Top 3 Best Headphones for Mixing Audio on Any Budget
Today at The Music Production Headquarters we are going to talk a bit about some of the top headphones for mixing. I am finding myself in more and more situations where I need to mix with headphones, and I am sure you are as well.
While I have studio monitors I currently do both ave a good acoustic space to work out of. If you are in the same situation I would highly suggest doing one of two things.
1 Get into a good acoustic space or 2. Learn to mix on headphones until you can get into a good acoustic space. It will be better to spend $100-$200 on a good pair of headphones then try to spend the same on monitors and no acoustic treatment.
If you are new here are a few articles going over studio headphones as a refresher or further reading
- Lifehacker: How do you test a new pair of headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Review
- The Ultimate Guide for Deciding On Best Studio Monitor Headphones
Top 3 Best Headphones for Mixing Audio on Any Budget
Here are our top 3 headphones for mixing audio on any budget. Like mentioned with our studio monitor article every person’s ear is different. This means that some headphones could sound amazing to you and horrible to someone else.
Everyone will have a slightly different preference, and that is ok. Get what works best for you and get back to the studio and make something amazing!
Sony MDR7506
These are held in high regard as I have used these for 4 years and have loved them. The biggest trick with these headphones I have learned is if you just barely hear bass it is loud enough.
Effects like reverb and delay if you are able to hear them on these headphones it needs to be turned down in the mix. If you do not turn it down when you go to print the mix the effect and bass will overpower the mix. Aside from that these will compete with headphones 2x-3x the price.
Features
- Neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers for powerful, detailed sound
- Closed-ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises
- 9.8-foot cord ends in gold-plated plug; 1/4-inch adapter included
- Folds up for storage or travel in provided soft case
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20 kHz
Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
These are one of the most popular headphones for mixing and listening to audio period, Currently they have 2,800 reviews on amazon with a 4.7/5 rating. Check them out on Amazon here. If something happen to my Sony MDR7506’s these would be the headphones I would be getting which I have mentioned before. You can check out a few of them on this site here.
The biggest difference with these compared to the 7506’s is that these seem to bring high’s out more to me, and the mid range seems to clean up. Overall if I was recommending a pair of headphones starting out these would be it. Even MKBHD loves these check out his review below, currently there are just short of a half a million views.
Features
- Exceptional audio quality for professional monitoring and mixing
- Collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage, Cable Length: 3.9 - 9.8′ (1.2 - 3m) Coiled Cable
- Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems
- Closed-back cushioned earcup design creates an outstanding seal for maximum isolation
- Adjustable padded headband for comfort during long mixing/recording sessions, 1 year warranty
Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Headphones
These headphones come in two variations 32 OHM’s and 600OHMS. The 32 OHM’ will be better for you if you plan to use the headphones for MP3, iPhone, iPod and home audio applications, analytical, true sound reproduction.
The 600OHMS version is better for high power requirements, and headphone amp. With that being said if you have an audio interface or a headphone amp for mixing which you should the 600OHMS is the way to go.
Features
- Innovative “Bass reflex” system for excellent audio performance. Cable *Length : 10 ft / 3 m
- Semi-open headphone, Single-sided cable with gold vaporized stereo mini jack & 1/4″ adapter
- Made in Germany, 11 oz. without cable, includes carry case
- Frequency response 5 - 35,000 Hz
Honorable Mentions
1. AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones
2. AKG Q 701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class Premium Headphones
Both of these headphones are also very good and have high ratings by their users on Amazon.
For more reviews on the AKG K 240 click here.
For more info and reviews on the AKG Q 701 click here
If you have found this article useful please consider sharing on social media and or to others that are looking for headphones for their studio. Did we miss your favorite pair of headphones? If so leave a comment below of what your favorite is.
Category: Product Reviews