Remember when mixing was limited to a pair of studio speakers in the studio you recorded in? With the evolution of technology, home studio setups have allowed all of your favorite post-production activities to be taken anywhere. What’s more, headphones are continually being upgraded to give you high-end studio-grade sound so that creative projects are the best they can be. The accessibility of technology is truly fantastic and is changing the game in creative production.
The question is, how do you know if your equipment is giving you top-quality sound? Are there other, better options you can use for your project? Today, we've put together a list of the top 5 headphones that are ideal for mixing. Even people who don't mix music will find something they like on this list.
Sennheiser HD 600 – $299.95
Sennheiser has been a studio staple for many years, so it makes sense that one of the most trusted models is at the top of this list. HD600 It has an open-back design that allows for an incredibly wide soundstage that will translate well to your work. The detailed midrange and tight bass are intelligently balanced, and with an amplifier helping to power them, you know you're going to get a studio-grade experience right to your head. The headband and ear cushions offer plenty of comfort that's sure to last through many extended mixing sessions.
Audio-Technica M40x Headphones: $99.00
You might not be surprised to see Audio-Technica on this list, but it's probably not the pairing you'd expect. M50x It's a popular choice and is on many recommendation lists in terms of mixing, but the dynamic sound makes it a better tool for DJs and live mixers. If that's the type of mixing you're looking for, then that may be the pair for you. For people in the post-production mixing field, the M40x is a better recommendation. Its wide soundstage is a bit flatter and allows for better adaptability and versatility when you're actively changing the sound throughout your creative process. You'll get the same clarity and detail in both earbuds, as well as an impressive range that's sure to let you focus on your work.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro – $169.00
For years, the DT 770 has been a standard studio headphone, and that remains true. DT 770 Pro This was an easy choice when looking for mixing headphones to recommend, as it has the same great qualities as the DT 770, but with that added level of detail and finesse. There are some fit differences between the two, with the Pro offering a very detailed bass response that has been improved over the previous version, as well as crisp mids that allow for careful editing. The ear cushions are comfortable and the weight isn’t excessive, so long work sessions don’t feel fatiguing.
Sennheiser HD 620S – $349.95
Another Sennheiser headphone makes it to this list, this time for fans of closed-back headphones. HD 620S They are a great pair for mixing, especially if you want to focus on detailed sound and want a little more noise cancellation during your workflow. You can use them to work in busier environments and really focus on your work. They provide a bass response that isn’t overwhelming and the rest of the frequency ranges are balanced well to give you a good starting base for your personal mix.
Audeze LCD X: $1,199.00
This is a big jump in price from the other headphones on the list, but Audeze doesn't disappoint. LCD-X The open-back flat headphones are excellent mixing tools with their wide soundstage and incredible attention to detail. They are not new to the market; in fact, they were launched over ten years ago and have been a hit ever since. The 2024 revision accentuates everything that was great about the first LCD-X released, with elevated bass response and detailed finish. They are a little heavier on the head, but the over-ear design and plush ear cushions allow them to be worn for hours without discomfort.
Summary
In the end, it's down to personal preference what type of headphones you use for mixing. There are plenty of other great mixing headphones out there, some of which are variations on what you see here, so don't let this list be your only guide. You can listen to these headphones and many more at Audio46, and then you can choose the best mixing headphone for you.
You can get all these headphones and more at Audio46.
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