Ranking the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering in 2022

Studio headphones are an essential component of any recording studio, complementing studio monitors. Looking at the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering for 2022, you can choose the best option among budget and expensive options.

Types of monitor headphones

Monitor, professional, studio - the names of headphones designed for recording vocals, mixing. They are also used in beatmaking (from the English "beat" - rhythm, "maker" - manufacturer), mastering.

A necessary tool for radio hosts, sound engineers, artists. They help to check the sound quality, detect distortions, noises, clicks.

Professional products are divided into two large groups (position relative to the ear):

1. Full size.
2. Overhead.

full size

The second name is circum-aura (from English - around the ear). Completely cover the auricle. Isolate sound from external vibrations, good sound insulation is achieved. Used in recording studios.

There are three varieties: closed, open, semi-open.

Closed

They are characterized by a bowl completely closed from the outside, better sound insulation. Used when recording vocal parts. Minus - fatigue of the ears after 1-1.5 hours of work.

open

The difference is the perforated outer sides of the bowls, capturing sounds from the side. Minus - the music will be heard by others. Pluses - quality, reliability of the recorded material, reproduction of low frequencies. It is recommended to listen to the material. Not suitable for recording vocals.

semi-open

The best option for beginners. Combines properties of open, closed types.

Overhead

Simply applied to the surface of the ears. There is no good insulation, unreliable sound when the product is not worn correctly.

Differ in the small weight, the sizes, low cost.

Technical specifications

The main technical parameters to consider when choosing:

1. Frequency range - depends on the sound quality, measured in Hz, professional models have a value from 5 to 125.000 Hz.
2. Sensitivity - the loudness of sound, measured in decibels (dB), the optimal figure is above 90-100 dB.
3. Impedance (from the Latin “impedio” - to prevent) is the total electrical resistance, measured in ohms (Ohm), professional models have values ​​​​of more than 32 Ohms.
4. The level of distortion, measured as a percentage (%), monitor types - less than 1%.
5. Weight - depends on the materials used, design, convenient and light form - comfortable work.
6. Cord - stationary, removable, length, interchangeable.

Selection Tips

Customer reviews and expert advice will help you avoid mistakes when buying professional headphones:

• choose the type depending on the type of activity (recording, listening, mixing);
• get acquainted with the main technical parameters;
• find out about the connection - cable (fixed, removable), wireless (radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), battery life;
• study everything about the manufacturer, the availability of a warranty period;
• determine the price category;
• fitting, wiretapping of the purchased model.

Ranking the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering in 2022

The review of popular models is based on the reviews of visitors, buyers of online stores, Yandex market.

The cheapest models

5th place AKG K 271 MK II

The price is 5.990 rubles.

Product of the famous brand AKG (Austria).

Type - closed, full-size. Fastening - headband, consisting of a wide tape with the company logo, two arcuate wires. Application - work in the studio, on stage.

The Circum-Aural ear pads are made of synthetic material. The XXL Varimotion technology is used - the manufacture of the diaphragm.

The mute button is located on the left earcup.

Feature - the (Mute) button automatically turns off the sound after removal (the tape tension is loosened).

Options:

1. Frequencies: 16-28.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 55 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 91 dB/mW.
4. Maximum power: 200mW.
5. Harmonic coefficient: 0.3%.
6. One-way cable connection.
7. Connector - gold-plated mini jack 3.5 mm.
8. Two cables (straight - 3, twisted - 5).
9. Cord material - oxygen-free copper.
10. Weight - 240 g.

Detachable cable connection, straight connector. It is possible to connect a mini-XLR connector.

Complete set: adapter 6.3, two cables (3 m, 5 m), replaceable ear pads (velor, leatherette).

• good sound;
• all frequencies sound even;
• detachable cord;
• high noise isolation at maximum volume;
• automatic mute after removal;
• the presence of interchangeable nozzles, two cords.

• plastic case;
• ear cushion material;
• cumbersome construction.

4th place Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Cost: 3.990-5.226 rubles.

The manufacturer is Audio-Technica (Japan).

Type - closed, overhead. Suitable for beginners, professionals, amateurs.

Material - high-quality plastic (case), artificial leather.

Options:

1. Frequencies: 15-20.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 47 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW.
4. Maximum power: 700 mW.
5. The length of the non-removable cord is 3 m.
6. Weight: 190 g.
7. Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
8. Connector: mini jack 3.5.

The difference is a one-sided non-removable wire. There is a 6.3 adapter included. Warranty - 12 months.

• appearance;
• excellent sound insulation;
• good sound;
• lungs;
• pleasant material;
• price.

• you need a sound card;
• no volume control
• thin ear pads put pressure on the ears.

3rd place AKG K 240 Studio

Price: 5.681-6.875 rubles.

The manufacturer is AKG (Austria). Attached with a headband.

Type - full-size, dynamic, semi-open.

Frame - two metal arcs, flat headband. There is a mechanism for auto-adjusting the position.

The cable comes unfastened by pressing the ledge.

The ear pads are easy to remove and replace. Material - artificial leather.

Characteristics:

1. Frequencies: 15-25.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 55 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 101 dB.
4. Maximum power: 200mW.
5. Harmonic coefficient: 0.3%.
6. The cable is one-sided, detachable.
7. Cord length - 3 m.
8. Gold-plated mini jack 3.5 mm.
9. Weight: 240 g.

Packing - cardboard box. Set - adapter 6.3. Warranty - 12 months.

• high sound quality;
• good build;
• convenient form;
• automatic headband adjustment;
• durable, soft cord.

• use for several hours - discomfort.

2nd place Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Price: 3.990-5.050 rubles.

A product of the well-known company Audio-Technica (Japan).

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed.

Differs in a metal headband, a folding design (a big angle of rotation). Case material - plastic. Ear cushions - eco-leather, there is a memory effect. The cable has a dense braid, a gold-plated plug with a thread.

Peculiarities:

1. Frequencies: 15-22.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 47 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity :96 dB/mW.
4. Power: 1300 mW.
5. Weight: 220 g.
6. Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
7. Single-sided cord 3 m.
8. Foldable design.
9. Connector: mini jack 3.5.
10. Neodymium magnets.

Set: cardboard box, cover (cloth, soft), spare cable, jack/mini-jack adapter.

Suitable for monitoring with clear frequencies without strong bass.

• stylish design;
• high-quality sound;
• convenient design;
• spare screws, adapters;
• cloth cover (storage, transportation).

• after 1-1.5 hours, pressure on the ears is felt.

1 seat Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Cost: 6.081-8.990 rubles.

Product of the well-known brand Sennheiser (Germany).

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed.

Design features - sliding headband (vertical arc), the bowls are folded. There is a twisted cord.

Characteristics:

1. Frequencies: 8-25.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 64 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 102 dB.
4. Maximum power: 500mW.
5. Distortion: 0.1%.
6. Weight: 220 g.
7. Single-sided twisted cord (1 m, stretches up to 3 m).
8. Mini jack 3.5 connector.
9. Foldable design.

Packing - cardboard box. Set - adapter 6.3. Warranty - 24 months.

• good sound;
• the volume does not exceed 50%;
• complete isolation from external noise;
• quality of materials;
• add up;
• adapter in the set;
• value for money.

• at the beginning of use, the cable is hard to stretch.

Average price category

5th place Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X

Price: 11.990 rubles.

The manufacturer is Audio-Technica (Japan).

Type - full-size, dynamic, open.

The original design of the headband: two metal arcs in a plastic rim, two plates with a soft inner side.

Material of fastenings, bowls - plastic.The outer side of the bowls is perforated aluminium.

The ear cushions are covered with velor fabric.

Peculiarities:

1. Frequencies: 5-30.000 Hz.
2. Resistance: 48 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 100dB/mW.
4. Power: 500 mW.
5. Weight: 235 g.
6. Membrane diameter: 53 mm.
7. Single-sided cable: 3 m.
8. Connector: mini jack 3.5.

Set: cardboard box with transparent front panel, adapter 6.3. Warranty - 12 months.

• optimal values ​​of frequencies, resistance, sensitivity;
• good sound;
• comfortable fit on the head;
• no discomfort during long listening;
• suitable for any source;
• price.

• removable cord;
• open type - poor sound insulation;
• no storage case.

4th place AKG K 371

Price: 8.990-10.512 rubles.

Product of the Austrian brand AKG. New for 2019.

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed. Differs in a folding design, an oval form of bowls from a leatherette.

Characteristics:

1. Frequencies: 5-40.000 Hz.
2. Resistance: 32 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 114 dB.
4. Weight: 255 g.
5. Membrane diameter: 50 mm.
6. Titanium coated emitter.
7. Foldable design.
8. Single sided detachable cable.
9. Three cords: twisted 3 m, two straight (1.2, 3 m).
10. Mini jack 3.5 connector.

Recommended for working with sound, monitoring, listening. Complete set: adapter 6.3, cover, three cords.

• comfortable;
• quality assembly;
• oval bowls;
• pure sound;
• can be used with an amplifier;
• add up;
• convenient to store, carry in a bag;
• three cords of different lengths, designs.

• additional amplifier - bass depth;
• inconvenient to replace the wire during operation.

3rd place Technics RP-DJ1215

Cost: 13.990 rubles.

A product of the Japanese brand Technics (Panasonic Corporation).

Type - overhead, dynamic.They are distinguished by a wide, soft headband, adjustable headband, tight-fitting bowls. Fast, easy to fold.

Properties:

1. Frequency range: 5-30.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 32 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 106dB/mW.
4. Maximum power: 1500 mW.
5. Weight: 230 g.
6. Membrane diameter: 41 mm.
7. Foldable design.
8. Single-sided twisted cord, gold-plated connectors (3 m).
9. Mini jack 3.5 connector.
10. Neodymium magnets.

Recommended for amateurs, professionals (DJs).

Packing - cardboard box. There is a case for storage, an adapter 6.3. Manufacturer's warranty - 1 year.

• good sound;
• concise design;
• lungs;
• comfortable;
• add up;
• stored, transported in a special case;
• stylish twisted wire.

• plastic case;
• press on the ears.

 

2nd place Beyerdynamic DT 990 (600 Ohm)

Cost: 15.990 - 16.990 rubles.

Product of the German brand Beyerdynamic.

Type - full-size, dynamic, open.

They are distinguished by a wide, flexible arc, velor ear cushions, silver details (lattice panel on the outer side of the bowls, connections).

Characteristics:

1. Frequencies: 5-35.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 600 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 96 dB.
4. Maximum power: 100mW.
5. Harmonic coefficient: 0.2%.
6. Weight: 250 g.
7. Fixed cable 3 m, gold-plated contacts.
8. Contact pressure 2.8 N.
9. Mini jack 3.5 connector.

Set: adapter 6.3, cover made of high-quality artificial leather with a zipper.

• comfortable on the head;
• well regulated;
• soft bowls;
• high-quality sound;
• convenient to store;
• no extra pressure.

• need an amplifier
• recordings of poor quality - you can hear all the shortcomings.

1 seat YAMAHA HPH-MT7

Price: 12.700-12.990 rubles.

Manufacturer - brand: YAMAHA (Japan).

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed.

Two colors of headphones - silver, black. Case material - ABS plastic. Bowls are cast aluminium. There is height adjustment, three-dimensional fastening of bowls. A feature is the rotation of the bowls (monitoring with one ear).

The material of the ear cushions is synthetic leather, soft seal.

Peculiarities:

1. Frequencies: 5-25.000 Hz.
2. Resistance: 49 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW.
4. Maximum power: 1600 mW.
5. Weight with wire - 360 g.
6. Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
7. One cord 3 m, gold-plated contacts.
8. Mini jack 3.5 connector.

Set: case, adapter 6.3.

• sound quality;
• convenient form;
• can listen with one ear;
• height adjustment;
• quality materials;
• long wire.

• not identified.

The most expensive models

5th place Sony MDR-Z7M2

Price: 54.990-64.990 rubles.

The product of the famous brand Sony (Japan).

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed.

Classical shape: wide arch lined with leather, large bowls.

Differences: 2 times enlarged neodymium magnet, diaphragm made of LCD film, aluminum, rubber grating (Fibonacci pattern).

Peculiarities:

1. Frequencies: 4-100.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 56 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW.
4. Weight: 340 g.
5. Membrane diameter: 70 mm.
6. The cable is double-sided, removable, gold-plated contacts.
7. Neodymium magnets.
8. Cord - oxygen-free copper, silver plating.

The material of the ear cushions is urethane foam covered with a three-dimensional layer of artificial leather.

The set contains 2 wires: 3m (gold-plated, mini plug), 1.2m (L-shaped, standard plug).

Suitable for professionals, music lovers.

• surround sound (HD speakers);
• sound quality;
• soft sound of high frequencies;
• comfortable, soft pads;
• soundproofing;
• different wires.

• not identified.

4th Shure SRH1540

Cost: 34.000-44.700 rubles.

The manufacturer is the Shure brand (USA).

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed.

The bow is adjustable, consists of 2 sections (aluminum alloy). Two soft elongated strips on the inside of the headband are conveniently located in the center. Carbon cups, interchangeable Alcantara suede ear cushions - lightness, reliability.

Characteristics:

1. Frequency range: 5-25.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 46 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW.
4. Maximum power: 1000 mW.
5. Isolation from external noise: 15 dB.
6. Weight: 286 g.
7. Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
8. Bilateral connection.
9. Cable: 1.83 m detachable, with gold-plated contacts.
10. Connector mini jack 3.5 mm.
11. Neodymium magnets.

The wire material is oxygen-free copper.

Set: 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter, hard storage case, interchangeable Alcantara ear pads, two wires.

Warranty - 12 months.

• excellent smooth sound in all genres;
• soundproofing;
• comfortable fit;
• suede overlays;
• lungs;
• quality materials;
• excellent assembly;
• good equipment.

• 1.2m cord is missing.

3rd place Sennheiser HD 820

Price: 159.900 rubles.

The manufacturer is the well-known German company Sennheiser.

Type - full-size, dynamic, closed.

Differ in corporate design: external covers of loudspeakers are made of glass. Product materials - high-quality plastic, metal, leather. Headband - black wide arc, soft inner padding. The ear pads are handmade, made of high-quality artificial leather, microfiber.

Options:

1. Frequency range: 6-48.000 Hz.
2. Impedance: 300 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 103 dB.
4. Weight: 360 g.
5. Reversible, detachable 3 m cable.
6. Connector jack 6.3 mm, XLR.

Packaging - a large cardboard box, photo of the product.

Contents: black wooden box (company logo on top), three wires (unbalanced - 6.3 mm jack, balanced - Pentaconn 4.4 mm, balanced - XLR-4 connector). Additionally - a branded flash drive (instruction (PDF), frequency response), microfiber cloth, instructions.

Warranty - 24 months.

• interesting design;
• high-quality sound;
• division by instruments;
• there is detail;
• convenience of the form;
• pads do not press;
• large equipment;
• There is a wooden branded storage box.

• high price.

2nd place Pioneer SE-Master 1

Cost: 219.999 rubles.

The product is presented by Pioneer Corporation (Japan).

Type - full-size, dynamic, open.

The shape consists of: duralumin headband (Super Duralumin), wide suede stripe, duralumin forks, cup side pressure system.

Depth adjustment - 14 steps.

The ear pads are filled with foam. They have an uneven shape: thickened at the back, tapering towards the front side.

Properties:

1. Frequencies: 5-85.000 Hz.
2. Resistance: 45 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 94 dB.
4. Maximum power: 1.500 mW.
5. Weight: 460 g.
6. Membrane diameter: 50 mm.
7. Connector: jack 6.3 mm.
8. Bilateral connection.
9. Cable 3 m (gold-plated connectors, oxygen-free copper).
10. Neodymium magnets.

Sold in a large box, decorated with a soft cloth. Additionally - a replaceable cable, an arc.

Suitable for professional musicians, audiophiles.

Warranty - 12 months.

• modern design;
• high-quality manual assembly;
• convenience of the form;
• deep, detailed sound mapping;
• very comfortable for prolonged use;
• There is an adjustment for the pressure on the ears.

• high frequencies stand out;
• high price.

1st place Beyerdynamic Amiron Home

Price: 45.580-49.990 rubles.

Made by Beyerdynamic (Germany).

Type - full-size, dynamic, open.

There are two color options for the material: black, purple.

They differ in velor trim of the headband, ear cushions, aluminum mesh on the outer side of the bowls. Tesla proprietary emitters are used.

Properties:

1. Frequencies: 5-40.000 Hz.
2. Resistance: 250 Ohm.
3. Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW.
4. Distortion: 0.05%.
5. Weight: 340 g.
6. Bilateral connection.
7. Detachable cord 3 m, gold-plated contacts.
8. Connector mini jack 3.5 mm.

Set: adapter 6.3 mm, oval black hard case with company logo, instructions.

Warranty - 2 years.

• clear, balanced sound;
• durable cable;
• tight fit;
• soft headband, pads;
• hard case for storage.

• additionally buy wires with a balanced connector.

Conclusion

When choosing professional headphones, you should pay attention to the technical data, convenience of design, quality of materials, assembly.