The 11 Best Headphones for Bass Guitar
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best headphones for bass guitar for your budget and situation, along with our Top 11 recommendations!
Why would a bassist need headphones? Well, for one thing, headphones allow bass guitar players to practice quietly and privately, allowing them to focus on their craft and perfect their technique. With a decent headphone pair, bass guitarists can hear exactly how their instrument sounds in its natural environment, as well as how it interacts with other instruments in the mix.
By being able to hear the smallest nuances and details of their bass tones, bassists can perfect their playing instead of guessing how it might sound in a live setting.
Headphones also provide bassists with a variety of tonal possibilities. Because they have direct access to the purest form of sound coming directly from the amplifier or instrument itself, they don’t have to struggle with any external reverberations or noises that could potentially mask the tone they are trying to achieve. This makes it easier for them to experiment with different settings and tones without having to worry about outside noise interfering with their work.
Furthermore, headphones offer excellent feedback control when playing live gigs. By monitoring their own sound directly through headphones, bass guitarists can make sure that they stay on track and remain balanced in the mix while not overwhelming other instruments around them. This is especially important when playing alongside a drummer, who often provides much more volume than other musicians onstage.
In short, headphones provide an invaluable resource for players looking for a quiet place to practicing bass guitar, as well as an accurate way of monitoring their own sound during live performances. By giving musicians direct access to the purest forms of sound available and providing them with excellent feedback control when playing live shows, headphones are an integral part of any serious bassist’s arsenal.
How to Choose Bass Headphones
When it comes to choosing headphones for bass guitar, there are a variety of factors to consider. First, ensure that the headset is compatible with your device or audio interface.
Secondly, take into account the driver size; larger drivers are more likely to produce a fuller sound and more bass.
It is also important to consider the bass frequency response of the headphones in order to ensure that you get an accurate representation of your bass guitar’s sound, which will be achieved with a flatter frequency response curve.
The level of bass should be adjusted according to personal preference as some players prefer more depth while others might want a tighter and punchier sound.
The impedance of your headphones should not be overlooked either; lower impedances allow for louder volumes with fewer distortions whereas higher impedances require additional power input in order to achieve satisfactory levels.
Furthermore, latency should also be taken into account as low-latency drivers offer less delay between the signal output and when it reaches your ears.
Another factor to consider is whether you prefer closed- or open-back headphones; where closed-backs offer greater isolation from exterior noise, open-backs can provide additional clarity and detail on top of greater comfort during extended sessions.
Finally, make sure that your headset is comfortable and durable enough for long recording sessions and live performances if necessary.
Ideally you want to find a set of bass headphones that not only has the sound characteristics desired but which is also comfortable for extended periods of use without causing fatigue or discomfort over time.
Keeping all these various factors in mind will help you choose the best pair of headphones for getting the most out of your bass guitar playing. Here we've compiled a list of our favorites, to get your started on your search...
Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
Why it Rocks
The Behringer HPS3000 High-Performance Studio Headphones are the perfect choice for any bass player with limited funds.
Combining ultra-wide frequency response, high-definition bass and super-transparent highs, and an ultra-wide dynamic range into one package makes these headphones the ideal choice for professionals and amateurs alike.
The HPS3000 features a high-efficiency cobalt capsule that delivers wonderful bass response with every detail of your audio brought to life.
The 1/8" connector comes with a 1/4" adapter so you can use it with almost any device, and the single sided cord is made from oxygen free copper wires for maximum signal integrity.
What Else
The optimized oval shaped ear cups provide superior comfort during those long listening sessions by reducing fatigue and providing a snug fit for all ears types. And the ultra-rugged headband construction ensures durability, allowing you to enjoy years of reliable use without compromising on sound performance or quality.
Whether you're producing music in a professional studio or just enjoying some tunes in your own home, the Behringer HPS3000 are high-performance, budget-friendly headphones sure to give you an immersive listening experience at a price you can afford.
OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones
Why it Rocks
The OneOdio Wired Over-Ear Headphones are an impressive piece of audio equipment that promise to deliver powerful and dynamic bass, comfort, and noise isolation.
Featuring large 50-millimeter speaker drivers with neodymium magnets, these headphones are perfect for DJing, mixing, monitoring, or listening to music.
Thanks to the soft padded ear cushions and adjustable headband, you'll be able to enjoy a fatigue-free listening experience which can last for hours on end.
Additionally, the detachable cable (9.8Ft stretched) is perfect for easily reaching from your amp or mixing board to your chair with ease.
What Else
It comes with both 3.5 mm and a 6.35 mm cable, meaning no more adapters required when switching between devices. Additional versatility is provided thanks to the 90° swiveling ear cups, giving you the ability conveniently switch between single and dual ear monitoring whenever you need to.
All in all, these OneOdio wired headphones offer excellent sound quality along with unbeatable comfort and convenience – making them an ideal choice for bass playing, mastering and mixing tasks, as well as day-to-day music enjoyment.
Samson Technologies SR850 Headphones
Why it Rocks
The Samson Technologies SR850 Headphones are a professional, studio-grade solution for tracking, mixing, mastering, and playback. Delivering exceptional audio quality with their proprietary 50mm drivers and rare earth magnets, these headphones provide an extended frequency response and great dynamic range.
The ultra-lightweight circumaural, over-ear design features plush velour ear pad cushioning that provides superior comfort even during long listening sessions. With the self-adjusting headband, the SR850 ensure optimal fit every time you put them on. An included 1/4" Stereo Adapter allows for usage with any device and setup.
What Else
The perfect combination of comfort and authentic sound makes the SR850 ideal for musicians, podcasters, streamers, and other audio professionals working in the studio. The semi-open design featured on the SR850 delivers spacious soundstage with enhanced bass response and extended highs resulting in a comfortable, immersive listening experience perfect for bassists.
Bopmen Over-Ear Headphones
Why it Rocks
The Bopmen Over-Ear Headphones offer professional-grade audio quality and comfort. These headphones feature large neodymium magnet drivers that deliver clear sound with a punchy bass and crisp treble for an immersive listening experience. The headphones' flexible headband offers automatic adjustment, allowing hours of comfortable listening. The padded ear cushions reduce noise, ensuring the best experience possible.
What Else
In addition, the Bopmen Over-Ear Headphones are compatible with any device that has a 3.5mm jack or 6.35mm cable, including iPhones, iPads, iPods, Android phones and more. This makes it easy to connect two devices simultaneously to share music with both ends enjoying optimal sound quality.
Thanks to its durable construction, compatibility with other devices, and impressive sound quality, this Bopmen bass headphone will prove to be a worthy addition to the rig of any bass player.
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Headphones
Why it Rocks
The Status Audio CB-1 headphones have been praised by professionals for their high-quality sound, expansive soundstage, and exceptional comfort. Built with large 50mm drivers, they provide studio-grade sound that can be heard during long recording sessions without straining your ears or head. The over-the-ear design offers passive noise cancelling while the adjustable headband and overstuffed earpads ensure a snug fit and customizability. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic adds an extra touch of style that audiophiles love.
What Else
To make sure you get uninterrupted sound every time you record, these headphones come with two 9-foot cables – one coiled and one straight – both with custom locking mechanisms to keep them attached even during extensive use. Rocking out live with your bass on stage or laying down tracks in a studio, you'll appreciate what the Status Audio CB-1 headphones bring to your playing.
Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphone
Why it Rocks
The Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones are a top-tier choice for broadcast and studio professionals. With 40mm PET large diaphragm drivers and neodymium magnets, these headphones offer crystal-clear sound across all frequencies; from 10 Hz up to 20 kHz.
The closed-ear design not only provides comfort but also offers excellent noise isolation which is perfect for studio environments.
These headphones have been designed with extended use in mind; the generous headband padding ensures that they can be worn comfortably over long periods of time. Moreover, their 9.8ft coiled cord gives plenty of slack for studio work without the need to remove them.
What Else
For added convenience, the headphones feature a folding construction and come with a protective carrying case allowing you to take them easily with you wherever you go.
These Sony Headphones boast gold connectors, OFC cord and Stereo Unimatch Plugs which provide reliable connections to your audio devices that won’t break down over time. Add these features to their lightweight design and it’s easy to see why these headphones are so popular among professional users and audiophiles alike, and given their current price tag, they're a fantastic value for the money.
Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO
Why it Rocks
The Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO headphones are an industry-standard in terms of performance and sound quality. Built for professional use, these over-ear headphones feature high ambient noise attenuation, accurate linear sound reproduction and representation, eloquent lows, distinct midrange and clear-cut highs.
Additionally, the unique collapsible design combined with swiveling ear cups offers maximum flexibility in any application, and they come with a tough single-sided cable to ensure reliable headphone jack connectivity at all times.
Regarding comfort, the soft earpads offer a comfortable fit that doesn't compromise on sound quality. The folding and rotating earcups also allow for space-saving transport when working on the go. And speaking of which, these headphones are suitable for long periods of wear due to their lightweight build and adjustable headband.
What Else
Ultimately designed with professionals in mind, the Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO is the perfect companion for recording and mixing sessions. This can be attributed to its extremely robust construction combined with the balanced sound, modular design and aggressive noise isolation necessary in the field. All these features make it an ideal choice for studio professionals looking to get excellent bass response without compromising on comfort or portability.
Beyerdynamic DT770
Why it Rocks
The Beyerdynamic DT770 is one of the most popular closed-back over-ear headphones on the market today. It delivers a deep, rich sound with a detailed response that makes it ideal for professional recording and monitoring.
Thanks to its innovative bass reflex system and excellent impulse response, the DT770 provides an incredibly immersive listening experience. Low frequencies are defined and reproduced accurately while higher frequencies are translated with analytical clarity. The result is a spacious audio reproduction that is rarely found in closed headphones.
The DT770's single-sided cable is also practical for studio or stage use, as it keeps you free from tangles or knots during long work hours. Plus, the 3 metre long cable offers plenty of room to move around without disconnecting your devices.
What Else
The headphone's design and construction are both top-notch, with sturdy build quality, comfortable velour ear pads, and adjustable headband.
Ultimately, the Beyerdynamic DT770 are perfect for professional recording and monitoring applications due to their superior sound quality, comfortability and convenience.
Whether you’re mixing tracks in the studio or playing live on stage, you can be sure that these headphones will deliver reliable performance time after time.
Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones
Why it Rocks
These Skullcandy Headphones provide an unparalleled audio experience with deep, powerful bass that is customized to each user's hearing.
The headphones come with a one-fat battery for up to 40 hours of listening without needing a charge, and if you do run out, a 10-minute quick charge will give you 4 more hours of battery life. With the Bass Slider, users can easily adjust the bass levels to their preference, from mellow to skull crushing!
Comfort is top of mind with these headphones; they have a thick padded headband and foam cushion ear pads for comfort during long listening sessions.
Plus, they fold up for easy storage and portability when on the move and come with a durable travel bag to protect them while in transit.
What Else
For added security and peace of mind, these headphones also come equipped with Tile Technology which allows you to track them down if they are ever misplaced or lost. And all this comes backed by Skullcandy's 1 Year Warranty.
The Skullcandy Crushers are sure to please those looking for an immersive audio experience complete with customization options galore, and they're the best wireless option for bass headphones we've found.
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
Why it Rocks
The Shure SRH1540 Premium headphones offer a superior listening experience with their 40 mm neodymium drivers which deliver an expansive soundstage with clear, extended highs and warm bass. They are also designed to reduce background noise while providing maximum sound isolation through the use of Alcantara ear pads, making them ideal for recording environments or any place where uninterrupted concentration on music is desired.
The headphones have been constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and carbon fiber cap for enhanced durability as well as a steel driver frame with vented center pole piece which improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all levels. Additionally, these premium headphones feature a diaphragm developed with APTIV Film for improved linearity and lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
What Else
For years of worry-free enjoyment, they come complete with a storage case, replacement set of Alcantara ear pads, replacement cable, and threaded adapter. Get ready to hear all your favorite audio recordings in crystal clear clarity – the Shure SRH1540 headphones provide an exceptional listening experience like no other, and are an excellent premium bass headphone option for those who can afford them.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphone
Why it Rocks
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphone is the perfect solution for bass players and audiophiles seeking a signature sound. It has been recognized around the world with 50+ Editors’ Choice Awards, thanks to its large dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers with CCAW Japanese coil that deliver exciting bass and unparalleled clarity.
Its metal build and SteelFlex headband provide ultimate durability while the large memory foam cushions plus the 100% vegan leather headband offer superior comfort and extended listening sessions.
The Crossfade M-100 also comes with an Extended SharePlay Audio Cable, making it easy to share music with others or connect to other devices.
What Else
With certified Hi-Res Audio (HRA-0101-08) for the most precise sound possible, these headphones offer pure analog audiophile performance in a lightweight design that can be easily taken anywhere thanks to its CliqFold hinge and Exoskeleton Carry Case. Additionally, you can rep your personal brand with custom shields exclusive to V-MODA products.
In light of all that they have to offer, and taking their current price point into consideration, they're the best overall bass headphones on the market today.
FAQs About the Best Headphones for Bass Guitar
Why do Bass Players Wear Headphones?
Bass guitar players wear headphones for a variety of reasons. In live settings, for example, headphones help to block out external noise and make it easier to hear yourself, as well as bandmates if needed.
In recording studios, headphones can be used to monitor levels and ensure the best quality takes and mixes.
Lastly, many bassists prefer the feeling of having the instrument close to their ears while they’re playing which is possible when wearing headphones.
Should all Bass Players Use Headphones?
Though many bassists use headphones, whether or not you should use them depends on your own personal preference.
If playing in a live setting, it might be necessary due to external noise coming from other instruments or audience members.
Otherwise though, it is up to the individual player whether they would like to use headphones or rely on their own hearing to pick out their part in a mix.
Do Just Any Headphones Work for Bass Guitar?
No - not all headphones are designed for bass guitar playing specifically. When selecting music-specific bass guitar headphones look for ones with a low frequency response that will boost the low-end content of your signal chain and bring out more definition from your instrument's tone. Additionally look for models that provide great isolation from outside noise so you won't have any feedback issues during performances or recordings sessions.
Are Headphones Better than Earphones for Playing Bass?
It really depends on your needs as a player but generally speaking most bassists find headphones provide better sound quality and lower latency than earbuds due to their larger size and shape which helps them capture more low-end frequencies than regular earbuds can handle. Additionally, because they fit over top of your ears rather than inside them there is less chance of feedback issues when playing loudly in crowded spaces such as clubs or other venues.
What's The Difference Between On-Ear, Over-the Ear, and In-Ear Headphones?
When it comes to finding the right headphones, each type of earphone has its own set of pros and cons.
On-ear headphones sit on top of your ears with their soft pads and provide a lightweight listening experience that is comfortable for extended use. They also offer better sound isolation than most other types of headphones due to their snug fit. However, this style of headphones can become uncomfortable after a while, as they can press against the ears and cause them to heat up.
Over-the-ear headphones go around the outside of your ears and provide a fuller sound with better bass response than models that sit on the ear. The larger cushioning allows you to listen comfortably for an extended period without feeling any pressure from the headband or ear cups. Additionally, these headphones are great at blocking out external noise thanks to their good noise isolation and sound leakage properties. While over-the-ear headphones give you a better listening experience overall, they tend to be bulkier and heavier than on-ear models, making them less ideal for portability.
In-ear headphones are inserted into your ear canal and come in two varieties: earbuds that rest just outside the opening of your ear canal, or in-ears that form a seal inside it. In-ears provide excellent audio quality in a compact form factor that's perfect for taking your music anywhere—whether you're working out at the gym or commuting on public transit. However, these small devices don't offer much in terms of comfort or noise cancellation; plus, they tend to be more prone to breakage compared to other types of headphones due to their delicate nature.
Why is Bass Guitar Hard to Hear in the First Place?
One common issue with bass guitar is that because it occupies a lower frequency range than other instruments like guitar or drums, it can be difficult to pick out its nuances in a mix without careful engineering and mixing techniques being applied during production stages – something which isn’t always possible in live settings where time constraints may apply!
Additionally depending on how close (or far away) from an amp the instrument is at any given moment this can also contribute towards making it harder to hear clearly in certain situations.
Is It Better To Have Extra Bass In Headphones?
When selecting music-specific headphones for bass playing look for models with enhanced low-frequency responses as these will boost certain aspects of the tone produced by your instrument such as attack and sustain – making sure even complex articulations come through clearly when heard through headphones!
However, bear in mind too much extra deep bass can cause muddiness so adjusting EQ levels accordingly until you achieve desired results is important too!
Can Headphones Be Damaged By A Bass Boost?
Yes they can – particularly if levels are set too high causing distorted signals, as that overly loud bass can damage drivers over time resulting in poor sound quality when heard through them afterwards.
So it’s important you take care when setting up any kind of EQ system before using them with an amplified source such as an amp or PA system in order avoid any potential damage occurring.
Is There A Way To Play Bass Without An Amp?
Yes there are ways you can still practice bass without relying on an amp – this includes plugging into interfaces such as multi-effects pedals or units designed solely for recording/monitoring purposes that generally offer line outputs so you're able to practice silently while still retaining good tone quality!
Additionally some headphone models offer built-in amplifiers so no external power source is required either, making them great options if space/budget don't allow an amp setup at present.
Is It True That Listening To Too Much Low Frequency Sound Can Make You Feel Sick?
While there have been studies suggesting extended exposure to thumping bass or other very loud sounds at specific frequencies could cause discomfort, there aren’t currently any conclusive findings linking this directly with using headphone devices specifically.
However, if you're planning to hear loud bass for an extended period of time, always remember health & safety should come first, so even during just casual listening, try not increase volume levels above what's comfortable & take regular breaks where possible just in case!
Summary of the Best Bass Headphones
Hopefully this article has given you some guidance on all the options out there to help you find the best headphones for bass guitar on the market - just to recap, here are our favorites:
Best Budget Option: Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
Best for Versatility: OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones
Best Semi-Open Design: Samson Technologies SR850
Best for Compatibility: Bopmen Over-Ear Headphones
Best for Bass Practicing: Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back
Best Value for the Money: Sony MDR7506 Headphones
Best Studio Headphones: Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
Best for Comfort: Beyerdynamic DT770
Best Wireless Option: Skullcandy Crusher Wireless
Best Premium Option: Shure SRH1540 Premium Headphones
Best Overall: V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphone
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin’!
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