Use closed-back headphones for recording, because they isolate sound and keep the click track from leaking into the microphone. Use open-back headphones for mixing and long listening sessions, because they sound more open and natural and are more comfortable, but they leak sound in both directions. If you can only buy one pair, closed-back is the safer all-rounder for a home studio.
Studio headphones come in two main designs, and each suits a different job. Here is when to use which, and what else to look for.
Closed-back headphones
The ear cups are sealed, so sound stays in and outside noise stays out.
Best for: recording vocals and instruments, tracking in the same room as the mic, noisy rooms, and travel.
- Isolation keeps the click and backing track from bleeding into the microphone.
- They block outside noise, which helps in untreated rooms.
- They can sound more closed in, and bass is often more pronounced.
- They can get warm over long sessions.
Open-back headphones
The outer cups are perforated or grilled, so sound passes through in both directions.
Best for: mixing, mastering, critical listening and long sessions in a quiet room.
- A wider, more natural soundstage that is closer to listening to speakers.
- Usually lighter and cooler to wear for hours.
- They leak sound, so they are no good for recording near a mic, and others nearby will hear what you’re listening to.
- They let outside noise in.
Semi-open
A compromise design with some venting. They sound more open than closed-backs but still leak, so treat them like open-backs for recording.
Impedance and what you plug them into
Impedance, measured in ohms, affects how much power headphones need:
| Impedance | What drives them |
|---|---|
| Under 50 ohms | Phones, laptops, any interface |
| 50 to 150 ohms | Most interfaces |
| 250 ohms and up | Interfaces with strong headphone outputs, or a dedicated headphone amp |
Higher-impedance studio headphones aren’t automatically better. They are designed for studio equipment, so check that your interface can drive them to a comfortable level.
What else to check
- Comfort: clamping force, weight and pad material matter for long sessions. Replaceable pads extend the life of good headphones.
- Cable: a detachable cable is easy to replace. Coiled cables suit recording; straight cables suit desks.
- Frequency response: studio headphones aim for a neutral, uncolored sound rather than boosted bass.
- Durability: studio headphones get dropped and stepped on; look for replaceable parts.
If you can only buy one pair
Start with closed-back. They handle recording, which open-backs can’t, and they work for mixing if you check your mixes elsewhere. Add an open-back pair later for mixing.
Common questions
Can you mix on closed-back headphones?
Yes. Many people mix on closed-back headphones, especially in noisy rooms. They tend to exaggerate bass and sound more closed in, so check mixes on speakers or other headphones too.
Why don't singers use open-back headphones?
Open-back headphones leak sound, so a sensitive microphone picks up the backing track or click from the headphones, which ends up in the vocal recording.
Do 250-ohm headphones need an amp?
High-impedance headphones need more voltage to reach a good volume. Many audio interfaces drive them adequately, but phones and laptops often can't. Check the interface's headphone output or add a headphone amp.