Shopping for the perfect pair of pro headphones can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and each brand makes different styles: in ears, over ears, noise canceling, noise isolation, etc. Every style of headphones has multiple models with different Ohm ratings, cable lengths, colors, and on and on. Enough already. Let’s turn down the noise and make headphone shopping clearer. We’ll explain the headphone buzzwords, and help you decide what features are most important to the way you listen.
Sennheiser HD280 Pro
The Sennheiser HD280’s are known as the industry standard of closed back headphones. Priced at just under $100, they are easily the most popular recording headphones in the world. Their closed back design provides noise isolation from the outside, making them ideal for live recording, DJs, and live sound. These headphones collapse for easy transport. The coiled cable comes with 3.5mm jack (iPhone) and a locking ¼” adapter (Pro audio situations). The ear cups swivel to provide a comfortable fit. These headphones have an optimized impedance (Also known as resistance, measured in Ohms) that allows for universal compatibility, so you can use these headphones with your iPhone or your studio console. Sony’s MDR-7506 offers a comparable set of closed back headphones with similar isolation, quality, and price. Both of these headphones are staples at every recording studio. With rugged durability and worldwide popularity, Sennheiser HD280’s are the closed back headphones for the budget conscious listener of any level.
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
The Beyerdymanic DT 770’s are the next step up in closed back headphones. Priced in the $200 range they offer some serious upgrades in comfort and quality. The paddedheadband and velour ear pads sit on your head like fluffy clouds. This soft luxurious fit allows you to wear these headphones for extended periods of time with minimal fatigue. While closed back headphones are used primarily for noise isolation in loud situations, the sonic qualities of the DT 770’s allow it to excel as a mixing headphone, as well. The DT 770’s have a powerful bass and wide sound image. The DT770 comes in several different impedances (ohms). The higher the ohm ratingthe more power is required. The 32 Ohm version is optimized for use with iPhones, tablets, or computers. The 80 ohm version is great for most music listening and production situations and can be used with a headphone amplifier. The 250 ohm version is meant for studio reference and requires a headphone amplifier. There is also a version called the DT770M designed specifically for drummers, which sacrifices the velour earpads in lieu of a whopping 35 db of ambient noise reduction. The 10 foot cable ends in a gold plated 3.5mm jack with a ¼” adaptor. The versatile nature of the BeyerdynamicDT 770’s along with its comfortable fit and superb isolation make it an industry favorite of studio professionals everywhere.
AKG K240
For entry-level buyers on a budget there is no safer bet than the AKG K240. Priced at under $100, they are a hybrid of closed and open back models, which allows them to function well in both recording and mixing. The semi-open design allows the speakers to breathe and create a genuine sense of space. The cable is detachablewith a mini XLR connector. The cable terminates in a 3.5mm jack with a screw on ¼” adapter. The headband is connected with elastic. No adjustments are needed to get the perfect fit. The impedance is 55 Ohms, which is great for any listening situation. The budget friendly AKG K240’s employ a semi open design, which allow for a versatile and realistic listening experience.
Sennheiser HD650
For the real audiophile, the Sennheiser HD650 delivers truly unique natural high-end sound. Priced around $500, they may not be an impulse buy, but they are not a purchase you will ever regret. Designed with a grated open back, these drivers utilize a special acoustic silk for precise, uniform attenuation. The open back allows for greater sound quality at the cost of sound isolation and leakage. These are best used in quiet situations. The extra large elliptical designed ear cups with deep padding create space between the speakers and your ears. They almost float around your ears. The 10ft detachable cable is Kevlar reinforced and ends in 3.5mm plug with ¼” adaptor. These headphones have an impedance of 300 ohms, which means they will require a headphone amplifier or additional power. If you haven’t listened to music on a really good pair of headphones like the Sennheiser HD650’s then you’re in store for a whole new world of sound.
Shure SE535
If you need in-ear headphones for home or on the road, the Shure SE535’s are the professional choice. While they might not be ideal for mixing or recording, the SE535’s offer unprecedented on stage monitoring capabilities to be used on their own or in conjunction with a wireless pack. The headphones come with multiple sizes of ear sleeves allowing you to find a snug fit. This will optimize your noise isolation up to 37 db. Each earpiece has a separate tweeter and dual woofers, just like a high end PA speaker in your ear. This allows for detailed audio with rich and deep bass response. The formable cables go over and behind the ear, and stays there, to minimize tangles. The cable ends with 3.5mm jack, ¼” adaptor, and airplane adaptor. It also includes a detachable volume attenuator and a compact durable case. Priced around $500, the ergonomic and exceptionally clear Shure SE535’s are an ideal pro choice for in ear headphones. For the budget conscious, Shure has a basic model of in ear headphones that still deliver great sound. Priced around $100, the SE 215’s offer the necessary features of in ear headphones at an affordable price.
Bose QuietComfort 25
If you’re a jet setter, city commuter, or just generally around a lot of loud noise, then the Bose QuietComfort 25 is the right choice for you. Sometimes noise isolation isn’t enough. That is why noise cancelling technology was developed. These headphones eliminate lower frequency sound waves by mimicking incoming noise, except 180 degrees out of phase. The destructive interference of the generated waves and the natural noise creates a selectively attenuated and quieter listening experience. It is important to note that noise cancelling headphones are “active” and require their own power. The Bose QC25’s are powered on one AAA battery. The headphones will still perform well without the battery but will not noise cancel. The detachable cable comes with an inline mic / remote for use with smartphones. The cable ends in a 3.5mm jack and comes with an airplane adapter. They collapse to fit in a sleek carrying case. The $300 Bose QuietComfort 25’s are excellent for someone looking for noise cancelling technology and the famous Bose sound.
Parrot Zik 2.0
If cables aren’t your thing then the Bluetooth Parrot Zik 2.0 might be the headphones for you. Bluetooth headphones aren’t ideal for studio or live sound situations because older sound equipment can’t connect via Bluetooth. The hipper than hip Parrot Zik 2.0’s utilize 2015 technology to give you a fully customizable, intuitive, and cable free listening experience. While connected to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can control the Parrot with an app. In this app you can adjust the EQ of your headphones in infinite ways. The Parrot has adaptive noise cancelling technology, which adjusts to the environment. The ear pad has touch sensitive panels to adjust volume or to jog tracks. The Parrot also seamlessly functions as a headset for hands free calls over Bluetooth 3.0. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 18 hrs during full function or 8 days in low power mode. The headphones come with an inline cable to use when the battery dies. The headphones charge via USB. Priced around $400, the Parrot is available in a wide variety of colors for you to customize your wireless listening experience.
