Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering, Some Tips for Choosing

Headphones for Mixing and Mastering – When producing music, there are two real things that connect us to the music we are working on. Yup, those two things are monitor speakers and headphones. Whether it’s in a professional studio or a home studio (home recording), artists or engineers will depend on these two things. Now, because this article is still related to my four previous articles, we will put aside the professional studio first and focus more on home recording.

Got Monitor Speakers or Headphones First?

The two things I mentioned earlier, speakers and headphones are one of the factors that greatly affect the final result of the music production process that we do. And these two things are mandatory tools that must exist if we want to produce works.

But if we really have a minimal budget, surely the question that arises is “Which came first, speakers or headphones?” From me personally, the best answer to this answer is to adjust it to the existing budget. Whether it’s the speakers or headphones that you choose will not be a problem, the important thing is that we keep working.

However, for this article, I will start with headphones, why? Because this object is easier to obtain both in terms of price and how to find it.

What Kind of Headphones Should I Have?

In general, there are two types of Headphones for Mixing and Mastering used in a recording studio, and both have two different functions.

1. Closed Back Headphones – used for recording

When recording, one of the things that must be considered when using headphones is that they have good sound isolation, in other words, the headphones must be soundproof so that no sound leaks out of the headphones.

2. Open Back Headphones – used for mixing

Because closed-back headphones have some side effects such as being too tight or the sound quality often decreasing. However, for some purposes such as mixing (where sound quality is the priority), using closed-back headphones is not recommended, therefore there is another type called open-back headphones, which are specifically used for mixing or listening to audio that prioritizes sound quality.

Open Back or Closed Back Headphones?

Ideally, we should have both types of headphones because each one has a different purpose. But for those of you who are currently trying to make their own home recordings and (I assume) mostly use plugins in the process, I think you can start with open-back headphones.

List of Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering

As usual, here are some lists that you can use as a reference in buying open-back headphones:

1. Shure SRH1840

With a sound performance that is balanced, flat, and very clear. Shure has succeeded in combining a product that is both functional and aesthetic. Maybe this product is one of the best-looking headphones on the market.

2. Sony MDR 7520

A name that is already familiar in the electronics industry. Although the appearance is not too fashionable, Sony seems to focus on putting forward its performance, and indeed this product is known for its good performance and economic value.

3. Sennheiser HD 600

It’s no secret that Sennheiser is well known for its headphones. What’s interesting about this product is, that the HD 600 offers the audio performance provided by high-end headphones but at a very economical price (compared to its performance).

4. Beyerdynamic DT-880 pro

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You could say this is a product that is quite different from other headphones because this product presents a combination of closed-back and open-back headphones in one product.

5. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

A series from Audio-Technica that managed to stir up the audio market because it comes with the right size, good sound quality, and also a competitive price. Probably one of the most popular headphones among the general public and professionals alike.

In the end, studio headphones are one of the essential tools in the world of recording and music production. Although the list above is only a few examples of various price ranges, so later it will return to how much budget you have.

What you have to remember is, in a studio recording you will need good studio headphones and you will still need a good pair of studio speaker monitors, so choose wisely what kind of Headphones for Mixing and Mastering you will have for your home recording studio.