Your Feedback

Studio Headphones

Headphones for Studio Applications

Studio headphones mainly differ by design and use case: closed-back models are ideal for recording, while open-back models are great for mixing and mastering. You’ll also find hi-fi alternatives, headsets and Bluetooth solutions – plus headphone amps for clean, accurate monitoring.

Video: Studio headphones at a glance

Closed-back studio headphones

Closed-back studio headphones block outside noise and keep the headphone signal contained. That’s especially practical when recording in the same room: click tracks and playback stay clearly audible and bleed less into microphones.

Typical use cases include recording/tracking, editing and DJ monitoring. If you need isolation, direct punch and a focused signal on your ears, this is usually the right choice.

  • Ideal for: recording, vocal tracking, instrument takes, cueing
  • Great for: home studio, rehearsal room, stage, mobile setups

Related products: Closed-back studio headphones

Fame Audio DT-750 closed-back studio headphones for recording, editing and mixing

Example: Fame Audio DT-750 – a solid entry-level closed-back studio headphone, with good isolation and a secure fit for recording and editing.

Open-back studio headphones

Open-back studio headphones sound airy and spacious because air and sound can pass through the earcups. This makes the stereo image feel more natural, and details in mids and highs are easier to judge.

For mixing and mastering, open-back models are often the first choice – especially if you can’t always work on speakers. For recording, they’re only partly suitable because sound leaks outward.

  • Ideal for: mixing, mastering, critical listening, sound design
  • Great for: studio, home studio, long sessions with high comfort demands

Related products: Open-back studio headphones

beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 80 Ohm open-back headphones for mixing and mastering

Example: beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 80 Ohm – an open-back classic with a wide soundstage and detailed reproduction, popular for mixing and mastering.

Hi-fi headphones

Hi-fi headphones are designed for relaxed music listening. Comfort and voicing are the focus, often with a musical tuning rather than a strictly neutral studio frequency response.

They’re excellent for long listening sessions at home or on the go – and, depending on the model, can still be very detailed. For mixing, studio headphones are usually the more dependable option; hi-fi is more for enjoyment.

  • Ideal for: music listening, hi-fi setups, long sessions, detailed playback
  • Great for: home use, mobile listening, relaxed focus

Related products: Hi-fi headphones

AKG K 702 open-back reference headphones

Example: AKG K 702 – open-back reference headphones with high resolution and a wide soundstage, ideal for demanding listening and fine details.

Headphones with microphone

Headsets combine headphones and a microphone in one solution. That makes them especially convenient when speech is the priority: calls, streams, podcasts or voice chat are quick and straightforward.

Depending on the model, you can choose wired or wireless setups. For classic studio recording, separate microphones are usually more flexible; for communication and content, headsets are often the fastest solution.

  • Ideal for: streaming, podcasting, voice chat, video calls
  • Great for: home office, creator setups, mobile use, gaming

Related products: Headphones with microphone

Behringer BB 560M headset with Bluetooth and cable option for podcasters, streamers, gamers, DJs and video calls

Example: Behringer BB 560M – a headset with Bluetooth and cable options, practical for podcasts, streaming, gaming, DJ use and video calls.

Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth headphones are the comfortable choice for wireless listening. They give you freedom of movement and are ideal for travel, practicing or flexible setups without cable clutter.

For critical mixing, they’re usually only partly suitable, as latency and codec compression can play a role. For DJ performance and producing, however, there are specialized models designed specifically for that.

  • Ideal for: mobile listening, practicing, flexible setups, DJs/producers on the go
  • Great for: everyday use, travel, mobile studios, creator workflows

Related products: Bluetooth headphones

AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Bluetooth headphones for DJ performances and producing

Example: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ – wireless headphones for DJ performances and producing, built around a modern modular concept.

Headphone amplifiers

Headphone amplifiers ensure studio headphones are driven cleanly with plenty of headroom. This is especially important for high-impedance models or when multiple musicians need stable monitoring at the same time.

Many units provide multiple outputs with individual volume control – ideal for recording sessions, rehearsal setups and home-studio-friendly multi-headphone solutions.

  • Ideal for: multiple headphones at once, more headroom, stable levels
  • Great for: recording sessions, band setups, studio, home studio

Related products: Headphone amplifiers

Fame Audio HPA-4 stereo headphone amplifier with 4 channels for all headphone types

Example: Fame Audio HPA-4 – a 4-channel stereo headphone amplifier, ideal for parallel monitoring for multiple musicians in one setup.

Video: Headphone amplifiers explained

FAQ – Studio headphones

What are studio headphones, and how do they differ from regular headphones?

Studio headphones are designed for recording, mixing and mastering. The goal is neutral, detailed and uncolored reproduction rather than “sweetened” hi-fi sound. Many models are rugged and service-friendly (replaceable parts).

  • Closed-back: strong isolation – ideal for recording (less bleed).
  • Open/semi-open: more natural soundstage – ideal for mixing/mastering.
How many ohms do I need for studio headphones?
  • ~32–80 ohms: for laptops, mobile devices and weaker headphone outputs on interfaces.
  • ~80–150 ohms: a versatile all-round range with often more detail/dynamics.
  • ≥ 250 ohms: more dynamics and headroom, usually best with a headphone amplifier.

Tip: Home studios often do well with 32–80 ohms. If you have powerful outputs/amps, high-impedance models can be a great choice.

Which studio headphones are best for recording?

For recording, closed-back studio headphones are usually the best option because they isolate well and cause less bleed into microphones. This helps keep click tracks and playback clearly audible – even in louder environments.

Which studio headphones are best for mixing and mastering?

For mixing and mastering, open-back studio headphones are commonly used. They deliver natural spaciousness, clear midrange imaging and make it easier to judge panning, reverbs and fine details reliably.

Why do I need a headphone amplifier?

A headphone amplifier provides more headroom, stable levels and clean drive – especially with high-impedance studio headphones or when you want to run multiple headphones at the same time. Many models offer several outputs with separate volume controls.

Are Bluetooth headphones suitable for studio work?

Bluetooth headphones are very practical for mobile listening and flexible setups. For critical mixing/mastering, however, they’re often only partly suitable because latency and codec compression can affect how you judge fine details. For practicing, DJ use or on-the-go listening, they can still be a smart choice.

What should I look for in terms of wearing comfort?
  • Earpads & headband: soft materials, ideally replaceable.
  • Clamping force & weight: moderate fit and low weight for long sessions.
  • Design: over-ear (around-ear) is usually more comfortable for hours.
  • Service: replaceable parts (cables/pads) extend lifespan.
How loud will my studio headphones get on my audio interface?

That depends on sensitivity (e.g., dB SPL/mW or dB/V), impedance (ohms) and your interface/amp’s output power. High-sensitivity headphones get loud faster; high-impedance models often need more power. Hearing safety: long-term listening ideally stays below around 85 dB SPL.

Which design is better: on-ear or over-ear?

For long sessions, over-ear (around-ear) is usually more comfortable and seals better. On-ear can be more compact, but often puts more pressure on the ear – depending on head shape and padding.

Which connections matter for studio headphones?

In studios, 1/4" (6.3 mm) jack connections (or adapters from 3.5 mm) are common. Look for a durable cable (ideally replaceable) and sufficient length. Interfaces and mixers usually use 6.3 mm; mobile devices often use 3.5 mm.

▲ Back to the table of contents