Shut Out the World With the Best Closed Back Headphone
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best closed back headphone for your budget and situation, along with our Top 5 recommendations!
Closed back headphones are a type of audio accessory specifically designed to deliver a superior sound experience, particularly in noisy environments. With a closed design, the headphones create an airtight seal around your ear, which prevents outside noise from interfering with your listening experience.
This type of headphone is perfect for audio professionals, musicians, and gamers who require high-quality sound performance.
In this article, we will delve into the intriguing world of closed back headphones, exploring their features, advantages, and some of the best models on the market.
Overview of the Closed Back Headphone
Closed back headphones have a long and storied history, starting with the introduction of the first headphones in the early 1900s. Since then, there have been countless technological advancements and innovations in the closed back headphone industry that have increased sound quality and comfort for listeners.
One of the oldest types of closed back headphones are studio headphones, which were designed for use in professional recording studios. These headphones were typically very expensive and were considered some of the best closed back headphones on the market. They were created with the goal of providing accurate and detailed sound reproduction for audio production and music production.
As technology advanced, this style of headphones became a popular choice for everyday use in noisy environments or for long listening sessions. With the growth of the audiophile market, headphones with fantastic sound quality and neutral sound profiles became more popular. This allowed listeners to hear more detailed and balanced sound, with a focus on frequency response and sound isolation.
In recent years, noise canceling technology has become more prevalent in closed back models, allowing for even better sound isolation and the ability to cancel out unwanted noise so that listeners can focus on the music they are listening to. Today, there are a wide variety of noise canceling headphones available to fit every budget and need, including high end headphones for audiophiles and musicians, headphones for on the go listening, and wireless closed back headphones.
One advantage of closed back headphones is the ability to block out ambient noise, providing a more focused and immersive listening experience, as well as better sound performance. In contrast, open back headphones allow for more external sound to enter the ear cups, resulting in a more spacious and open sound but with less background noise isolation.
In terms of build quality, closed back headphones typically feature ear cups that encompass the ears, providing better sound isolation and comfort, often with rotating ear cups for added convenience. Additionally, many closed back headphones have detachable cables for easy replacement if they are damaged or worn.
Overall, the history of closed back headphones shows a continuous emphasis on creating a better listening experience, whether it be for professionals in the studio environment or for on the go listening. With advancements in technology and ever-improving sound quality, it's clear that closed back headphones will continue to be a popular choice for years to come.
Buyer’s Guide to Closed Back Headphones
When it comes to this type of headphone, there are a variety of features and benefits to consider before making a purchase.
These headphones are ideal for those looking for fantastic sound quality and noise isolation, especially in a studio environment or during long listening sessions. One of the biggest advantages of closed back headphones is their ability to block out unwanted noise and external sound, allowing you to focus on the details of your music or audio production.
Frequency Response and Sound Profile
When looking for closed back headphones, it's important to consider the frequency response and neutral sound profile. This ensures that all sound frequencies are replicated accurately, allowing you to hear vocal tracks and instruments sound as they were intended to. Additionally, a balanced sound with no prominent peaks or dips in the frequency range will prevent any auditory fatigue during extended listening sessions.
Noise Cancellation
If you're looking for headphones with noise-canceling capabilities, closed back headphones are a great option. Active noise cancellation can further reduce ambient noise, making it easier to hear your audio production in greater detail. It's important to note, however, that some closed back headphones may have sound leakage at higher volumes, which can be an issue in shared spaces.
Build Quality
Build quality is also an important consideration when choosing closed back headphones. Look for high quality audio components and dynamic drivers to ensure clear and detailed sound. Detachable cables are also a great feature, as they allow for easy replacement and repair.
Cost and Your Budget
For those on a budget, there are plenty of great closed back headphones available at a range of price points. While high-end audiophile headphones may have a more refined sound and premium build quality, there are also great options for those looking for more bass or wireless closed back headphones.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the best closed back headphones will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the intended use, preferred sound profile, and desired features such as a rotating ear cups or ear pads for on-ear listening comfort and clamping force to fit around your ears.
Whether you're a professional in a studio recording environment or someone looking for high quality audio on the go, closed back headphones are a great choice for superior sound isolation and clarity.
Top 5 Best Closed Back Headphones
When it comes to headphones, many customers prefer the privacy and immersive sound experience offered by closed-back models. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 5 closed-back headphones currently available.
AKG Pro Audio K72
The AKG Pro Audio K72 is an affordable closed-back headphone model that offer great audio quality and noise isolation. These wired headphones feature a frequency response of 12-22,000 Hz and an impedance of 32 ohms for precise sound reproduction.
Also, these budget headphones have a lightweight design and comfortable ear cushions to provide hours of listening pleasure.
Sennheiser HD 569
For budget-conscious buyers, the Sennheiser HD 569 is a great option. This closed-back headphone model features an impedance of 50 ohms and a frequency response of 12–38,500 Hz.
Additionally, the HD 569 offers superior sound quality with precise bass and detailed midrange and treble range frequencies. Plus, the detachable cables provide easy storage and replacement.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Another popular headphone model, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X boasts a sleek design, high-quality audio performance, and excellent noise isolation. With an impedance of 38 ohms and a frequency response of 15-28,000 Hz, the ATH-M50X is a versatile choice for listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store and transport, and the ear cups rotate 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a studio-level headphone model that offers excellent sound isolation, a durable construction, and superior audio performance. These headphones have a frequency range of 5-35,000 Hz and an impedance of 80 ohms, which makes them an ideal choice for critical listening and audio production, and arguably the best audiophile headphones around.
Moreover, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO features a single-sided cable and ear cushions made of soft velour for added comfort.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
With its noise-cancelling technology, high-quality sound, and long battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the top all-around pick for closed-back headphones. This model features 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and an adaptive sound control feature that adjusts the audio output based on your environment.
Additionally, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has a comfortable design that allows you to wear it for extended periods without discomfort.
FAQs About Closed Back Headphones
How do closed back headphones compare to over ear headphones and on ear headphones?
Closed back headphones provide more sound isolation than open back headphones, meaning they are better at blocking out external noise and preventing sound leakage.
Over ear and on ear headphones can both be closed back, but the design of over ear headphones typically offers a better seal around the ears for superior noise reduction. On ear headphones are lighter and offer less sound isolation than over ear models. Which type of headphone is best depends on the intended use and personal preference.
What is the benefit of using closed-back headphones?
The benefit of using closed-back headphones is that they offer better ambient noise isolation and can reproduce a natural and balanced sound, making them great for recording studios, live performance, and audiophile listening.
What is the difference between closed-back and open-back headphones?
The main difference between closed-back and open-back headphones is that closed-back offers better isolation from external noise, while open-back allows for a more natural and spacious sound.
Are closed-back headphones good for music production?
Yes, closed-back headphones are great for music production, as they offer balanced sound and reduce the influence of external sound. This makes them ideal for mixing and mastering.
Do closed-back headphones offer noise-canceling technology?
Yes, many closed-back headphones offer noise-canceling technology to cancel out external noise and provide a more immersive listening experience.
What is the frequency response of closed-back headphones?
The frequency response of closed-back headphones can vary, but generally, they cover the full audible frequency range, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
What is the difference between passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation in closed-back headphones?
Passive noise isolation refers to the physical design of the ear cups, which block out external sound, while active noise cancellation uses microphones to pick up external noise and then creates a sound wave to cancel it out.
Are closed-back headphones suitable for on-the-go listening?
Yes, closed-back headphones are great for on-the-go listening, especially if they are wireless or have a detachable cable. They offer noise isolation and great sound quality.
Can closed-back headphones produce more bass than other types of headphones?
Yes, closed-back headphones can produce more bass due to their design, which traps the sound inside the ear cups, creating a more powerful bass response.
What is the clamping force of closed-back headphones and does it affect sound quality?
The clamping force of closed-back headphones refers to the pressure they exert on the head. It can affect the sound quality, as too much pressure can cause discomfort and affect the ear cups' seal with the head, leading to sound leakage and a loss of bass response. However, a comfortable amount of clamping force can provide a secure and isolated fit for better sound quality.
Summary of the Best Closed Back Headphones
In conclusion, closed back cans are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a pair of headphones that deliver a neutral sound profile. These headphones are designed with closed back ear cups that keep the sound from escaping, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.
They are also great for use with a mobile device as they keep noise from the outside world to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy your music even in noisy environments.
Compared to other headphones, closed back headphones are often considered to be reference headphones because of their ability to deliver an accurate and neutral sound. Therefore, if you are an audiophile or someone who values sound quality, then a pair of closed back headphones would be a great investment.
Overall, closed back headphones offer a lot of benefits for those who are looking for an immersive listening experience, especially for music enthusiasts. They offer a reference profile to ensure that you can accurately hear the music how it was intended to be heard.
Once again, here are the best closed back headphone options:
Best Budget Option: AKG Pro Audio K72
Best Value for the Money: Sennheiser HD 569
Best for Versatility: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Best for Audiophiles: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4
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