Each composer controls his mix through several different sources, whether using a pair of near-field monitors, a smartphone, a car audio system or headphones.
The selection of suitable headphones is purely individual. You can focus on more suitable for mixing or everyday and as comfortable as possible for work. Are you a DJ, engineer, composer or just a listener, you need good speakers. We have compiled a list of the best headphones for 2019 for writing and editing music.
1. Focal Listen Professional
The best universal headphones. Starting Price: $ 299. Type: closed, laid on. Frequency response: 5 Hz – 22 kHz. Impedance: 32 ohms.
Focal Listen Professional are ideal for both listening and professional duties, to which we firmly place the versatile stages of music production. They fit snugly, but do not put pressure on the ears. Working for more than three hours, there is no discomfort. While many engineers and specialists prefer open-type headphones (to avoid pressure and fatigue of hearing), closed Listen Pro demonstrated their capabilities flawlessly.
More details: Focal Listen Professional
2. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
The best reference headphones. Starting Price: $ 349. type: open, laid on. Frequency response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz. Resistance: 470 ohms.
At this price and above, we used models with a more pronounced “air”, but we do not consider this a drawback. The response is smooth. Mid frequencies, even with loud vocals, show themselves cleanly and unobtrusively. Sound without any coloring, maximum transmission of the source material, which is very important when creating, mixing and mastering music.
— See also: Valhalla – Supermassive (free) —
More details: Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
3. Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO
The best headphones for mixing low frequencies. Starting Price: $ 599. Type: closed. Frequency response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz. Resistance: 250 ohms. Driver: Dynamic Tesla, Neodymium, 45mm.
The DT 1770 is very well balanced across the entire sound spectrum. The middle range is free of audible phase shift, which provides the clarity needed for professional use. The sound stage projected into your head is as enjoyable as it is indicative. They provide a very detailed overview of your audio, from left to right, front-back and even in the corners! From discrete reverb tails hidden behind a busy mid-range to tiny distortions and clips. They will reproduce everything your signal chain is capable of.
More details: Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO
4. Pioneer HRM-7
Ideal for continuous use. Starting Price: $ 239. Type: closed. Frequency response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz. Impedance: 45 ohms. Driver: dynamic, 40mm.
Headphones can be a good way to evaluate bass when available monitors do not capture a given frequency spectrum. In this regard, HRM-7 does not disappoint. Low and mid frequencies are critical to the true warmth of any mix, and you can easily create clutter here without decent control. Air tops, that is, 15 kHz and higher, are displayed correctly, so that you can adjust the “sand” without critical comparison and listening.
More details: Pioneer HRM-7
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Some of the best universal headphones. Starting Price: $ 239. Type: closed. Frequency response: 15 Hz – 28 kHz. Impedance: 38 ohms.
The reissued version of the M50 is a popular model in the audio world, directly competing with Beyerdynamic and AKG. They are comfortable, fold and bend in all the right places and are relatively light (285 g). Sound quality is generally good, although they shy away from the detailed, airborne high-frequency region.
More details: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
6. Flare Audio Flares Pro
Best wireless monitoring. Starting Price: $ 239. Type of driver: beryllium drivers, 5.5 mm.
With Flares Pro, Flare Audio has returned to the basics by developing a titanium headphone module that matches with one of three user-selected and matching earbuds. Each ear mold design (audiophile, versatile and casual) offers slightly different acoustics, durability and comfort, and comes in three sizes for a snug fit. In terms of sound, Flares are some of the most accurate in-ear headphones we’ve ever heard. Although they slightly overestimate the treble display, this does not stop getting approval from leading manufacturers of audio equipment.
7. Nuraphone by Nura
The best innovation of 2019. Starting Price: $ 399. Type: closed. Driver: Inova. Connection: wired and Bluetooth (aptX).
There is almost no point in telling you how good they sound, because they really sound great. Profiling is voiced in such a way as to sound very pleasant, with clear and detailed upper, slightly machined tactile drivers that provide more than enough low frequencies to provide sufficient depth and immersion. Of course, how this is achieved is different for each user, but when compared with other headphones at a reasonable price, they work perfectly. You can go back to the old mixes, check and make some changes. Despite the fact that Nuraphones fit into the “listening” headphone category, they are really useful as an alternative monitoring source in the studio.
More details: Nuraphone by Nura
8. Mackie MP-240
In-ear headphones for live use. Starting Price: $ 249. Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. Impedance: 32 ohms.
— See also: The 18 best vst reverbs of 2020! Free spatial effects —
The MP-240 uses a dynamic driver for bass and balanced armature for mid and high frequencies (Mackie call it a double hybrid design), and although this model is not much more expensive than the MP-220, we feel that it wins acoustically. Firstly, the middle range is clearer, but generally less noticeable, which does not tire the hearing. Indeed, switching back to the MP-220 only helps to understand how much better the MP-240 sounds.
9. Noontec Hammo Wireless
The best mid-range wireless pads for monitoring. Starting Price: $ 249. Type: closed. Frequency response: up to 26 kHz.
Noontec’s Hammo Wireless is the cheapest wireless headset of its kind. Bluetooth setup is simple, as it is controlled by three multi-function buttons. The kit includes a semi-rigid carrying case, as well as cables for charging via USB and wired use. In terms of comfort, they are less aggressive, and although this means that the insulation in them is not the best, the design is very convenient and suitable for long listening. The manufacturer announced 50 hours of battery life.
10. Audio-Technica ATH-E70
The best monitor headphones. Starting Price: $ 399. Frequency response: 20 Hz – 19 kHz. Impedance: 39 ohms.
It’s hard to imagine that IEM provides the sound you can rely on when performing production tasks, whether it be tracking, sound development or mixing, but the E70 produce a confident position on these issues. They may not compete properly with headphones at a similar price (especially bass), but they display less low frequencies less sharply than any other monitor headphones.
More details: ATH-E70
