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When it comes to recording music at home, having a good pair of headphones is essential. Headphones provide a way to hear the details of your music that may not be noticeable through speakers, making them a valuable tool for any home studio setup. However, not all headphones are created equal, and some are better suited for home studio use than others. In this article, we'll be discussing the best headphones for home studios.
When looking for headphones for home studio use, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, the headphones should have a flat frequency response, meaning that they don't emphasize any particular frequency range. This is important because it allows you to hear your music as accurately as possible, without any artificial boosts or cuts to certain frequencies. Second, the headphones should be comfortable to wear for extended periods, as recording and mixing sessions can often last for hours at a time. Finally, the headphones should have good noise isolation, to prevent any external sounds from bleeding into your recordings.
After researching and testing various headphones, we've identified the top options for home studio use. In the following sections, we'll be discussing each of these headphones in detail, highlighting their features and benefits, as well as any potential drawbacks. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting, these headphones will provide you with the accuracy and comfort you need to create the best possible music.
5 Best Headphones for Home Studios
As a home studio owner, finding the right pair of headphones is crucial to achieving high-quality sound. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, or audio engineer, having a reliable and accurate set of headphones is essential for producing top-notch audio. In this roundup, we've compiled a list of the best headphones for home studios, taking into consideration factors such as sound quality, comfort, and durability. Check out our top picks below.
1. OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones
If you're looking for headphones that deliver powerful bass and clear details, the OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones are a great choice for your home studio setup.
Pros
Neodymium magnets drivers deliver powerful bass and clear details, great for playing musical instruments like guitar and e-drum.
Soft padded ear cushions designed for monitor headphones' comfort and noise isolation.
90° swiveling earcups for single-ear monitoring anytime; self-adjustable and flexible headband delivers a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours, perfect for monitoring and mixing.
Cons
They get very warm with so much plastic over your ears.
The entire low-end is muted and there's a confusing sound delivery.
The sound is a bit muddy and they are not noise-canceling.
The OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones are built to stay comfortable during extended listening sessions, with soft padded ear cushions and a self-adjustable and flexible headband. The 90° swiveling earcups allow for single-ear monitoring, making them perfect for monitoring and mixing.
The long-style 9.8-Foot cord easily reaches from the TV or stereo to your chair, and a standard-sized 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug are included. They both are completely detachable, so you can plug in the mixer you want to use. These headphones work with all devices that have a 3.5 or 6.35mm audio jack.
If you're looking for headphones that deliver powerful bass, clear details, and a comfortable fit, the OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones are a great choice for your home studio setup. However, they do get warm with prolonged use and the sound delivery can be confusing, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.
2. TASCAM TH-MX2 Recording Mixing Home Studio Headphones
Looking for affordable headphones that won't compromise on sound quality? TASCAM TH-MX2 Recording Mixing Home Studio Headphones are a great option for you.
Pros
Lightweight and comfortable design for extended use
High-quality sound with 40mm neodymium magnet driver
Comes with screw-on 1/8in. (3.5mm) to 1/4in. (6.3mm) adapter and leatherette bag
Cons
Not the most durable headphones on the market
Somewhat limited frequency response range compared to higher-end models
May not be suitable for professional studio use
If you're looking for headphones that can deliver high-quality sound without breaking the bank, TASCAM TH-MX2 Recording Mixing Home Studio Headphones are definitely worth considering. These headphones feature a 40mm neodymium magnet driver that delivers clear and detailed sound across a wide range of frequencies, making them ideal for home studio use.
The lightweight and comfortable design of these headphones also makes them great for extended use, so you can wear them for hours without experiencing any discomfort. Plus, they come with a screw-on 1/8in. (3.5mm) to 1/4in. (6.3mm) adapter and leatherette bag, making them easy to transport and store.
While these headphones may not be the most durable or have the widest frequency response range compared to higher-end models, they are still a great option for anyone looking for affordable headphones that can deliver high-quality sound.
3. AKG Pro Audio K72 Studio Headphones
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for your home studio, the AKG K72 headphones are a solid choice. They offer accurate sound and a comfortable fit for long sessions.
Pros
Precisely balanced response provides reference-monitor accuracy
Over-ear design and lightweight construction for exceptional comfort
Closed-back design maximizes isolation
Cons
Some users report a slight emphasis in the 200Hz to 400Hz range and a little damping of highs
The cord is quite long, which may be inconvenient for some users
The right side may stop working after a short period of use
The AKG K72 headphones feature 40mm professional drivers for extended 16Hz - 20kHz frequency response, making them ideal for mixing and mastering. The self-adjusting headband ensures a perfect fit, and the closed-back design maximizes isolation. Additionally, the headphones come with a 3.5mm screw-on cable for convenience.
While some users report a slight emphasis in the 200Hz to 400Hz range and a little damping of highs, the precisely balanced response provides reference-monitor accuracy overall. The over-ear design and lightweight construction make these headphones comfortable for extended periods of use. However, the long cord may be inconvenient for some users, and the right side may stop working after a short period of use. Overall, the AKG K72 headphones are a solid budget-friendly option for home studio use.
4. Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones
If you're looking for high-quality headphones for home and studio recording, the Shure SRH440 headphones are an excellent choice.
Pros
Optimized for home and studio recording
Enhanced frequency response delivers accurate audio across an extended range
Adjustable headband and collapsible construction provide comfort and portability
Cons
Detachable, coiled cable may not be ideal for all users
Some users report discomfort during extended use
May not be as durable as other professional-grade headphones
The Shure SRH440 headphones are designed to provide exceptional sound reproduction and comfort for home and studio recording. The enhanced frequency response delivers accurate audio across an extended range, while the adjustable headband and collapsible construction provide comfort and portability. However, some users have reported discomfort during extended use, and the detachable, coiled cable may not be ideal for all users. Additionally, the headphones may not be as durable as other professional-grade headphones on the market.
5. TASCAM TH-MX2 Recording Mixing Home Studio Headphones
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for your home studio, the TASCAM TH-MX2 headphones might be worth considering. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end headphones, they offer solid sound quality and a comfortable fit.
Pros
Lightweight and closed-back design for easy portability and noise isolation
Tightly-stitched, padded headband and ear bands for comfortable wear during long sessions
Comes with a screw-on 1/8in. (3.5mm) to 1/4in. (6.3mm) adapter and leatherette bag for convenient storage and use with a variety of equipment
Cons
The build quality may not be as durable as more expensive models
The bass can be a bit overpowering, which may not be ideal for all genres
May not provide as accurate sound reproduction as more high-end headphones
Overall, the TASCAM TH-MX2 headphones are a solid choice for those on a budget who still want decent sound quality and comfort for their home studio needs. While they may not be the best option for audiophiles or professionals, they offer good value for the price.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best headphones for your home studio, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Frequency Response
One of the most important factors to consider is the frequency response of the headphones. This refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce. For home studio use, it's important to choose headphones that have a flat frequency response. This means that the headphones will reproduce sound accurately, without any exaggerated bass or treble.
Impedance
Another factor to consider is the impedance of the headphones. This refers to the amount of electrical resistance that the headphones have. For home studio use, it's important to choose headphones with a low impedance. This will ensure that the headphones can be driven easily by your audio interface or headphone amplifier.
Comfort
Comfort is also an important factor to consider when choosing headphones for your home studio. You'll likely be wearing them for long periods of time, so it's important to choose headphones that are comfortable to wear. Look for headphones with soft earpads and an adjustable headband.
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back
Finally, you'll need to decide whether you want open-back or closed-back headphones. Open-back headphones allow sound to escape, which can create a more natural and spacious sound. However, they also allow outside noise to enter, which can be distracting. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, provide better isolation from outside noise, but can sound more "closed-in."
Feature | What to Look For |
Frequency Response | Choose headphones with a flat frequency response |
Impedance | Choose headphones with a low impedance |
Comfort | Look for headphones with soft earpads and an adjustable headband |
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back | Decide whether you want open-back or closed-back headphones |
Thank you for reading the 5 Best Headphones for Home Studios!
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