What to Consider When Buying Studio Headphones

When equipping your home or professional studio, you should not forget about studio headphones. As you know, studio headphones are a common gear in audio recording and monitoring. Therefore, you need to buy headphones that will make your work easier. But choosing the right headphones is challenging as there are many brands and types on the market. You need to research to ensure you choose the right headphones ideal for your studio needs. To help you buy the right headphones for your studio, here are things to consider.

Open-Back, Closed-Back, or Semi-Open Type?

Open-back studio headphones are fully open on their backside. As a result, they are able to release sound pressure produced inside the headphone enclosure. This type of headphones is ideal for mixing purposes because they give more accurate frequencies than other types. On the other hand, closed-back headphones are closed at the back. They have the advantage of blocking outside noise; hence people using them are not easily distracted by noise. Closed-back headphones are suitable for monitoring vocals.

You can also choose semi-open headphones. This type is partially opened at the backside and is ideal for mixing and monitoring. If you want to use your studio for both mixing and recording purposes, you can go for semi-open studio headphones.

Wired or Wireless Headphones?

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology has become a common mean of pairing devices wirelessly. Yes, you can find the best wireless headphones for a studio. But we would advise you to go for wired options. Most studio equipment and devices are designed to work with wires. When you buy a wireless type, you may have compatibility and connection issues. Also, wired studio headphones give you a more accurate sound than wireless headphones.

Isolation

Isolation is an important factor you need to consider when buying studio headphones. Most headphones are isolated by foam, which keeps off outside noise and prevents sound from leaking outside. You need headphones with perfect isolation, especially if you have a recording studio. Both closed-back and open-back headphones have isolation which works in different ways. In open-back headphones, isolation stops the outside noise from entering the headphones enclosure. While in the closed-back type, isolation prevents sound from leaking out and blocks noise from entering the headphones. Choose headphones that are well-isolated.

Comfort

You are likely to be wearing the headphones for a long time. Therefore, you should ensure that your headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours. Choose headphones with well-padded ear cups and headbands. Such headphones will not exert too much pressure on your head and ears. As a result, you can wear them for as long as you want.

Technical Specifications

One of the technical specifications you should consider is the size of the driver. Typically, studio headphones with larger drivers produce better sound quality. But the materials used to make the drivers also affect the sound quality. Additionally, consider headphones with low impedance, especially when using low-power devices. You should also consider frequency response. Buy studio headphones reproducing frequencies within 20Hz to 2KHz or extended range. Lastly, choose headphones with high sensitivity for the best sound quality.

Final Words

Buying the right studio headphones for your studio is an investment. You should consider the above information to ensure you buy durable, comfortable, and effective headphones. But you should note that headphones are available at different price tags. Don’t be deceived that only expensive brands or types are of high quality. You can find cheaper options on the market, and they will serve you better than those high-end options. Also, don’t be deceived by looks; look at the headphones features and technical specifications before buying.