If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in search of the perfect pair of studio headphones for your music production, vocal mixing or song mastering. In this blog post we dive into the world of studio headphones and show you which models are especially popular. Ready? Let’s get started!
What makes studio headphones special?
Studio headphones differ from the regular headphones you might use for listening to music on your way to work. Unlike ordinary headphones — which often emphasise bass and treble — studio headphones provide you with clear, undistorted feedback of your music.
Professional studio headphones offer a neutral and linear sound reproduction, which means they deliver the sound exactly as it was produced — without any coloration or enhancement. That is crucial when it comes to fine‑tuning your mix or master.
Why do you need studio headphones in the home studio?
In the home studio as well as professional recording environments, studio headphones are indispensable. Apart from the fact that you need closed‑back headphones during recording sessions, they allow you to work accurately even in a room that isn’t acoustically treated. Whether recording, mixing or mastering — the right headphones help you recognise details in your music that you might otherwise miss.
The difference between open, semi‑open and closed studio headphones
- Closed headphones offer excellent isolation from external noise, making them ideal for recording as they prevent sound from leaking out and reaching the mic.
- Open headphones on the other hand let sound pass through the ear cups, resulting in a more natural listening experience. They are particularly well suited for long mixing and mastering sessions, as they provide a wider soundstage and a less oppressive listening environment.
- Semi‑open headphones are a compromise between the two, offering some sound isolation while simultaneously providing a more open soundstage than closed designs.
The difference between studio headphones and speakers for mixing & mastering in the home studio
While speakers give you a spatial representation of the mix and how it would sound in a real room, studio headphones allow a more direct and detailed analysis.
You can also use studio headphones during mixing and mastering as a reference tool to ensure that your audio material sounds good on other playback devices. Headphones are indispensable for detecting fine details in the mix that may be lost due to room acoustics or other factors when listening on speakers.
Moreover, they offer a great alternative if working with monitors is not possible due to space constraints, when you produce on the go or perform live.
The best studio headphones for home studios
Overview:
- beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (closed)
- beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro (closed)
- Neumann NDH 20 (closed)
- AKG K-872 (closed)
- Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition (closed)
- Audeze MM-500 (open)
- beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (open)
- beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X (open)
- OLLO Audio S4X 2023 1.3 Calibrated (open)
- Sennheiser HD 650 (open)
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (closed)
- KRK KNS 8402 (closed)
- AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ (closed)
This selection includes both open and closed models, so there is something for every studio environment and every preference. From the accurate sound reproduction of the Audeze MM-500 for open mixes, to the isolation and precision of the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for closed environments — with these headphones you set the standard in your home studio.
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)
The DT 770 Pro is a proven classic among closed studio headphones, known for its comfort and excellent isolation. The detailed, clear sound reproduction with precise bass response makes it a versatile all‑rounder, ideal for long editing or recording sessions. It has been our clear favourite for many years and a faithful companion in many productions and studios.
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro
As an evolution of the DT 770 Pro, the DT 1770 Pro offers Tesla‑technology improved drivers for even more precise sound reproduction. The excellent resolution and depth make it ideal for detailed mixing and mastering. Comfort and build quality are top‑class as typical for beyerdynamic.
Neumann NDH 20
The Neumann NDH 20, known for Neumann’s characteristic precision and sound quality, delivers a balanced, neutral sound and is ideal as a reference headset for mixing and mastering. Despite its somewhat heavier weight, it impresses with its very neutral and precise reproduction.
AKG K-872
The AKG K-872, a high‑end model for professional users, is extremely accurate, spatial and, compared with other models in its price class, lightweight. It offers good isolation and is also designed for long sessions. This model is more suited to mixing and mastering due to its transparency.
Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition
A revolutionary headphone technology that allows you to simulate different virtual listening rooms and speaker systems. This innovation is a game‑changer in non‑ideal acoustic conditions for mixing and mastering, as it lets you test your mixes in a variety of environments. The Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition includes a headphone, so you can get started right away.
Audeze MM-500 
Designed in collaboration with renowned mixing engineer Manny Marroquin, the Audeze MM-500 offers excellent soundstage and naturalness. For engineers who prefer an open design this is a dream — just not exactly the lightest.
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
A classic offering a wide soundstage and balanced sound. This model is also popular among many mixing and mastering engineers. Furthermore it is very lightweight and comfortable for long studio sessions.
beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
The updated version of the DT 900 Pro, with improved driver technology and ruggedness, retains the strengths of the original and adds noticeable improvements in detail resolution and dynamics. The same open soundstage is offered with even more precise reproduction.
OLLO Audio S4X 2023 1.3 Calibrated
Known for its linear sound reproduction and precision, each pair is individually calibrated to ensure accurate playback. Ideal for mixing and mastering thanks to honest and un‑embellished reproduction, where the individual calibration makes a noticeable difference.
Sennheiser HD 650
An open headphone that is valued for its natural sound reproduction and comfortable wear. It offers extraordinary transparency and warmth in the sound, making it ideal for critical listening.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
A very popular closed headphone, known for its excellent sound image and wearing comfort. It is versatile for recording, mixing and casual music listening, offering impressive sound quality and robustness at an affordable price.
KRK KNS 8402
Closed headphones that are known for their flat sound reproduction and comfort, designed to meet professional mixing and mastering engineer requirements. A solid performer for mixing and critical listening, the comfort is also excellent for long sessions.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ
Specifically developed for DJs, these closed headphones offer a robust build and powerful bass reproduction. While they are optimized for DJing, they also provide producers who prefer stronger bass with an interesting option.
Our Conclusion
Studio headphones are an indispensable tool for anyone who produces music, frequently records vocals or works in audio post‑production. They allow you to, independently of your acoustic environment, analyse your audio material precisely and recognise subtle details that would otherwise be lost on monitoring speakers.
The investment in a high‑quality pair of studio headphones can pay off, as they may become a constant companion in your productions. Choose a pair that you feel comfortable with and that offers you long wearing comfort and make sure the headphones reproduce music as linearly as possible.
With a beyerdynamic DT 770 (closed) or a beyerdynamic DT 990 (open), our favourite headphones, most people are well served — pick this model if you’re uncertain. It has not without reason established itself over a long time as a studio standard and appears in many productions.
Consider these tips when choosing studio headphones
- Fit and comfort: Long sessions in the studio are no rare occurrence. Make sure your headphones fit comfortably.
- Open or closed: Closed models offer isolation from ambient noise, open ones a more natural sound reproduction.
- Impedance: Higher impedance values technically allow better quality but may require more powerful amplifiers.
- Sound quality: Look for neutral sound reproduction for unvarnished mixes and masters.
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