Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering

Studio headphones for mixing and mastering are designed to be used in a studio environment. They have an extended frequency response and highly accurate sound reproduction, which is ideal for mixing, mastering, or critical listening.

These headphones are designed to have a flat frequency response. This means that the sound is not altered in any way, and you hear exactly what is on your track. They also have large earcups that allow for maximum isolation from outside noise so you can focus on your music without being distracted by other sounds around you.

Before continuing… Discover the 2 types of headphones that exist!

– Closed : They isolate completely from the outside. You will not hear any noise from outside, and from outside they will not hear you either. They are perfect for recording because that way the instrumental does not sneak into the recording. 

– Open : Its open design does not isolate 100% from the outside. They are usually used for mixing as they offer a more natural sound, closed headphones tend to color the bass sounds too much.

There are people who mix with closed headphone and others with open ones (the most recommended) , knowing what they are and depending on the use you are going to give them, decide what is best for you.

I use open and semi-closed headphones

Both types let more outside sound in and out, making them more comfortable to wear, but they’re not the best headphones for in-booth recording as sound can leak through the microphone. Even so, they are the most reliable and flat for mixing (in the event that we decide to mix with headphones) or for making eq decisions and retouching aspects of the mix combined with the use of near-field monitors.

Factors that determine the quality of good studio headphones:

The most important factor is the sound quality, which should be crisp and clear, without distortion at high volumes. Comfort is also an important factor as you will likely be wearing these headphones for long periods of time while recording or mixing music.

A good pair of studio headphones for mixing and mastering will have padded ear pads to prevent your ears from hurting after prolonged use. They can also have swivel ear cups so they can be placed horizontally when not in use, without tangling cables on your desk or work area; this makes them easier to store and more comfortable than other types of headphones, such as over-ear models (which tend to take up much more space).

Some studio headphones for mixing and mastering come equipped with additional features such as noise canceling technology, built-in microphones for monitoring live performances, etc.

The 3 best headphones for mixing and mastering in 2023

Below we leave you our list of the best studio headphones , their characteristics and our opinion on them. We include links to buy them.

1. Audio-Technica M50x (closed studio headphones)

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is indeed a popular choice for studio and professional use. These closed-back headphones offer a balanced sound signature, good isolation, and robust construction. They have become a staple in many studios and are widely praised for their value for money. Here are some key features and considerations regarding the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x:

1. Sound Quality: The ATH-M50x headphones provide a well-balanced sound with detailed midrange, clear highs, and controlled bass. They have a slightly emphasized low-end response, which can be useful for genres like hip-hop or electronic music. However, it’s important to note that they may not offer the absolute accuracy and transparency of higher-end options.
2. Comfort and Design: The ATH-M50x features a sturdy build with rotating ear cups, allowing for convenient one-ear monitoring. The ear cups are padded and provide decent comfort, although some users with larger heads may find them a bit tight or uncomfortable during extended listening sessions.
3. Isolation: As closed-back headphones, the ATH-M50x provides good noise isolation, blocking out external sounds to a significant degree. This can be helpful when working in environments with background noise or when tracking vocals or instruments.
4. Portability: The ATH-M50x headphones for mixing and mastering come with a detachable cable and foldable design, making them relatively easy to transport and carry around. They also include a protective carrying pouch, adding to their convenience for on-the-go use.
5. Price: The ATH-M50x is considered a mid-range option, offering a good balance between price and performance. They are generally more affordable compared to higher-end studio headphones, making them accessible for many musicians, producers, and audio engineers.

It’s worth mentioning that while the ATH-M50x is widely appreciated, personal preference plays a crucial role in selecting headphones. If possible, it’s recommended to try them out or read multiple reviews to determine if they suit your specific needs and preferences in terms of sound signature and comfort.

2. Focal Utopia

Considered by many as one of the best headphones available, the Focal Utopia offers a wide frequency response, incredible clarity, and a spacious soundstage.

It is an open-back reference headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance. Here are some key features and considerations regarding the Focal Utopia:

1. Sound Quality: The Focal Utopia is known for its unparalleled sound reproduction. It features Focal’s exclusive driver technology and design, resulting in a remarkably detailed, transparent, and dynamic sound signature. The Utopia offers an extended frequency response, accurate imaging, and a wide soundstage, providing an immersive listening experience.
2. Design and Build: The Focal Utopia showcases a premium design and construction. It features an open-back design, which contributes to the spacious soundstage and natural sound reproduction. Thse headphones for mixing and mastering are built using high-quality materials, including solid aluminum yokes and carbon fiber ear cup shells, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel.
3. Comfort: The Utopia is designed for long listening sessions, offering excellent comfort despite its slightly heavier weight. The ear cups are spacious and well-padded, and the headband is adjustable for a secure fit. The combination of comfort and exceptional sound quality makes them suitable for extended mixing and mastering sessions.
4. Cable and Accessories: The Focal Utopia comes with a high-quality detachable cable that utilizes a balanced connection. It also includes a premium hard-shell carrying case to protect the headphones during storage and transport.
5. Price: The Focal Utopia is a flagship headphone with a premium price tag. It is considered an investment for professionals who prioritize uncompromising sound quality and performance. While it may not be accessible to everyone due to its higher cost, the Utopia is often considered a benchmark in the world of high-end headphones.

It’s important to note that the Focal Utopia is designed for critical listening and professional use, particularly in the realm of mastering and high-fidelity audio production. However, personal preference and budget constraints should always be considered when choosing headphones.

If possible, it’s recommended to audition the Focal Utopia or read reviews to ensure they align with your specific requirements and preferences.

3. Sennheiser HD 800 S

These open-back headphones are known for their excellent soundstage and clarity, making them a popular choice among audio professionals. They are known for their exceptional sound quality and reference-grade performance.

Here are some key features and considerations regarding the Sennheiser HD 800 S:

1. Sound Quality: The HD 800 S is renowned for its wide and detailed soundstage, accurate imaging, and natural tonal balance. The open-back design allows for an expansive and immersive listening experience, making it an excellent choice for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. The headphones provide a neutral and transparent sound signature, revealing fine details and nuances in audio recordings.
2. Design and Build: The HD 800 S features a unique design with a large, circumaural ear cup design. It incorporates Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology, the 56mm Ring Radiator driver, which is engineered to minimize distortion and deliver precise audio reproduction. The headphones are constructed with premium materials, including a stainless steel headband and high-quality plastics, ensuring durability and comfort.
3. Comfort: The HD 800 S is designed for extended listening sessions, offering a comfortable fit. The ear cups are spacious and well-padded, and the headband is adjustable to achieve an optimal fit for different head sizes. The lightweight design helps minimize fatigue during long mixing or mastering sessions.
4. Cable and Accessories: The HD 800 S comes with a detachable cable that uses Sennheiser’s proprietary connector. It also includes a balanced cable option and a 1/4″ stereo adapter. Additionally, the headphones come with a premium storage case for protection during transportation or storage.
5. Price: The HD 800 S is considered a high-end headphone and comes with a premium price tag. It is aimed at audio professionals, enthusiasts, and those seeking uncompromising sound quality. The cost reflects the advanced engineering, materials, and performance that the HD 800 S offers.

Recommended software and plugins for mixing with studio headphones

1. Compared to speakers, sound from headphones often sounds too wide , as if a section is missing from the center of the stereo image . To help in this sense, plugins such as Goodhertz’s CanOpener Studio , will help us to control this aspect and others related to the use of headphones very precisely.
2. Another problem is that headphones often have bumpy, exaggerated, or unnatural frequency response curves, either because they were designed that way or lack the natural bass boost that would occur in a real room with speakers. There are several plugins to simulate control rooms for use with headphones. For example the Sienna by Acustica-audio .
3. Regarding the frequency response curve , we use a corrective plugin (especially for rooms with monitors) that also has predetermined presets to balance the frequencies of the main headphones. The plugin is the Sonarworks SoundID Reference (with room measurement microphone included).

Finally, be careful with the cable and take care of your ears by using a moderate volume (hearing loss is a serious and irreversible problem!). 

The order in which we expose the recommended headphones is not preferred and each headset has a use and qualities that we expose in the description. Choose the one that best suits your needs , think that it is an investment for the future and that you will not fail with any of them.