Any of the following best headphones for mixing becomes a practical solution especially when loudspeakers simply cannot be employed for some reason or the other. Although using the large boom box for monitoring is the preferred method, you may find yourself looking for alternate methods to help churn out your mixes depending on the situation at hand. For example, you may want to record while on the go via your laptop that’s infused with a dedicated bunch of software or maybe you prefer working on stitching together musical pieces from the comfort of your home. You surely cannot employ the use of a loudspeaker when faced with these scenarios. Well, that’s where these best handy solutions come in.
1 – Audio-Technica ATH-M30:
This closed-back dynamic stereo monitor headphones are fashioned to please home recordists, project studio engineers and recording musicians. And owing to its closed-back design, you can expect clarity and superior isolation even when listening to tracks at high volumes. The lightweight device tips the scales at just 200g and sports an adjustable cushioned headband.
It also includes a flexible 11-inch cable with single-side exit, gold-plated 3.5mm stereo connector and 40mm diameter drivers. With a sensitivity of 100dB, it proffers 65ohms impedance and 20-20,000Hz frequency response.
Price: $119
2 – Sennheiser HD 600:
Noted to be an open dynamic professional audio solution, this entrant forays onto the scene with an advanced diaphragm design which keeps acoustical disturbances at bay. It further sports open metal mesh grilles, lightweight aluminum voice coils, neodymium ferrous magnet systems and detachable, Kevlar-reinforced OFC copper cable. As the brains behind this endeavor states, you can expect minimum distortion, spatial sound and an excellent transient response.
The entire bundle is drenched with a sophisticated black-gray finish which will look right at home when placed in a dedicated listening room or hi-fi stack. With a nominal impedance of 300ohms, it also comes complete with frequency response of 12 – 39000Hz.
Price: $399
3 – AKG K702:
This one jumps onto the scene with the tagline, ‘pure perfection for precision listening, mixing and mastering.’ The open, studio headphones claim to provide accurate response as it includes flat-wire voice coils for a more enhanced impulse and treble response as well as a patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm. What’s more, they can be worn through long work sessions without being uncomfortable, all thanks to its specially crafted 3D foam ear pads and flexible, padded genuine-leather headband.
There’s also a professional mini XLR connector that’s thrown into the amalgamation. Weighing just 235g, the audio peripheral features frequency bandwidth of 10 to 39800Hz, 62ohms impedance, 105dB sensitivity and detachable cable.
Price: $255
4 – Denon AH-D2000:
Compound metal and microfiber material have been implemented while fashioning this particular inclusion. While the former is employed to increase density for clear sounding acoustics, the latter is infused to replicate the delicate reverberations and sonic details found in concert halls. Fitted with the Acoustic Optimizer deign, it also includes cables fashioned out of 7N-OFC copper, cloth mesh jacket and an aluminum covered connector plug.
In addition to all these attributes, you’ll find that it uses a lightweight magnesium frame for a more comfortable fit. Packed with a 50mm neodymium driver, the device also includes an impedance of 25ohms and 5-45,000Hz frequency response.
Price: Approx. $250
5 – Beyerdynamic DT880:
As the company reveals, this reference-class, semi-open studio headphone merges the desirable features that are found in both the closed and open sorts. Noted to be a refurbished model of the studio classic DT 880, it’s a perfect studio monitoring peripheral that comes complete with analytical qualities. The makers have also thrown in a better system equalization and specially designed housing. The semi-open, diffuse-field studio headphone sports an adjustable, soft padded headband for a comfortable fit as well as a single-sided cable, Circumaural ear pads and 3m coiled cable.
You’re even supplied with a handy carrying case for safely porting the gadget around when you’re away from your studio or home workstation. While the impedance clocks in at 250ohms, the nominal sound pressure level is 96dB and frequency response 5 – 35,000Hz. Tipping the scales at just 295g, it further comes with a 3.5mm mini-jack and 6.35mm adapter.
Price: $349
6 – Ultrasone PRO 2900:
When pitted against the other options listed here, this particular headphone is slightly on the pricier side. Available at $550, it’s packed to the hilt with some pretty delectable features that will definitely be worth every penny you spend on it. The audio accessory sports a foldable, open-back professional design, speed-switch ear pads and detachable cables as well as a Pro box hard-case for easy transportation.
Moving on to its technical specifications, this pair includes stiff 40mm titanium-plated drivers and is infused with S-Logic natural surround sound plus. It further boasts of 40ohm impedance, frequency range of 6-42,000Hz, 96dB sound pressure level. All these enticing features are neatly wrapped up in a single audio peripheral bundle that weighs just 295g.
Price: $550
Conclusion:
So there you have it – a comprehensive lineup of the best headphones for mixing. Now if you happen to be one among the audiophiles in the music business and such a solution, then any of the aforesaid accessories should make a fine companion. Whether recording at your local studio, at home or even while traveling on the plane or in the car, you’ll be able to take complete advantage of all the features each one has to offer. So which peripheral among our list will you opt for? Have we missed out on any of your favorites out? Well, don’t hesitate to pen down your thoughts right here.