone is built with high-quality materials designed to withstand heavy use in professional environments.
- The ATH-R70x has a detachable cable that allows easy replacement or customization.
- The headphone has a wide frequency response range of 5Hz to 40kHz, which means they can reproduce a broad range of audio frequencies.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is a high-end headphone that is designed for professional use. These headphones offer a neutral, accurate sound signature for critical listening and music production. They have an open-back design with a spacious soundstage and excellent instrument separation. The ATH-R70x also features a lightweight, comfortable design with a dual-sided detachable cable for easy storage and transport.
Features:
- The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is an open-back over-ear headphone designed for professional audio applications. Here are some of its key features:
- The ATH-R70x has an open-back design that provides a spacious and natural soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening and audio production.
- The headphone features significant 45mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 5Hz to 40kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The ATH-R70x impedes 470 ohms, making it easy to drive with high-quality headphone amplifiers and a sensitivity of 99 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone is lightweight and comfortable, with a 3D wing support system that conforms to the user’s head shape for a secure and comfortable fit.
- The ATH-R70x has a detachable straight cable that allows users to move around while listening to music or monitoring audio.
- The ATH-R70x delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature with a comprehensive frequency response and excellent transient response, making it well-suited for critical listening and audio production.
- The headphone has a rugged construction with high-quality materials, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
Testing Review:
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is a high-quality open-back over-ear headphone with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability. It is popular among audio professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize a natural and spacious soundstage.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 470 ohms
- Sensitivity: 99dB
- Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
9) Sennheiser HD 660 S
- Exceptional sound quality with the natural and detailed sound signature
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Detachable cable for easy storage and transport
The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a high-end headphone designed for audiophiles and music producers who demand exceptional sound quality. These headphones feature a dynamic, open-back design with a natural, detailed sound signature. The HD 660 S is also lightweight and comfortable, with a detachable cable for easy storage and transport. These headphones are known for reproducing sound with incredible accuracy and clarity, making them ideal for critical listening and music production.
Features:
- The Sennheiser HD 660 S is an open-back over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles and audio professionals. Here are some of its key features:
- The HD 660 S has an open-back design that provides a natural and spacious soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening and audio production.
- The headphone features 38mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets that deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 41kHz, providing excellent sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- The HD 660 S has an impedance of 150 ohms, making it easy to drive with high-quality headphone amplifiers and a sensitivity of 104 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone is lightweight and comfortable, with soft ear pads and a padded headband that provides a secure and comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The HD 660 S has a detachable cable with a 6.35mm connector that provides flexibility for users who need to move around while listening to music or monitoring audio.
- The HD 660 S delivers a detailed and balanced sound signature with a comprehensive frequency response and excellent transient response, making it well-suited for critical listening and audio production.
- The headphone has a high-quality construction with metal components and replaceable ear pads, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
- The HD 660 S also comes with a hard-shell storage case and two detachable cables, one with a 6.35mm connector and one with a 4.4mm connector, providing added convenience and flexibility for users.
Testing Review:
The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a high-quality open-back over-ear headphone with excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability. It is popular among audiophiles and audio professionals who prioritize a natural and spacious soundstage.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 41kHz
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Sensitivity: 104dB
- Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
- Weight: 260g (9.2oz)
10) Focal Clear Professional
- Exceptional sound quality with the natural and transparent sound signature
- Comfortable design with soft ear cushions and flexible headband
- High-quality materials and construction
- No ambient noise
- Ideal for a studio environment
- wireless Bluetooth connectivity
The Focal Clear Professional is a high-end headphone designed for music producers and audiophiles who demand the best sound quality. These headphones feature an open-back design with an extremely natural and transparent sound signature. The Clear Professional also features a comfortable design, soft ear cushions, and a flexible headband for long listening sessions. These headphones are known for their incredible accuracy and resolution, making them ideal for critical listening and music production.
Features:
- The Clear Professional’s open-back design provides a natural and spacious soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening and audio production.
- The headphone features large 40mm M-shaped dome drivers made of aluminum and magnesium. It delivers a frequency response of 5Hz to 28kHz and exceptional detail, making it ideal for monitoring, mixing, and mastering.
- The Clear Professional has an impedance of 55 ohms, making it easy to drive with a wide range of audio devices and a sensitivity of 104 dB, ensuring it can be driven to high volumes without distortion.
- The headphone is lightweight and comfortable, with soft ear pads and a padded headband that provides a secure and comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- The Clear Professional has a detachable cable with a 3.5mm connector that provides flexibility for users who need to move around while listening to music or monitoring audio.
- The Clear Professional delivers a detailed and balanced sound signature with a comprehensive frequency response and exceptional transient response, making it well-suited for critical listening and audio production.
- The headphone has a high-quality construction with metal components and replaceable ear pads, making it durable and able to withstand daily use.
- The Clear Professional also comes with a carrying case and two detachable cables, one with a 3.5mm connector and one with a 6.35mm connector, providing added convenience and flexibility for users.
Testing Review:
The Focal Clear Professional is a high-quality active noise cancelling open-back over-ear headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts who demand accuracy and detail in their audio.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 28kHz
- Impedance: 55 ohms
- Sensitivity: 104dB
- Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
- Weight: 450g (15.9oz)
Final Thought
In conclusion, you have a number of options like open-back studio headphones, closed-back studio headphones, and affordable studio headphones for making music.
However, choosing the best headphones for making music is crucial for any producer or musician. The right pair of headphones can significantly affect the quality of your recordings and mixes. When looking for headphones, it’s essential to consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, durability, and price. Additionally, choosing headphones that cater to your specific needs, such as closed-back or open-back, can help you achieve the desired sound.
FAQs
What makes headphones suitable for making music?
Headphones suitable for making music should have a flat frequency response and offer accurate sound reproduction. They should also have a good level of noise isolation so that you can hear the details of your recordings and mixes without external distractions.
Should I choose open-back or closed-back headphones for making music?
It depends on your preference and the type of music you produce. Open-back headphones offer a more natural sound and are suitable for mixing and mastering. On the other hand, closed-back headphones provide better noise isolation and are ideal for recording and tracking.
Are expensive headphones always better for making music?
Not necessarily. While expensive headphones may offer better sound quality and comfort, many affordable options can provide excellent results. Finding a pair of headphones that fit your budget and meet your specific needs is essential.
Can I use regular headphones for making music?
While regular headphones can be used for making music, they may not provide the necessary accuracy and sound quality for professional-level recordings and mixes. Using headphones specifically designed for making music is recommended for the best results.
How do I take care of my headphones?
To ensure the longevity of your headphones, it’s essential to store them properly and keep them clean. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures and moisture, and clean them regularly with a soft cloth. Additionally, handle them with care and avoid bending or twisting them.
