Studio headphones aim for an even, honest sound so you hear problems in your mix instead of a flattering bass boost. The four below are long-running studio staples, which also means spare parts and pads are easy to find.
Quick answer
- Tight budget, recording: Sony MDR-7506 (closed-back).
- One pair for everything: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (closed-back).
- Comfort for long sessions: beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (closed-back).
- Mixing in a quiet room: Sennheiser HD 600 (open-back).
Closed-back or open-back
Closed-back headphones stop sound leaking into your microphone, so they are the right choice when you record. Open-back headphones leak sound but usually feel more spacious and natural, which helps when mixing. If you can only buy one pair and you record vocals, choose closed-back.
A note on impedance
Some models, like the DT 770 PRO, come in several impedance versions. Higher-impedance versions need more power. If you plug straight into a laptop or a small interface, the lower-impedance version is the safer choice.
Mixing on headphones
Headphones exaggerate stereo width and can't show how bass behaves in a room. Check mixes on a second system, such as a phone speaker or car, before you finish. For the bigger decision, read headphones vs studio monitors.
