There’s an ongoing debate about whether mixing with headphones is an optimal solution: studio monitors are usually the best option as you’ll get the proper soundstage, but headphones reveal superior detail and localization. It’s not clear which method reveals problems or perfections in your mix, so there are going to be times when using headphones is the right move.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing some important factors to consider before committing to a pair of mixing headphones, along with a couple mixing tips and recommendations when using buckets over cones.
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Headphones
For those unfamiliar with open-back headphones, their main design characteristic is an open earcup—this means that they’ll leak out and let in sound from the surrounding environment. The perforated/mesh earcups allow air and sound to pass freely between the back of the driver and your ears, giving them a significant advantage for mixing applications and listening in high fidelity, but a significant disadvantage when using in public, outdoors, or for tracking/recording applications.
Open-back headphones enjoy superior sound accuracy and more natural response when compared to close-backs. Muddiness and exaggerated bass is mitigated as there is no internal build-up of soundwaves bouncing between the back of the cup and your ears, and the open design provides better soundstage and instrument separation as it’s more like the sound you’d experience in an open room.
However, the lack of isolation means that they have an overall weaker bass response and can only work well in quiet spaces. Using them for tracking is a fool’s errand, as a microphone will pick up the sound leaking out of the open ear cups
This is not to say that you necessarily can’t mix with closed-back headphones—there very well may be a time when it’s appropriate—but open-backs are recommended.
Never Trust Only One Pair of Headphones
Even if you use the best mixing headphones on the market, you’ll still want to listen to your mix on several different headphones and speakers, even the speakers in your car. You might be surprised at how different your mix sounds on other headphones or speaker systems. It’s imperative that after you’ve completed your mixing masterpiece you be prepared to adjust your mix to a level at which it sounds consistent, regardless of the headphone or speaker you’re listening through.
Avoid Mixing with Consumer Headphones
Many consumer headphones, especially famous Bluetooth models like the Sony WH-1000XM6, have a V-shaped sound signature with emphasized bass and high treble response, meaning the final output of your mix might lack bass and depth. While you can use consumer headphones in a pinch, it is highly recommended that you use a pro reference headphone with flat and neutral response, so you don’t run into any surprises when playing your mix back on speakers or a car stereo system.
Practice Makes Perfect
As mentioned, whichever headphone you end up choosing will likely require some getting used to. After you mix your first few tracks, you’ll get a sense of how to work with the balance and sound signature of your particular headphone. Once you do that, you can find a spot on the shelf for your Grammy.
Examples of Mixing Headphones
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 Open-Back Reference-Grade Headphones
Austrian Audio is the result of a somewhat recent exodus of audio manufacturing engineers from AKG as a result of a corporate acquisition and subsequent transition with their manufacturing facilities. If you want that classic AKG build quality, Austrian Audio has got you covered.
The Austrian Audio Hi-X65s follow the AKG legacy with bright extended highs and impressive sub-bass extension, especially for a pair of open-back reference buckets, and are solidly built unlike some other quite pricy open-backs out there. If you’re looking for full-spectrum neutrality that doesn’t suffer from any low-end loss, these might be the ones for you.
Audeze MM-100
Audeze is geared toward audiophiles, making some of the best planar magnetic headphones out there. One of their more affordable options is their professional open-back models like the Audeze MM-100. You can expect a slightly “thicker” feel from this model when compared to the leaner profile of the Austrian Audio (with their commitment to the AKG sound) model listed above. Still, this headphone remains a reliable choice for mixing applications—but beware that planar magnetic headphones need to be driven by a high voltage headphone amp—make sure your audio interface or monitoring device can bring the juice this one needs.
Audeze MM-100 Over-Ear Professional Headphones
Focal Clear MG Open-Back Headphones
The Focal Clear MG is more of a producer’s headphone than it is a mixer’s, simply because it has certain biases and favors certain frequency ranges. But for mixers who want to get fancy, the French audiophile brand Focal has developed a headphone that still approximates the distinct sound qualities of its more famous models. However, the soundstage is more distinct than the brand’s audiophile lineup, which tends to have a more colorful but slightly exaggerated soundscape. The Focal Clear MG Pro is transparent, allowing for effective critical listening.
Focal Clear MG Open-Back Headphones
Sennheiser HD 650
Much like Audeze, Sennheiser has a very recognizable sonic personality. It tends to have a gentler, more graceful execution that’s perhaps less objective than something like the Focal example above. However, if you’re looking for a mixing headphone that’s also great for listening enjoyment, the HD 650 is an ideal option.
Sennheiser HD 650 Stereo Reference Headphones
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus
The HD 490 PRO Plus is a newer and more modern take of their professional headphone lineup These phones will give you the neutral and rounded response you’d expect from the Sennheiser HD lineup but are more comfortable and easier to modify and repair if you’re planning on using them as a lifetime pair. You’ll also get the DearVR MIX-SE Plug-In, which simulates the acoustics of an ideal mixing studio to help you get a more balanced and consistent mix across different types of speakers and consumer headphones.
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus Headphones
Sony MDR-MV1
The Sony MDR-MV1 has a similar form factor to the ubiquitous and long-adored Sony MDR-7506 but brings an entirely new attitude and sound profile (not to mention the open back earcups). This pair has an impressively low impedance for reference monitoring headphones at 24 Ohms, and a huge low and high frequency extension from 5 Hz to 80 kHz. These are great mixing headphones no matter what you’re doing but they especially shine when working in immersive and spatial audio applications.
Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Reference Monitor Headphones
These are just a couple of our favorites here at B&H, but make sure to check out our extensive catalog of open-back studio headphones, some of which we have in the store that you can demo yourself! If you have any questions, reach out to our team of experts online, on the phone, or in the store, and get yourself the perfect pair. Happy mixing!
