If you’re into music production, finding the right closed-back headphones is crucial. In 2023, we’ve narrowed down the top 6 options tailored for mixing and mastering, so you can create your best sounds.
Best Closed Back Headphones for Mixing and Mastering
As audio professionals, we know how important it is to have the right equipment for the job. When it comes to mixing and mastering, closed-back headphones are a must-have tool.
They offer a superior level of isolation, allowing you to hear every detail of your mix without any outside interference. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best closed-back headphones for mixing and mastering.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these headphones will provide you with the clarity and accuracy you need to create the perfect mix.
1.Sony MDR7506 Professional Stereo Headphones
If you are looking for a reliable pair of headphones for sound monitoring, recording, or any other application where high-quality sound is required, the Sony MDR7506 Professional Stereo Headphones are a great choice.
Pros
- Neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers deliver powerful, detailed sound
- Closed-ear design provides comfort and reduces external noise interference
- Folds up for storage or travel in the provided soft case
Cons
- The cord is quite long, which can be inconvenient in some situations
- The headphones may feel a bit tight on larger heads
- The bass response may not be as strong as some users would like
We have used the Sony MDR7506 headphones in our recording studio for years and have always been impressed with their performance. The neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers deliver a clear, detailed sound that is great for monitoring and mixing. The closed-ear design also provides excellent noise isolation, which is essential when working in a noisy environment.
One of the standout features of these headphones is their rugged design. They are built to last and have proven to be reliable even in the toughest situations. The folding construction also makes them easy to store and transport, and the supplied soft case provides additional protection.
While the cord is quite long, which can be inconvenient in some situations, it does end in a gold-plated plug and comes with a 1/4-inch adapter, which makes it versatile enough for a variety of applications. However, the headphones may feel a bit tight on larger heads, and the bass response may not be as strong as some users would like.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and high-quality pair of headphones for mixing and mastering, the Sony MDR7506 Professional Stereo Headphones are an excellent choice.
2.beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
We highly recommend the beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone Gray for those looking for a high-quality, semi-open studio headphone with analytical sound.
Pros
- The semi-open, diffuse-field design provides a perfect balance of open, transparent sound and powerful, closed sound.
- The adjustable, soft padded headband and velour, circum-aural ear pads make for a comfortable fit during extended periods of use.
- The rugged, easy serviceable construction ensures that all parts are replaceable, making for a long-lasting investment.
Cons
- The 250 ohm impedance may require an amplifier to achieve optimal sound quality.
- The semi-open design may not provide enough isolation for some users in noisy environments.
- The coiled connecting cable can be a bit cumbersome for some users.
We found that the beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone Gray provides a balanced and detailed sound, making it an excellent choice for mixing and mastering. The semi-open design allows for a spacious and transparent soundstage, while the analytical sound provides accurate representation of the audio being monitored.
The adjustable, soft padded headband and velour, circum-aural ear pads make for a comfortable fit during extended periods of use. The rugged, easy serviceable construction ensures that all parts are replaceable, making for a long-lasting investment.
However, the 250 ohm impedance may require an amplifier to achieve optimal sound quality. The semi-open design may not provide enough isolation for some users in noisy environments. Additionally, the coiled connecting cable can be a bit cumbersome for some users.
Overall, we highly recommend the beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone Gray for those looking for a high-quality, semi-open studio headphone with analytical sound.
3.Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
We highly recommend the Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones for anyone who is serious about mixing and mastering. These headphones deliver superior acoustic performance, comfort, and durability to professional engineers, musicians, and audiophiles alike.
Pros
- The 40 mm neodymium drivers deliver superior acoustic performance for an expansive soundstage with clear, extended highs and warm bass.
- The diaphragm developed with APTIV Film improves linearity and lower THD (total harmonic distortion).
- The closed-back, circumaural design rests comfortably over the ears and reduces background noise.
Cons
- The price tag is on the higher side.
- The bass could be punchier.
- The mids could be more present.
The Shure SRH1540 headphones are lightweight and durable, featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and carbon fiber cap for enhanced durability. The steel driver frame with vented center pole piece improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all listening levels.
The Alcantara ear pads provide maximum sound isolation and comfort, and the included storage case, replacement set of Alcantara ear pads, replacement cable, and threaded adapter ensure years of uninterrupted listening enjoyment.
Overall, the Shure SRH1540 headphones are a great investment for anyone looking for high-quality closed-back headphones for mixing and mastering. They deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them a top choice for professionals and audiophiles alike.
Read also:- 6 Best Closed Back Headphones Under $200:Buying Guide
4.Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO
If you are looking for a pair of closed-back headphones for mixing and mastering, the Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones is a great choice. With its high ambient noise attenuation and accurate, linear sound reproduction, these headphones are perfect for critical monitoring applications.
Pros
- The high ambient noise attenuation feature makes it easier to work in noisy environments.
- The accurate, linear sound reproduction allows you to hear every detail in your mix.
- The soft earpads provide a comfortable fit, even for long periods of use.
Cons
- The folding and rotating earcups can be a bit stiff and difficult to adjust.
- The cable is not detachable, which can be inconvenient if it gets damaged.
- The headphones can feel a bit heavy after extended use.
We have been using the Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones for a few weeks now, and we are impressed with its performance. The headphones are well-built and sturdy, which is a plus for those who travel a lot. The noise isolation is excellent, and we were able to work in noisy environments without any distractions.
The sound quality is impressive, with a flat frequency response that allows us to hear every detail in our mixes. The bass is tight and controlled, and the mids and highs are clear and detailed. We also appreciate the soft earpads, which provide a comfortable fit even after extended use.
However, we did experience some issues with the folding and rotating earcups, which can be a bit stiff and difficult to adjust. We also wish that the cable was detachable, as it can be inconvenient if it gets damaged.
Overall, the Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones is a great choice for those who are looking for a pair of closed-back headphones for mixing and mastering. Its high ambient noise attenuation and accurate, linear sound reproduction make it a great investment for professionals and hobbyists alike.
5.Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Headphones
If you are looking for a high-end pair of headphones for mixing and mastering, the Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Monitoring Professional Studio Headphones are definitely worth considering. They offer a transparent sound with high resolution and excellent isolation that allows working in noisy environments.
Pros
- Linear sound balance, like Neumann’s acclaimed studio monitors
- Excellent isolation allows working in noisy environments
- High long-term comfort, easy transportation
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be uncomfortable at first
- Not suitable for people with large ears
We were impressed with the sound quality of the Neumann NDH 20 headphones. They offer a linear sound balance that is similar to Neumann’s acclaimed studio monitors. The excellent isolation allows us to work in noisy environments without any disturbance, and the transparent sound with high resolution ensures that we can hear every detail in our mixes.
The circumaural memory foam ear pads offer high long-term comfort, and the headphones are easy to transport. However, they can be uncomfortable at first, and they are not suitable for people with large ears.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a pair of headphones that will give you the most accurate representation of your mix, the Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Monitoring Professional Studio Headphones are definitely worth considering. They provide a transparent sound with high resolution, excellent isolation, and high long-term comfort. However, they are expensive and may not be suitable for people with large ears.
6.AKG Pro Audio K371BT Headphones
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that can match your mobile lifestyle, then AKG K371-BT Professional Studio Headphones may be the perfect fit for you. With a sleek, sturdy design, plush comfort, and Bluetooth functionality, these headphones are perfect for artists, engineers, podcasters, video editors, or content producers.
Pros
- The largest-in-class 50 mm titanium drivers provide superior performance with an extended frequency response.
- The slow-retention foam earpads offer superior comfort and fit for longer listening sessions with less bass leakage.
- The foldable, notched 8-position articulated hinge makes it collapsible for maximum portability.
Cons
- The headband may break easily after a little over a year of use.
- The top clamp doesn’t sit fully on the top of the head.
- The mini-XLR cable takes some getting used to.
We’ve tested the AKG K371-BT headphones and found that they deliver natural, balanced audio in extraordinary detail, so you can make more confident decisions when you’re mixing and editing. The switchable Bluetooth wireless and wired connectivity is also a plus, and a built-in microphone allows two-way Bluetooth communications.
The plush, ergonomic earcups cradle your ears in supreme comfort, making these headphones ideal for longer listening sessions. The sleek style and pro performance with lifestyle fit and finish of these headphones make them stand out from the crowd.
In summary, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that can deliver superior sound quality, comfort, and portability, then AKG K371-BT Professional Studio Headphones are worth considering. However, the headband may break easily after a little over a year of use, and the top clamp may not sit fully on the top of the head.
Conclusion:
In the world of music production, precision matters. Our selection of the 6 best closed-back headphones for mixing and mastering in 2023 ensures you get the accuracy and quality you need.