WHICH STUDIO HEADPHONES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Choosing the right studio headphone is often difficult. Open-Back Vs Closed- Back, or for that matter, what impedance is best for me? In this article we will briefly explain what to consider when choosing the best headphone for your intended application.
First you should ask yourself what exactly do you want to do with the headphones. Do you have recording, monitoring or mixing in mind? And which device do you want to use them with? A quick recording on the go, or would you prefer to take it easy in the studio? And last but not least, what budget do you have in mind?
HEADPHONES FOR RECORDING & MONITORING
If you want to do vocal recordings, play an instrument live, or simply use the headphones for monitoring purposes; Closed-Back headphones are the most sensible option. Firstly, they isolate the sound on both sides strongly, this ensures that there is no crosstalk during the recordings; plus, the playback or the beat is not captured/recorded via live microphones.
Now the question arises as to which device you want to use the Closed-Back headphone on?
Mobile media players, Tablets & Smartphones
Typically, a mobile media player, tablet or smartphone will only deliver a low output voltage; this being the case you should opt for low-impedance headphones as they manage to deliver a reasonable sound volume when used with low output devices.
Our product suggestion in this application would be:
- Over $300 DT 770 PRO (32 Ohm version)
- Over $400 DT 700 PRO X (48 Ohm)
Laptops & Computers
If you intend to use the headphones on a laptop or computer and have a suitable amplifier, we recommend studio headphones with a higher impedance.
- Over $200 DT 770 PRO (32 Ohm version)
- Over $200 DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm version)
- Over $400 DT 700 PRO X (48 Ohm)
If you do not have an amplifier at hand, you can always stick with the lower impedance headphones.
- Over $200 DT 770 PRO (32 Ohm version)
- Over $400 DT 700 PRO X (48 Ohm)
Mixers & Interfaces
If you have a mixer or a professional interface available, then your choice should be high-impedance headphones with say 250- or 600-ohm impedances. Depending on the budget, there is the classic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm version) or the high-end studio headphones, DT 1770 PRO (250 Ohm). The DT1770PRO is the absolute top model in the closed PRO segment. With its high-resolution sound and high-quality workmanship, you do not make any compromises.
- Over $300 DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)
- Over $500+ DT 1770 PRO (250 Ohm)
Hint# As a side note, if you are looking for a portable on the go mobile location recording solution and do not want to miss out on studio quality, have a look at our FOX USB microphone. It is not only suitable for classic studio purposes, but also for recording your podcast and/or streaming.
HEADPHONES FOR MIXING & MASTERING
Mixing is about processing the many instrumental and vocal tracks of a song in such a way that a balanced and harmonious sound is created. When mixing and mastering the use of Open-Back and Semi-Open headphones are recommended.
Thanks to the natural sound image, the smallest details and errors in the recording can be perceived. If your headphone budget does not allow for an investment of more than $500 dollars, we recommend either the Semi-Open DT 880 PRO (250 Ohm) or the Open-Back DT 990 PRO (250 Ohm) from our classic studio range .
- Over $200 DT 990 PRO (250 ohm)
- Over $300 DT 880 PRO (250 Ohm)
- Over $400 DT 990 PRO X (48 Ohm)
If you opt for the top model, the DT 1990 PRO (250 Ohm), you can expect extremely spatial sound reproduction and built-in high-tech textiles that enable hours of studio sessions.
- Over $500+ DT 1990 PRO (250 Ohm)
A revision of an article originally published by beyerdynamic Germany.
We hope that this article gives you a better understanding of our studio headphone options!
