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Electronic music production demands precision, clarity, and accuracy from a pair of headphones. Whether mixing, mastering, or creating new hits, having the right pair ensures every beat, synth, and effect comes through just as intended. Below, we delve into a detailed guide on the best headphones tailored for electronic music production, taking into account various user needs and budgets. From industry favorites to exceptional budget options, this guide covers top-performing models, recent updates, and specific features to look for in studio headphones.
Quick list
Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick list of our top picks: 1. Focal Listen Professional 2. Sennheiser HD-206 3. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X 4. Røde NTH-100 5. Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X 6. Sennheiser HD 400 Pro 7. Sony MDR-7506 8. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Recent updates
Headphone technology continues to evolve rapidly. Recent updates in the market have seen enhanced driver designs, improved noise isolation technologies, and headphones tailored specifically for studio mixing and mastering. Brands like Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser have introduced models with enhanced frequency ranges and response, ensuring that every subtle nuance in your electronic music production is heard. Additionally, advances in comfort and durability mean producers can wear these headphones for extended sessions without discomfort.
Best overall
Selecting the best overall headphones for electronic music production isn’t an easy task, given the myriad of options available. However, certain models stand out in terms of sound quality, comfort, and durability.
1. Focal Listen Professional
Focal Listen Professional headphones are renowned for their pristine sound quality and exceptional build. These headphones offer an expansive sound stage, making them ideal for detailed inspection of every element in your track. The leather earpads ensure comfort during long mixing sessions, and the overall build exudes a premium feel. For electronic music producers, the frequency response is crucial, and the Focal Listen Professional excels in this regard with a range that captures deep basses and crisp highs. The accurate sound representation means your tracks will translate well across different devices and audio systems.
Best for budget
Not every producer has the budget for high-end headphones, especially beginners. Fortunately, there are excellent budget-friendly options that still deliver impressive performance.
2. Sennheiser HD-206
The Sennheiser HD-206 is a perfect example of outstanding value for money. Despite being budget-friendly, these headphones do not compromise on sound quality. They deliver clean and consistent audio, making them suitable for tracking and light mixing duties. Build quality is what you would expect from the Sennheiser brand — robust and designed for longevity. The lightweight design means they are comfortable to wear, even during extended studio sessions.
Best studio headphones for mixing
When it comes to mixing, accuracy and neutrality in sound are paramount. A good pair of mixing headphones will offer an honest representation of your music.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X headphones are highly regarded for their mixing capabilities. They provide a very balanced sound, which is critical for understanding how your mix will translate across various playback systems. The open-back design helps create a wide sound stage, which is crucial for mixing clarity. The DT 900 Pro X also boasts excellent build quality. With replaceable parts and a comfortable design, these headphones are a long-term investment for any serious producer.
Best for comfort
A crucial, often overlooked aspect of studio headphones is comfort. Long production sessions require headphones that are not only high-quality in sound but also comfy enough to wear for hours without fatigue.
4. Røde NTH-100
The Røde NTH-100 headphones shine in the comfort department. The memory foam earpads and adjustable headband ensure a perfect fit for any head size, reducing pressure and making them ideal for prolonged use. Besides comfort, the NTH-100 offers clear and accurate sound, essential for electronic music production. Its ergonomic design and superior audio performance make it a top pick for producers seeking both comfort and accuracy.
Best closed-back model
Closed-back headphones are great for isolating sound, ensuring you can focus on your music without external distractions.
5. Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X headphones are exemplary in the closed-back category. They offer high isolation, making them perfect for environments where external noise can be an issue. The closed-back design ensures that no sound escapes, which is important when recording vocals or instruments. The DT 700 PRO X also delivers a punchy bass and detailed highs, essential for critical listening and getting the most out of your electronic music productions.
Best open-back
Open-back headphones often offer a superior soundstage, providing a more natural listening experience, ideal for mixing and mastering.
6. Sennheiser HD 400 Pro
The Sennheiser HD 400 Pro are outstanding open-back headphones. They offer a wide and accurate sound stage, providing a lifelike audio experience crucial for mixing. The clarity across the frequency range ensures every detail in your music is heard. Moreover, the HD 400 Pro is lightweight and comfortable, making them suitable for extended studio sessions. The robust build quality ensures they can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Best under $100/£100
Finding quality headphones under $100/£100 can be a challenge, but there are some incredible options available that won’t break the bank.
7. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 has been a staple in studios for decades. Despite the affordable price, they offer excellent sound quality, with a clear and balanced audio response. The comfortable design and reliable build make them perfect for long studio sessions. These headphones are known for their accuracy in the mid and high frequencies, making them ideal for critical listening and mixing on a budget.
Best all-rounder
An all-rounder headphone should excel in various aspects such as sound quality, build, comfort, and versatility.
8. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is often hailed as the best all-rounder due to its versatility. It delivers exceptional sound clarity across the spectrum, making it suitable for a wide range of production tasks. The robust build and interchangeable cables add to its versatility and long-term usability. The ATH-M50x is both comfortable and durable, ensuring it can handle the demands of both studio and field recording.
Also tested
In our quest to determine the best headphones for electronic music production, we also tested several other models. Each has unique strengths, so they might be worth considering depending on your specific needs. – AKG K240 Studio: Great for beginners, offering a wide sound stage and decent comfort. – Samson SR850: Another budget-friendly option with impressive clarity and comfort. – Shure SRH440: Known for their durability and balanced sound.
FAQs
What types of studio headphones are there?
Studio headphones typically come in three types: closed-back, open-back, and semi-open. Closed-back headphones are best for recording as they isolate sound very well. Open-back headphones offer a natural sound and are preferred for mixing. Semi-open headphones provide a middle ground, offering some benefits of both closed and open designs.
Do I really need studio headphones?
If you’re serious about music production, studio headphones are essential. They provide a flat frequency response, allowing you to hear your music as accurately as possible. Consumer headphones often add coloration to the sound, making it harder to get a true sense of your mix.
What’s the difference between studio headphones and normal music listening headphones?
Studio headphones are designed to offer a neutral and accurate sound, crucial for mixing and mastering. In contrast, normal music listening headphones often enhance certain frequencies to make the music sound more appealing, which can mislead you when mixing tracks.
Do I need an amp for my studio headphones?
It depends on the headphones’ impedance. Higher-impedance models (above 100 ohms) usually benefit from a dedicated headphone amp to reach their full potential. Most low-impedance headphones can be driven efficiently by standard audio interfaces or computer outputs.
What does headphone frequency range and response mean?
The frequency range indicates the spectrum of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). The frequency response shows how accurately the headphones can reproduce those frequencies. A flat frequency response is ideal for studio work because it offers a true representation of the music.
Which brands make the best studio headphones?
Several brands are renowned for their studio headphones, including Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Audio-Technica, Sony, and Focal. Each of these brands has a history of producing reliable, high-quality headphones for professional use.
How much should I spend on studio headphones?
The amount you should spend depends on your needs and budget. Quality studio headphones range from around $50 to over $500. Beginners can find excellent options under $150, while more advanced users might opt for higher-end models to meet specific production needs.
What’s the difference between wireless and wired headphones?
Wired headphones offer better sound quality and are typically preferred for studio use due to their reliable connection and lack of latency. Wireless headphones offer more convenience and portability but might not meet the stringent audio accuracy requirements for professional music production.
How we test studio headphones
Our testing process involves evaluating each pair of headphones in a real-world studio environment. We consider factors like sound quality, comfort, durability, and build quality. We also take into account user feedback and professional reviews to ensure comprehensive assessments.
Read more:
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to check out our other articles on music production, gear reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your studio setup.
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| Category | Best Headphones |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Focal Listen Professional |
| Best for budget | Sennheiser HD-206 |
| Best studio headphones for mixing | Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X |
| Best for comfort | Røde NTH-100 |
| Best closed-back model | Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X |
| Best open-back | Sennheiser HD 400 Pro |
| Best under $100/£100 | Sony MDR-7506 |
| Best all-rounder | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
