Unless you live in a secluded house, far away in a forest somewhere, you need a solid pair of studio headphones as a music producer. But which are the 7 best studio headphones for music production and mixing in 2023?
Well, buckle up. In this article, we'll give you seven pairs of fantastic headphones, that work as good for mixing as they do for music production.
Why You Need A Great Pair Of Studio Headphones
A pair of reference headphones are a vital piece of gear for any music producer. With them, you can stop worrying about what time you want to make music. Heck, you can produce and mix music at full blast throughout the night – if you want. With headphones, people around you will be none-the-wiser (except if you have open-back headphones, more on that later…)
The thing is, though, like your studio monitors are an essential part of any studio, a pair of headphones that also feature a flat frequency response are key to make the right musical decisions. They are also another reference point, allowing you to see how your music sounds in headphones – like most of us listen to music in our everyday lives.
This list of the best studio headphones for music production and mixing features seven of the most popular headphones out there. And whichever one you choose, we’re sure you’ll be happily surprised.
1. Sony MDR-7506
Source: Ashley Pomeroy
Used by award-winning producers and audio engineers worldwide for close to thirty years, Sony MDR-7506 remains one of the most popular headphones out there for studio use.
These classic studio headphones feature a closed design, low weight, and wide frequency range, making them excellent for both tracking and producing.
They also work great for mixing with a timeless sound and flat response, especially considering its very cheap price tag.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $89,99
- Impedance: 63 Ohm
- Frequency range: 10-20,000Hz
- Cable length: 1.2 meters (coiled)
- Weight with cable: 298 grams
2. Sennheiser HD 650
Source: Lucasbosch
We now introduce the priciest item on our list. But arguably, the Sennheiser HD650 is one of the best studio headphones you can buy.
The open and dynamic headphones feature exceptional reference capabilities and sound so beautiful and rich that audiophiles gladly use them for pleasure-listening.
They are on the pricier side but not bank-breaking. If you want the best possible sound you can get, get the HD 650. Also, keep in mind that the high impedance levels require a solid amplifier or audio interface to play.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $499
- Impedance: 300 Ohms
- Frequency range: 10-39,500Hz
- Cable length: 3 meters (straight)
- Weight with cable: 346 grams
3. Audio-Technica ATH M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH M50x is a favorite used by producers worldwide, many even saying they are the best studio headphone you can buy for the price.
Its solid closed construction makes them feel robust and sturdy, yet comfortable and light. With deep, rich, and accurate sound, they work perfectly for reference listening.
And thanks to its sound-isolating earcups, they also work for DJing. Included are three cables, one of three meters you can use to move around your studio or on stage freely.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $149
- Impedance: 38 Ohm
- Frequency range: 15-28,000Hz
- Cable length: 1.2-3 meters (one coiled, two straight cables)
- Weight with cable: 341 grams
4. AKG K702
AKG K702 is a favorite headphone by many producers, raving on its ability to represent sound accurately.
They feature a flat response and a very open, spacious design. With sound quality so crisp and clear, thanks to its Varimotion two-layer diaphragm, you feel like you’re listening on high detail monitors.
These extremely comfortable headphones have 3D-foam ear pads and a leather headband for the perfect fit, allowing you to listen comfortably for hours in the studio.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $349
- Impedance: 62 Ohm
- Frequency range: 10-39,800Hz
- Cable length: 3 meters (straight)
- Weight with cable: 362 grams
5. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Source: Iainf
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is one of the best studio headphones for mixing out there for its price. Ask any producer, and many will praise these as the only headphones they use.
These closed headphones effectively cancel out the noise so you can accurately hear the tiny details in your mixes to make better decisions.
With a robust and collapsible design and ear cups that swivel, they easy to take with, so you get top quality results wherever you are.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $129
- Impedance: 64 Ohm
- Frequency range: 8-25,000Hz
- Cable length: 1/3 meters (coiled)
- Weight with cable: 377 grams
6. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Almost all music and studio professionals know about Beyerdynamic DT 770 and others in the series. Some say they are the best. And it’s all thanks to its wonderful, lively, and extremely detailed sound – allowing precise production and mixing decisions.
These headphones are closed in design, offering a smaller soundstage than its DT 990 Pro brother. However, this means they won’t leak sound, which allows you to work uninterruptedly for long sessions.
The fit is snug and comfortable, with soft and adjustable earcups that keep giving, even after several hours in the studio.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $159
- Impedance: 32/80/250 Ohm
- Frequency range: 5-35,000Hz
- Cable length: 3 meters (straight)
- Weight with cable: 346 grams
7. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Source: ChromeGames923
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is similar in sound to the 770 DT with one major difference. These are open-design, offering a wider soundstage and stereo image for even more accurate mixing decisions.
Because of its open design, though, they leak sound and don't offer the same noise-cancellation capabilities as the closed-back model.
But if sound quality and mixing accuracy is your goal, these headphones won’t disappoint. With fantastic tonal depth, you can hear even the tiniest details in all sounds.
The tiny boosts in bass and treble also make them a pleasure to listen to outside of the studio.
Specifications:
- Est. price: $159
- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Frequency range: 5-30,000Hz
- Cable length: 3 meters (coiled)
- Weight with cable: 364 grams
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Thanks for reading, and see you in the next article.
 Pelle Sundin is a Swedish music producer and writer, active with his chillout project PLMTRZ. He also produces psytrance. When he's not producing, he surfs, skates, and chugs coffee. |