Best Mixing Headphones: 12 Top Units For Audio Professionals

Are you looking for the best mixing headphones? As a music producer, I know the struggle of finding that perfect pair of mixing headphones. However, you don't have to worry. Read on as I'll give my two cents on the 12 top-notch products that can amp up your mixing game. Let's dive in to learn more!

Quick Answer

Let me make things simpler for you. The best mixing headphones should have the following characteristics compared to traditional headphones:

1. A neutral frequency response;
2. Better noise isolation;
3. An expansive and wide soundstage;
4. A large sound driver.

However, the above is just the tip of the iceberg. Continue reading as I'll uncover an in-depth analysis of 12 mixing headphones based on the above features. Moreover, I'll also provide you with my 4-factors cheat sheet to buy the perfect studio headphones. Let's take your music mixing to the next level! 

A Comparison Table of 12 Best Mixing Headphones

Below, I have listed the salient features of the mixing headphones:

Headphone name	Driver size (mm)	Sensitivity (dB)	Impedance (ohms)	Features
Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional HD 25	50	120	70	Price not available Check Price Review
Sennheiser HD 800 S	56	103	300	$1,799.95 Check Price Review
Audeze LCD-X	106	103	20	$1,099.00 Check Price Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X	45	99	38	$149.00 Check Price Review
Sony MDR7506	40	106	53	$98.00 Check Price Review
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro	45	96	250	$179.99 Check Price Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X	45	99	38	$49.00 Check Price Review
HIFIMAN Edition XS	92	92	18	$269.00 Check Price Review
Superlux HD 681	50	98	32	$39.90 Check Price Review
AKG Pro Audio K371	50	114	32	$177.00 Check Price Review
SENNHEISER HD 206	40	108	24	$39.99 Check Price Review
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x	45	99	470	$345.00 Check Price Review

After a quick look, let's explore these products in detail.

The best mixing headphones are the ones that give you the most accurate representation of your mix. They should have a neutral sound signature with good clarity and resolution. The comfort is also important, as you'll be wearing them for long periods.Diplo, DJ and Record Producer

1. Overall Best Mixing Headphone: Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional HD 25

Here, I have listed the pros and cons of these headphones:

Pros

• The product has a high noise attenuation of up to 32 dB that allows monitoring in loud environments.
• There are aluminum voice coils in the earcups that enhance the sensitivity of the unit.
• The transistors can handle very high sound pressure levels up to 120 dB.

Cons

• The isolation quality (passive noise cancellation) could be improved further.

The HD 25 headphone is built for professionals to perform in challenging recording environments. I regard this headphone as my favorite because it crosses the minimum threshold required for the perfect mixing model. Good sensitivity of 120 dB – check, very low impedance of only 70 Ohms – check, neutral frequency coverage ranges from 16- 22,000 Hz – check. In short, it is an all-around product with great build quality, and that too without putting a dent in your budget. 

Moreover, their closed-back design and rotatable earcups shield sounds and facilitate one-ear mixing. Due to aluminum construction, its durability is top-notch. Further, the replaceable parts and the tough cables keep the HD 25 operational for years of daily use.

HD 25 is made for professional audio mixers. They are purpose-designed and can handle very high noise.Bibek Bardhan, A Musician and Writer at SoundMaximum

Features

Permit me to present you the features of the product below:

• The dynamic transducer precisely converts electrical signals into audio with minimum noise.
• The closed-back design is specialized for professional monitoring.
• It features single-sided detachable cables that ensure you have unrestricted movement.

Specs 

I invite you to check the specs of the HD 25 below:

Check out this in-depth visual review of HD 25: Sennheiser HD 25

2. Best Premium Headphones: Sennheiser HD 800 S

I have enlisted the key perks and disadvantages of the headphones:

Pros

• They have quite a low 0.02% harmonic distribution to eliminate the rumbles in the sound.
• These reference-grade headphones give a very accurate sound for mixing music. They play all frequencies evenly.
• They have an innovative technology in the earpads that soaks up extra sound. This reduces unwanted echoes. 

Cons

• The high cost can be a big no for some users. 

These headphones are the best you can get for listening to high-quality music. If I didn't have to worry about cost, I would choose these over any other headphones. Boy, oh boy, I would love using them and remember the experience for a long time. 

The open design gives a natural, spacious sound. And they are comfortable even when listening for hours. The precisely tuned 56mm drivers deliver every detail in the music very accurately across all frequencies. The HD 800 S improves on the famous HD 800 with more bass and sensitivity. You get amazing clarity, vivid mids, and smooth highs. Whether acoustic instruments or vocals, you hear everything just as the sound engineer wanted.

In 2019, I was remotely hired by a private music company from Australia as their senior mixing engineer. During my tenure with them, I have attended over 200 recording sessions and edited 70+ records. Sennheiser HD 800 S was my go-to headphone back.Douglas Banda, Music Producer and Senior Writer at Soundmaximum

Features

Let me delve into the features of the product below:

• Its open-back design creates a natural, spacious soundstage.
• It has slightly more vivid vocals and lead instruments than the HD 800.  
• The headphone features a 40mm voice coil for an immersive sound experience.

Specs 

I have highlighted the specs of the HD 800 S below:

3. Best Headphone with Thinnest Diaphragm: Audeze LCD-X

I have mentioned the pros and cons of the headphones below:

Pros

• The sound quality is natural but with little extra bass and upper mid-range recessions.
• The use of planar magnetic technology ensures rapid heat dissipation and less roll-off.
• A 1.8-micron thinner-than-human hair diaphragm provides you with near-zero distortion in the audio.

Cons 

• For the first use, you must correct the sound with the EQ settings. 

With a sound that rivals elite headphones, the LCD-X headphones are a revelation for the most discerning audiophiles. I like the fact that its open-back magnetic drivers give a very clear, natural, and wide sound. Moreover, features like the OCC 4-pin cable and Reveal+ Plugin justify its price tag. 

Other headphones may boost some frequencies too much. But the LCD-X plays all frequencies accurately, which audio experts will like. Moreover, features like a very large 106 mm driver, a wide frequency response of 10 Hz – 50,000 Hz, and high sensitivity really up the game of the headphones. 

Features

Permit me to present the features of the product below:

• You get a braided OCC copper 4-pin cable with less electrical resistance and rapid signal transmission.
• The open-end design provides a spatial positioning for natural listening.
• The Audeze Reveal+ Plugin can adapt and learn to your listening experience by creating an AI map.

Specs 

I'd like you to walk through the specs of LCD-X:

Watch this video to learn how to correct the sound settings for the headphones.

4. Best Headphone with Top Bass: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

I am sharing the pros and cons of the headphones with you:

Pros

• It has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 to ensure fast data transfer and minimize power loss.
• The headphones have an even mid-range that makes them good for electronic drums-like instruments. 
• The closed-back impressions provide excellent noise isolation for better listening. 

Cons

• The earcups could be smaller for some users. 

For audio engineers seeking studio-grade sound, the ATH-M50X headphones deliver remarkable audio quality. What I love is their large 45mm drivers. They produce extremely accurate bass as well as crystal clear highs across an extended 15-28,000 Hz frequency range. 

Vocals and instruments sound just as they did in the studio, thanks to the well-balanced mids. On top of that, The closed-back design provides immersive isolation for loud environments. Similarly, 90° swiveling earcups make one-ear monitoring easy when DJing. And with an additional 50 bucks, you can enjoy wireless connectivity of the same headphone.

Features

I have listed the features of the product below:

• It uses CCAW voice coils that are lighter and offer higher conductivity. 
• You get 90° swiveling earcups that allow easy one-ear monitoring while DJing or mixing.
• It has a detachable cable system that includes 1.2m & 3m coiled cables and a 1.2m straight cable.

Specs 

The salient specs of ATH-M50X are listed below:

5. Best Studio-standard Headphone: Sony MDR7506

Here, I will be uncovering the pros and cons of the headphones with you:

Pros

• It has a coiled cable that is flexible and prevents damage from snags.
• You get OFC cable, which is more durable and has low resistance.
• The headphones have a large extension cord that can fit even larger heads with caps.

Cons 

• The earcups tend to wear out with time after prolonged use.

I like that their sound quality is on par with far more expensive models, thanks to its 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz frequency. Moreover, their well-balanced profile offers tight bass and crisp. Not to mention, it also has detailed mids and highs perfect for audio mixing and editing. The secure closed-ear cups provide excellent isolation. Moreover, the comfortable fit and large extension cords allow daily use in demanding studio monitors. And when it's time to pack up, the MDR7506 folds neatly for transport. 

Features

I propose a discussion on the features of the headphones below:

• The closed-back dynamic headphones with neodymium magnets provide studio-level audio.
• It has a 9.8-foot-long cord that allows you to use it from a distance. 
• It can handle up to 1,000 mW of power without distorting the sound. 

Specs

Join me as I explore the specs of MDR7506 below:

6. Best Headphone for Audio Engineers: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

I have jotted down the salient pros and cons of these headphones below:

Pros

• The low <0.2% THD provides clear and noise-free audio. 
• The foam of earpads and fiber is hand-crafted from the finest materials in Germany.
• It has way better low-end, smooth mids, and extended highs than competitors in the price range.

Cons 

• You may need an external amplifier as this pair has a high impedance and less pressure handling to prevent sound distortion.

With an open, transparent sound perfect for critical listening, the DT 990 Pro headphones are a studio staple for good reason. Its German build and soft velour padding provide comfort during marathon mixing sessions.

I like its wide 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz frequency response and a high sensitivity of 96 dB. These features retain the overall signatures for accurate reproduction. The spacious soundstage gives mixes room to breathe while still imaging instruments precisely. These headphones deliver professional-grade audio and lasting durability. It is all because of replaceable parts like ear pads or bows and rugged construction. 

Features

I have listed the product's features below:

• A 3m coiled cable ensures you get enough length for a HANDS-FREE music experience. 
• Its open-back circumaural design provides accurate, spacious reproduction.
• The dynamic transducers of the headphones are quite generous at managing the current input. 

Specs 

These are the specs of the DT 990 Pro:

7. Best Budget Headphone: Audio-Technica ATH-M20X

Here, I made a list of the pros and cons of the headphones:

Pros

• The use of Copper-clad aluminum reduces the overall weight compared to traditional copper wires.
• You get a comfortable circumaural fit for extended use.
• The pair has a lighter magnet neodymium diaphragm that produces high-quality sound.

Cons 

• The EQ response could be improved.

Delivering professional sound quality, the ATH-M20X headphones punch above their weight. These units are mostly in my bag for on-the-go listening while hiking. Its closed-back design provides immersive isolation for tracking or mixing. 

Similarly, the 40mm drivers have been tuned for enhanced lows that avoid muddiness. On top of that, the vocals sound crisp and well-defined for the price range. The circumaural fit also offers comfort for extended sessions. Lastly, durable construction ensures these headphones will hold up to repeated daily use. And let me add a final line. It's difficult to find the best studio headphones that can match the sound isolation, quality, and longevity the M20X delivers.

Features

Join me as I dissect the features of the products below:

• It can take up to 700 mW of power without distorting the sound.
• These studio headphones are fine-tuned to enhance the low frequency (ranging around 20 – 200 Hz) with their transistors.
• The moving coils of the model can even highlight the slight nuance in the audio.

Specs 

I would like to discuss the specs of the ATH-M20X below:

8. Best Headphone with Stealth Magnets: HIFIMAN Edition XS

I will uncover the pros and cons of the headphones below:

Pros

• The transistor of the headphone is 75% thinner than the previous generation, resulting in a lightning-fast response.  
• They are relatively easy to drive with less power and provide a treble extension to reproduce the frequencies of instruments.
• You get a Stealth Magnet design, which is more like an upgrade than traditional magnetic drivers.

Cons 

• The head grip is slightly loose, due to which headphones may come off.

DJs and music lovers, behold the beauty of Edition XS, a headset that is made just for pure audiophiles. You get Stealth Magnets that reproduce audio with stunning accuracy across an immense soundstage. 

The neutral yet engaging signature works for any genre while retaining the natural timbre of instruments. Moreover, 92 mm large drivers and a wide frequency coverage of 8 Hz – 50 kHz ensure that you don't miss even a single detail in the tracks. And how can you forget the newer NEO diaphragm, which adds to its sound? In short, sonically complete and ergonomically improved, the Edition XS represents a milestone for accessible summit-fi sound quality. 

Features

I have highlighted the features of the product below:

• You get the latest NEO "Supernano" diaphragms for detailed sound reproduction.  
• It is compatible with both 3.5mm and 6.3mm connector cables.
• These are planar headphones with a fast transient response to interpret the audio signals quickly.

Specs 

These are the specs of the Edition XS:

9. Best Headphone with Natural Dynamics: Superlux HD 681

I am enlisting the pros and cons of this mixing headphone:

Pros

• The around-the-ear earcups prevent headphone bleed and provide sound isolation.
• Its sound signature works well for diverse audio content, including music, movies, and games.
• The headphone has a gold-plated mini plug 3.5-to-6.3 adapter to enhance signal quality.

Cons 

• It seems that the bass needs a bit of touch-up to enhance the overall quality. 

HD 681 comes equipped with premium audio quality. It is known for its balanced audio across various media. Their semi-open design creates a wide soundstage while retaining solid noise isolation. 

Similarly, highs and mids sound natural without harshness. I love its 50 mm dynamic drivers that enhance the bass further and improve overall sound quality. The HD 681's comfortable circumaural fit and accessible impedance make it easy to drive from any device. For the cost of a dinner out, this headphone outperforms many competitors with ease.

Features

Let's delve into the features of the product together:

• Its single-sided, straight cable simplifies usage and reduces tangling.
• You get premium materials like high-grade foam and matte black texture for the most comfort.
• The included 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter ensures compatibility with different devices.

Specs 

Find the specs of HD 681 below:

10. Best Headphone with Sound Isolation: AKG Pro Audio K371

I will be sharing the advantages and disadvantages of the product:

Pros

• It has a good sound isolation that focuses on the listening experience and suits recording applications.
• The use of Mini-XLR provides a better shield than the other traditional connectors. 
• Their powerful drivers can produce loud audio without the need for any headphone amplifier. 

Cons 

• The high frequencies of the headphones lack brilliance. 

With a neutral sound profile perfect for music production, the K371 headphones provide reference-grade accuracy. While using these headphones, I can say with surety that they can beat most of their competitors in terms of high 114 dB sensitivity. The closed-back design delivers 3D isolation. Meanwhile, the plush earpads remain comfortable during long mixing sessions. 

Coming with one of the largest and most detailed 50mm titanium drivers and an expansive 5Hz to 40kHz frequency range, this studio headphone reveals nuances across your tracks. Furthermore, its durable construction, like replaceable parts, extends the K371's lifespan, so you can trust them daily in demanding studio environments. 

Features

I extend an invitation to check the features of the product with me:

• It has a slow-retention foam in the cups that ensures extended wear.
• The closed-back design eliminates the background environmental noise.
• You get a pure OFC Voice coil in the headphones, providing high response against input signals. 

Specs 

Let me enlist the specs of K371: 

11. Best Headphone with Supra-aural Design: SENNHEISER HD 206

I have jotted down the pros and cons of the headset:

Pros

• The headphones provide exceptional resolution and detail for hearing every nuance.
• A supra-aural design gives you a comfortable grip that can last for hours without any pain.
• You get effective noise isolation, strong bass, and acceptable clarity to distinguish instruments and vocals in most genres.

Cons 

• The build material seems compromising to fit in the budget price segment. 

With sound quality that competes with premium audiophile headphones, the HD 206 delivers what it promises. Its cute yet sanitized ear cups are quite an impressive feature. For me, its comfort is the main highlight of the headphones. Further, its open-back design and high-end drivers produce natural, detailed audio with a wide, immersive soundstage. 

Moreover, the neutral yet engaging signature pleases across music, movies, and games. Similarly, you can't ignore some essential things like 108 dB high sensitivity and 24 Ohms that add to the overall value.

Features

Join me to explore the features of the product:

• It has a ring radiator design that decreases cone breakup and lowers the distortion. 
• It has long 3-meter input cables that offer relatively more mobility.
• The earpads are hypoallergenic and are suitable for people with sensitive ears. 

Specs 

I have listed the specs of the product below:

12. Best Studio Headphone with Honeycomb Pattern: Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

I am sharing the perks and downsides of this headphone:

Pros

• The 3-D wing support system is equipped with a spring mechanism that holds the headphones on the head.
• Custom drivers and housings can provide a detailed transient response.
• It has an aluminum transistor that offers amazing detail retrieval.

Cons 

• The impedance of the headphones is very high, which may cause sound distortion.

As Audio-Technica's new reference standard for professional studio use, the ATH-R70x headphones deliver pristine audio resolution. If you ask me, being an audio expert, I can't find any caveat in its sound quality. It has everything for a mixing headphone, like natural frequency coverage, bass, good sound, and high power handling.

Similarly, custom-designed 45mm drivers and aluminum housings optimize transient response to hear every nuance. Remarkably, the R70x remains feather-light for all-day comfort thanks to breathable pads and wing support. 

Features

Join me to examine the features of the product:

• You get wide coverage of frequencies, including find-tuned mids and highs.
• It can handle a high-power input (1000 mW) without causing any disturbance in the sound. 
• It has a unique locking cable that ensures proper L/R stereo orientation.

Specs 

The following are the specs of the ATH-R70:

4 Factors Buying Guidе to Gеt thе Bеst Mixing Hеadphonеs

Mixing hеadphonеs is an еssеntial tool for music producеrs and audio еnginееrs. They present the following perks over traditional headphones:

1. They offer you more control over the sound for better editing by revealing its flaws.
2. Since they have a flat response, they can be used to check the mixed songs for their bass-like properties.
3. They provide sound isolation, which eliminates the background noise. In this way, it lets you focus on mixing without any distractions.

It's not about finding the perfect headphones. It's about finding headphones that reveal the flaws in your mix.Bob Katz, Author of the book Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science

Now, with so many options on thе markеt, how do you know which one arе right for you? I have prеparеd this buying guidе that brеaks down еvеrything you nееd to considеr when shopping for studio hеadphonеs.

Mixing Headphones vs Normal Headphones: What's the Difference?

Before looking at the factors, let's take a glance at the difference between mixing and normal headphones:

• Flat response: Mixing headphones have a flat frequency response to give you an accurate representation of your mix. They produce the same frequencies without changing them. In this way, you get to know the properties of the sound better. In contrast, normal headphones often boost bass and treble frequencies to make music sound more lively. 
• Sound isolation: Mixing headphones also provide excellent sound isolation. This allows you to hear intricate details in your mix without being disturbed by external noises. Regular headphones allow ambient sound, which can muddy up your mixing perspective. 

The following are the 4 factors that you should consider while buying a mixing headphone:

1. Sound Quality

Sound quality is dеtеrminеd by thе hеadphonе drivеrs, impеdancе, sеnsitivity, and frеquеncy rеsponsе. If I'm buying for myself, I'd be Looking for:

• Largе drivеrs (40mm+);
• Low impеdancе (undеr 100 Ohms);
• High sеnsitivity (90+ dB).

Morеovеr, you nееd a widе, flat frеquеncy rangе covеring at lеast 20 Hz to 20 kHz. These specs will give you clear, accurate audio reproduction.

2. Cost

Prices range widely from $100 to $500+. More money gets you better construction, sound, comfort, and features. But you can find great options under $200. For example, the Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional HD 25 is one of my favorite mixing headphones that is even below the $150 price tag. 

3. Comfort 

Mixing sessions can last hours, so comfort is key. Seek models that have the following perks:

• Lightweight units (under 300g) with cushioned;
• Adjustable headbands for a better fit;
• Rotating earcups up to 90° for enhanced portability.

Moreover, over-ear, closed-back headphones are ideal for their excellent noise isolation. This is because they completely enclose the ears and create a seal sound to block the sound.

4. Accessories

In my opinion, you should be looking for the following accessories before getting a missing headphone:

• Detachable cables (3m+);
• 1/4" adapters for studio gear;
• Protective cases and bags.

FAQs

Conclusion

Summing up, the best mixing headphones are used by professionals to edit and mix during the audio reproduction process. They provide a natural sound, a neutral frequency response of up to 50 kHz, a high sensitivity of up to 100 dB, and great sound isolation. While buying such headphones, always consider factors like sound quality, cost, comfort, and additional accessories. 

Looking at the above factors, I'll choose the Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional HD 25 as my top studio headphones. It checks all the boxes, including high sound quality, good, comfortable build, low impedance, and high sensitivity.