Best Headphones for Music Production
Starting out in music production can be overwhelming, but having the right equipment is crucial to creating high-quality recordings. One of the most important tools in a producer’s arsenal is a good set of headphones. With so many different headphones on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll compare three of the best headphones for starting music production:
Beyerdynamic DT 990:
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 is an open-back headphone that provides a natural, spacious sound. Its frequency response is flat and neutral, which means you’ll be able to hear every detail of your mix without any particular frequency range being emphasized or de-emphasized. The DT 990 also features large, plush ear cups and an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit.
One advantage of the open-back design is that it provides a more natural sound than closed-back headphones. The open-back design allows air to move in and out of the ear cups, which creates a more spacious sound. However, this design can also be a downside for some users. The open-back design can be a bit leaky, which means that sound can escape and be heard by others in the room. This may not be an issue if you’re working in a private studio, but it can be a problem if you’re working in a shared space.
✅ Pros:
- Provides a natural, spacious sound
- Frequency response is flat and neutral, which means every detail of your mix can be heard
- Large, plush ear cups and an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit
❌ Cons:
- The open-back design can be leaky, allowing sound to escape and be heard by others
- Not ideal for noisy environments
🏷️ The Beyerdynamic DT 990 can typically be found for around $139. This is a mid-range price for headphones, but the DT 990’s open-back design and natural sound make it a great choice for music production.
Get the Beyerdynamic DT 990 here
Audio Technica ATH-M50x:
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is a closed-back headphone that provides excellent isolation and a tight, focused sound. Its frequency response is also flat and neutral, making it easy to hear every detail of your mix. The ATH-M50x features large, comfortable ear cups and a sturdy headband that can withstand daily use.
One advantage of the closed-back design is that it provides excellent isolation. The closed-back design prevents sound from escaping and also prevents outside noise from entering the ear cups. This can be particularly useful if you’re working in a noisy environment. However, one potential downside of the ATH-M50x is that its sound can be a bit harsh or bright for some listeners. If you’re sensitive to high frequencies, you may find that the ATH-M50x is a bit fatiguing over long listening sessions.
✅ Pros:
- Provides excellent isolation and a tight, focused sound
- Frequency response is flat and neutral, which means every detail of your mix can be heard
- Large, comfortable ear cups and a sturdy headband for daily use
❌ Cons:
- Sound can be harsh or bright for some listeners
- May cause fatigue over long listening sessions
🏷️ The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is generally priced around $144, which makes it a bit more affordable than the DT 990. Its closed-back design provides excellent isolation, and its tight, focused sound is well-suited for monitoring your mixes.
Get the Audio Technica ATH-M50x here
Sony MDR-7506:
The Sony MDR-7506 is another closed-back headphone that provides excellent isolation and a flat, neutral sound. Its frequency response is similar to the other two headphones we’ve discussed, which means you’ll be able to hear every detail of your mix. The MDR-7506 features a lightweight design and a foldable design that makes it easy to transport.
One advantage of the MDR-7506 is its portability. The lightweight and foldable design make it easy to take on the go or to use in different environments. Additionally, the closed-back design provides excellent isolation, which can be useful in a variety of settings. However, one downside of the MDR-7506 is that its ear cups can be a bit small, which can be uncomfortable for some listeners. Additionally, some users have reported that the headband can be a bit tight, which can also cause discomfort over extended listening sessions.
✅ Pros:
- Provides excellent isolation and a flat, neutral sound
- Lightweight and foldable design for easy portability
- Closed-back design provides excellent isolation
❌ Cons:
- Ear cups may be too small and uncomfortable for some listeners
- Headband can be tight and cause discomfort over extended listening sessions
🏷️ The Sony MDR-7506 is often priced around $99, which makes it the most affordable option of the three. Despite its lower price point, the MDR-7506 provides excellent isolation and a flat, neutral sound that’s well-suited for music production.
Comparison Table:
| Headphones | Beyerdynamic DT 990 | Audio Technica ATH-M50x | Sony MDR-7506 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Closed-back | Closed-back |
| Sound | Natural, spacious | Tight, focused | Flat, neutral |
| Isolation | Less isolated due to open-back design | Excellent isolation | Excellent isolation |
| Comfort | Large, plush ear cups and adjustable headband | Large, comfortable ear cups and sturdy headband | Lightweight and foldable design, but ear cups may be too small for some |
| Durability | Durable metal frame | Sturdy plastic construction | Durable plastic construction |
| Portability | Bulky | Portable | Portable |
| Potential Discomfort | Not ideal for noisy environments | Sound can be harsh or bright for some listeners | Ear cups may be too small and uncomfortable, headband can be tight and cause discomfort over extended listening sessions |
| Price (USD) | $139 | $144 | $99 |
Conclusion:
ℹ️ Overall, all three of these headphones are excellent choices for starting out in music production. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 provides a natural, spacious sound, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x provides excellent isolation and a tight, focused sound, and the Sony MDR-7506 provides a flat, neutral sound in a lightweight package. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs, so be sure to try out a few different headphones before making a final decision. Additionally, it’s important to consider factors like comfort, durability, and portability when choosing a set of headphones. By taking the time to find the right headphones for your needs, you’ll be able to create high-quality recordings and improve your music production skills.
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