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There are so many models of headphones on the market nowadays that it can be daunting to decide which one to buy. It is essential when buying a pair of headphones to decide what you’re going to use them for.
In the case of mixing headphones, you must choose a pair that will give you a high-fidelity sound and clarity for you to hear all of the nuances and details in your mix.
There are many factors you should take into account when buying a pair of mixing headphones, such as the type (closed back vs. open back) and the frequency response.
In this article, we will review the 10 best mixing headphones of 2022, as well as go through every technical detail you need to know to choose the best pair for your particular use case.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Mixing Headphones of 2022
- Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Mixing Headphones
- How are Mixing Headphones Different from Recording Headphones?
- Should You Choose Open or Closed Back Headphones for Mixing?
- Conclusion
10 Best Mixing Headphones of 2022
| Best Mixing Headphones | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD 600 | 4.8 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20X | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
| Beyerdynamic DT 880 | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| AKG K702 | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| AKG K245 | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Sony MDR7506 | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Beyerdynamic DT 1990 | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| AKG K240 MK II | 4.5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
| Tascam TH-MX2 | 4.5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| AKG K712 PRO | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
1. Sennheiser HD 600
Specifications
- Open-Back Studio Headphones
- Lightweight Aluminum Voice Coils
- High-Quality Open Metal Mesh Earpiece Covers
- Detachable, Kevlar Reinforced Oxygen Free Copper Cable with Very Low Handling Noise
- Frequency Response: 12-40kHz
- Impedance: 300 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 97dB
Review
The Sennheiser HD 600 is widely known in the music industry as one of the best mixing headphones. While priced at $299.99 and not the most affordable option on the list, it is still an excellent investment if you compare its features with its price.
As a fully open pair of headphones, the design makes it impossible for these headphones to feature any noise cancellation, so we’d only recommend them if you’re working on a soundproof home studio.
Comfort & Build
These headphones are also extremely comfortable to wear for long sessions, thanks to the velour ear pads and the fully-padded headband. However, it may get a little hot, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
We like the fact that despite its size, the Sennheiser HD 600 is very lightweight.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Sennheiser HD 600 is unmatched. It features a frequency response of 12-40kHz, so it is effective both at low and high frequencies. Looking at the frequency response graph, we can attest that the pair is very flat across all of the frequency spectrum.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and very comfortable to wear for long sessions.
- Very wide frequency response.
- Great value for the price.
- Excellent build quality.
Cons
- Fully open, so it must be used in a soundproof home studio.
– – –
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
Specifications
- Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- 40 Millimeter Drivers with Rare Earth Magnets and Copper Clad Aluminum Wire Voice Coils
- Tune for Enhanced Low-Frequency Performance
- Circumaural Design
- Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
- Impedance: 47 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 96dB
Review
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X is a relatively affordable pair of closed-back headphones. Despite the closed design, it is still a great pair for mixing purposes, particularly if you’re working in a non-soundproof environment.
These headphones were priced $49.00, by the time this article was written, so you won’t find any cheaper options. Our favorite feature about this pair is, by far, its versatility if compared to other models on the list.
You can use these not only for basic mixing purposes but also for listening to music.
Comfort & Build
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X is regarded as one of the most comfortable pairs of studio headphones available in the market. The earpads are very thick, and the headband cushioning is excellent.
Regarding the quality of the materials, it is okay considering the affordable price of these headphones but not as high-quality as the more expensive models on the list, such as the Sennheiser HD 600.
Sound Quality
Sound-quality-wise, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X delivers an acceptable response, but due to the closed-back design, the performance is inferior to open-back headphones when we talk about mixing purposes.
Read More: Best Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
In closed-back headphones, the bass response doesn’t sound as natural as it would in an open-back pair, so you might need to reference your mixes using other headphones and speakers to get the low frequencies sound right.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Thanks to the closed-back design, these can be used in a non-soundproof environment.
- Very comfortable.
- Decent performance for the price.
Cons
- Inferior performance for mixing purposes if compared to open-back pairs.
– – –
3. Beyerdynamic DT 880
Specifications
- Semi-Open-Back Studio Headphones
- Comfortable Fit Due to Rugged, Adjustable, Soft Padded Headband Construction
- Single-Sided Cable
- Velour Ear Pads
- Frequency Response: 5-35kHz
- Impedance: 250 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 96dB
Review
These headphones from beyerdynamic are very affordable considering their features. Due to its semi-open-back design, the pair is excellent if you don’t have a soundproof home studio but still want the transparency an open-back pair brings.
With a frequency response of 5-35kHz, the numbers for this pair are impressive.
Comfort & Build
These are one of the most comfortable headphones on the market, thanks to their thick velour ear pads and well-cushioned headbands. It simply feels amazing on the ear and won’t feel heavy even for longer sessions since it is very lightweight.
On the build quality size, you can always expect excellent materials and components from beyerdynamic. The only thing that we didn’t like is that the cable isn’t detachable so you must be extra careful with these pair of headphones.
Sound Quality
As we said, the numbers for the beyerdynamic DT 880 are impressive. With a frequency response of 5-35kHz and a fairly flat frequency response graph, it will work for most mixing purposes. Another great feature is that the impedance isn’t that high, so you won’t need an external amplifier for these headphones to work.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value for the price.
- Very comfortable, with thick cushioned velour earpads.
- Lightweight design.
- Extended frequency response.
Cons
- None.
– – –
4. AKG K702
Specifications
- Open-Back Studio Headphones
- Sophisticated Open Technology for Spacious and Airy Sound without Compromise
- Patented Varimotion Two-Layer Diaphragm
- Frequency Response: 10-40kHz
- Impedance: 60 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 87dB
Review
These headphones feature the classic design from AKG and perform super well. We like the fact that the design is very lightweight and it features a detachable cable that can be replaced.
Priced at $149.99 by the time this article was written, we feel like it is a quite affordable pair of headphones, considering that open-back pairs are usually more expensive. We also like the fact that the impedance is 60 Ohms, meaning you won’t need an external amplifier for these to work.
Comfort & Build
The classic design from AKG is very lightweight and comfortable, and the AKG K702 is no different. The velour ear pads are large enough to cover the whole ear, and a huge benefit with these is that they won’t warm your ears or head too much.
The build quality is great and the components and materials used are of excellent quality, but these headphones might feel a little fragile when you compare them with bulkier options such as the beyerdynamic DT 880.
Sound Quality
The AKG K702 sounds very natural and perform excellently when it comes to mid and high frequencies, but the bass isn’t as present as with other models. Depending on your mixing style, this can be a drawback or a benefit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable considering that open-back headphones are usually expensive.
- Lightweight and comfortable design.
- Large velour ear pads.
- Won’t need an external amplifier to work.
Cons
- Feels a little fragile.
– – –
5. AKG K245
Specifications
- Open-Back Studio Headphones
- Largest-In-Class 50MM Transducers
- Superior Sensitivity and Low Impedance
- Foldable, Ergonomic Design
- Frequency Response: 15-25kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 109dB
Review
The AKG K245 has a quite distinctive all-black that looks excellent. These open-back studio headphones were priced at only $84.99, being one of the most affordable options of the type. These are definitely a steal for anyone on a budget.
Comfort & Build
The AKG K245 is not as comfortable as some other models from the brand, but it still provides a great deal of breathability. This feature is especially great if you live in warmer climates. The design is very lightweight as well.
The build quality of these headphones is not the best. That is understandable considering its low price. Not that they are low quality, they just feel a little bit more fragile than higher-end models from the brand and require extra care.
Sound Quality
With a frequency response of 15-25kHz, the AKG K245 does an excellent job at all parts of the frequency spectrum. The frequency response graph isn’t as flat as higher-end models, but this pair of headphones still sound very natural.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable for a pair of open-back headphones.
- Breathable and lightweight design.
- Very natural sound.
- Great frequency response.
Cons
- Feels a little fragile.
– – –
6. Sony MDR7506
Specifications
- Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- Neodymium Magnets and 40 Millimeter Drivers
- Foldable Design
- Frequency Response: 10-20kHz
- Impedance: 63 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106dB
Review
The Sony MDR7506 is one of the most well-trusted studio headphones in the music industry, thanks to its affordability and convenient design. Although not specifically designed for mixing purposes, you can use these to mix simple songs but also for tracking and recording.
We would recommend these studio headphones for those who don’t have a soundproof home studio (due to the closed-back design) or want a pair that they can use to monitor recordings as well.
Comfort & Build
The design of these headphones is very simple, and they are made almost entirely of leather and plastic. The leather cushioning isn’t as thick as the one you would find on more expensive models but it does the job quite well.
The build quality is great, but these studio headphones may feel a little fragile on the hands.
Sound Quality
The Sony MDR7506 has impressive numbers for an affordable pair of closed-back headphones. To start with the bass response. The low frequencies are very present in this pair, so much that they might sound overpowering, making them best for mixing electronic music and EDM as opposed to more natural styles of music.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable.
- Impressive low-frequency response.
- Very lightweight.
- Not only good for mixing but also for monitoring recordings and djing.
Cons
- Doesn’t sound as natural as open-back studio headphones.
– – –
7. Beyerdynamic DT 1990
Specifications
- Open-Back Studio Headphones
- 45 MM Dynamic Tesla Neodymium Drivers
- Single-Sided, Detachable Cable with Mini-Xlr Connectors
- Frequency Response: 5-40kHz
- Impedance: 250 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 100dB
Review
When it comes to beyerdynamic products, you can always expect peak performance. The brand is one of the most renowned when it comes to headphones for mixing. The beyerdynamic DT 1990 is quite expensive, but it is an excellent investment.
These are one of our favorite mixing headphones from the list.
Comfort & Build
These headphones are a little bulky, so if you have a smaller head, they might feel heavy. They are still extremely comfortable, though, the ear pads and the cushioning are very thick. These headphones could even be used for casual music listening.
There’s nothing to be said about the build. beyerdynamic is a brand that always delivers good products, and bond to last a long time. The details of these headphones, especially the leather on the headband, give a long-lasting impression.
Sound Quality
These headphones provide an extra natural response. We like how the low frequencies sound on the beyerdynamic DT 1990. The frequency response goes as low as 5Hz and as high as 40kHz. The graph is very impressive as well, with a considerably flat response.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent build quality.
- Wide frequency response.
- A flat response across the frequency spectrum.
- One of the best headphones for mixing.
Cons
- Feels a little bulky.
Also Read: Beyerdynamic Amiron Home High-End Stereo Headphones Review
– – –
8. AKG K240 MK II
Specifications
- Semi-Open Studio Headphones
- Patented Varimotion 30 MM Xxl Transducer
- Frequency Response: 15-25kHz
- Impedance: 55 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 104dB
Review
The AKG K240 MK II is a classic choice for those who want a solid pair of mixing headphones without breaking the bank. These headphones will give you a performance that is comparable to more expensive models at a lower price.
Comfort & Build
These headphones are one of the most comfortable around, period. They are extremely lightweight, and you can wear them for hours without fatigue. They also come with 2 sets of earpads in leather and velour for you to choose from.
The build quality is ok but feels somewhat fragile. The plastic used on the exterior of the ear cups is inferior if compared to more expensive options, but these headphones are still widely known for their longevity: they will last a long time if you take good care of them.
Sound Quality
The AKG K240 will sound much more natural than most closed-back headphones, that’s a fact, but not as natural as fully-open models. The low frequencies on these headphones are a bit weak, so that’s something to be mindful of.
Overall, we would recommend these for beginner mixer engineers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Low impedance, won’t need an external amplifier to work.
- Extremely comfortable.
- Natural sound.
Cons
- Weak low frequencies.
– – –
9. Tascam TH-MX2
Specifications
- Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- Tightly-Stitched, Padded Headband and Ear Bands for Stylish Comfort
- 40mm Neodymium Magnet Driver
- Frequency Response: 15-22kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 95dB
Review
The Tascam TH-MX2, priced at only $28.98 by the time this article was written, is very affordable and could be a great solution if you’re on an extremely tight budget. These are not the best pair of mixing headphones on our list, but they will certainly do the trick for simpler productions and beginner audio engineers.
Comfort & Build
For a pair of headphones so affordable, the Tascam TH-MX2 delivers quite a great deal of comfort, and the materials are sturdy enough to say the pair should last a couple of years on the average-user hands.
Sound Quality
These are not the best pair of mixing headphones around, but they will work if you’re just getting started. The best thing about the Tascam TH-MX2 is its versatility. You can use these for recording, music production, and, of course, mixing and mastering tasks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Comfortable.
- Well-built for the price.
- Can be used for recording, music production, mixing, and mastering.
Cons
- A very basic pair of mixing headphones.
– – –
10. AKG K712 PRO
Specifications
- Open-Back Studio Headphones
- Improved Low-End Performance by 3dB
- Revolutionary Flat Wire Voice Coil
- Frequency Response: 10-39.8kHz
- Impedance: 62 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105dB
Review
The AKG K712 PRO looks amazing at first glance, with a beautiful black design with orange details. It is not the most affordable pair of headphones on the list, but it certainly is a great investment considering everything you get with the model.
Comfort & Build
The AKG K712 PRO is extremely comfortable, just like most AKG headphones. This is because the model is very lightweight, and the design sits above your head, so it is excellent for long mixing and mastering sessions.
There’s nothing to be said about the quality, it is excellent, and the details of the design are top-notch.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the AKG K712 PRO is impressive. With a frequency response that goes down to 10Hz and up to 39.8kHz, both the low and high frequencies sound good with these headphones, but the bass response is one of the best on the list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful design.
- One of the most comfortable pairs of mixing headphones on the list.
- Lightweight.
- Durable and sturdy design.
Cons
- None.
– – –
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Mixing Headphones
Impedance
In short, the higher the impedance of a pair of studio headphones, the more power it will need to function. Most of the time, high-impedance headphones sound better because the voice coils have a lower moving mass. Keep in mind that some high-impedance headphones might need an external amplifier to function.
Frequency Response
The frequency response refers to the lowest and highest frequencies a pair of studio headphones can reproduce. A wider range is preferable. A frequency response graph is also a great way to check how a pair will sound since it shows us how the product behaves in each part of the frequency spectrum.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to the volume of a pair of headphones at a certain power level. In very practical terms, the higher the sensitivity, the less you will have to crank up your volume when wearing your pair of studio headphones. However, sensitivity isn’t as important as impedance when deciding whether a pair is good for mixing.
Comfort
Of course, if you’re wearing your studio headphones for hours on end, you want something that will feel comfortable in your mixing sessions. There is no hard answer to this factor, and we recommend trying the headphones if you can or checking multiple customer reviews.
How are Mixing Headphones Different from Recording Headphones?
Mixing headphones usually feature an open-back design. Open-back studio headphones tend to sound much more natural and transparent therefore, they are perfect for mixing purposes. They don’t color the sound as much as closed ones.
Recording headphones usually feature a closed-back design. Since open-back studio headphones tend to let a lot of sound leak through, when recording, you need something that can fully seal the sound; therefore, closed headphones are better.
Should You Choose Open or Closed Back Headphones for Mixing?
For most situations, a pair of open-back studio headphones are better for mixing because they tend to produce a much more natural and flat response across all of the frequency spectrum. Most models on the list are open-back ones.
This isn’t to say that closed-back studio headphones can’t be used for mixing. A lot of beginners use closed-back cans to mix simply because they are more affordable and can be used for a wider number of applications.
Also Read: 14 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100
Conclusion
When choosing a pair of mixing headphones, it is important that you keep all of the factors we talked about in mind, but ultimately the decision will be a personal choice. We highly recommend that you test a particular model you got your eye on if you can. Only then will you be able to decide whether it suits your mixing style or not.
With that being said, there are a few mixing headphones that have been tried and tested, and we can blindly recommend them to everyone, no matter your experience level. These are the beyerdynamic DT 1990 and the AKG K240.
beyerdynamic DT 1990 – Best Mixing Headphones of 2022
Although quite expensive, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 is the best mixing headphones of 2022 in terms of audio quality and design. They are simply unmatched and widely trusted in the music industry. You can go for these without thinking twice.
AKG K240 – Budget Choice
If you want an affordable option that won’t break the bank or you’re a beginner mixing engineer, then the AKG K240 is an excellent choice. This pair of headphones are priced very reasonably and will work for a multitude of tasks apart from mixing.
How to Buy
You can find the link to each product at their respective titles on the list. We hope our 10 best mixing headphones of 2022 article was helpful. Please consider sharing it with a friend, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.