Top Picks
- Best Overall: Audio-Technica Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones Black (ATH-R70X)
- “Stylish, Easy to Use, Comfortable and Superb Quality of Sound Reproduced”
- Most Economical Headphones: Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
- “An attractive outlook and still offers versatile features despite being the most economical”
- Highest Frequency Response: Audio-Technica Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones
- “These are great ranges of Frequency Responses that helps you to deal with minute details of Sound Quality”
I remember the first time when I was trying to do music mixing and mastering through one of the Studio applications. I didn’t pay close attention to the details and got the job done in a few hours. Once it was played out loud in the speakers, it was a terrible recorded sound with no matching frequencies, and quality was embarrassing.
From that day, I realized that the quality headphones are a basic necessity when it comes to the tasks of mixing and mastering. Without them, you would be producing poor quality recorded sounds that won’t be coherent with each other.
Since then, I’ve tried and tested several different headphones, and I’ve cracked the secrets which ones would work best. So, a list of best headphones for mixing and mastering is compiled and presented below with all their Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages.
Their pricing range is also there, so you can only check out the ones that fall within your budget. After some of these headphones review, I’ve written down a buying guide so that you can also see the factors that I use to select any of the headphones required for mixing and mastering. So let’s get to work with our Top Picks first!
Best Headphones For Mixing And Mastering List
1) Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphones
Quick Overview of the Product
- Color: Gray
- Dimensions:12.4 x 10 x 4.3 Inches
- Weight: 9.1 Ounces
- Price: Under $400
When you are looking for a smooth and hi-fi stereo sound quality, this one would be a perfect solution for sound mixing and mastering. The THD is reduced remarkably by 0.05 percent with the help of aesthetically designed acoustic silk that dampens the entire frequency. The frequency response for these headphones is 10db.
It stands out because of the highly reliable driver elements that are of top quality, increasing the utility. The magnet systems are greatly optimized to reduce distortion and maintain amazing sound quality throughout. The headphones are always quick to respond due to extremely lightweight aluminum voice coils.
The outlook of these headphones is also quite sophisticated with a finishing of titanium-silver. It is one of the headphones for mixing and mastering as the sound quality recorded is of hi-resolution. A connected detachable cable is also made up of pure OFC Copper that is quite remarkably efficient in the transmission of sound.
You can easily connect them to the electronic components and experience the utmost quality of sound that can help you to go deep into the scene. You also have the peace of mind while buying these headphones as you enjoy a two years warranty for their functions continuity. It is quite a popular headphone among the mastering engineers, so you know that it reproduces excellent quality of sound.
Features
- 0.05% THD
- Titanium/Silver Finishing
- Frequency Response up to 39500 Hz
Magnet Systems Comprising of Neodymium ferrous
Pros
- Reduces external sound noise
- Great hi-quality recordings can be done
- Sound Quality remains close to its originality
- It produces a reliable transient response in minimum time
Cons
- A bit overpriced
2) Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250-ohm Headphones
Quick Overview of the Product
- Color: Gray
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 4.7 x 9.1 Inches
- Weight: 20.8 Ounces
- Price: Under $150
Stylish over the ear headphones at an affordable price. You can get the professional mixing and mastering job done in a quite straightforward manner without getting into much hassle. These are one of the best headphones for sound editing as they get along with the studio applications well.
The sound quality produced is pure, transparent, and loud that makes them very handy for audio editing. You would be getting close to the original sound quality making your job easy to understand what to do for your mixing and mastering tasks. They are also quite comfortable to use as the ear pads provided are incredibly soft and comfortable.
These are lightweight also so that your head doesn’t feel heavy after usage of some time. These DT990 Headphones are supplied from Germany, and they always remain the best headphones for monitoring due to exceptional artistry. As a producer, you would get sound tonal depth helping you to differentiate in the positioning of acoustic sources.
The experience using these headphones has remained remarkable for the users over time. You can consider this a long-term investment for your Studio that is frequently involved in mixing and mastering. Pleasant sound quality reaches your ears due to treble boost and mild bass. A 3.0m coiled cable is provided with the headphones so that they can be conveniently used.
Features
- Sound Pressure Level 96db
- 3.0m Coiled Connecting Cable
- Frequency Response up to 35000 Hz
Circumaural Headphones & Open Back Design
Pros
- Reliable Long time use
- German Workmanship Quality Headphones
- Ear cups are adjustable adding to the comfort level
- Incredible spaciousness on offer with these headphones
Cons
- Requires a bit more power input
3) Audio-Technica Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones
Quick Overview of the Product
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 10.2 x 12.8 Inches
Weight: 26.08 Ounces
Price: Under $350
These are the best budget mixing headphones when you require a pure sound quality that remains close to its originality over time. Audio-Technica has ensured that they come up with real high-quality magnets that ensure you get the most accurate sound quality for mixing and mastering.
The transient response is a detailed one, and you are provided ultimate structural rigidity due to Carbon Composite resin. Built-in honeycomb-mesh housings that are composed of aluminum and entirely acoustically transparent make way for high quality natural open-back sound. These headphones remain usable for a significant period of the day as they contain nice breathable earpads providing ultimate comfortability.
Everything with these open-back headphones seems to fall in line. You would find them extremely lightweight to use, and it has been constructed in such a way that it won’t create a mess above your head. For proper stereo operation, a detachable dual-sided cable is provided with the headphones for your use.
It can be connected with any input/output device with a high-quality dual-sided straight cable, and sound originality will not be compromised. A protective carrying pouch is included in the packing, so make sure you ensure that these headphones remain clean and tidy. Seeing the lasting comfort and convenience on offer, we can consider these probably one of the best headphones for mixing and mastering.
Features
- 99 dB Sensitivity
- 210 g Weight without cable
- 3m Straight Cable provided
- Pure Alloy Magnetic Circuit Design
Frequency Response up to 40000 Hz
Pros
- Lightweight open-back Headphones
- Provides ultimate high sound quality
- Keeps sound distortion level to a minimum with great efficiency
- Earpads are made of fabric that is breathable making it usable for long hours
Cons
- A bit prone to damage due to physical misuse
4) Samson SR850 Semi-Open-Back Headphones For Mixing
Quick Overview of the Product
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 4.8 Inches
- Weight: 16.8 Ounces
- Price: Under $50
When you are low on budget, these are the most probable best headphones for audio mixing. These headphones are semi-open-back, and you can surely use them in your studio to mix and master, later on, for excellent-quality playback. The combination of 50mm rare drivers and rare earth magnets provide optimized performance for these Samson aesthetically designed headphones.
You have the luxury of velour cushioning for earpads, so they remain usable for a significant period. Even long hours of use would not mind your head, and the headband is self-adjusting, providing optimal fit. The frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20kHz which leads to optimized linear response throughout the usage of these headphones.
A 2.5 m connecting cable is provided that makes sure you don’t get to lose the quality of sound. A unique feature that adds to the luxury of these headphones is volume control. You are no more required to access the device; you can manage through your headphones with minimum movements.
It is a great choice to buy due to the circumaural design of headphones that help to minimize ear fatigue, and you have comfortable long hours listening sessions. The frequency response remains consistent, smooth, and a treat for your ears. Built-in neodymium drivers also help in providing optimized sound quality, so these headphones are a real win-win situation for audio mixers.
Features
- Stereo Adapter also provided
- Frequency Response up to 20khz
- 2.5 m long connecting cable provided
50mm Neodymium Drivers with the combination of rare earth magnets
Pros
- Easy on the pocket’s headphones cost
- Special Feature of Volume Control provided
- Consistently smooth sound quality is ensured
- Works perfectly with all kinds of music sources
- Self-adjusting headband addresses the issue of fitting
Cons
- Not much loud sound quality
5) Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
Quick Overview of the Product
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 8.07 x 6.89 x 3.7 Inches
- Weight: 10.24 Ounces
- Price: Under $25
Stylish studio headphones designed by Behringer that handles dynamic sound ranges with perfection. High-resolution optimized performance is provided with the help of highly efficient cobalt capsules that makes these headphones one of the best open-back headphones for mixing. High definition bass and super-transparent highs are great qualities of these Behringer Studio Headphones that you probably can’t miss out on.
The comfort level while using these is at another level. This is due to the inclusion of reversible and rotating two earcups so you can adjust them according to your needs. Oxygen-free copper wire ensures your connecting cable does not get tangled easily, and your hassle to use them is kept to a minimum level.
The inclusion of 1/8″ connector plus 1/4″ adapter makes them dynamic solution headphones that would work with any kind of device without any change in output levels. The features provided in the given price range is extraordinary and makes them the best budget mixing headphones in our list. You won’t regret buying these, and they tend to be the most attractive on the eyes also.
You have four types available at your disposal once ordering these headphones. These include HD, On-Ear, Over-Ear, and Professional ones. These options are really amazing, and each one of them stands out in their appearance. It is a wholly equipped headphones that ensure you don’t miss out on any sound notes.
Features
- Built-in Cobalt Capsule
- Oxygen-free Copper Wires
- Rotating and Reversible Ear Cups
- 1/8″ connector plus 1/4″ adapter provided
High Definition Sound Bass and consistent super-transparent highs provided
Pros
- Tangle-free connecting cord
- Superb Quality Loud Sound
- Comfortable and flexible earcups
- Real Budget-friendly headphones
- Durable and rugged design headphones
Cons
- Sound output not much optimized
6) Tascam TH-MX2 Closed-Back Studio Mixing Headphones
Quick Overview of the Product
- Color: Black
Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 8.5 Inches
- Weight: 10.56 Ounces
- Price: Under $30
An extremely lightweight, close back headphones well suited for mixing and mastering. You have the luxury of recording and combining with great ease, as these produce quite a reliable sound performance. The frequency response ranges from 15 Hz to 22kHz, so you have a wide range of dynamic sound quality that remains uncompromised.
Neodymium Magnet Driver of 40mm keeps the output levels optimized throughout its usage, and a dynamic transducer is also present. Audio reproduction can be done in the right manner keeping the acoustic notes close to its original versions. Your everyday sound mixing and mastering needs are met well with these headphones.
Also, the headband is padded and tightly stitched so that they remain close to your ears with an ultra-comfort level. The overall framework of the headphones is made up of steel, and an adjustable arm is provided, making it one of the most user-intuitive headphones. The comfort level is maintained nicely by the manufacturers, and you can use them all day without feeling any inconvenience.
A 3m connecting cable is included when you get these Tascam headphones for yourself, and it also comes with a Leatherette Bag, 6.3mm Adapter, and Screw-on 1/8”. These are compatible with almost all the devices and operating systems while providing a balanced and optimized level of sound quality. If you feel the need for an impressive audio reproduction, this Tascam model is not a wrong choice at all.
Features
- 3m Extendable Cable Provided
- Headband padded and closely stitched
- Headphones Framework made up of Steel
Comes with a Built-in Neodymium Magnet Driver
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Economically suitable
- A stylish fit for your ears
- Purpose-built for mixing
- A durable headphones framework
Cons
- Mid-level Sound Boosting provided
Buying Guide: How to Buy Headphones for Mixing and Mastering
Putting things together with music files seems a horrendous task. It won’t be easy for you if you get low-quality headphones to get things done properly. The final output’s quality depends on the headphones you are using, so let’s help you out in getting the best headphones for mixing and mastering. Let’s see some factors to consider below:
Frequency Response
The optimum range of frequency response lies between 10Hz to 20000 Hz. The more the number, the better the sound quality, but it should be complemented with other features also with a higher frequency response range. With optimum ranges met, you can experience diverse sound qualities with no difficulties at all. Whether it is a low, middle, or high powered sound, your headphones will be giving the best output for you to listen to.
Magnetic System Performance
Reliable quality magnetic drivers provide the best performance that remains consistent for an extended period. You should surely check out that the magnetic system of the headphones you intend to buy is guaranteed to be of top quality and will continue to function for a more extended period of time. The reliable forms of magnetic drivers are made of Neodymium and Alloys famously so you can check them out.
Transient Response Time
It is a feature that calculates how a magnetic driver can respond to any changes in the audio. These are dependent on the magnetic driver’s performance, and this metric will also help you to decide their performance reliability. You quick transient response time for the jobs of audio mixing and mastering, so you can’t leave out on checking this.
Weight of Headphones
Heavyweight or midweight headphones will be a curse if you have a mid-level-sensitive body. Since they are going to be placed over your head, you don’t want your head to feel heavy at all. Otherwise, their usage would remain limited to a short period of time. Buy only lightweight headphones and only those we have included in our list that doesn’t make much difference while they are worn.
Design Durability
Wireless headphones need to be durable enough to withstand turbulent conditions, such as strenuous workouts, gym sessions and jogging periods. To meet this end, the desired headset should be a perfect balance between aesthetics, durability, flexibility, and comfort. Furthermore, users should also be on the lookout for weather and sweat resistance to make sure they play around without worrying about their investment!
Suitable Cable Length and it’s Quality
A cable length is an essential component of a headphone. Your life can become miserable if you aren’t able to handle a cable properly. Headphones are totally useless without a valid and reliable cable. Buy straight cable headphones and ensure it does not gets tangled easily. Pure Copper and Oxygen-free cables are much resistant to getting tangled so you can buy these cables. Also, do check out the length that it matches your needs.
Durability and Resistance to Physical Damage
We have covered a complete range of headphones for mixing and matching, even the most expensive ones, and explored budget-friendly options for you also. The great thing about all the products reviewed that they are reliable and tend to deliver quality output as promised. There won’t by any regret buying one of them; still, you need to see their features, pros, and cons mentioned to make a complete evaluation.
We hope that you have a great time ahead; some sweet music is reproduced after doing some mixing and matching. You can also share with us the link if you tend to upload any of your work. We would love to see the quality of work generated by our recommended best headphones for mixing and mastering.
Our Final Piece of Advice
Having done all the research and hard work, we now know the best around the neck headphones in the market. With exclusive attention to salient features, uniqueness of product and value for money, you now know the product that awaits to be unpacked by you!
The behind-the-neck headphones mentioned in our list tried, tested and have a fan base of their own. You need to decide which fan-base do you need to fit into. Let’s get buying, shall we?