As a home recording musician, finding the right headphones is crucial to achieving professional-sounding mixes. Whether you're recording and mixing in a small bedroom or a dedicated studio space, the right headphones can make all the difference. While there are many options, this article will go over 5 of the most popular models and explain why they’re great for home recording.
Slate Digital VSX
Our number one recommendation for home recording is the Slate Digital VSX. These headphones are designed specifically for virtual monitoring and offer a level of accuracy and detail that is unmatched by traditional headphones.
With the VSX, you'll be able to mix with a lot of confidence, knowing that your mixes will translate well across all listening devices. This is because these headphones are equipped with a virtual monitoring system that emulates the sound of various listening environments, so you can hear how your mixes will sound in different spaces.
The only downside to the VSX headphones is their price, which is higher than some of the other headphones on this list. However, if you're serious about achieving professional-sounding mixes, the investment is worth it.
- Price: $399.00
- Link: https://stevenslateaudio.com/virtual-studio-technology/slate-digital-virtual-headphone-system/
Beyerdynamic DT 770
If you're looking for affordable headphones for metal that still offer excellent sound quality, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones are an excellent choice. These closed-back headphones are great for recording because they offer excellent noise isolation, meaning you won't have to worry about outside noise bleeding into your recordings. The DT 770 headphones also offer a flat frequency response, which is essential for accurate mixing. They're comfortable to wear, thanks to their soft earpads and adjustable headband, and they come with a long, coiled cable that provides plenty of mobility.
- Price: $159.00
- Link: https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/dt-770-pro.html
Sennheiser X MassDrop HD6XX
The Sennheiser X MassDrop HD6XX headphones are a popular choice among audiophiles, but they're also an excellent option for home-recording musicians. Based on the industry standard HD650 model from Sennheiser, these open-back headphones offer a natural and spacious sound, which makes them ideal for critical listening and mixing.
The HD6XX headphones are also incredibly comfortable, thanks to their lightweight design and plush earpads. They have a detachable cable and they come with a carrying case for easy transport.
One thing to note about the HD6XX headphones is that they have a high impedance, which means they may require an amplifier to drive them properly. However, if you have an audio interface with a headphone amp, you should be fine.
- Price: $220.00
- Link: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a popular choice among home recording musicians and for good reason. These closed-back headphones offer a flat and accurate frequency response, which makes them ideal for mixing.
The M50x headphones also offer excellent noise isolation, which is important for recording in noisy environments. They're comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their padded earcups and adjustable headband.
Another great feature of the M50x headphones is the durability. They're built to last, with sturdy construction and detachable cables that are easy to replace if needed.
- Price: $149.00
- Link: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-m50x
Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a classic choice for home recording musicians. They are lightweight and comfortable, thanks to their padded earcups and adjustable headband. They're also very durable, with a foldable design that makes them easy to transport.
One thing to note about the MDR-7506 headphones is that they have a relatively low impedance, which means they're easy to drive with most devices. They're also very affordable, making them a great choice for anyone on a tight budget.
- Price: $99.99
- Link: https://pro.sony/en_US/products/studio-headphones/mdr-7506
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of great headphones out there for home-recording musicians. Out of the many options of headphones, our top recommendation for home-recording musicians is the Slate Digital VSX. They offer unparalleled accuracy and customization, which is important for critical listening and mixing.
Regardless of which headphones you choose, it's important to remember that headphones are just one tool in your recording arsenal. It's always a good idea to reference your mixes on a variety of playback systems, including other speakers and car stereos.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best headphones for your home studio setup. And if you're looking for more tips and tricks on recording and producing music, be sure to join our Facebook Group where you can connect with other musicians and share your work.
