6 best recording headphones
Recording headphones, also known as studio headphones or monitoring headphones, are a specialized type of headphones designed for professional audio recording, mixing, and monitoring tasks. These headphones offer high-quality sound reproduction and a flat frequency response to provide accurate audio representation for audio engineers, musicians, and recording enthusiasts. Here are some key features and information about recording headphones:
Studio-Grade Sound Quality: Recording headphones are known for their high-quality sound reproduction. They are designed to provide a flat and accurate frequency response, ensuring that audio engineers and musicians hear the audio exactly as it was recorded without coloration or exaggeration of certain frequencies.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back: Recording headphones come in two primary designs: closed-back and open-back.
Closed-Back: These headphones have ear cups that are completely sealed, which helps isolate the listener from external sounds and prevents sound leakage. They are ideal for recording sessions where external noise needs to be minimized.
Open-Back: Open-back headphones have perforated ear cups that allow some sound to escape. They typically provide a more natural, open sound but may not offer as much noise isolation. They are often preferred for critical listening and mixing tasks.
Comfort and Durability: Recording headphones are designed for long hours of use in the studio, so comfort is a priority. They feature padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, they are built to be durable and withstand the rigors of professional use.
Impedance: Recording headphones come in a range of impedance levels. Higher impedance headphones (e.g., 250 ohms) may require a headphone amplifier to achieve optimal performance, while lower impedance headphones (e.g., 32 ohms) can be used with portable devices without the need for additional amplification.
Detachable Cables: Many recording headphones feature detachable cables, which are convenient for replacement and storage. They may come with different cable lengths and connector types (e.g., 1/4-inch, 3.5mm) to suit various studio setups and audio interfaces.
Noise Isolation: Closed-back recording headphones offer passive noise isolation due to their sealed design. Some models also provide active noise-canceling (ANC) features to further reduce external noise.
Critical Listening and Mixing: These headphones are essential tools for audio professionals during the recording, editing, and mixing stages of music production. The flat frequency response allows for precise adjustments and accurate assessment of audio quality.
Price Range: Recording headphones vary in price, depending on their quality and features.Entry-level models may start at around $50, while high-end professional-grade headphones can cost several hundred dollars or more.
Compatibility: Recording headphones can be used with a wide range of audio equipment, including audio interfaces, mixing consoles, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and portable devices such as smartphones and laptops.
Recording headphones are a crucial tool for achieving high-quality audio recordings and ensuring accurate sound reproduction during the production process. Their flat frequency response and comfortable design make them an essential choice for professionals in the music and audio recording industry.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best recording headphones on the marketProduct description
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x professional studio monitor headphones black.
- Advanced build quality and engineering Designed for studio tracking and mixing
- 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tune for enhanced low frequency performance
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- Convenient single side cable exit Magnet neodymium Designed for studio tracking and mixing
- Connectivity Technology Wired
User questions & answers
Question: | Do these headphones come with a carrying case |
Answer: | No, they don't come, but I suggest to buy a case just in case. If you don't want to, buy it without a case, those are durable headphones, but you never know if you'll need the case to carry them in a bag, back pack, carry on. |
Question: | How does this compare to the ATH-M30? And how comfortable is it for extended hours of use |
Answer: | I can only respond to the 2nd part of your question as I have not tried the ATH-M30, but the ATH M20X was (for me) extremely uncomfortable even after using for only a short period of time. This was due to the, IMO, excessive heat build-up which literally caused pools of sweat to collect inside the earpieces. I returned the headset after a few days. |
Question: | are these good for big heads? i have trouble finding headphones that fit comfortably over my big head. also i wear glasses if that helps |
Answer: | They are pretty tight on the head, and they go over the ear, so if you're wearing glasses the soft part will push on your frames. I can't wear my glasses with them because I find it too uncomfortable. It might be better to look at on ear, rather than around ear headphones.That said, I've been able to loosen the headphones a lot by bending the the metal headband. If you're not afraid to do that with $50 then you might be able to get them to a comfortable "clamp" amount, haha. |
Question: | Are these noise-canceling enough to wear on a plane and not hear the plane noise |
Answer: | They do NOT have electronic noise canceling. They are over the ear. The cups absorb outside sound but not enough that would be considered "noise cancelling". They're mainly for DJ's, home, and professional studio producers who use them because electronic "Noise Cancelling" tech interferes with recordings. |
Product features
Durable Design
Cutting-edge engineering and robust construction.
For Studio Tracking & Mixing
Tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance.
Offers Excellent Sound Isolation
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.
Affordable Price Point
Makes the ATH-M20x a popular tracking headphone for multi-station studio sessions.
Convenient Single-Side Cable Exit
3.0m (9.8’) straight cable for professional applications.
Provided Accessory
6.3 mm (1/4") snap-on adapter.
Product description
Tascam TH02-B closed-back stylish headphone, Black.
- Ensure you buy genuine Tascam products. Products from sellers which say ‘fulfilled by Amazon’ under the price might not be an authorized Tascam reseller, and might not be selling genuine Tascam products which would forfeit any manufacturer warranties.
- Foldable design for easy, compact transport
- Tightly-stitched, padded headband and ear pads for stylish comfort
- Closed-back dynamic design with clean sound, rich bass response and crisp highs
- Snap-on 1/8” (3.5 millimeter) to 1/4” (6.3 millimeter) adapter
User questions & answers
Question: | I have a wide head, so will these break by opening them enough to put them on |
Answer: | These have great width room and actually fit a bit loose on me. |
Question: | does this work with an iPad |
Answer: | Of course. iPad can drive these to a sufficiently loud level. But note that these headphones do not have microphones built in. These are headphones only. |
Question: | Will these headphones plug into a digital piano? in other words do they have a large enough input and not just a small one like for earbuds |
Answer: | The headphones have a normal plug, but came with an adapter attached that was a very large pin that I assumed was for musical instruments. I don't know the correct terminology, though, sorry. |
Question: | Is this on-ear or over the ear |
Answer: | This over the ear. Thanks |
Product features
TH-02
TASCAM’s new TH-02 closed-back, stylish headphone delivers a sound you have to hear to believe, and at a low price you can’t ignore. TASCAM spent over a year comparing technologies, designs and methods to provide you with an amazing $100 dollar headphone for less than a third of the cost.
The sensitivity and frequency response of the TH-02 deliver clear balanced sound to fit all of your favorite tunes, regardless of genre or application. These high-powered headphones produce pristine highs, clear mid-range, and rich low end where most other headphones leave you yearning for more.
TASCAM understands that just as important as the sound of ones headphones is a clean modern design and comfort.
Featuring plush cushioned ear cuffs and a padded headband; TH-02 can be put to work for hours of comfortable use. Both left and right ear-cuffs offer full 90˚ rotation making TH-02 flexible to wear when listening to your favorite albums, tracking for hours or performing all night. Not to mention, you’re going to look good wearing them. The folding design of the TH-02 allows them to compactly fit wherever they need to go.
TASCAM’s TH-02 headphones can easily be a part of your everyday accessories but also fit into your recording or performing workflow. Don’t just hear with any pair of headphones; truly listen to the details of your music and media while enjoying comfort and flexibility. With the TH-02 headphone, TASCAM (as always) has delivered first-class quality, style and design at a price everyone can appreciate. Pick one up today and find out for yourself.
- BASS Sound: Enjoy the clear sound and supreme comfort with the OneOdio Studio FUSION headphones. Large, 40-millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets; powerful bass, clear vocal, and crisp high tones form perfect hi-fi sound
- Built to Stay Comfortable: The soft padded ear cushions are specifically designed for monitor headphones comfort and noise isolation. The headband is adjustable and stretchable for you to find the desired angle you like to fit in
- No More Adapter: A long-style 9.8-Foot cord easily reaches from the TV or stereo to your chair. A standard-sized 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug are included. They both are completely detachable, you can plug in the mixer you want to use
- Single-sided Monitoring: 90° swiveling earcups for single-ear monitoring anytime; self-adjustable and flexible headband delivers a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours, perfect for monitering and mixing.
- Works with: All devices have 3.5 or 6.35mm audio jack. Bass sound, durability, and comfort. These are the headphones you've been looking for.
User questions & answers
Question: | Are these just stereo sound or surround sound |
Answer: | There for mixing music stereo surround sound is done with six channels and a special Dolby system google it DR Dolby. The speakers and a receiver make is souround you thru the mixer. The head phones will be just stereo.... |
Question: | Does the A71 have volume control |
Answer: | Hi, A71 don't have volume control buttons in the line, but A70 have the buttons on the ear cup, asin: B07MQQS88Q Please refer~! Thanks! |
Question: | Was this product made in the USA |
Answer: | They were made in China. My husband uses them, gives them a 6 out of 10. He is heard of hearing, so they do help him hear the TV . The sound quality is not wonderful, but not bad. Hope this helps. |
Question: | Can they work on a computer |
Answer: | There’s a small plug that should fit the computer jack. |
Product description
As the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line the ATH-M50 is praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year Now the ATH-M50x professional studio monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature with the added feature of detachable cables From the large aperture drivers sound isolating earcups and robust construction the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals.
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep accurate bass response
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy one ear monitoring and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
User questions & answers
Question: | How's the frequency range? I thought I read the specs somewhere, but can't find em now... How do these compare to the $500+ Sennheiser HD models |
Answer: | It has small plug to plug into a cell phone...and you can add a 1/4 inch adapter for like a dj mixer....what I use it for |
Question: | Is there a reasonably priced and easily installed earcup padding replacement parts kit available? Bad experience with dissolving AT earcups |
Answer: | Mine came with 3.5 mm but the adapter came with it already to make it 1/4 |
Question: | This model has no battery (replaceable or rechargeable), right? Does it tend to drain the battery of your iPod / iPhone rapidly, to run its processor |
Answer: | Hi, Numark support here! Our HF125 headphones feature a frequency response of 20 - 20,000Hz. |
Question: | How does it compare to the Monster Inspiration Active Noise Canceling Headphones |
Answer: | Hi, Numark support here! The impedance is 32 ohms! |
Product features
Critically Acclaimed Sonic Performance
Praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers.
Clear Sound for Studio, Live, DJ & Personal Use
Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response.
Offers Excellent Sound Isolation
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.
For in the Studio and on the Road
90° swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring, and collapsible for space-saving portability.
Comfortable Fit for Hours of Use
Professional-grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort.
Included Accessories
Detachable 1.2 m - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') coiled cable and detachable 1.2 m (3.9') straight cable.
Product description
What makes OneOdio Pro-10 a good headphone?
Sound
Studio is a professional DJ over ear headphone which has dynamic bass sound.
The 50mm neodymium driver reproduces all your music's dynamics and delivers controlled bass that DJs and audiophiles need.
It is ideal for DJ digital mixer, mixer panel, turntable, monitoring in recording studios, radio, film production, video, electronic news gathering--and virtually any application where high quality sound is required.
Comfort
Pro-10 is a comfortable headset that can be worn even for long working sessions.
Foldable Design
Pro-10 is a flexible over ear headphone that can be naturally adjusted to fit any sized head.
The ear-cups can be rotate both left and right for single-ear monitor.
Besides, it can be folded flat and put into the designed pouch when on the move.
Dual-Duty Cable
Pro-10 is an adapter-free wired headphone, it comes with a detachable spring cable that with 3.5mm & 6.35mm plug on each end for different needs.
Compatible with music instruments and phone computer laptop notebook etc.
Durability
Pro-10 is a super durable headphone in stylish look, it is made of black matte plastic and glossy finish trims, some of it having a slightly rubbery feel. It is durable enough to stand up the DJ booth and to be worn often.
Specifications:
Speaker: 50mm
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Sensitivity: 110dB +- 3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Rating Power: 30mW
Plug Type: 3.5mm/6.35mm stereo
Cable 1: 2m-3m 9.8ft 3.5mm to 6.35mm coiled cable
Cable 2: 1.2m 3ft 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable with microphone
- BASS SOUND: Enjoy clear sound and comfort with the OneOdio Studio monitor headphones. Large, 50 millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets; powerful bass, clear vocal, and crisp high tones form stereo sound
- BUILT TO STAY COMFORTABLE: The soft padded ear cushions are designed for monitor headphones comfort and noise isolation. The headband is adjustable and stretchable for you to find the desired angle you like to fit in
- NO MORE ADAPTER: DJ style coiled cord (9.8Ft Stretched) easily reaches from the TV or stereo to your chair. A standard-sized 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug are included. They both are completely detachable, you can plug in the mixer you want to use
- SINGLE-SIDE MONITORING: 90° swiveling ear cups for single-ear monitoring anytime; self-adjustable and flexible headband delivers a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours, ideal for mastering and mixing
- Works with: All devices have 3.5mm or 6.35mm audio jack. Bass sound, durability, and comfort. These are the headphones you've been looking for
Product description
AKG K240 Studio Headphones feature a classic design that has become a standard in monitoring. This newer, lower impedance, 55-ohm version provides remarkably higher volume level when used with portable studios, keyboards, drum machines and other project studio gear. It's a professional level of performance for the home studio. Features include an integrated semi-open air design with a highly accurate dynamic transducer for naturally open sound quality, and circumaural (around-the-ear) pads for hours of wearing comfort. Frequency range: 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz. Stereo (1/8-inch minijack and 1/4-inch) connections. AKG K240 Studio Features: Low, 55 Ohm impedance, plug-in cable, Self-adjusting headband for optimum fit, Single cable for ease of use, Semi-open, circumaural design. AKG'S MOST POPULAR PROFESSIONAL HEADPHONE. A classic design which has become a standard in monitoring. Now with Varimotion XXL capsule for studio sound at home and for portable use. The 'integrated semi-open air' design incorporates a highly accurate dynamic transducer, and an acoustically tuned venting structure behind the element produces a naturally open sound quality. The circumaural (around-the-ear) pads are designed for hours of wearing comfort, while the steel-cable, self-adjusting headband construction and single-sided professional quality audio interconnect ensure extended reliability in demanding professional studio applications. Proven, popular, excellent - New, improved and even better. Made in China. The item includes the OFC screw type cable.
From the Manufacturer
- Professional studio headphones
- Semi-open
- 3 m replaceable cable
- Audio Interface type: Stereo plug – 3.5mm (1/8-inch) with 6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter
User questions & answers
Question: | How LONG in feet is the detachable cord |
Answer: | 9-10 Feet. |
Question: | Is this an original brand? or It is made in China |
Answer: | The inside sticker on a pair of these purchased in 2020 shows that it is "Made in China". The production country doesn't always indicate the quality as many name-brands have been outsourced to China. |
Question: | These being 55 ohm models, can you really get by without a headphone amp? I'm coming from Grado SR80s which sound fine without an amp, imho. This is for personal use, no mixing or DJing. Probably using a laptop or my Cowon MP3 player usually |
Answer: | Note : I'm hard of hearing (severe to profound, with more loss in the higher frequency) Comparing these to a Sennheiser HD 280 Pro that I am replacing (the right side died from a bad wire after just a year), using my desktop computer and my Samsung Galaxy J7 Star phone as a reference (using Google Music). On my desktop PC, which is basically your typical RealTek type of integrated sound card, they are a bit on the quiet side, but possibly audible enough for most people with a normal hearing range, but I am able to hear the vocals and bass, just more quietly than I like. The HD280Pro above was a louder by default (but has a higher impedance oddly enough). On my mobile phone, it's louder and while it may not be cranking it out, it's definitely loud enough for me to enjoy without a problem. When paired with my Tascam DR60Mk2 4-channel audio recorder, using the computer output into CH1/CH2 XLR inputs at a 'LOW' gain setting, and headphones plugged into the Phone monitoring 3.5mm jack with an output volume around 6~8 depending, it is much louder and closer to what I prefer. Also with the amplication provided on the tascam (Which is overkill for computer purpose, and meant more as a field recorder) with a Low gain setting is a very clean signal to the headphones and definitely loud enough for someone who is close to deaf as I am. Nutshell : even with me being hard of hearing, using the headphones with a mobile phone or computer directly, it's loud enough for me to hear it, even if it's not like "jamming". Sidenote : Compared to the Sennheiser, these are semi-open backs (versus a closed back), which means not only do the K240 exhibit sounds that other people in the room will be able to hear what you're listening to easily, it also means that as I'm typing on a mechanical keyboard with 'red' switches, I can hear my clacking typing while music is playing on the headphones. |
Question: | What is better for recording and mixing guitar, vocals (for metal). And mixing them. AKG 240 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50? Why |
Answer: | I can't comment on the ATH-M50, as I haven't used one yet. The AKG 240 however is a very good set, but I wouldn't use headphones to mix final masters. Especially not when you have to listen to screaming guitars. For tracking vocals you should be carefull as a sensitive mic would "listen" to the headphones too. Not always welcome when recording soft passages. Hope this helps |
Product features
Classic Cans
Their advanced 30 mm XXL transducers with patented Varimotion diaphragms deliver a wide dynamic range, increased sensitivity and high sound levels, while their semi-open design provides a solid bass range and extremely clear highs.
With impressive accuracy, musicians, producers and engineers rely on the AKG K240 Studio to clearly hear mixing details, which has made these headphones a standard in recording settings. In addition to great sound quality, the headphones are extremely durable and comfortable.
The AKG Legacy - Inspiring Greatness for Decades
For more than 65 years, AKG has helped create the iconic sounds of some of the world’s most well known recording artists, engineers and producers. Our designers and engineers have made it their life’s passion to find new ways to deliver breakthrough experiences for artists of all levels. Whether in the studio or on stage, when you wear AKG headphones, you’re seconds away from creating history.
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