Your Headphones

Start Your Art is proud to be supported by our community! When you purchase through amazon product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

While regular headphones might be fine for casual listening, studio monitors are designed to provide an accurate, flat response—letting you hear every detail of your mix without any added color or enhancement. This level of precision is essential for making sure your tracks translate well on any system, whether in a car, on headphones, or through speakers.

While entry-level models might offer solid performance for basic tracking or mixing, they may not give you the same clarity or depth as higher-end headphones. More premium and advanced options typically provide a more detailed, comfortable listening experience, with better sound isolation and improved accuracy, which is essential for making critical adjustments during your mix.

The great news is, there are plenty of a quality and budget friendly options available to get you started!

What Are the Differences Between Open-Back and Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones?

1. Open-Back Headphones

Open-back headphones have perforated ear cups, allowing air and sound to flow freely. This creates a natural listening experience but lets sound escape and ambient noise in.

Pros:

1. Natural Soundstage: Provides a wide, airy soundstage, ideal for critical listening and mixing.

2. Reduced Ear Fatigue: Ventilation prevents heat buildup, making them more comfortable for long sessions.

3. Accurate Sound: Minimal bass exaggeration; a more transparent representation of audio.

Cons:

1. Sound Leakage: Audio can be heard by others nearby, unsuitable for recording or public use.

2. Lack of Isolation: External noise can interfere, making them less ideal for noisy environments.

3. Durability: Often more fragile due to the open design.

Recommended Open-Back Headphones:

1. Sennheiser HD 800 S: Known for their balanced, detailed sound and comfort.

2. Sony MDR-MV1: Wide frequency response and precision sound.

3. Avatone Pro: High-end planar magnetic headphones with exceptional detail.

2. Closed-Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones have sealed ear cups, preventing sound from escaping and blocking external noise.

Pros:

1. Superior Isolation: Great for tracking/recording as they prevent microphone bleed and block external noise.

2. Enhanced Bass: Tends to emphasize lower frequencies, useful for genres like hip-hop or electronic music.

3. Versatility: Suitable for both studio and casual use in public or noisy spaces.

Cons:

1. Narrower Soundstage: Can feel less natural and immersive due to limited airflow.

2. Potential Ear Fatigue: Heat buildup from the closed design may cause discomfort over long periods.

3. Bass Buildup: The enclosed design can slightly color the sound, especially in the low end.

Recommended Closed-Back Headphones:

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: Budget-friendly with excellent isolation and clarity.

2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Industry favorite for tracking, offering great bass and comfort.

3. Sony MDR-7506: Durable and neutral, widely used in professional studios.

4. Focal Stellia: Premium, high-end performance with premium build quality and balanced sound.