#10 Best Studio Headphones for Mixing 2023
Creating an audio masterpiece needs more than a talent but also a cooperative friend. Take these best studio headphones for mixing and be productive now!
👤 Written by: | L. W. R. Ulla |
⏳ Updated on: | |
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👀 Reader: | 32 views |
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Mixing, recording, and mastering can be more tiring when you are not featured with the best studio headphones. Either the noise sounds like a crumble, the detail seems to keep missing, the cord is too annoying, or other obstacles. Meanwhile, we know creating music is fun but too complicated to handle; you need a partner that can work cooperatively to produce the masterpiece with less stress. Here are the best studio headphones for mixing.
On this list, we have collected the best studio headphones for mixing in 2022 and are backed up by the audiophile expertise on their blog in examining these studio headphones. What are they? How do they work? Get your curiosity answered by keep scrolling this page!
Table of contents
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1.AKG Pro Audio K872 Master Reference: Delivering best-in-class headroom and dynamic range
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2.Shure SRH1840 Open-back Mastering and Studio Headphones: Delivers the unmatched acoustic performance
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3.AKG Pro Audio K245 Over-Ear: Greater low-frequency extension
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4.Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone : Recommended for any mixing and mastering enthusiasts
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5.Sennheiser HD 560 S Headphones: Moderately high impedance at 120 ohms
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6.Superlux HD 681 Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones : Slightly sharp sound that makes it perfect for studio works
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7.Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone : An old friend to many audio technicians and engineers
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8.Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio: Studio headphone quality with price three times lower
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9.Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones: Often praised by many top audio engineers
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10.Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones: Three levels of world-class noise cancellation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What makes the best studio headphones for mixing necessary?
When mixing, you need an audio tool that helps you to notice the sound representation of the soundstage. And for this, you cannot use neutral-listening headphones because there are many details you need to notice. By using the best studio headphones for mixing, you can get the closest portrayal of your audio mixing being heard by the audience.
Which is better, open-back or closed-back headphones?
For the best studio headphones for mixing, you can use both according to your needs. It won’t matter which headphones you use for classy audio mixing in the studio. However, there are obvious differences between the two.
- Open-back headphones have higher audio leakage, so people around you can still hear what’s playing in your ears. For mixing, open back helps you make the right decisions and is comfortable for long mixing sessions. Generally, many experts advise picking this type for your mixing project.
- Closed-back headphones are tighter. They tend not to leak, or only slightly. So this type of headphone is suitable for recording backing tracks or what others call clean vocal tracks.
How to know the comfortability of these mixing studio headphones?
While audio projection is important, comfortability level is also something not to be overlooked when deciding on the best studio headphones for mixing. Here are some points that indicate the comfort level of the headphones on your head.
- The padding: should be thick and stuffy enough to protect your ear
- The earcups: oversized earcups for large ears will be so comfortable
- The cord: either wireless or wired, the cord is the aspect you need to consider
What to consider the best studio headphones for mixing?
- Impedance: measured in ohm, it defines the power your headphones need.
- Sensitivity: measured in dB, it tells how loud your headphones are during practice.
- Frequency response: measured in Hz, it covers the frequency range your item can output.
- Driver type: it can be dynamic or magnetic.
- Driver diameter: the more powerful bass and overall sound you need, the larger the driver.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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AKG
Pro Audio K872 Master Reference | #1 | Amazon Reverb.com eBay |
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Shure
SRH1840 Open-back Mastering and Studio Headphones | #2 | Amazon Sweetwater.com eBay |
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AKG
Pro Audio K245 Over-Ear | #3 | Amazon Akg.com eBay |
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Beyerdynamic
DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone | #4 | Amazon Sweetwater.com eBay |
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Sennheiser
HD 560 S Headphones | #5 | Amazon Bestbuy.com eBay |
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Superlux
HD 681 Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones | #6 | Amazon Thomannmusic.com eBay |
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Sony
MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone | #7 | Amazon Bhphotovideo.com eBay |
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Samson
Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio | #8 | Amazon Sweetwater.com eBay |
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Audio-Technica
ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones | #9 | Amazon Bestbuy.com eBay |
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Bose
QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones | #10 | Amazon Sweetwater.com eBay |
10 List of Best Studio Headphones for Mixing
- Have a problem
with this product?#1AKG Pro Audio K872 Master Reference
Delivering best-in-class headroom and dynamic range
3 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:In the first list of the best studio headphones for mixing, AKG with the Pro Audio K872 takes first place. With 53mm transducers, these headphones can deliver best-in-class headroom and dynamic range. Making it perfect for mastering, mixing, and mastering references anywhere, on the go, as this item is portable. Even better, the construction of this item is made of metal. Everything is made with precision, from the headband to the Cardan hinge, to stay snug and comfortable in your ears.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Brilliant accuracy with very low impedance
Perfect for shutting out external noise
Produces clear sound after a breaking-in periodCons (reasons to avoid)
Lacks in the response curve
Lacking compared to open-backed headphonesWhat other experts liked
Combined with a Grace Design m920, an Apogee Groove, or a MIYO, it delivers audio that will simply stun you with its beauty and detail.What other experts didn't like
For some consumers, the price will be a tough pill to swallow. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Shure SRH1840 Open-back Mastering and Studio Headphones
Delivers the unmatched acoustic performance
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Built with high-quality materials from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless steel, these studio mixing headphones are considered lightweight. Even better, it comes with an ergonomic design. A dual-frame with a padded headband is adjustable to suit the wearer’s comfort.
For mastering, recording, and even mixing, Shure’s SRH1840 is a perfect choice. It features a 40mm neodymium driver for unmatched acoustic performance. Thus, accurate, extended high-end, and smooth bass is achieved with this headband.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Highly analytical and technical sound
Intended for both studio and live performances
Comes with replacement pads and cables out of the boxCons (reasons to avoid)
Irreplaceable leather headband
High distortion levelsWhat other experts liked
One of Shure's first open-back designs, the SRH1840 headphones are comfortable and light, and the sound will surely thrill demanding audiophiles.What other experts didn't like
Seeing that these are open-back headphones, they don’t do anything for noise cancellation. - Have a problem
with this product?#3AKG Pro Audio K245 Over-Ear
Greater low-frequency extension
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Still, from the AKG but with the Pro Audio K245 Over-Ear. This item provides your mixing, mastering, and recording experience to the next level. The foldable design and improved technical performance of the K240 make your heart stolen by this headphone.
The transducers are rated for 50mm, considered the largest in class. Undoubtedly, this item will deliver greater low-frequency extension. Meanwhile, the frequency response is unrivaled in terms of clarity and detail. At last, the headphone surely will take the studio-quality sounds everywhere with you.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Great sound quality
Replaceable cable
Foldable designCons (reasons to avoid)
Too smooth treble
Earpads are a bit stiffWhat other experts liked
The attractive and inexpensive AKG K245 meets professional requirements in every respect and has a good chance of establishing itself as a future studio classic – be sure to check it out!What other experts didn't like
In the treble, however, the headphones lack the necessary flexibility required to really score and take home top marks. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone
Recommended for any mixing and mastering enthusiasts
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you are looking for mixing studio headphones, consider getting this Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro. The 250-ohm impedance, up to 35.000 Hz frequency response, 96 dB pressure level, and affordable price make it a great deal not to miss.
Even better, all of the parts are possible for replacement in case you wear them for a long time. According to many experts, this headphone is recommended for mixing and mastering enthusiasts looking for minimal harmonic distortion. Indeed, it is a popular model among audiophiles thanks to its flat sound signature.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Fits snug and comfortably
High-quality audio performance
Provides a wonderful sense of spaceCons (reasons to avoid)
Very sensitive to ambient noise by design
Needs amplifier for best resultsWhat other experts liked
The DT 880 are good critical listening headphones with a well-balanced and open sound. They have a durable build, and they're decently comfortable.What other experts didn't like
This is firmly in the enthusiast/hobbyist range of purchases, and while it’s a very good pair of headphones, it’s not for everyone, especially not those sensitive to peaks in the treble. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Sennheiser HD 560 S Headphones
Moderately high impedance at 120 ohms
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Reveal the actual music with the HD 560S from Sennheiser. It is one of the best studio headphones for mixing at an affordable price available on the market. Even though most of the construction is made from plastic, the quality of this headphone will not disappoint you.
According to some experts, this studio headphone’s midrange lacks coloration, making it suitable for mixing or mastering. Meanwhile, the impedance is considered to be moderately high at 120 ohms. To loud the sound pressure levels, you can drive it from a computer or smartphone. A 6.3 mm jack and an extra 3.5 mm adapter are included in the pack.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Expansive, detailed presentation
Open and airy soundstage
Light and comfortableCons (reasons to avoid)
The mid-bass texture is lacking
Lower-treble peaks can get fatiguingWhat other experts liked
The Sennheiser HD 560S are great for neutral sound. Vocals and lead instruments are present, detailed, and clear in the mix, and the audio is delivered with impressive consistency.What other experts didn't like
Some of the downsides, the proprietary twist-and-lock cable makes replacement difficult. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Superlux HD 681 Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones
Slightly sharp sound that makes it perfect for studio works
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Superlux HD681 headphones perhaps hold the cheapest entity among all mixing studio headphones. Surprisingly, for such a low price, the quality of this studio headphone deserves thumbs-up. From the construction itself, even though it is made from plastic, the over-eat format fit is comfortable.
While the headband has a self-adjusting system with double materials for mixing studio headphones, it has a flat mid-range response that ensures clear and accurate instruments. On the other hand, the treble has a slightly sharp sound that makes it perfect for studio works.
Pros (reasons to buy)
A very detailed sound with hi-fi quality
Deliver even bass response
Affordable with high comfortsCons (reasons to avoid)
Less aesthetic build
Not very dynamicWhat other experts liked
The Superlux HD 681 is a good budget option for neutral listening. They have slightly more extended bass and deliver a satisfying audio reproduction that caters well to instruments and vocals.What other experts didn't like
It can sound shrill with bright material and the open design means they don't work well in loud environments. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
An old friend to many audio technicians and engineers
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:A well-balanced sound, nicely clear mids, and sharp at high frequency are the traits of this Sony MDR-7506. Though it is not perfect for commute or casual listening, this product is designed to mix studio headphones. So the details and errors in recording can be brought up clearly with this item.
Indeed, for many years MDR-7506 has been a kind of studio headphone that’s been an old friend to many audio technicians and engineers. The portability is nice, too, the cup design can be folded, and you can keep it in the included pouch. Thanks to the lightweight build, you will enjoy wearing these headphones for a couple of hours.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Lightweight & comfortable
Well-balanced, precise sound
Good sound for mixingCons (reasons to avoid)
The foldable design feels a bit flimsy
Poor noise isolationWhat other experts liked
Good for neutral listening. The Sony MDR-7506 has a well-balanced sound with a punchy bass that doesn't drown the excellent mid-range.What other experts didn't like
The Sony MDR-7506's heavy cord can be overlong in some situations. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio
Studio headphone quality with price three times lower
1 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you are looking for a high-end studio headphone quality with price three times lower, then SR850 by Samson can be your mixing studio headphone. It has the quality of full-range and clear personal mastering headphones at an affordable price. Even better, the frequency response quality is clean and high, beyond the range of the human sense of hearing. Plus, it delivers deep and rich bass.
Plus, the design is semi-open, perfect for giving detailed parts of your music project. Either tracking, mixing, mastering, or playback can be done with these headphones. The proprietary is about 50mm large to present a great dynamic range.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Decent durability
Lightweight construction
6.3mm adapter included in the boxCons (reasons to avoid)
Poor leakage and noise isolation by design
No case or pouch includedWhat other experts liked
With the Samson SR850, I could quickly pick point problems from my mixes that I sometimes tend to misjudge when monitoring speakers, so the SR850 would be really handy for checking your mixes.What other experts didn't like
They do, however, similarly leak their sound. So, unless your room isn’t completely quiet, others can’t hear what you’re listening to. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Often praised by many top audio engineers
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Among the recording community, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is considered a well-known studio headphone for long recording, mastering, and mixing sessions. Particularly the well-padded headband and oversized ear cups make you enjoy the mixing process with no whine.
This headphone is designed to be closed-back, so it leaks less audio than open-back headphones. For so, this item is often praised by many top audio reviewers and engineers. When you use this closed-back headphone, you will notice the unparallel clarity throughout your recording from the extended frequency range and deep, accurate bass response.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Extreme and vivid clarity between each instrument
Sturdy and comfortable build
Great Soundstage for a closed-back modelCons (reasons to avoid)
No buttons or audio control options
Earpads are prone to cracking, peeling, and hardeningWhat other experts liked
Overall, I would put the isolation of the M50x at a good score. They do block and drown out the noise in less busy streets or places.What other experts didn't like
It won’t lend you the most neutral or even bassy sound, but on the whole, it translates your audio quite reliably. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
Three levels of world-class noise cancellation
1 readers vote2 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:On the last page, we save the best for the last. Thanks to the three levels of world-class noise cancellation, Bose’s headphones will be suitable for wearing in any environment. Even for mixing studio headphones, this choice is superior. Even better, the QuietComfort will also sync when you want to do voice commands through Alexa. For its wireless option, this is the perfect studio headphone.
Long recording sessions will also get beaten by this superior headphone. The wireless connection can stand up to 20 long hours. Recording, mixing, and mastering usually take a long time; therefore, a comfort pad is needed. Say no more. From the audio quality to comfort level, this headphone beats all the candidates.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Can be used as a wired headphone (cord included)
Works as an advanced Bluetooth headset
NFC pairing for devices that support it
Amazing noise cancellationCons (reasons to avoid)
Subtle active EQ qualityWhat other experts liked
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has some of the best noise canceling in the business, and it's regarded as one of the most comfortable headsets.It is an impressive noise-cancelling smart-headphones that are great on-the-go.What other experts didn't like
The noise-canceling sensation is odd at first and feels a little like being in a pressurized cabin. Plus, the active EQ is subtle.
Conclusion: Best Studio Headphones for Mixing
That’s all about the best studio headphones for mixing. We have outlined buying tips and recommendations for the best headphones to support your mixing activities, whether as a hobby or a promising profession. Finally, after choosing the best product, you should also pay attention to how you use it so that it won’t hurt your hearing. Make sure you leave a little headroom in your mixer, making the volume no higher than a normal conversation.