Top 10 Studio Headphones

Professional, or monitor headphones are called those that completely cover the ears and have high-quality sound, as close as possible to the natural, without any distortion. Thanks to a clean, even sound, you can identify many of its nuances. Studio headphones can catch what studio monitors do not catch and, based on this, bring the sound to the required level of quality. Professional models can be used to record a phonogram and record it. In certain cases, radio presenters use them during the broadcast. It is important to know that in the process of studio work, they serve as an addition to monitors.

If you do not go into subtle technical details, the headphones can be divided into closed and open. Models of the closed type allow you to isolate yourself from all the extra noise. While open, you can listen to sounds, considering the connection with the outside world and noise. In our top, we present various options for studio headphones. A variety of options are involved in the rating - from more expensive models to budget ones. Choose the best open and closed models. The rating is based on audio tests, on reviews and opinions of professionals.

Best closed studio headphones

The closed type is in most cases used by professionals. They are quite large, bulky and heavy. Because they are arranged in such a way that their body is completely closed, while there is no perforated grille. Due to this there is complete isolation from external noise. Devices of this type have improved perception of low frequencies. They are purposefully designed to record sound. However, their cost can be a bit unpleasant. But in our top you can find quite affordable models that allow you to fully enjoy the creation of sound. When choosing, it is important to consider whether they will be used only for work or you will also listen to music in them. If the latter, we recommend listening to a couple of tracks before you buy it.

5 Axelvox HD271

Budget leader rating. Its price is not so high, but the quality still remains high. In the reviews, customers note that they use the model to work in a professional field. The main question is, is this a regular device for working on sound, or can you enjoy music with it? Naturally, it is better to use this model as a working tool. As with all monitor headphones, the average frequency is flat, the bass jumps a little, but this is not critical, and not everyone will hear. It's nice that for such an optimal price, the sound quality is almost as good as the more expensive models.

The model has a removable cable. There are two of them in the set: for 1 meter and for 3 meters. If desired, they can be combined into a single 4-meter wire. Ear pads are removable, easy to clean. Passive noise reduction method. No extra bells and whistles, but the headphones easily dampen external sounds. It can be embarrassing that for such little money there is such a good quality. The secret is that the headphones are based on AKG technology. Impedance - 56 Ohms, sensitivity - 98 dB / mW. Reproduce range from 10 to 30000 Hz.

4 Sony MDR-7506

Monitor headphones, which can be safely called universal. They are suitable for both home and street, and for working in a professional studio. In addition, they can easily interest Dj. Their first feature is that, unlike most monitor headphones, they have no difference in sound by genre. They can safely listen to jazz, and rock, and pop, and even classics. For closed studio headphones price is quite budget. For it, you get a reliable device with a convenient design and good insulation from external noise. The second feature is the corrugated diaphragm speakers.

The device is a dynamic type with a range of 10 - 20000 Hz. The sensitivity is above average and is 106 dB. The impedance is 63 Ohms, so no additional devices are needed to amplify the sound. The sound is not quite what it should be at this lineup. He is bright and not so smooth. This can be seen on the frequency response graph: the bottoms are smeared, but the upper frequencies are vice versa. But it is worth considering that this is the experience of the first listening after the opening. And models of this level may need to be heated in order to achieve the potential of sound embedded in them. But, if you want an inexpensive and high-quality equipment for a home studio, these headphones are perfect.

3 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

The HD line is known for its quality and good sound. In the top, we identified the model HD 280 Pro. Since the other headphones in the series are more serious, it’s not worth talking about them even without special equipment. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - the best option for the ratio of German quality and cast iron reliability. Because wearing them once, you no longer want to try other headphones. The technical characteristics worth noting that all frequencies are heard equally smoothly, there are no obvious failures. The impedance is 64 ohms - this means that the model is poorly compatible with cheap players or phones. The consequences of such a combination - a small volume or blurring sound, the appearance of excess noise. Sensitivity at 102 dB. Dynamic type of sound reproduction with a range of 8 - 25000 Hz.

These classic headphones are suitable for mixing or recording. They love to use in modern studios, as they confirmed their quality. No less than the sound, the assembly pleases. The design is simple, but reliable. Differs in its durability. Spiral wire. Can stretch up to 3 meters. He's fat, so hard to break.

2 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 Ohm)

The appearance of the headphones can not be called presentable or youth. They are the most common classic with large and round bowls, coiled wire. The surface of the model is embossed, decorated under the skin. It does not leave fingerprints and scratches are not noticeable. Although outwardly the design is quite massive, it weighs only 270 g. The frame is metal, with leather headband. Headphones sit comfortably on the head, without causing discomfort due to the softness of the part adjacent to the head. Velor-coated ear cushions are large, completely covering the ears. Weight correctly distributed throughout the body. These monitor headphones are best suited to professionals, since high-quality sound reproduction requires a powerful source. This is due to the fact that the impedance rate is 250 ohms.

The type of sound reproduction is dynamic at a frequency of 5 - 35000 Hz. Sensitivity 96 dB. High quality sound with minimal distortion. On the frequency response graphs there are no obvious differences. DT 770 does not let out extra sounds. The cable is strong, twisted, 1.5 meters long. And in a fully stretched state - 3 meters. In the reviews, customers emphasize that these are headphones that should be used in work, and not for listening to music. Their sound may seem too classic.

1 Shure SRH1540

If we talk about the best monitor headphones, then it will be about Shure SRH1540. This is a premium model. It was created specifically for professional musicians and sound engineers. Almost a reference sound quality is what you should expect from them. Headphones are not only functional, but also very stylish. And it pleases, because there are not many companies that spend a lot of time creating a beautiful design for monitor headphones. But these guys are not suitable for those who decide to buy their first serious headphones.

According to the characteristics. 5-25000 Hz - the range in the dynamic type. Sensitivity - 99 dB / mW. Small impedance - 46 ohms, no additional amplification is required. Good level of noise reduction. According to reviews, we can say that they have no flaws, the only thing that may not like is the price. But we must not forget that this is the level of professional equipment that you will not install at home. In addition to a clear sound, headphones are comfortable. The headboard has a memory effect, so you do not have to re-try the headphones every time and get used to them. The design is rather light - 286 g. At the same time, the quality is high - it is based on aviation aluminum alloy.

Top open studio headphones

Their essence is the opposite of closed headphones. Open models are connected with the world outside of themselves, sound and noises from outside fall into them. Because they have a radiator in the chamber with drapes, slots, cuts. They also radiate sound outside. After all, they are needed for information and noise assessment. These headphones require a wide range and good sound quality. But when recording, they are not recommended. If the question arises which of the species to prefer, then it is worth saying that both of them are necessary. The first - for recording, the second - for information. Therefore, it is necessary to choose depending on the needs.

5 AKG K 240 MK II

Half open type headphones. Medium variant between the two types. In terms of their clarity, they are closer to closed ones, and in construction they are closer to open ones. A good option for information: you can listen to the recording deeper, but at the same time take into account all external factors. These headphones can fully demonstrate all the nuances and flaws of the recording. The budget option for those who do not want to spend a lot of money, but who need a quality device. The frequency range from 15 to 25,000 Hz. Sensitivity is a bit low and reaches only 91 dB / mW. And there is one fraudulent parameter in this model - the impedance index. It is 55 ohms. Traditionally, such devices should work well with all sources. But AKG K 240 MK II is an exception to the rule. To fully appreciate its capabilities without interference, you need quality equipment.

There is no problem with sound, the bass feels good. But on the frequency response you can see a small jump in high frequencies, so the headphones may ring a little on them. In general, after fully warming up the headphones, you will have an excellent working device. But for home listening to music is to look for another option.

4 Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

With a strong desire, the DT 990 can be used as a headphone for recording. But they are not exactly meant for that. But finding them equal in the mix is ​​difficult. They are made in the best traditions of Beyerdynamic. The model is well balanced, the frequency response is smooth, almost no offsets. The sound is collected, rich and surround, it allows to evaluate the composition of the instruments widely and accurately position. The frequency range from 5 to 35,000 Hz. Sensitivity 96 dB. The impedance is, unfortunately, 250 ohms. This means that you can not combine headphones with weak devices. They require high-quality equipment, otherwise their purchase is completely useless.

Headphones made of metal, velor ear cushions, plastic bowls. The whole structure is designed in such a way that there is no excessive pressure, and it would take more than one hour to sit in them. For home and studio, they are suitable, but on the street because of the size and 250 ohms to use them is problematic. And do not forget about the genre "selectivity", so before buying it is desirable to test the model.They are more suitable for recording work than for enjoying music.

3 Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

According to the manufacturers, 40 years of experience were invested in these headphones. The quality of everything at a high level. The design is tough and durable due to the fact that it uses composite materials. Weight 210 g, which is great for professional use. Can not but rejoice the frequency range, as it is 5 - 40000 Hz with a sensitivity of 99 dB. Not pleased that the impedance of 470 ohms. This means that the requirement for the quality of the source is high, as well as the purity of the recording itself.

The sound is reproduced in a wide frequency range with the minimum amount of distortion. This is due to the highly efficient magnetic emitters. Surround and natural sound provides aluminum mesh on the back of the cups. The cable can be disconnected. Headphones are not foldable, so it will be inconvenient to transport them. By all measures, they are more suitable for working with sound than for home use. From the pleasant: they have no genre preference, the frequency response is smooth, almost without hesitation.

2 Sennheiser HD 650

Super high quality but demanding headphones from Germany. Their reliability is fully consistent with the price. Sennheiser is crystal clear and clean in all respects. So it is quite universal. This device is suitable for lovers of high-quality sound or those who work in the studio. Absolutely smooth sound, without any distortion. You will not be able to find ringing notes, tightened bass - the crystalline sound is better than that of water. But we must be prepared for the price and understand whether it is worth buying such an expensive model. If not, then in more budget options, there will also be good headphones.

According to the characteristics: the range 10 - 41000 Hz. Sensitivity - 103 dB. But 300 ohm impedance - it's sad for those who do not have the appropriate equipment. With an ordinary player, you should not expect anything - there will be a bad sound and continuous interference. Headphone weight - 260 g, because the design uses a lot of plastic. Although the headphones look and fragile, but it is not. Included is a 3 meter cable, but you should take care of it, since it is the only weak link in headphones.

1 Shure SRH1840

These headphones went beyond the "just good". The sound quality has reached such a favorite of Hi-Fi music lovers. They are a pleasure to listen to music. And for information and monitoring, they are ideal. Versatility in all its glory. The price really can not please, but in terms of the ratio of reliability, price and quality device is at a very high level. The question is what can be obtained for this money. By parameters: frequency range from 10 to 30000 Hz. Impedance - 65 ohms. Maybe a little not to please the low sensitivity - 96 dB.

Headphones are made of aviation aluminum and steel. Therefore, they are durable and not so heavy. The weight was only 268 g. Landing on the head is comfortable, nothing presses, you can easily be in them for a long time. Includes two cables of 2 meters. The plugs are gold plated, and the wires themselves are made of oxygen-free copper. The sound is all arranged simply: the bass is lively and clear, the sound is “tasty.” And most importantly - complete versatility among genres, from pop to heavy metal. The source does not require any additional gains. The design is classic and relaxed, everything is done with the goal of enabling buyers to enjoy the Shure SRH1840 to the fullest.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of studio headphones
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AKG

Audio-Technica

Axelvox

Beyerdynamics

Shure

Sennheiser

Sony

Total votes: 59

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