Headphones are a necessary tool for audio engineers or, for that matter, any producer, especially those with a poorly treated or untreated room and weak monitors. They help provide a detail you can not get for the same prices regarding the monitors. Headphones are necessary and come in handy on the roads, too; in this article, we will talk about the best headphones for audio engineers, which will surely blow your mind. I am sure you are looking forward to knowing them as much as I am looking forward to telling you about them. So, let’s get started!
Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones:
Folks, before we start with the best headphones for audio engineers, let me tell you about the difference in the design surrounding your ear. With the open-back headphones, there is no cover behind the speaker, allowing the air to move freely around the driver and creating a more natural and detailed sound.
The difference which lies in closed headphones is that there is a cover on the back that helps block out the sound, which creates reflections which are inside the headphones, and they allow for a pressure buildup. Let me tell you what each of these two types of headphones is good at. So, keep reading to know more.
Open-back headphones are good for:
- Working in quiet spaces
- Mixing & Mastering
Closed-back headphones are good for:
- Casual listening
- Working in noisy spaces
- Tracking vocals and other instruments
Does Your Headphone Need an Amp?
The job of an amplifier is to provide additional voltage to whatever to connect to it. When it comes to headphones, they have some high-end ones which will require that additional power to perform optimally. If you have an audio interface, it will deliver enough power to your headphones. However, you have to make sure one thing that to check the power requirements before you buy headphones.
They also provide weight and comfort; these factors play an important role in the selection process.
I know you all are eagerly waiting to know about the best headphones for audio engineers, so here we go.
The Best Headphones for Audio Engineers:
AKG K712 Pro:
This is one of the best headphones for audio engineers, and they come with the much-needed 3dB low-end performance boost, which is helpful. They are also super comfortable to wear for extended periods and the black and orange color theme they come in looks super cool. Have a look at the key features:
Key Features:
- Open back
- 40mm driver diameter
- 105 dB sensitivity
- Weight: 235g
- Detachable cable
- 62 Ohms impedance
- 10-39,800 Hz frequency response
- 200 mW max input power
- Replaceable earpads
Overall, it is a good catch!
Audio Technica ATH-M50X:
This is another best pairs of headphones for audio engineers, and it is also the most popular model in the entry-level ATH range. These are comfortable and lightweight headphones, and they can be worn for extended periods as well. They mostly have a plastic build, and it also comes with a metallic ring on the cup for aesthetics. It is available in two colors which are black and white. Have a look at the key features.
Key Features:
- Closed back
- 45mm driver diameter
- 99 dB sensitivity
- Weight: 285g
- Replaceable earpads
- 38 ohms impedance
- 15-28,000 Hz frequency response
- 1,600 mW at 1 kHz Max input power
- Comes with 3 interchangeable cables: 1.2m – 3.0m coiled cable, 3.0m straight cable, and 1.2 m straight cable
Shure SRH1840:
This is one of the best headphones for audio engineers built for analytical listening. These are open-back headphones, and you can easily hear all the details and imperfections of any mix. They have a stylish design, and they are extremely comfortable to wear for long studio sessions.
Key Features:
- Open back
- 65 Ohms impedance
- 10-30,000 Hz frequency response
- 1000 mW max input power
- 40mm driver diameter
- 96 dB sensitivity
- Lightweight
- Detachable cable
Overall, it is a good catch, especially if you are looking for headphones at a decent price range.
Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro:
This is one of the best headphones for audio engineers, which provides the best of both worlds. These headphones are semi-open, and this helps you to take strengths from both open and closed-back headphones. These headphones also block out outside noise while still having a clear, flat, and natural sound.
Key Features:
- Semi-open back
- 250 Ohms impedance
- 5-35,000 Hz frequency response
- 45mm driver diameter
- 96 dB sensitivity
- 100 mW max input power
- Weight: 284g
- All parts replaceable
Overall, it is a good catch!
Sennheiser HD280 Pro:
These are the most common headphones which you will be found in any of the recording studios. These are the perfect pair of headphones for tracking the vocals and the instruments. They are closed back, and hence they help prevent headphone bleed. However, they are not recommended for mixing and mastering, but they are affordable enough as they are a good asset to any audio engineer’s studio. So, these are one of the best headphones for audio engineers, but primarily their function lies in being a good asset. Have a look at the key features of this product.
Key Features:
- Closed back
- 96 dB sensitivity
- 64 Ohms impedance
- 222g weight
- 8-25,000 Hz frequency response
- 500 mW max input power
Overall, it is a good find regarding affordability and asset.
These are the top 5 best headphones for audio engineers which they must get their hands on for mixing and mastering sounds like a pro. They also come in budget range to a higher budget. So, any audio engineers can get their hands on them based on their needs and budget.
Conclusion:
That’s all folks. I hope the article helped you get all the necessary information.
