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10 Best Studio Headphones for Music Production : Recording, Mixing & Mastering

Headphones are very useful for every music lover but when we talk about music composer they always demand the best headphones for music production. When it comes to studio use and more creative exploits, there are a few extra capabilities and refinements required in a set of headphones, whilst you’re obviously going to need a set of studio monitoring speakers you are also going to need to consider investing in one of our top 10 best headphones for music production in 2019. There are a number of headphones masquerading on the market as ideal for studio applications. For the average aspiring producer, there are some which undoubtedly provide impressive audio, but for those in the know, they aren’t exactly true to input, which makes editing problematic.

Difference between Regular Headphones and Headphones For Music Production 

Generally speaking, regular headphones are closed back in nature and aimed at personal private listening and studio sets will often be open-back to provide a spatial reference and be more conducive to critical listening. They are often more comfort and durability focused as well because working in a studio setting can demand more of a headphone set and longer hours from its wearer. Usually, they are genuinely more comfortable but this is, of course, budget defendants as comfier materials tend to be more costly, though it helps to have a strong ergonomic design concept first and foremost.

We are going to go into exactly why in our detailed buyers guide section but first, let’s take a look at

Top Best Studio Headphones for Music Recording




1. Behringer HPX2000

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Behringer HPX2000 is marketed as a DJ model because it provides high-resolution audio and best headphones for music production. This is because it is equipped with a cobalt capsule design that gives it improved efficiency. The transducers are able to deal with higher input/output and they deliver sound with great definition considering they are a low-end pair. They have a comfort-focused design concept which incorporates good quality materials. The cups are capable of rotation which adds to the adjustability of the set. They have a very flexible heavy-duty headband which helps them to withstand the repetitive use in a busy studio environment. The cord is made from copper wire which helps eliminate oxidization it has a single-sided entry point again to counter wear and tear on a daily basis.

+ Points

  • High-resonance, High-def.
  • Heavy-duty headband.
  • Cobalt capsule design.
  • Very low-price.

Judgment: You can’t beat a bit of German engineering especially when it comes to audio-electronics, they are very well designed matching specs of much more expensive headphone sets and if you are looking for the best cheap headphones for producing music, kindly go for it.

2. Sony MDR7506 Professional

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Sony MDR7506 Professional is a little lower priced than some other premium sets we are including in today’s round-up. It is one of the best-wired headphones for music production. They harbor hard-working combination drivers that utilize large 40mm PET diaphragms and neodymium magnets. They reproduce audio with a very crisp definition ideal for detecting subtler nuances. They are a closed-back ear-cup option that passively filters the surroundings and gives good isolation for when there’s something to identify in the mix that you can’t hone in on via your speakers. The cups are beautifully cushioned and mounted to swivel from strong supportive headband that is comfortably padded to match. They can compactly fold-away for transit and come with a storage case.

+ Points

  • Large-diaphragm.
  • Reference-quality audio.
  • Coiled wire.
  • Accessibly priced.

Judgment: They serve-up high definition audio in an affordable package, they have been durably manufactured and are pretty comfy allowing for long periods of use.

Read More: Best Selling Headphones Under $20




3. Neumann Studio Headphones NDH 20 Closed-Back Monitoring

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The sound quality of Neumann Studio Headphones NDH 20 acclaimed studio monitoring speakers into the headphone realm as they benefit from the same custom mastered linear sound balance which helps keep audio neutral for editing. It is the best headphones for electronic music production. They have been expertly crafted from top-quality components the drivers are newly updated and driven by neodymium which has a high flux density they measure 38mm like the Sennheiser set. They have an impedance of 150 ohms so a dedicated pre-amp or headphone amp is suggested. They have an ergonomic low pressure reinforced steel headband which keeps the model ruggedly constructed. It supports two lusciously padded ear-cups that are freely mounted and capable of folding away for storage.

+Points

  • Hardy construction.
  • Linear sound.
  • High-resolution drivers.
  • Impressive isolation.
  • Coiled cord option.

Judgment: They are again extremely well-engineered, the drivers perform impeccably with great transient response. They do a beautiful job of highlighting nuances no matter how subtle.

4. Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone

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Sennheiser HD599 is the best Sennheiser headphones for music production and a remastered open-back model with exposed dynamic drivers. It produces some of the best audio in its class with the companies proprietary high-performance transducers. They measure 38mm which is a little smaller than some but they are oval-shaped so they still provide the same surface area as a circular set at a larger diameter. The oval nature directs the audio in a more professional manner and the best headphones for producing electronic music. They have an extended low-frequency response and deliver high-fidelity sound they have an impedance of 50 ohms. They come with 2 separate detachable TRS cables in 3.5mm and ¼ inch sizes which eliminates problems attributed to adapters.

+ Points

  • E.A.R design.
  • Open-backed.
  • Premium drivers.

Judgment: They are exceptionally constructed from high-quality parts the audio is great and the open backs allow for spatial audio, ideal for production.

Read More: Best Wireless On-Ear Headphones Under $100




5. Shure SRH1440 Professional Open Back Headphones

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Shure SRH1440 Professional Open Back Headphones are donned with 40 mm neodymium drivers that work very efficiently, delivering audio with rich dynamics and bass control and one of the best open-back headphones for music production. Their open-back nature gives the sound a wide stereo image increasing the depth and creating a natural soundscape that is easier to analyze. They are a lower impedance option in comparison to many premium models it has been optimized to make it more applicable. They are well-built and feature a strong steel-framed headband padded to a premium level that adjusts fully. The ear cups are ergonomically angles and oval in shape for better audio delivery and comfort during long listening periods.

+ Points:

  • Robust construction.
  • High-resolution audio.
  • Open-back for analysis.

Judgment: They are very well put together they serve-up high-quality audio in a comfortable premium package, the cord is decidedly strong.

6. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones

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The DT 1990 Pro set from Beyerdynamics feature high-flux neodymium drivers, deliver pristine accurate signal audio quality fit for studio reference use and the best studio headphones for electronic music production. They are well-crafted and have been engineered from cutting edge components. They have an authentic broad-range frequency response which performs instantaneously. The cutting edge Tesla drivers work extremely well at high output creating high-resolution audio with great fidelity. Their open-back circumaural design helps prevent fatigue as well as adding dimension to the sound reproduction. The headband is durable and the cups come with a choice of pads each serving up a different experience but each well-cushioned with different acoustic fabrics and covered in precision-woven textiles or velour one more analytical than the other.

+ Points

  • Open-backed design.
  • Quality build.
  • High-accuracy for audio analysis.
  • Wide frequency response.
  • Impeccable drivers.

Judgment: They provide audio reproduction which is very true to input and crucial for editing and mastering, they are exceedingly well constructed and the open-back design delivers spatial audio listening.

Read More: Best Wireless Earbuds for Workout




7. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

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Audio-Technica the M50x is a critically acclaimed, fully immersive, closed-back set of circumaural headphones that are engineered to provide a professional listening experience. They harbor well-designed 45mm drivers with oversized copper-clad voice coils that optimize and enhance their performance. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is one of the best headphones for producing music. They have an extensive frequency response that delivers well-balanced audio. They have a larger than the average surface area which enables them to efficiently cope with bass frequencies. They have a good transient response and ideal for studio in-ear monitoring.

The ear-cups can rotate 90 degrees keeping them comfy and allowing users to monitor with a single ear as and when needed. They are comfortably decked-out with professional-grade padding for longer listening periods.

+ Points

  • Large transducers.
  • Extended frequency response.
  • Well-engineered.
  • Choice of cords.

Judgment: They provide premium audio with excellent accuracy and smooth transient response and are durably constructed with comfy cushioning for longer mixing sessions.

8. Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Art Monitor

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If you are looking top studio headphones for music production check Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Art Monitor. It is a closed-back monitoring set that is ideal for fault finding and critically analyzing details in your tracks. The drivers feature extra-large diaphragms that deliver high-resolution audio, they have OFC bobbin wound voice coils and lightweight aluminum housings to keep their reproduction pristine. They react with the superior transient response and reproduce a widened spectrum range. They benefit from a double air damping system to assist with low-end reproduction which keeps their bass handling distortion-free and powerfully dynamic in the mix. They also feature a 3D wing support with a flexible headband and professional yokes, they allow for great circulation and the cups are suitably cushioned from premium materials.

+ Points

  • Top-notch construction.
  • Extra-large drivers.
  • Tangle-free durable cord.

Judgment: They are impeccably made and deliver brilliant high-res sound. They are incredibly comfortable and make for a durable workhorse.

Read More: Best Wireless Earbuds




9. Fostex RP Diaphragm Stereo Headphones (T60RP)

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This ensures that what you hear has better clarity and is free of interference and better compliments their proprietary Regular Phase (RP) technology-assisted diaphragms. The diaphragm is formed from a light polyimide film which is highly responsive to stimulus and the best noise-canceling headphones for music production. They have a comfortable genuine leather headband which is widened for better distribution and lower clamp force. The cups are also leather padded and naturally adjust to the circumference of your head for comfort. They are well-manufactured and comes with a choice of a standard or optical fiber detachable cable to choose between for high-resolution and fidelity.

+ Points

  • Unique construction.
  • Sensitive diaphragms.
  • Great transient response.
  • Best-seller.

Judgment: The folks at Fostex have been developing their audio engineering skills for decades this set utilizes a technology which hasn’t budged since its early development in the 1970’s they provide very detailed listening.

Price: $299.95

10. PreSonus HD7 Professional Monitoring Headphones

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They are a semi-open backed option which gives a realistic reproduction and the best headphones for music production under 100. They appear pretty durable for a budget model, they are lightweight but employ some very durable construction materials. They have a flexible widened headband with professional yokes. It sports 2 comfortably cushioned earcup cushions which again naturally adjust to the wearer. They harbor high-resolution neodymium drivers within their patented precision-tuned acoustic chambers. They benefit from an extended low-frequency response and they are equipped with a detachable single-sided cable providing a much needed strengthened entry point.

+ Points

  • Semi-open backed.
  • High-resolution drivers.
  • Comfy self-adjusting model.
  • Affordable price-tag.

Judgment: They are a good entry-level model which serve-up detailed high-resolution audio and whilst they aren’t blowing our higher-priced sets away they are a good contender for best cheap music production headphones.



Difference between Open-backed headphones and Closed headphones?

This is arguably one of the most debated topics in the studio headphone industry, now as briefly suggested above you should really be mixing with speakers for a better representation but headphones are a useful production tool and a lot of work is done privately listening.

The closed-back design provides better isolation, so if you are looking for a set that a singer or musician can wear and live monitor whilst they record then closed back is the only way to go. They provide a barrier between the outside world and the ears and have less sound leakage if you are recording a vocal track you don’t want echos of the playback recorded in the background. If you are editing or listening in a more analytical manner then you are going to need an open-backed set because they add an extra parameter to what you are listening to, creating a sound-image if you like known as spatial sound which is essential if you are critiquing and tweaking your work post-recording.

Now the argument is subjective as well as bound by practicality some people can’t stand the airier weaker if you like the sound that an open-backed set creates but it is undeniable that they provide a more natural reproduction that better matches your studio monitor output and accuracy is paramount for editing.

Read More: Best DSLR Camera


What we have looked?

Technically speaking it really does depend on a hell of a lot on your set up and the level at which you are working. Other factors that will weigh in are the intended use, as many producers actually have best beats headphones for music production for critical listening and switch between them regularly in the arduous editing, mixing, and engineering process but to summarize and help you prioritize here is a good rule of thumb. High-resolution with a flattened/natural/linear response is paramount for analytical listening. Durability and comfort are just as vital as the audio reproduction so buy the best your budget can stretch to.

Ensure they provide an adequate level of comfort for those who have to spend hours editing in their DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) This includes full adjustability, breathable, plush cushioning and a padded low clamp pressure headband with good flexibility, swivel ear-cups, and low sound pressure levels. If you are shopping on a smaller allocation, we have included sets here priced under twenty bucks but it is important to remember that low-end models cannot compete with the high-end and you must go with the best open-back headphones for music production.




We tried to include a good variety because there are many uses for headphones within the audio production process. Trickle-down technology is bringing some impressive premium models down the chain to a more accessible price region so you really can get excellent value for money if you know what you are looking for.

Ankit Jadon

Ankit Jadon

SEO Executive and Content Writer

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