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Studio Headphones

Studio headphones for recording, mixing and monitoring

Studio headphones are designed for reliable listening in professional audio production. From recording and editing to mixing and mastering, they provide a detailed and controlled sound reproduction. Depending on their design, the focus may be on isolation for tracking or on a natural, open sound for critical listening. In addition to classic studio headphones, this category also includes hi-fi headphones, headphones with microphone, Bluetooth headphones and headphone amplifiers.

Video: overview of studio headphones

Closed studio headphones

Closed studio headphones are designed for situations where isolation and control are essential. Their closed ear cups prevent sound leakage, ensuring that click tracks and playback do not bleed into microphones during recording sessions.

They are also a practical choice for editing, mobile production and DJ monitoring, as they help maintain focus even in louder environments.

Suitable for: home studios, recording booths, rehearsal rooms, mobile setups

  • Ideal for:

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

Example product: Fame Audio DT-750 – closed-back studio headphones with solid isolation and comfortable fit.

Open studio headphones

Open studio headphones are built for critical listening. Their open design creates a wider, more natural stereo image, making it easier to judge balance, panning and spatial detail in a mix.

While they are not ideal for recording with microphones, they are highly valued for mixing and mastering tasks.

Suitable for: mixing rooms, project studios, critical listening at the desk

  • Ideal for: mixing, mastering, detailed listening

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

Example product: beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 80 Ohm – open-back headphones with a spacious stereo image.

Hi-Fi headphones

Hi-Fi headphones focus on listening enjoyment and comfort. Compared to studio headphones, their sound is often tuned to be more musical and pleasant for long listening sessions.

They can also serve as a secondary reference for producers who want to hear how a mix translates to consumer listening environments.

Suitable for: everyday listening at home, commuting, leisure listening, secondary mix reference

  • Ideal for: music enjoyment, extended listening sessions

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AKG K 702 open Hi-Fi reference headphones

Example product: AKG K 702 – open reference headphones with a detailed and transparent sound.

Headphones with microphone

Headphones with microphone combine monitoring and communication in one solution. They are commonly used for streaming, podcasting, video calls and online meetings.

For professional studio work, a dedicated microphone is usually preferred, but headsets offer convenience and flexibility.

Suitable for: streaming & podcasting, video calls, remote work, gaming setups

  • Ideal for: content creation, communication

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Behringer BB 560M headset with Bluetooth and wired option

Example product: Behringer BB 560M – versatile headset with Bluetooth and cable connection.

Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth headphones offer wireless freedom and convenience. They are ideal for everyday listening, travel and flexible workflows.

For critical recording, mixing and mastering, wired headphones remain the preferred option due to latency and compression.

Suitable for: travel, practice sessions, casual listening, flexible hybrid workflows

  • Ideal for: mobility, convenience

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

Example product: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ – modular wireless headphones for production and DJ use.

Headphone amplifiers

Headphone amplifiers provide clean power, additional headroom and often multiple outputs with individual level control.

They are especially useful when driving higher-impedance headphones or when several listeners need reliable monitoring at the same time.

Suitable for: studios with multiple listeners, rehearsal rooms, tracking sessions, higher-impedance headphones

  • Ideal for: studio and rehearsal monitoring

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Fame Audio HPA-4 four-channel headphone amplifier

Example product: Fame Audio HPA-4 – four-channel headphone amplifier for distributed monitoring.

Video: headphone amplifiers

FAQ – Studio headphones

What are studio headphones?

Studio headphones are designed for recording, editing, mixing and mastering, with an accurate and detailed sound reproduction.

Which impedance should I choose?

32–80 ohms work well with most interfaces. Higher impedances often benefit from a headphone amplifier.

Closed or open headphones – which is better?

Closed models are ideal for recording, while open models are preferred for mixing and mastering.

Why are open headphones not ideal for recording?

Because sound can leak out and be picked up by microphones.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

It is useful for high-impedance headphones or when multiple listeners need monitoring.

Are Bluetooth headphones suitable for studio work?

Wired headphones are preferred for critical work. Bluetooth is mainly for convenience and mobility.

What should I look for in terms of comfort?

Soft ear pads, low weight and a comfortable clamping force are important for long sessions.

Which design is most comfortable?

Over-ear (circumaural) headphones are generally the most comfortable.

Which connectors are common?

6.3 mm (¼”) jack is standard in studios, often with a 3.5 mm adapter.

What listening level is recommended?

For long sessions, moderate levels around 85 dB SPL are recommended.

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