Studio headphones in our range are monitoring headphones for recording, mixing, editing and critical listening, in both closed-back and open-back designs. They suit musicians, podcasters, producers and anyone who wants a more neutral sound than everyday consumer headphones give. Leading brands include beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica and AKG.
How to choose studio headphones
Closed-back or open-back. Closed-back headphones isolate sound, so they suit recording vocals or instruments without the click track leaking into the microphone. Open-back models let air and sound pass through the ear cups, which usually gives a wider, more natural soundstage for mixing, but they leak noise in both directions and need a quiet room.
Impedance and amplification. Lower-impedance headphones (around 32 to 80 ohms) work well straight from a laptop, audio interface or phone. Higher-impedance models, such as the 250 ohm versions made by some studio brands, generally need a decent headphone output or a separate headphone amplifier to reach a comfortable volume. Check what you will plug them into before you buy.
Sound character. Mixing headphones aim for a fairly flat, detailed response so that problems in a track are audible. Some studio models add extra bass or treble, which is fine for tracking and general listening but can mislead you when making mixing decisions. Read the manufacturer's description of the intended use.
Comfort and durability. Long sessions make clamping force, weight and pad material matter. Look for replaceable ear pads and a detachable cable, because both wear out first on headphones that are used daily. A supplied 6.35 mm adapter is useful if your equipment has a large headphone socket.
Studio headphone brands we carry
- beyerdynamic: a German manufacturer whose DT series closed-back and open-back headphones are used in many studios and broadcast rooms, and it is the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Sennheiser: known for open-back reference headphones such as the HD 600 series, which many engineers use for detailed mixing work.
- Audio-Technica: makes the ATH-M series, closed-back monitoring headphones that are popular for tracking and home recording.
- AKG: an Austrian brand with a long studio history, known for lightweight semi-open and open designs that stay comfortable over long sessions.
- Shure, Neumann and RØDE: all three are better known for studio microphones, and their headphones are designed to sit alongside a recording chain built around them.
Also in our range: Samsung, Philips, SBS Mobile, Sony and Kali Audio.
Studio headphones: frequently asked questions
Are open-back or closed-back headphones better for mixing?
Open-back headphones are usually preferred for mixing because they sound more spacious and natural. Closed-back models are the better choice for recording, as they stop sound leaking into microphones. If you only want one pair and work in a shared or noisy space, closed-back is the more practical option.
Do I need an amplifier for studio headphones?
Not always. Low and medium impedance studio headphones run fine from most audio interfaces, laptops and phones. High-impedance models, often 250 ohms and above, can sound quiet or thin without a headphone amplifier, so check the impedance rating first.
Can I use studio headphones for everyday listening?
Yes, you can. Studio headphones tend to sound more neutral than consumer models, which many people find revealing rather than flattering. Open-back designs are poorly suited to public places because they leak sound and let in surrounding noise.
What is the difference between studio headphones and normal headphones?
Studio headphones are built to reproduce audio accurately, while most normal headphones are tuned to sound exciting, often with boosted bass. Studio models also tend to have replaceable parts and a detachable cable, and they rarely rely on wireless features or noise cancelling. That makes them better for judging recordings, though less convenient for travel.
