Intro to Headphones [Video]

Do you own good headphones? Are you thinking about getting some but you’re not sure which ones you need? What about closed vs. semi-open vs. open?

There’s a lot to consider. Headphones are a crucial part of any home studio. You’ll be spending a LOT of hours wearing them, so you want to make the right choice.

This video should help. Enjoy! (Also, leave a comment below and tell us what headphones YOU use.)

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by Joe Gilder in For Beginners, Gear • 13 Comments - Leave a comment!
  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1306788011 Dima Mazmanov

    Doh, I should have seen this video before I bought Shure SRH440 headphones. These are closed headphones, but the quality is great. I’m intending to use them both for recording and for mixing. I’m not going to mix a complete song, only the drums.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1243345593 Ivan Ferenczsak

    thanx for this video, it was very helpful!

  • http://www.zachbridges.com Zach Bridges

    I’ve been using the Sennheiser HD280 Pro headphones for a few years now. In general I like them, but the bass response is a bit lacking. However, I didn’t know it was because they are closed, as you said – I thought is was a defect of some sort. At any rate, I actually find the low bass response helpful because since I also use the HD280 for mixing, I tend to be very conscious of the bass in making EQ adjustments; I know if I hear too much, it will probably be overpowering in the mix.

  • http://thedspproject.com Rupert Brown

    Hey Joe, we did a shoot out with the following:
    Sony 7509 HD
    Beyerdynamic DT100
    Audio Technica ATH-M50
    AKG K271 MKII
    SHURE SRH840

    Long story short I was really suprised that the Shures came out on top. I did a video on it here http://thedspproject.com/the-great-2010-studio-headphone-shoot-out but I have to apologize in advanced the audio is crappy in this episode.

  • Marc Lapointe

    I use the HD280 for mixing; just got them and are perfect for my needs (hobbyist). Also use a Sony Cheapo pair for the Artist’s use when recording vocals, instruments, etc. I would love to have the HD650′s but not in the foreseable budget!

  • Edu

    I am using audio Technica’s ATH-M50 for tracking, editing and mixing. They are comfortable and have a nice, detailed sound.

  • Freek

    Hello joe,
    Great video, very usefull.
    I have a question; I own a focusrite saffire pro 24 dsp and this audio interface features VRM, of virtual reality monitoring. It should make the sound that comes out of your headphones sound like it comes out of your studio monitors. I haven’t used it yet, but i hear very nice stories about it. would you recommend open or closed headphones while using this feature?

    thanks,
    Freek

    • http://www.homestudiocorner.com Joe Gilder

      The two really aren’t related. What headphones you use doesn’t really matter in regard to the virtual reality monitoring. But, like I said in the video, open headphones are generally more accurate and better for mixing.

  • Julian West

    I have the HD280 headphones for tracking & Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro for detailed listening/mixing. I really wanted the HD650s but had a discount on the DT-880s and they sound VERY similar, in sound, to my ears. They are semi-open and get the job one. I’ve been using Canz3D for basic cross feed/separation if extended listening, though what I have read about that Headroom amp w/ crossfeed is interesting. I use Klipsch S4 earbuds @ work and would love to have one of those for cross feed during those long-listening code-crunching spells.

  • Rich

    I use the Sennheiser HD280 Pro as well. I also have a few “lessor” headphones around here that I will let people use for tracking or to give me fresh ears on a mix if I need it. I think they are comfortable headphones, and I love how they block out the sound. I have used them to mix on, but for me, the mixes always come out with high frequencies piercing. I am planning to demo the open headphones you mentioned.

  • Bernard

    I use multiple pairs which all have their own sound. AKG701 with balanced Cardas cable, Sennheiser Hd600 with equinox cable, HD590 with equinox cable and HD424 with the cable from the HD600s. I use a Headroom balanced headphone amp which can run either the AKGs or two normal headphones. This amp has a cross feed circuit which helps avoid that heavy separation you get with headphones. I am in the market for some closed headphones soon, as using open headphones in recording scenarios is difficult.

  • Al

    I have AKG K-240-Studio for 4 years now, and I’m very happy with it.
    I usually use it for detailed mixing.
    But yeah, I will need a completely closed one for recording the vocals.
    Thanks Joe.

  • http://www.richardfarrar.com/ Richard Farrar

    I use the Beyer Dynamic DT-770 Pro. A lovely pair of headphones, very comfortable, very detailed, although maybe a little heavy in the bass. They are completely enclosed.