Review of the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering in 2021, types and characteristics

Types of monitor headphones

Monitor, professional, studio – these are the names of headphones designed for recording vocals and mixing. They are also used for beatmaking (from the English “beat” - ri - manufacturer), mastering.

A necessary tool for radio presenters, sound engineers, and artists. They help check the sound quality, detect distortion, noise, and clicks.

Professional products are divided into two large groups (location relative to the ear):

Full size.
Invoices.

Full size

The second name is circum-aura (from English - around the ear). Completely cover the auricle. They isolate sound from external vibrations, achieving good sound insulation. Used in recording studios.

There are three varieties: closed, open, semi-open.

Closed

They are characterized by a bowl that is completely closed on the outside and has better sound insulation. Used when recording vocal parts. The downside is ear fatigue after 1-1.5 hours of work.

Open

The difference is the perforated outer sides of the bowls, capturing sounds from the outside. The downside is that the music will be heard by others. Pros: quality, reliability of the recorded material, reproduction of low frequencies. It is recommended to listen to the material. Not suitable for recording vocals.

Half open

The best option for beginners. Combines properties of open and closed types.

Invoices

Simply apply to the surface of the ears. There is no good insulation, unreliable sound if the product is not worn correctly.

They are distinguished by their light weight, size, and low cost.

The best inexpensive monitor headphones

Of course, if you don’t have a recording studio at home, then you can get by with a budget option. For home listening to music, full-size headphones from less branded companies are suitable.

Sony MDR-ZX310. The MDR line has powerful bass, and the fullness of sound effects is emphasized by minimalism in the product design. The headphones come with a remote control, so the model can be a headset.
Sennheiser HD 180. The model combines German quality and an affordable price. An ideal option for home use, this is due to the long cord of 3 meters, which allows you to play a console or watch your favorite channels at full power without disturbing others.
Sennheiser HD 201. The most popular model in the line of budget options. High-quality sound and modern design have won love among the younger generation. The case is made of reliable materials, the warranty is given for 2 years.

Subscribe to our Social networks

Technical specifications

The main technical parameters that must be taken into account when choosing:

Frequency range - the sound quality depends, measured in Hz, professional models have a value from 5 to 125,000 Hz.
Sensitivity - sound volume, measured in decibels (dB), the optimal value is above 90-100 dB.
Impedance (from the Latin “impedio” - to impede) is total electrical resistance, measured in ohms (Ohms), professional models have values of more than 32 Ohms.
The level of distortion is measured as a percentage (%), monitor types - less than 1%.
Weight – depends on the materials used, design, comfortable and lightweight shape – comfortable work.
Cord – stationary, removable, length, replaceable.

Device characteristics and their impact on sound quality:

Frequency range - affects the perception of sound by a person’s hearing aid. Frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The higher the score, the better the quality. When leaving this frequency, sound is perceived differently by the human auditory system.
Sensitivity is the ratio of volume and sound signal strength. Determined by voltage and power. Headphones from 90 dB onwards are recommended.
Amplitude-frequency response (AFC) - the dependence of the signal amplitude on frequency, is linear - in this case, the sound is not improved or distorted, which is not suitable for listening to finished music, but is necessary for working with audio material that will not be distorted in any way.
Resistance (or Impedance) - determines the electrical resistance of devices. Usually above 100 ohms, and around 250. High voltage levels can affect the sound, so the resistance value will help reduce the current load and produce a better sound. A high score is a plus.
Speaker membrane - sound quality also depends on the diameter of the membranes.
Power - ranges from 1 to 5000 milliwatts. Studio systems have power ratings in the hundreds of mW.
Distortion coefficient - the clarity and purity of sound depends on this. In professional systems the figure is not higher than 0.5%.
The strength of the materials determines the longevity of operation.

Tips for choosing

Customer reviews and expert advice will help you avoid mistakes when buying professional headphones:

choose a type depending on the type of activity (recording, listening, mixing);
familiarize yourself with the main technical parameters;
find out about the connection - cable (fixed, removable), wireless (radio communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), battery life;
study everything about the manufacturer, the availability of a warranty period;
decide on the price category;
fitting, listening to the purchased model.

Rating of the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering for 2021

The review of popular models was compiled based on reviews from visitors, buyers of online stores, and the Yandex Market site.

The cheapest models

5th place AKG K 271 MK II

Price - 5,990 rubles.

Product of the famous brand AKG (Austria).

Type – closed, full-size. The fastening is a headband consisting of a wide ribbon with the company logo and two arched wires. Application – work in the studio, on stage.

Circum-Aural ear pads are made of synthetic material. XXL Varimotion technology is used - diaphragm manufacturing.

The mute button is located on the left earphone.

Feature - the (Mute) button automatically turns off the sound after removal (the tension of the tape is weakened).

Options:

Frequencies: 16-28.000 Hz.
Impedance: 55 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 91 dB/mW.
Maximum power: 200 mW.
Harmonic distortion: 0.3%.
One-way cable connection.
Connector – gold-plated mini jack 3.5 mm.
Two cables (straight - 3, twisted - 5).
The cord material is oxygen-free copper.
Weight – 240 g.

Connection via detachable cable, straight connector. It is possible to connect a mini-XLR connector.

Equipment: adapter 6.3, two cables (3 m, 5 m), replaceable ear pads (velor, leatherette).

AKG K 271 MK II

Advantages:

good sound;
all frequencies sound smooth;
detachable cord;
high noise insulation at maximum volume;
automatic mute after removal;
the presence of replaceable nozzles, two cords.

Flaws:

plastic case;
ear pad material;
bulky design.

4th place Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Cost: 3,990-5,226 rubles.

Manufacturer: Audio-Technica (Japan).

Type - closed, overhead. Suitable for beginners, professionals and amateurs.

Material – high-quality plastic (case), artificial leather.

Options:

Frequencies: 15-20.000 Hz.
Impedance: 47 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW.
Maximum power: 700 mW.
The length of the permanent cord is 3 m.
Weight: 190 g.
Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
Connector: mini jack 3.5.

The difference is a one-sided non-removable wire. There is a 6.3 adapter included. Warranty – 12 months.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Advantages:

appearance;
excellent sound insulation;
good sound;
lungs;
nice material;
price.

Flaws:

you need a sound card;
no volume control;
Thin ear pads put pressure on your ears.

3rd place AKG K 240 Studio

Price: 5.681-6.875 rubles.

Manufacturer: AKG (Austria). Attached with a headband.

Type – full-size, dynamic, semi-open.

Frame – two metal arcs, flat headband. There is an automatic position adjustment mechanism.

The cable unfastens when you press the tab.

The ear pads are easily removed and can be replaced. Material: artificial leather.

Characteristics:

Frequencies: 15-25.000 Hz.
Impedance: 55 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 101 dB.
Maximum power: 200 mW.
Harmonic distortion: 0.3%.
The cable is single-sided, detachable.
Cord length – 3 m.
Gold-plated mini jack 3.5 mm.
Weight: 240 g.

Packaging – cardboard box. Set – adapter 6.3. Warranty – 12 months.

AKG K 240 Studio

Advantages:

high sound quality;
good assembly;
comfortable shape;
automatic adjustment of the temple;
durable, soft cord.

Flaws:

Using it for several hours is uncomfortable.

2nd place Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Price: 3,990-5,050 rubles.

Product of the famous company Audio-Technica (Japan).

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed.

It features a metal headband and a folding design (large rotation angle). Case material – plastic. The ear pads are eco-leather and have a memory effect. The cable has a dense braid and a gold-plated threaded plug.

Peculiarities:

1st place Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Cost: 6,081-8,990 rubles.

Product of the famous Sennheiser brand (Germany).

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed.

Design features: sliding headband (vertical arc), folding bowls. There is a twisted cord.

Characteristics:

Frequencies: 8-25.000 Hz.
Impedance: 64 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 102 dB.
Maximum power: 500 mW.
Distortion: 0.1%.
Weight: 220 g.
Single-sided twisted cord (1 m, stretches up to 3 m).
Mini jack 3.5 connector.
Foldable design.

Packaging – cardboard box. Set – adapter 6.3. Warranty – 24 months.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pr

Advantages:

good sound;
volume does not exceed 50%;
complete isolation from external noise;
quality of materials;
fold up;
adapter included;
value for money.

Flaws:

At the beginning of use, the cable is difficult to stretch.

Average price category

5th place Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X

Price: 11,990 rubles.

Manufacturer: Audio-Technica (Japan).

Type – full-size, dynamic, open.

The original design of the headband: two metal arcs in a plastic rim, two plates with a soft inner side.

The material of the fasteners and bowls is plastic. The outer side of the bowls is perforated aluminum.

The ear pads are covered with velor fabric.

Peculiarities:

Frequencies: 5-30.000 Hz.
Resistance: 48 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW.
Power: 500 mW.
Weight: 235 g.
Membrane diameter: 53 mm.
Single-sided cable: 3 m.
Connector: mini jack 3.5.

Set: cardboard box with transparent front panel, adapter 6.3. Warranty – 12 months.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X

Advantages:

optimal values of frequencies, resistance, sensitivity;
good sound;
comfortable fit on the head;
no discomfort when listening for a long time;
suitable for any source;
price.

Flaws:

non-removable cord;
open type - poor sound insulation;
no storage case.

4th place AKG K 371

Price: 8,990-10,512 rubles.

Product of the Austrian brand AKG. New for 2021.

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed. It features a folding design and oval-shaped bowls made of leatherette.

Characteristics:

Frequencies: 5-40.000 Hz.
Resistance: 32 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 114 dB.
Weight: 255 g.
Membrane diameter: 50 mm.
Titanium coating of the emitter.
Foldable design.
Single-sided detachable cable.
Three cords: twisted 3 m, two straight (1,2, 3 m).
Mini jack 3.5 connector.

Recommended for working with sound, monitoring, listening. Contents: 6.3 adapter, case, three cords.

AKG K 371

Advantages:

comfortable;
high-quality assembly;
oval bowl shape;
clear sound;
can be used with an amplifier;
fold up;
convenient to store and carry in a bag;
three cords of different lengths and designs.

Flaws:

additional amplifier – bass depth;
It is inconvenient to replace the wire during operation.

3rd place Technics RP-DJ1215

Cost: 13,990 rubles.

Product of the Japanese brand Technics (Panasonic Corporation).

Type – overhead, dynamic. They feature a wide, soft headband, an adjustable headband, and tight-fitting cups. Quick, easy to fold.

Properties:

Frequency range: 5-30.000 Hz.
Impedance: 32 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW.
Maximum power: 1500 mW.
Weight: 230 g.
Membrane diameter: 41 mm.
Foldable design.
Single-sided twisted cord, gold-plated connectors (3 m).
Mini jack 3.5 connector.
Neodymium magnets.

Recommended for use by amateurs and professionals (DJs).

Packaging – cardboard box. There is a storage case and a 6.3 adapter. Manufacturer's warranty – 1 year.

Technics RP-DJ1215

Advantages:

good sound;
laconic design;
lungs;
comfortable;
fold up;
stored and transported in a special case;
stylish twisted wire.

Flaws:

plastic case;
press on the ears.

2nd place Beyerdynamic DT 990 (600 Ohm)

Cost: 15,990 – 16,990 rubles.

Product of the German brand Beyerdynamic.

Type – full-size, dynamic, open.

They are distinguished by a wide, flexible arch, velor ear pads, silver details (grid panel on the outer side of the bowls, connections).

Characteristics:

Frequencies: 5-35.000 Hz.
Impedance: 600 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 96 dB.
Maximum power: 100 mW.
Harmonic distortion: 0.2%.
Weight: 250 g.
Fixed cable 3 m, gold-plated contacts.
Contact pressure 2.8 N.
Mini jack 3.5 connector.

Set: adapter 6.3, case made of high-quality artificial leather with a zipper.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 (600 Ohm)

Advantages:

comfortable on the head;
well regulated;
soft bowls;
high-quality sound;
convenient to store;
no extra pressure.

Flaws:

need an amplifier;
recordings are of poor quality - all imperfections can be heard.

1st place YAMAHA HPH-MT7

Price: 12,700-12,990 rubles.

Manufacturer - brand: YAMAHA (Japan).

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed.

Two colors of headphones - silver, black. Case material – ABS plastic. Bowls – cast aluminum. There is height adjustment, three-dimensional fastening of bowls. A special feature is the rotation of the bowls (monitoring with one ear).

Ear pad material: synthetic leather, soft seal.

Peculiarities:

Frequencies: 5-25.000 Hz.
Resistance: 49 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW.
Maximum power: 1600 mW.
Weight with cable – 360 g.
Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
One 3 m cord, gold plated contacts.
Mini jack 3.5 connector.

Set: case, adapter 6.3.

YAMAHA HPH-MT7

Advantages:

sound quality;
comfortable shape;
you can listen with one ear;
height adjustment;
quality materials;
long wire.

Flaws:

not identified.

The most expensive models

5th place Sony MDR-Z7M2

Price: 54,990-64,990 rubles.

Product of the famous brand Sony (Japan).

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed.

Classic shape: wide arch, covered with leather, large bowls.

Differences: 2 times larger neodymium magnet, diaphragm made of LCD film, aluminum, rubber grille (Fibonacci pattern).

Peculiarities:

Frequencies: 4-100.000 Hz.
Impedance: 56 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW.
Weight: 340 g.
Membrane diameter: 70 mm.
The cable is double-sided, removable, gold-plated contacts.
Neodymium magnets.
Cord – oxygen-free copper, silver plating.

The material of the ear pads is urethane foam, covered with a three-dimensional layer of artificial leather.

The set contains 2 wires: 3 meters (gold-plated, mini plug), 1.2 meters (L-shaped, standard plug).

Suitable for professionals and music lovers.

Sony MDR-Z7M2

Advantages:

surround sound (HD speakers);
sound quality;
soft sound of high frequencies;
comfortable, soft pads;
soundproofing;
presence of different wires.

Flaws:

not identified.

4th place Shure SRH1540

Cost: 34,000-44,700 rubles.

Manufacturer: Shure brand (USA).

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed.

The shackle is adjustable and consists of 2 sections (aluminum alloy). Two soft elongated strips on the inside of the headband are conveniently located in the center. Carbon cups, replaceable suede Alcantara ear pads – lightness and reliability.

Characteristics:

Frequency range: 5-25.000 Hz.
Impedance: 46 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW.
Maximum power: 1000 mW.
External noise isolation: 15 dB.
Weight: 286 g.
Membrane diameter: 40 mm.
Two-way connection.
Cable: 1.83 m detachable, with gold-plated contacts.
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector.
Neodymium magnets.

Wire material: oxygen-free copper.

Set: gold-plated 6.3 mm adapter, hard storage case, replacement Alcantara ear pads, two wires.

Warranty – 12 months.

Shure SRH1540

Advantages:

excellent smooth sound in all genres;
soundproofing;
comfortable fit;
suede overlays;
lungs;
quality materials;
excellent assembly;
good equipment.

Flaws:

There is not enough cord for 1.2 m.

3rd place Sennheiser HD 820

Price: 159,900 rubles.

The manufacturer is the famous German company Sennheiser.

Type – full-size, dynamic, closed.

They feature a signature design: the outer speaker covers are made of glass. Product materials: high-quality plastic, metal, leather. The headband is a black wide arc, soft internal padding. The ear pads are made by hand, from high-quality artificial leather and microfiber.

Options:

Frequency range: 6-48.000 Hz.
Impedance: 300 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 103 dB.
Weight: 360 g.
Double-sided, detachable 3 m cable.
Connector jack 6.3 mm, XLR.

Packaging – large cardboard box, photo of the product.

Contents: black wooden box (company logo on top), three wires (unbalanced - 6.3 mm connector, balanced - Pentaconn 4.4 mm, balanced - XLR-4 connector). Additionally - branded flash drive (instructions (PDF), frequency response), microfiber cloth, instructions.

Warranty – 24 months.

Sennheiser HD 820

Advantages:

interesting design;
high-quality sound;
separation by instruments;
there is detail;
convenience of form;
the pads do not press;
large equipment;
There is a wooden branded storage box.

Flaws:

high price.

2nd place Pioneer SE-Master 1

Cost: 219,999 rubles.

The product is presented by Pioneer Corporation (Japan).

Type – full-size, dynamic, open.

The shape consists of: a duralumin bow (Super Duralumin), a wide suede strip, duralumin forks, a side-pressing system for the cups.

Depth adjustment – 14 steps.

The ear pads are filled with foam. They have an uneven shape: thickened at the back, tapering towards the front.

Properties:

Frequencies: 5-85.000 Hz.
Resistance: 45 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 94 dB.
Maximum power: 1.500 mW.
Weight: 460 g.
Membrane diameter: 50 mm.
Connector: jack 6.3 mm.
Two-way connection.
3 m cable (gold-plated connectors, oxygen-free copper).
Neodymium magnets.

Sold in a large box, decorated with soft fabric. Additionally - replaceable cable, arc.

Suitable for professional musicians and audiophiles.

Warranty – 12 months.

Pioneer SE-Master 1

Advantages:

modern design;
high-quality hand assembly;
convenience of form;
deep, detailed sound display;
very comfortable for long-term use;
There is an ear pressure adjustment

Flaws:

high frequencies stand out;
high price.

1st place Beyerdynamic Amiron Home

Price: 45.580-49.990 rubles.

Manufactured by Beyerdynamic (Germany).

Type – full-size, dynamic, open.

There are two color options for the material: black, purple.

They are distinguished by velor trim on the headband, ear pads, and aluminum mesh on the outer side of the bowls. Tesla branded emitters are used.

Properties:

Frequencies: 5-40.000 Hz.
Resistance: 250 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW.
Distortion: 0.05%.
Weight: 340 g.
Two-way connection.
Detachable cord 3 m, gold plated contacts.
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector.

Set: 6.3 mm adapter, black oval hard case with company logo, instructions.

Warranty – 2 years.

Beyerdynamic Amiron Home

Advantages:

clear, balanced sound;
durable cable;
tight fit;
soft headband, pads;
hard storage case.

Flaws:

additionally purchase wires with a balanced connector.