For music production, having the best headphones for mixing is essential. Studio headphones with balanced sound, accurate sound reproduction, and excellent sound isolation ensure critical listening. Whether you’re a sound engineer or an audio professional, the right headphones—ranging from closed-back to open-back—offer flat frequency response and high-quality sound.
This guide highlights the best mixing headphones for both casual listening and long listening sessions, tailored for any noisy environment.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is great for both personal and professional use because it sounds great and is comfortable to wear. These headphones are great for long sessions in the studio or while you’re on the go because they have a balanced sound profile and deep bass.
These headphones are great for serious audio fans because they are built to last and block out sound very well.
- Key Features: 45mm drivers, sound isolation, swiveling earcups.
- Ideal For: Studio monitoring, music lovers, and long listening sessions.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 stars from over 26,000 reviews)
- Top Benefits: Professional-grade sound and durability, comfortable design for extended use, detachable cable for portability.
2. Sennheiser HD 600
This is the Sennheiser HD 600, an open-back dynamic reference headphone made for mixing and critical listening. It plays sounds accurately because it has a balanced sound profile and a wide frequency response (12–39kHz). The lightweight design and high-quality sound make it perfect for audiophiles and music professionals who want to get the best sound possible.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Open-back design, dynamic driver, detachable oxygen-free copper cable.
- Ideal for: Audio professionals, mixing engineers, and critical listening.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 stars from over 2,800 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Accurate, natural sound, expansive soundstage, comfortable ear pads for long sessions.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
This is the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, a high-performance open-back dynamic headphone made for reference, mixing, and mastering in the studio. With Tesla neodymium drivers, it has a wide frequency response (5 Hz–40 kHz) that makes the sound very clear. The open back design makes it great for audio professionals and gives you natural, roomy sound. This makes it a popular choice for critical listening and professional studio settings.
- Features: Open-back design, 45mm Tesla neodymium drivers, 250-ohm impedance, detachable mini-XLR cables, two sets of replaceable ear pads (analytical and well-balanced).
- Ideal for: Audio professionals, mixing engineers, critical listening, mastering, and studio use.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 stars from over 1,600 reviews).
- Top Benefits: High sound quality, natural soundstage, excellent comfort for long sessions, premium build quality, and customizable sound signature with different ear pads.
4. Focal Clear Professional
The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back, high-performance headphone made for professional studio monitoring use. It has unique cone technology and precision drivers that give it a clear, dynamic sound profile and great isolation. Sound engineers and other audio professionals will love how comfortable it is and how well it tunes for long sessions in and out of the studio.
- Features: Closed-back design, exclusive cone technology, dynamic driver, microfiber ear cushions.
- Ideal for: Audio professionals, sound engineers, studio monitoring, frequent use.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5 stars from 214 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Excellent acoustic transparency, precise tonal balance, high comfort for extended wear, strong noise isolation.
5. Shure SRH1540
The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back headphone with 40mm neodymium drivers, offering clear highs and rich bass. Its closed-back design ensures excellent noise isolation, while the lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber construction provides durability and comfort, making it ideal for professional mixing and critical listening.
- Features: 40mm neodymium drivers, closed-back design, aluminum alloy and carbon fiber construction, detachable cables.
- Ideal for: Professional audio mixing, sound engineers, musicians, and audiophiles.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5 stars from over 380 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Superior soundstage for precise mixing, enhanced durability, lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions, excellent noise isolation.
6. AKG K712 Pro
The AKG K712 PRO is an open-back over-ear wired headphones designed for professional audio monitoring. It features improved low-end performance and sophisticated open technology for a spacious, detailed soundstage. Ideal for mixing, mastering, and critical listening, it combines premium comfort with precise, accurate sound reproduction.
- Features: Open-back design, revolutionary flat-wire voice coil, improved low-end performance.
- Ideal for: Professional audio mixing, mastering, sound engineers, and audiophiles.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5 stars from over 1,800 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Spacious soundstage, precise sound reproduction, luxurious comfort for long sessions, lightweight design for minimal fatigue.
7. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR7506 is a professional over-ear headphone designed for critical listening and sound monitoring in studios, radio, and broadcast environments. With 40mm drivers and a rugged, closed-ear design, it offers clear, detailed sound and excellent noise isolation, ensuring accurate monitoring for professionals.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: 40mm drivers, neodymium magnets, closed-ear design, 9.8-foot coiled cord.
- Ideal for: Audio engineers, sound editors, musicians, and broadcasters.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 stars from over 25,900 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Crystal-clear highs, present mids, and extended low-end; comfortable for long sessions; excellent sound isolation; foldable for easy storage and travel.
8. Audeze LCD-X
The Audeze LCD-X is a high-end over-ear open-back headphone featuring planar magnetic drivers. It’s used by professional sound engineers and musicians for critical listening and mixing because it sounds so true. This version is better in terms of comfort and craftsmanship, making it perfect for reference-quality sound.
- Features: Planar magnetic drivers, 106mm diaphragms, Fazor elements, frequency response from 12Hz to 50kHz.
- Ideal for: Audio engineers, musicians, and audiophiles seeking reference-quality sound.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.4/5 stars from 157 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Highly accurate sound reproduction, minimal distortion, luxurious comfort for extended sessions, handcrafted in California, and ideal for mixing and mastering.
9. Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S
The Sennheiser HD 560S is an over-ear audiophile headphone designed for natural and accurate reference sound. It features open-back earcups and E.A.R. technology for a wide, lifelike soundstage. It is deal for extended listening sessions and delivers neutral, detailed audio quality for music monitoring and gaming.
- Features: Open-back design, E.A.R. technology, polymer-blend transducer, extended frequency range (6 Hz to 38 kHz).
- Ideal for: Audiophiles, audio engineers, gamers, and anyone who values accurate sound reproduction.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.6/5 stars from 2,762 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Accurate, lifelike sound reproduction, wide soundstage, comfortable fit for long listening sessions, excellent bass performance, neutral sound ideal for mixing and mastering.
10. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm is a closed-over-ear headphone made for recording, monitoring, and making music professionally. It’s great for both studio and live performances because it blocks out noise so well and has clear sound. Professional audio engineers like it because it’s well-made, fits well, and has great bass response.
- Features: Closed-back design, replaceable velour ear pads, high-resolution sound, 3.0m single-sided cable.
- Ideal for: Studio professionals, sound technicians, music producers, and audio engineers.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.6/5 stars from 27,552 reviews).
- Top Benefits: High-quality sound resolution, excellent bass response, sound isolation, long-wearing comfort, durable and rugged construction, practical single-sided cable for ease of use.
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Mixing
Closed-Back vs Open-Back Headphones for Mixing
Closed-back headphones (e.g., Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro) provide excellent sound isolation, making them ideal for:
- Recording in noisy environments
- Blocking out ambient noise during long listening sessions
Open-back headphones (e.g., Sennheiser HD 600) offer a more natural sound and:
- Provide a wider soundstage for critical listening
- Are better suited for quiet studios and critical listening environments
Frequency Response and Sound Isolation
If you want accurate sound from your mixing headphones, look for ones with a flat frequency response. It’s important for audio professionals who need to be able to hear everything clearly. Another important factor is sound isolation.
Closed-back headphones are great at blocking out outside noise, while semi-open-back headphones offer a good balance of isolation and natural sound, making them a great choice for studio monitoring.
Final Thoughts
For critical listening, picking the best headphones for mixing is very important. It is easier to get accurate sound reproduction with studio headphones that have balanced sound, neutral sound, and sound isolation.
So don’t settle for anything less than accurate sound and balanced sound in your audio gear. Whether you’re a sound engineer, an audio professional, or a music enthusiast, these headphones will ensure you hear every detail, helping you create music with precision. Take the time to choose wisely, and your mixes will thank you.
FAQs
What are the best headphones for mixing?
The best headphones for mixing should offer balanced sound and sound isolation, like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X or Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, ensuring critical listening and accurate sound for audio professionals.
Why choose closed-back headphones for mixing?
Closed-back headphones provide excellent sound isolation, preventing sound leakage. They’re perfect for mixing headphones in a noisy environment, delivering high-quality sound and accurate sound.
Are open-back headphones good for mixing?
Open-back headphones offer a natural sound with a wider soundstage, great for critical listening and mixing. However, they don’t block external noise as well as closed-back headphones.
How do planar magnetic headphones compare?
Planar magnetic headphones offer a more accurate sound and neutral sound than dynamic headphones, making them ideal for mixing with flat frequency response and minimal distortion.
Can I use the Audio-Technica ATH M50X for casual listening?
Yes! The Audio-Technica ATH M50X provides well-balanced sound and sound isolation, making them great for both mixing and casual listening with high-quality sound.