Open-Air Listening: the 5 Best Open Back Headphones for Mixing
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best open back headphones for mixing for your budget and situation, along with our Top 5 recommendations!
So what exactly are open back headphones, and what advantages (if any) do they have over their closed-back counterparts?
Open back headphones have perforations or vents in the earcup to allow air to pass through and create a more natural soundstage and wider stereo effect.
Open back headphones are essential for any audio engineer or music producer when it comes to mixing, as they provide a wide, spacious soundstage that allows you to accurately visualize the depth and detail of your mix. They also offer excellent sound quality, allowing you to hear all the intricacies of your mix in greater detail.
As opposed to closed-back headphones, which have sealed earcups that isolate the sound, open-back headphones are designed with open grilles on either side of the earcup. This allows air to pass freely between the driver and your ears, creating a more natural sound experience, which can be especially beneficial when mixing as it provides an accurate representation of how the track will sound outside of headphone listening environments.
As a result, they also generally offer less isolation from outside noise, and can leak sound, so they are best used in environments where privacy is not a concern.
Open-back headphones also provide better stereo separation, meaning each side of the stereo image is more clearly defined and distinct from each other than with closed-back headphones. This leads to improved imaging accuracy and helps producers identify potential problems during mixing, such as phase issues or incorrect panning settings.
Overall, open back headphones can be an invaluable tool in any producer's arsenal when it comes to mixing their tracks. They offer superior sound quality with increased acoustic transparency and improved stereo separation that allows producers to pick up on details they may have missed whilst using closed-back cans, and offer a nice middle ground between the wide open listening environment of studio monitors and the complete isolation of closed- or even semi-open back headphones.
Buyer's Guide for Mixing Headphones
When it comes to mixing and producing music, open-back headphones offer an unparalleled experience. They provide a wider soundstage than closed-back headphones, allowing you to hear more of the subtle nuances of each track.
By allowing some of the sound from the drivers to escape, open-backs also provide an airier, more natural soundscape for mixing or mastering.
When selecting open-back headphones for mixing and production purposes, there are several factors you should consider:
Frequency Response
When selecting the best open-back headphones for mixing, it's helpful to look at their frequency response range. A wide frequency range will ensure that you can accurately monitor a wider range of sound frequencies in your mix. The ideal range is 20Hz - 20kHz, but some models may go as low as 5Hz or as high as 40kHz.
Comfort Level
When mixing music for hours on end, comfort is key. Look for adjustable headbands and soft cushions made out of breathable materials like leather or foam so that your ears won't get too hot while wearing them. Additionally, many headphone brands make models with adjustable clamping pressure so that they stay in position without being too tight on your head.
Sound Leakage
Open-back headphones allow some sound from the drivers to escape into your environment. If you plan on recording with these headphones in a quiet environment (such as a studio or bedroom), then this feature may be beneficial because it allows you to hear both your outside environment and what’s playing back through the headphones simultaneously. However, if noise leakage could be disruptive (such as in busy public spaces), then opt for closed-back headphones instead.
Durability
Longevity is important when investing in any type of audio equipment – especially when looking at professional gear like studio headphones. Look for reviews from other users to see how durable certain models are before making your purchase decision and invest in premium materials such as metal components instead of plastic for extra durability over time.
Taking all these factors into consideration will help you find the perfect open-back headphones for mixing and producing music with incredible accuracy and detail. We've covered our favorite open- and semi-open back headphones in this article to get you started in your search...
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Why it Rocks
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are an outstanding choice for audio professionals seeking high-quality sound reproduction in a comfortable and robust design. Engineered and manufactured in Germany, these open over-ear headphones are specifically tailored for mixing, mastering, and editing applications in professional studio environments.
Renowned for their exceptional sound quality, the DT 990 Pro headphones deliver a transparent, spacious audio experience with remarkable tonal depth. Boasting a meticulously crafted frequency response, these headphones provide a balanced and precise audio reproduction. The mild bass and treble boost ensures a pleasant listening experience without causing fatigue or discomfort, even during extended studio sessions.
Equipped with large, adjustable 45mm dynamic transducers, the DT 990 Pro headphones produce a detailed soundstage with an impressive sense of space, instrumental separation, and imaging accuracy.
The open headphone design contributes significantly to this spaciousness, allowing them to provide balanced sound, free of resonances and reflections commonly associated with closed-back designs.
What Else
Designed to endure the rigors of professional use, the DT 990 Pro headphones feature a hard-wearing and durable construction, utilizing premium materials and craftsmanship synonymous with the "Made in Germany" quality.
The robust spring steel headband is adjustable to accommodate various head sizes and ensures a secure fit without exerting excessive pressure on the user's head. This, coupled with the replaceable and adjustable velour ear pads, provides an unparalleled level of wearing comfort and reduced fatigue during long listening sessions.
One practical feature of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is the single-sided 3.0m coiled cable, which allows users to easily put on and take off the headphones without the hassle of tangling cables. This thoughtful design element significantly improves efficiency and workflow, contributing to an overall streamlined professional experience.
In summary, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are an exceptional choice for any professional in the audio industry, offering incredible sound quality, ergonomic design, and solid durability. With their transparent and detailed sound reproduction, as well as unparalleled comfort and reliability, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro studio headphones have rightfully earned their place among the top choices for music producers and other professionals worldwide who are looking for a relatively inexpensive set.
AKG K702 Reference Studio Headphones
Why it Rocks
The AKG K702 Reference Studio Headphones feature an over-ear design that ensures maximum comfort even during long recording or mixing sessions, thanks to the spacious ear cups that fully envelope your ears. Moreover, the headphones boast a genuine-leather headband, providing not only a comfortable fit but also a luxurious feel for the discerning audio aficionado.
The K702 headphones incorporate sophisticated open-back technology, delivering spacious and airy sound without any compromises in audio fidelity. This innovative design yields an uncompromised audio experience that reproduces every sound element with outstanding clarity and accuracy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the music or audio production process.
Featuring a patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm, the AKG K702 headphones provide an improved high-frequency range and exceptional performance at low frequencies. As a result, you can enjoy a highly accurate audio response with incredible agility and spaciousness, making the K702 the ideal choice for sound engineers, producers, and audiophiles alike.
Elevating the audio experience to new heights, the AKG K702 headphones employ revolutionary flat-wire aluminum voice coils that significantly improve overall dynamic range by delivering higher sensitivity, enhanced impulse response, and remarkable treble reproduction. This innovative design enables the K702 headphones to reproduce audio with unparalleled detail and clarity.
What Else
Designed to provide both form and function, the K702 Studio Headphones come equipped with specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads, ensuring the perfect fit for all head shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the professional-grade mini XLR connector allows for quick and easy cable replacement, making the K702 a truly convenient choice for audio professionals on the go.
In summary, the AKG K702 Reference Studio Headphones are the perfect choice for audio professionals and music enthusiasts seeking an exceptional and accurate sound experience. With their advanced open-back technology, patented Varimotion diaphragm, revolutionary flat-wire voice coil, and exceptional comfort, the K702 headphones are truly a testament to AKG's long-standing commitment to providing the best audio solutions for the most discerning listeners, and are a fantastic value at their current price point.
Shure SRH1840
Why it Rocks
The Shure SRH1840 is a professional-grade, open-back headphone designed for mastering and critical listening applications. These headphones offer outstanding acoustic performance, engineered with precision and crafted using premium materials to ensure top-level sound quality and lasting durability.
One of the main features of the Shure SRH1840 is its individually matched 40 mm neodymium drivers. These drivers create a precise sound signature, characterized by smooth, extended highs and accurate bass response. The individual matching process ensures that each pair of headphones has a consistent performance, leading to a more accurate and reliable listening experience.
The open-back, circumaural design of the SRH1840 contributes to its exceptionally balanced sound and spacious stereo image. This type of design allows air to flow through the ear cups, leading to a wider and more accurate soundstage with increased depth of field. This makes them ideal for use as professional studio headphones in mixing and mastering environments, where a realistic and immersive sound is essential.
Durability and comfort are equally important aspects of the Shure SRH1840 headphones. The lightweight construction features aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless steel grilles, which not only enhance the durability of the headphones but also add an aesthetic appeal.
The steel driver frame includes a vented center pole piece, which improves linearity of the sound and eliminates any internal resonance, resulting in consistent performance at all listening levels.
The ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband ensures the utmost comfort during extended listening sessions. It is lightweight and fully adjustable, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their head shape and size.
The soft padding on the headband and ear cups reduces fit and sound pressure on the head and ears, making them easy to wear for hours on end.
What Else
In conclusion, the Shure SRH1840 offer an exceptionally accurate and well-balanced sound experience for mastering and critical listening applications. Their premium build quality, innovative design, and ergonomic comfort make them an excellent choice for both professional audio engineers and discerning audiophiles.
While the price tag may reflect their high-end status, the investment in these headphones is well worth it for those seeking a truly exceptional listening experience, and they're so comfy that at times you'll forget you're even wearing them.
HEDD HEDDphone AMT Driver Headphones
Why it Rocks
The HEDD HEDDphone AMT Driver Headphones represent a groundbreaking innovation in the world of high-fidelity audio, achieving an unprecedented level of performance through the application of cutting-edge Air Motion Transformer (AMT) technology.
As a result of years of painstaking research and development, these headphones successfully merge the exceptional clarity and detail of AMT drivers with the enveloping soundstage and comfort of circumaural headphones, open-back designs, creating an unparalleled listening experience for audiophiles, sound engineers, and discerning music enthusiasts alike.
At the core of the HEDDphone's exceptional sound reproduction capabilities lies the full-range AMT driver, a technology traditionally reserved for high-end loudspeakers. By utilizing an incredibly fast and efficient pleated diaphragm that moves air up to five times quicker than conventional dynamic drivers, the HEDDphone delivers an astoundingly transparent, natural, and accurate sound representation across the entire frequency range spectrum.
This rapid air movement enables the headphones to faithfully reproduce the subtlest nuances and micro-detail in recordings, breathing new life into even the most familiar music.
In order to adapt the AMT technology for headphone use, the engineers at HEDD have implemented several innovative designs, notably the Variable Velocity Transform (VVT) technology and adjustable diaphragm geometry.
These advancements allow the HEDDphone to maintain a linear frequency response and ultra-low distortion while ensuring maximum comfort and wearability for extended listening sessions.
With a meticulous focus on ergonomics, the HEDDphone boasts a fully adjustable headband and sumptuously cushioned earpads, designed to conform to the unique contours of the user's head. This, in combination with its lightweight construction and open-back architecture, facilitates hours of immersive, fatigue-free listening while enveloping the listener in a spacious, three-dimensional sound reproduction that rivals that of the most advanced speaker systems.
What Else
In addition to its mesmerizing sonic performance, the HEDD HEDDphone AMT Driver Headphones have been designed with durability and longevity in mind.
Built using premium materials and robust engineering, these headphones are constructed to withstand the rigors of daily use, ensuring their pristine audio quality remains uncompromised for years to come.
To sum up, the HEDD HEDDphone AMT Driver Headphones represent a watershed moment in audio technology, elevating the listening experience to a level previously unimaginable. By seamlessly integrating the unparalleled clarity and resolution of Air Motion Transformer technology into a comfortable and stylish circumaural headphone, HEDD has achieved a remarkable feat, crafting a set of headphones that are truly deserving of the accolades they continue to garner from industry experts and enthusiasts alike.
The only real downside to these beauties is the price, as they're more than triple the price of the next most-expensive headphones on this list - but for those with the budget, these will provide a listening experience like no other.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70 X
Why it Rocks
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is a professional-grade, high-performance, open-back reference headphone that offers exceptional audio quality and comfort, making it ideal as studio headphones for engineers and casual listening audiophiles alike.
At the core of the ATH-R70x's remarkable performance is its proprietary magnetic circuitry and pure alloy driver design. Utilizing top-grade neodymium magnets, these headphones achieve high-efficiency magnetic flux, subsequently reducing distortion and delivering a wide frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz. This ensures that users experience precise, transparent, and dynamic sound across the entire audible spectrum.
In addition to its advanced magnetic circuitry, the ATH-R70x features a carbon composite resin in its construction. This material enhances the structural rigidity of the headphones, which translates to improved transient response and the delivery of even the most minute sonic details. As a result, listeners can expect a highly accurate and neutral sound signature that replicates the truest representation of the original audio source.
One of the defining features of the ATH-R70x is its open-back design, created by employing acoustically transparent aluminum honeycomb mesh housings. This design choice allows for an expansive soundstage and natural sound reproduction, which is essential for critical listening applications, such as mixing, mastering, and monitoring in professional environments.
When it comes to comfort, the ATH-R70x is truly exceptional, thanks to its feather-light weight construction. Weighing just 210 grams without the cable, it is designed to provide optimal user satisfaction during long listening sessions.
The headphone incorporates the Audio-Technica innovative 3D Wing Support System, which automatically adjusts to the user's head, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. Furthermore, the inclusion of breathable fabric earpads not only enhances comfort but also effectively dissipates heat and moisture, minimizing listener ear fatigue.
What Else
In terms of connectivity, the ATH-R70x features a dual-sided detachable cable, which allows users to quickly and easily replace a damaged cable or switch to a cable of their preferred length without hassle. Additionally, the A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors on the headphones provide exceptional durability and audio performance, ensuring a reliable connection at all times.
In conclusion, the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x represents a culmination of advanced engineering, design, and materials to create a high-fidelity, professional-grade headphone. With its accurate and transparent sound quality, comfortable fit, and durable design, the ATH-R70x is an ideal choice for audio professionals and discerning music lovers seeking a serious and reliable listening tool, and in light of its very reasonable price tag, it's our overall favorite.
FAQs About Open and Over-Ear Headphones
What type of audio quality do open back headphones provide?
Open back headphones typically provide an airy, spacious soundscape with greater stereo separation and more accurate imaging than closed-back models. With their increased detail resolution and extended frequency response, open-back cans are ideal for listening to complex mixes or high resolution recordings without masking any frequencies.
Are open back headphones suitable for studio mixing purposes?
Yes, open back headphones are widely used by professional mix engineers due to their improved clarity and accuracy when compared to closed-back models. Their wide soundstage allows for easier identification of out-of-phase elements in a mix as well as helping to fine tune the stereo image more accurately than closed-back designs.
Are open back headphones good for mixing on the go?
No, due to their lack of sound isolation from external noise it is not recommended to use open back headphones while mixing away from home or in public spaces as it can be difficult to accurately assess the mix due to outside ambient noise interference.
What kind of comfort level do open back headphones provide?
Open back models often feature larger ear cups with more generous padding which provides a comfortable fit over long sessions – this also helps them stay securely in place during active movement such as headbanging or playing an instrument! Additionally, since these types of cans don’t cover your ears completely, they can help prevent overheating during longer studio sessions.
What benefits do open back headphones offer compared to closed-backs?
Open backs offer greater sonic clarity and accuracy; improved stereo imaging; better detail resolution; wider frequency response and overall tonal balance; less masking effects; as well as improved comfort level and breathability thanks to their larger ear cups with generous padding and ventilated design.
How long should I expect my open back headphones to last?
Open backs generally have higher build quality than closed backs due to their premium components, so you can expect them to last for several years if properly cared for and stored in their protective case when not in use!
Can I use my open back headphones outdoors or at loud events?
No – unless you want everyone around you hearing your music too! Open backs don’t provide any passive noise cancellation so it’s not safe nor practical to use them at noisy places such as concerts or large gatherings due the risk of feedback caused by external sounds leaking into your ears through the vents on the ear cup.
Are there any alternatives available if I don't want an open backed design?
Yes -if you prefer something with more isolation then consider checking out closed-backed models instead which have solid outer shells that block out outside noise much better than acoustic vented designs like those found on most open backed cans! Additionally there are hybrid options, such as semi-open headphones, available if you would like some degree of isolation but still need access some airiness when mixing/listening at lower volumes.
Summary
Hopefully this article has given you some guidance on finding the best set of mixing 'headphones for you and your situation - just to recap, here are our favorites:
Best Budget Option: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Best Value for the Money: AKG K702 Reference Studio
Best for Comfort: Shure SRH1840
Best Premium Option: HEDD HEDDphone AMT Headphones
Best Overall: Audio-Technica ATH-R70 X
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