The right pair of headphones must be used if you are an audio professional. But, finding the best mastering headphones is difficult because music producers have different expectations and specialties. That is why we have reviewed the best headphones for mixing and mastering through meticulous research based on our relevant buying guide.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Sony MDR7506
Sennheiser HD 600
OneOdio Pro-10
AKG Pro Audio K371
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
SENNHEISER HD 660 S
Shure SRH1840
How to choose the best mixing and mastering headphones for your studio
It would help if you consider some factors while buying a studio headset. If your headphones do not suit your studio setup or your need, the sound production will lack quality. Here we have discussed some essential features the best headphones for mixing and mastering should have.
Sound Quality
Sound quality must be top-notch in the best headphones for mixing and mastering. The sound performance needs to be crisp and clear as you use the headphones to produce and engineer audio. That is why we suggest you consider this factor while buying headphones.
Durability
You will likely use the headphones in your studio for an extended period. Hence, it would be best if you went for sturdy headphones that do not wear off after extensive use. Moreover, we advise you to check the headband quality. A headset with a well-built headband will give you a consistent audio experience.
Comfort
Imagine working for hours in your studio wearing headphones. A less-comfy headset will make your ears uncomfortable. Consequently, your sound production will become ineffective. So check out the headphone’s design and driver type to ensure appropriate comfort.
Form Factor
Open and closed back headphones have unique advantages in this scenario. If you are looking for top-notch comfort, go for open back headphones due to the breathable design. On the other hand, closed back headphones give out distinctive noise-cancelation features, which is essential during audio mixing.
Best headphones for mixing and mastering | Top 9 picks
Finding the best mixing headphones is a difficult task. To make it easier, we have researched various products and have come up with our top picks. Note that we have selected the headphones based on our buying guide.
Here are the best headphones for mixing and mastering in 2023
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
- Sony MDR7506
- OneOdio Pro-10
- Sennheiser HD 600
- AKG Pro Audio K371
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
- SENNHEISER HD 660 S
- Shure SRH1840
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Form Factor: Closed back
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is overall the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering, owing to its affordable price and various functionality. It offers unparalleled sound accuracy with great mid-range and bass performances. Additionally, the headset’s long cable ensures user convenience while using it.
These headphones’ sound isolation is exceptional, letting you listen to your audio minutely. Moreover, it is very lightweight. So, if you want to use your studio headphones for hours, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro can be your go-to choice.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound accuracy
- Reasonable price
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Nothing significant
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ticks all our expectations from a quality studio headset, be it comfort or top audio performance. That is why these classic headphones top among the best headphones for mixing and mastering.
Quantitive Measurement:
- Durability: 10/10
- Design: 9.5/10
- Fit: 9.5/10
- Sound Quality: 10/10
Sony MDR7506
Form Factor: Closed back
If you want to do audio mastering with headphones smoothly, then Sony MDR7506 is an excellent choice. These headphones do not focus on outlooks but on the features that every audio engineer dreams of. It is equipped with powerful drivers, giving a solid audio performance. It is foldable and has a stable build quality.
This headset offers stellar noise cancelation performance, which is a must for better sound production. On top of that, these headphones are hard-wearing, making them durable and comfortable for extensive usage. All in all, it’s a proper choice among the best closed back headphones you can use in your studio.
Pros:
- Sturdy design
- Large drivers to produce top-notch audio
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- The design is too generic
In our verdict, Sony MDR7506 delivers thoroughly and is undoubtedly a superb value for making. Not to mention when it comes to Sony headphones, you can usually rely on performance. Hence, It is one of our top picks for the best mixing and mastering headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 9.5/10
- Design: 9.5/10
- Fit: 9.5/10
- Sound Quality: 10/10
Sennheiser HD 600
Form Factor: Open back
Sennheiser has delivered a few of the best studio headphones to audio professionals, and the HD 600 tops that list. Its open back and over ear design ensures a super comfortable user experience with solid fitting. Along with this, it supports your hi-fi setup superbly well, making your studio experience incredible.
In addition, the detachable cable is a big plus point. Indeed, these Sennheiser headphones are classic headphones for mixing and mastering.
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Superb fitting
- Great audio performance
Cons:
- Pricier than some
Audio professionals trust Sennheiser HD 600 for their work, and it is due to the brilliant features it offers. The open back earcups give transparency a boost and make the sound production much more optimized. So if your pocket gives a green light, Sennheiser HD 600 should be your top choice.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 9/10
- Design: 9.5/10
- Fit: 9/10
- Sound Quality: 9/10
OneOdio Pro-10
Form Factor: Closedback
OneOdio Pro-10 has a stylish design and is very well-built. The massive 50 mm drivers ensure you hear every little detail of your sound. That is why this headset is a hot favorite among audio professionals.
Moreover, these headphones have excellent sound isolation, which is definitely an important criterion for mixing headphones. The headset also has adjustable headbands, so you can use it conveniently while mixing your audio.
Pros:
- Comes with 2 separate detachable cables
- Reasonable price
- Comfortable to use
Cons:
- Not so suitable for big ears
OneOdio Pro-10 delivers a superb deal to the users, considering its surprisingly low price. It even comes with 3.5 and 6.35 detachable cables, making it a top choice in our review of the best headphones for mixing and mastering.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 9.5/10
- Design: 9.5/10
- Fit: 9/10
- Sound Quality: 9/10
AKG Pro Audio K371
Form Factor: Closed back
AKG Pro Audio K371 is one of the best closed back headphones for mixing. The low-frequency response of these headphones is quite noteworthy. Moreover, this headset gives out a very accurate and detailed sound production. Also, its foldable design ensures you can carry it conveniently to places.
Pros:
- Good low-frequency response
- Easy to carry
- Superb sound quality
Cons:
- Mediocre sound isolation
AKG Pro Audio K371 satisfies every audiophile’s expectations through its well-balanced performance. The foldable and lightweight design, frequency response, and price tag make it an easy pick as one of the best headphones for mixing music, podcasts, etc.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 9/10
- Design: 9.5/10
- Fit: 8.5/10
- Sound Quality: 9/10
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Form Factor: Closed back
Audio Technica is one of the go-to brands for audio engineers. M50X of the M-series is overall the best of all. It gives out great audio performance, thanks to the 45mm drivers. You can produce accurate tones and vocals with the help of these headphones. Moreover, this pair of headphones give out great stereo imaging.
This model from Audio-Technica comes with both wireless and wired versions, making it convenient for you to choose. They also offer a package with an audio interface if you need it. Overall, it is one of the best Audio-Technica headphones for studio mixing.
Pros:
- Sturdy design
- Great audio performance
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Bass performance could be better
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is definitely a reliable option for audio professionals, given its superb features. That is why it sits among the best headphones for mixing and mastering, according to our review.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 9/10
- Design: 8.5/10
- Fit: 8.5/10
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Form Factor: Open back
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is a classic studio headset that has served audiophiles justly. It has excellent sound staging, and the audio resolution is top-notch. Moreover, these headphones provide very minimal distortion. So, you can meticulously engineer your sound using this headset. This headset is undoubtedly one of the best open back headphones for mixing.
Pros:
- Minimal distortion
- Great sound staging
- Comfortable to wear
Cons:
- Expensive
Overall, despite the high price, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro gives out noteworthy performance. Its audio performance, along with the design and replaceable earcups, makes it a deserving pick on our best headphones for mixing and mastering list.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 8.5/10
- Design: 8.5/10
- Fit: 8.5/10
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
SENNHEISER HD 660 S
Form Factor: Open back
Sennheiser has marketed a lot of headphones, and HD 660 S is one of the fan favorites. Studio professionals like it for its great audio quality and low harmonic distortion. Moreover, the open back design ensures comfortable use, making it suitable for extensive usage. On top of that, these headphones are very stylish looking.
Pros:
- HiRes audio
- Durable build
- Comfortable for long-term use
Cons:
- Occasional sound leakage is noticeable
Whether sound performance or durability, Sennheiser HD 660 S does not disappoint. While it falls behind its companion HD 600 regarding bass-treble performance and sound profile, this HD 660 S is still a worthy choice. So, if it meets your needs, consider choosing this headphone for your studio setup.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 8.5/10
- Design: 8/10
- Fit: 8.5/10
- Sound Quality: 8/10
Shure SRH1840
Form Factor: Open back
With powerful 40mm drivers, Shure SRH1840 gives out a balanced sound production. It is well-built and very lightweight. Due to this, you can use these headphones in your studio for an extended period. Overall, these headphones provide a neutral sound experience, which is definitely a plus point for studio mixing.
Pros:
- Balanced sound production
- Adjustable headband
- Durable
Cons:
- High distortion
Shure SRH1840 is a great choice, given its unique features. But, it does not properly justify the high price it asks for. This is part of why we have placed it as the last pick on our list of the best mixing and mastering headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability: 8/10
- Design: 7.5/10
- Fit: 8.5/10
- Sound Quality: 8/10
To conclude
Studio mixing is about creating the right audio, and a good headset surely helps. The right pair greatly depends on your studio setup. In this review, we have discussed various headphones with diverse specifications. We believe this has helped you to find the best headphones for mixing and mastering.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a headset for your gaming experience, check out the best open back headphones for gaming.
