10 Best Headphones For Mixing And Mastering In 2023 (Found A Winner!)
It's 2023 and audio tech has advanced by leaps and bounds.
Whether you're a professional music producer, a studio engineer, or just someone who likes to get creative with their music, it's important to have the right set of headphones for mixing and mastering.
It can be challenging to determine the most suitable headphones for mixing, monitoring and mastering with the vast range of headphones available on the market.
We've done the hard work for you and put together a list of the 10 best headphones for mixing and mastering in 2023. Let's take a look and find our winner!
Top 10 Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering List
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO – Best Value Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
- Sennheiser HD 600 – Best Open-Back Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X - Best Closed-Back Headphones With Balanced Sound
- Sennheiser HD 650 - Best Reference Headphones For Music Production (#1 Top Pick!)
- Shure SRH1840 - Best High-End Headphones For Mixing And Monitoring
- beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro - Most Accurate Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
- AKG K 701 Ultra Reference - Best Studio Headphones For Mixing Low Frequencies
- Focal Listen Professional - Best All-Rounder Pair Of Studio Headphones
- Shure SRH440A - Best Budget Mixing And Mastering Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-R70X - Best Type Of Headphones Great For Mixing In A Professional Studio Setting
- BONUS: Audeze LCD-X - Best Recording Studio Headphones On The Market For Neutral Sound
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Open Studio Headphone
Best Affordable Studio Headphones
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing
Hey, music producers out there!
Are you looking for a reliable, durable, and comfortable pair of headphones for professional mixing, mastering, and editing?
Look no further than the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro.
These awesome over-ear headphones are perfect for studio applications due to their transparent, spacious, and powerful sound.
Whether you’re creating a new track or mastering an existing one, the DT 990 Pro will help you achieve a professional sound.
The DT 990 Pro also provides great comfort. The soft, circumaural, and replaceable velour ear pads ensure a snug fit and long-lasting comfort.
The hard-wearing and robust workmanship provide great durability and make these headphones perfect for long mixing sessions.
If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of headphones for mixing and mastering, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is your best choice.
With their transparent, powerful sound and comfortable design, these headphones are sure to help you achieve a professional sound.
Plus, they come with a practical single-sided cable (3.0m coiled cable), so you can easily move around the studio without having to unplug.
So, if you’re looking for the best headphones for mixing and mastering, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is the way to go.
With their transparent, spacious, and powerful sound, comfortable design, and durable construction, these headphones are sure to help you achieve a professional sound.
Get your hands on a pair today and start creating the music you love.
Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back
Phenomenal Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
Sennheiser HD 600 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone
The Sennheiser HD 600 is the ultimate choice for audiophiles and sound purists.
A classic headphone that stands the test of time and has become a standard for reference playback and high-fidelity listening worldwide, it is a product of Sennheiser’s passion for the perfect sound.
This iconic listening experience is built on a unique approach to sound reproduction, using transparency as its core principle.
By combining Sennheiser’s advanced production techniques and computer-optimized transducers, the HD 600 delivers a masterfully crafted soundscape that is designed to disappear as soon as you hit play.
From mastering and mixing to simply enjoying your favorite tracks, the HD 600 is the best headphone for any audiophile or sound enthusiast looking for a truly impartial scale of sound.
It is an acoustically transparent open-back earcup that lets every single sound through and captures every detail with absolute accuracy.
The HD 600 has been the go-to choice for sound professionals around the world for more than 20 years.
It has been used in many award-winning podcasts, films, albums, and more.
Whether you’re a professional or a die-hard audiophile, the HD 600 will bring your music to life in a way that you’ve never experienced before.
The HD 600 is the perfect companion for any audio setup and makes sure that you get the best possible sound reproduction from your music.
With its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, it is no wonder why the HD 600 is considered the best headphone for mixing and mastering.
Audio Technica ATH-M50 x
Best Value Mixing Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black, Professional Grade, Critically Acclaimed, with Detachable Cable
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is a critically acclaimed studio monitoring headphone known for its superior sonic performance and praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers.
It features proprietary 45-millimeter large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, delivering exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep, accurate bass response.
The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments, while the 90° swiveling earcups allow for easy one-ear monitoring and are collapsible for space-saving portability.
The professional-grade earpad and headband material provides more durability and comfort for hours of use.
In addition to the headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X comes with three detachable cables (1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, 3.0 m straight cable, and 1.2 m straight cable), a protective carrying pouch, and a 6.3 mm (1/4") adapter.
If you're looking for the best headphone for mixing and mastering, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is definitely a great choice.
The superior sonic performance, excellent sound isolation, comfortable fit, and convenient portability make it an ideal choice for studio, live, DJ, and personal use.
Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Mixing Headphone
Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering (Our Top Pick!)
Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone
If you're looking for the best headphones for mixing and mastering, look no further than the Sennheiser HD 650.
These professional-grade headphones offer precision damping over the entire frequency range with an incredible THD of 0.05 percent, and the improved frequency response of 10 39,500 Hertz (10 dB) makes them ideal for a range of audio applications.
The HD 650's hand-selected, matched driver elements and highly optimized magnet systems help to minimize harmonic and inter-modulation distortion, while the powerful neodymium magnets inside deliver maximum efficiency.
The 3.5-millimeter jack plug and lightweight aluminum voice coils provide a very fast transient response, and the 118-inch cable length ensures that you can move freely while mixing and mastering.
What really sets the Sennheiser HD 650 apart, however, is its iconic design.
Its open-backed ear cup design ensures maximum comfort and a natural sound for long hours in the studio, and its sleek black finish means it looks just as good in the studio as it does on the street.
So if you're looking for the best headphones for mixing and mastering, look no further than the Sennheiser HD 650.
With its precision damping, improved frequency response, and iconic design, these professional-grade headphones are the perfect tool to help you produce your best work.
Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones
Best Professional Open-Back Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones - Individually Matched 40mm Neodymium Drivers for Smooth, Extended Highs and Accurate Bass, Ideal for Mastering or Critical Listening Applications
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that offer unparalleled acoustic performance, then look no further than the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open-Back Headphones.
Featuring individually matched 40 mm, neodymium drivers, these headphones provide smooth, extended highs and accurate bass for an exceptional listening experience.
With their open-back, circumaural design, you’ll experience a wide stereo image and increased depth of field, allowing you to enjoy your music more than ever before.
The SRH1840’s construction is designed to be lightweight yet incredibly durable, featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless steel grilles.
A steel driver frame with a vented center pole piece improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance, ensuring consistent performance at all listening levels.
Plus, the ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully adjustable, so you can enjoy your music in comfort for hours on end.
If you’re looking for the best headphone for mixing and mastering, then the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open-Back Headphones are a perfect choice.
With their premium design and individually matched drivers, you’ll be able to enjoy an unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended highs and accurate bass.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
If you're looking for a set of headphones that will help you get the best results when it comes to mixing and mastering, look no further than the beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO.
These uncompromising studio reference headphones are designed to give you precise listening, mixing, and mastering capabilities.
With a frequency response of 5-40,000 Hz and a nominal sound pressure level of 102 dB SPL, you can be sure you're getting the highest quality audio.
It also comes with two ear pads with different sound characteristics paired with a detachable cable with mini-XLR connectors, giving you the flexibility to customize the sound to your needs.
It's not just the sound quality that makes the beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO stand out from the rest.
It also features a pair of dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers, as well as soft, replaceable ear pads and a headband for long studio sessions.
The delivery contents also include two pairs of cables (3m straight and coiled), along with a premium hard case, making it perfect for those on the go.
When you put it all together, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO is the best headphone for mixing and mastering, delivering ultimate precision and comfort that you won't find with any other headphone.
Trust the experts and get the most out of your audio production with the DT 1990 PRO.
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1
Best Reference Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1
Are you looking for the best headphone for mixing and mastering?
Look no further than the AKG K 701 Ultra Reference headphones.
This revolutionary pair of headphones are designed to provide professional-grade performance for mixing and mastering.
The K 701 features flat-wire voice coil technology, which offers an incredibly accurate and detailed sound.
The flat-wire design eliminates distortion, providing an exceptionally balanced and clear sonic signature.
The headphones also feature an advanced damping system, which helps to reduce resonances and provide perfect sound isolation.
This allows for a more accurate listening experience and makes it easier to hear the nuances of your tracks.
The K 701 also has a lightweight design, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
This helps to reduce fatigue and makes the headphones a great choice for long sessions in the studio.
The AKG K 701 Ultra Reference headphones are also highly durable and designed to stand up to rigorous use in the studio.
Their flat-wire design ensures that the headphones will last for years and maintain their excellent sound quality.
If you're looking for the best headphones for mixing and mastering, the AKG K 701 Ultra Reference headphones are an ideal choice.
With their revolutionary flat-wire voice coil technology, advanced damping system, and lightweight design, these headphones provide top-notch sound quality and extreme comfort.
Focal Listen Pro Closed-Back Reference Studio Headphones
Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
Focal Listen Professional Closed-Back Circul-aural Headphones, Black
Are you an audio engineer looking for professional closed-back circum-aural headphones that will let you mix and master your music with total control?
Then you need to check out Focal Listen Professional headphones.
Focal has been an industry leader in transducer design for six years, and their Listen Professional headphones are the result of this expertise.
From the studio to the road, these headphones are an essential tool for any sound engineer.
What makes Focal Listen Professional headphones stand out?
For starters, they come with a unique cone technology that offers incredible acoustic transparency and excellent dynamics.
This means that you’ll have total control over the audio spectrum and get excellent isolation while still enjoying a natural sound.
But Focal Listen Professional headphones also provide amazing comfort. With a lightweight design and soft, padded ear cups, you’ll be able to wear them for hours without feeling any fatigue.
And when you’re ready to hit the road, the headphones fold up into a compact, rigid carrying case for easy transport.
So if you’re looking for the best headphone for mixing and mastering, you should look no further than Focal Listen Professional.
With their impressive features and unbeatable sound quality, you’ll be able to take your music to the next level.
Shure SRH440A Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones
Best Budget Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
Shure SRH440A Over-Ear Wired Headphones for Monitoring & Recording, Professional Studio Grade, Enhanced Frequency Response, Work with All Audio Devices, Adjustable & Collapsible Design - 2022 Version
Welcome to the new and improved Shure SRH440A Monitoring and Recording Professional Headphones!
We know that sound quality is the most important aspect of any headphone product, and the SRH440A is no exception.
With its transparent, natural sound signature, the SRH440A provides detailed, accurate audio across an extended range.
With its enhanced frequency response, impedance, and power handling, the SRH440A is optimized for performance with all types of professional audio devices – making it ideal for mixing and mastering.
We understand that while sound quality is key, comfort is also essential.
That’s why we’ve find the SRH440A to be ultra-comfortable and lightweight.
The adjustable headband and collapsible construction provide comfort and portability like no other.
And with its sleek, durable design, the SRH440A looks great on camera and can withstand the rigors of constant use.
Finally, the SRH440A comes with a 3m (10 ft.) detachable locking cable – ensuring that you can take your headphones anywhere without having to worry about them coming loose.
If you’re looking for the best headphones for mixing and mastering, look no further than the Shure SRH440A.
With its superior sound quality and ultra-comfortable design, it’s the perfect choice for any professional audio application.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70X
Best Open-Back Reference Headphones For Mixing And Mastering With Studio Monitors
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones
Introducing the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones – the perfect choice for mixing and mastering.
Combining extreme accuracy with a natural and spacious soundstage, the ATH-R70x provides a listening experience that is truly unique.
The ATH-R70x employs magnets with high efficiency and a magnetic circuit design made of pure alloys to minimize distortion and guarantee a precise and prolonged response to high frequencies.
Carbon composite resin improves structural rigidity to provide a detailed transient response, while acoustically transparent, aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings provide a natural and spacious open-back soundstage.
These headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to their feather-light weight (approx. 210 g w/o cable) and robust construction.
Breathable fabric earpads and improved wing support provide long-wearing comfort, making them perfectly suited for professional use.
By combining extreme accuracy and detailed transient response with natural, spacious sound and comfortable fit, the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is the perfect choice for any mixing and mastering professional.
Get ready to experience the highest audio quality and performance the industry has to offer.
BONUS: Audeze LCD-X Over Ear Open Back Headphone
Best High-End Professional Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering
Audeze LCD-X Over Ear Open Back Headphone New 2021 Version Creator Package with Carry case
Do you want to make sure that the music you create sounds as good as possible?
If you’re a recording engineer, musician, or audiophile, then you’ll need a pair of headphones that can capture sound in the highest quality.
That’s why many of today’s hit records were mixed on Audeze LCD-X headphones – the best headphone choice for mixing and mastering.
Audeze LCD-X headphones offer the perfect balance of sound quality, efficiency, and comfort.
Each pair is powered by large ultra-thin 106 mm diaphragms with Audeze’s proprietary Fazor elements and double-sided magnetic arrays.
This means you can expect smooth frequency response from 12Hz – 20kHz and extended out to 50kHz for crystal clear sound quality.
The comfort level of these headphones is also a major plus. The revised 2021 ear pad design with luxurious leather (also available leather-free) and ergonomic design will keep you comfortable for long hours in the studio.
Plus, you can rest assured that your headphones are hand-crafted, meticulously tested, and calibrated in Audeze’s Southern California facility.
If you’re looking for the best headphone for mixing and mastering, then you can’t go wrong with the Audeze LCD-X.
With its efficient 103dB/1Mw and an impedance of 20 ohms, this headphone will deliver reference quality sound that’s sure to make your music stand out.
Plus, you’ll be able to keep comfortable and concentrate on the task of creating amazing music.
Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering Buyers Guide
Headphones are an essential tool for any recording engineer, producer, or musician.
Whether you’re recording, mixing, or mastering, having the right pair of headphones can make a big difference in the quality of your work.
But with so many different models and features on the market, how do you know which one is best for your needs?
That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best headphones for mixing and mastering.
We’ll take a look at some of the key features you should consider when shopping for headphones, as well as some of our top recommendations for different budgets.
Headphone Basics
Headphones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different types of drivers and features.
But when it comes to mixing and mastering, there are a few key features you’ll want to consider.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have a good seal between the headphones and your ears.
This will allow you to hear all the details in the mix, without any sound bleeding in from outside sources.
A good seal also helps to reduce fatigue, which is especially important if you’re going to be wearing headphones for long periods of time.
What is Mixing and Mastering?
Mixing and mastering are two very different processes. Mixing involves balancing the levels of each instrument or vocal track in a song.
Mastering, on the other hand, is the final step before a song is released.
It involves adding EQ, compression, and other effects to give the mix a polished, professional sound.
When choosing headphones for mixing and mastering, it’s important to have a pair that can accurately reproduce the sound of each track.
This is why having a flat frequency response is so important.
Flat Frequency Response
A flat frequency response means that the headphones can accurately reproduce all frequencies, from the lowest lows to the highest highs.
This is important for both mixing and mastering, as it allows you to easily hear all of the details in the mix.
Wide Frequency Range
Another key feature to look for in headphones for mixing and mastering is a wide frequency range.
This means that the headphones can reproduce all frequencies, from the lowest lows to the highest highs.
This is especially important for mastering, as it allows you to make sure that the mix sounds balanced and professional.
Comfort & Durability
At the end of the day, the most important factor in any pair of headphones is comfort.
If you’re going to be wearing the headphones for long periods of time, you’ll want to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t cause any discomfort or fatigue.
Durability is also important. If you’re going to be using your headphones regularly, you’ll want to make sure they’re built to last.
Look for headphones with sturdy construction and good reviews from other users.
Closed and Open Back
Finally, you’ll want to consider whether you want a closed or open-back design.
Closed-back headphones block out external noise, which is great for recording.
Open back headphones are more suited to mixing and mastering, as they allow you to hear the sound of the room and the other instruments in the mix.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for headphones for mixing and mastering.
But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. To wrap up, I’ll give a top recommendation in 3 categories: Closed Back, Mid-Fi, & Hi-Fi.
Good luck and happy recording!
Fantastic Headphones For Music Production In 2023 FAQs
Are you in the market for the perfect pair of headphones for music production in 2023?
Whether you're a professional musician, audio engineer, or just a music enthusiast, you'll want to make sure you have the right gear to make the most of your audio.
To help you find the best headphones for your needs, we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about headphones for music production in 2023!
What headphones should I use for mixing and mastering?
If you're looking for headphones to use for mixing and mastering, I would suggest looking for ones with a flat frequency response.
That way, you'll hear exactly what you're working with and be able to make more precise adjustments.
Look for the best mastering headphones with good sound isolation, too, so you don't get any outside noise interfering with your work.
Can I mix and master with headphones?
Yes, you can mix and master with headphones. However, it's generally not recommended because headphones may not be the best to provide an accurate representation of your mix and may make it difficult to identify any mix issues.
It's best to use studio monitors for mixing and mastering if possible, as they offer more accurate sound and help you identify any mixing issues.
Is it better to mix and master with headphones or monitors?
It really depends on the situation, but both headphones and monitors can be great tools for mixing and mastering.
With headphones, you have the advantage of being able to hear every detail of the track without outside interference from the environment, which can be great for detail-oriented tasks like EQing and compression.
On the other hand, monitors allow you to hear how the track will sound in the real world, so they can be great for getting a sense of how the track will sound in the end.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which is better for your needs.
What headphones do mix engineers use?
Mix engineers typically use studio headphones when mixing music. They need to be able to hear all the frequencies in the mix and these headphones are designed specifically to reproduce sound accurately and consistently.
The most popular models used by mix engineers are high-end, closed-back headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 650, the AKG K701, and the Beyerdynamic DT 990.
Which Headphones Are The Best for Mixing & Mastering?
It really depends on what kind of sound you're looking for and your budget.
Generally speaking, open-back headphones are better for mixing and mastering because they provide a wider soundstage, allowing you to hear all the elements of the track more clearly.
Closed-back studio headphones can be better for tracking and isolating sounds, but they do not provide the same level of clarity as open-backs.
Ultimately, the best headphones for mixing and mastering will depend on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend.
Which brands make the best studio headphones?
There are so many great brands out there that make really high-quality studio headphones, so it can be hard to pick just one!
Some of the most popular pair of reference headphones and highly rated brands are Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, Shure, Beyerdynamic, and AKG.
All of these brands offer a variety of different models to choose from, so it’s worth doing some research to find the model that is best for you.
Do I need anything else in addition to Headphones for a good Mix and Master?
It depends on what you're trying to achieve. For basic mixing and mastering, headphones are usually enough, but if you're looking to get a professional-level sound, you may want to invest in studio monitors and other tools such as a compressor, EQ, and reverb.
Ultimately, the more tools you have at your disposal, the better your mixes and masters will be.
Should You Choose Open or Closed Back Headphones for Mixing?
When it comes to choosing between open and closed-back headphone designs, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
It all depends on what type of sound you're looking for and how you plan on using the headphones.
Open back headphones are great for mixing duties because they offer a more natural and open sound in a studio environment.
On the other hand, closed-back headphones are great for monitoring because they reduce background noise and create a more isolated sound.
Ultimately, it's a personal preference, so it's important to try out both options to see which one works best for you.
Best Mixing And Mastering Headphones - Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it's important to choose the best mixing headphones to make the right mix decisions and that best fit your needs.
The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are the most accurate studio headphones for mixing and mastering, while the Sennheiser HD 650 is the best reference headphones for music production.
For those on a budget, the Shure SRH440A offers great value for mixing and mastering.
No matter which option you choose, you can be sure that you'll have the right headphones for your project.
Check today's price on Amazon to secure your next best studio headset for mixing and mastering your next big hit project!
Your friend,
Ben
