Headphones aren’t just a tool for enjoying music, they’re a key component to producing it too. The right set of headphones can help producers hone in on the mix and craft excellent sounding songs. But which headphone is the right one for you? This guide will introduce all of the significant brands and models that you should know if you’re considering professional mixing headphones. 

Audeze

Audeze MM-100

Price: $399

The Audeze MM-100 is a high-performance planar magnetic headphone designed for professional audio engineers and discerning listeners who demand accuracy and detail. As a more accessible entry into Audeze’s professional lineup, it inherits the company’s signature planar driver technology, delivering exceptional transient response, low distortion, and a wide soundstage. The MM-100 is built with a lightweight yet durable chassis, ensuring comfort for extended studio sessions. With a neutral tuning that maintains Audeze’s signature clarity, it excels in critical listening applications, making it a solid choice for mixing, mastering, and high-fidelity audio playback.

Audeze MM-500

Price: $1,699

The Audeze MM-500 is a reference-grade planar magnetic headphone developed in collaboration with Grammy-winning engineer Manny Marroquin. Designed for studio professionals, the MM-500 offers remarkable accuracy, fast transient response, and a balanced frequency spectrum, making it an essential tool for critical mixing and mastering. Featuring Audeze’s patented Fazor waveguides and Fluxor magnets, it provides outstanding detail retrieval and spatial imaging. The premium aluminum and steel construction ensure durability, while the plush ear pads and ergonomic fit make it comfortable for long studio sessions. With its transparent and revealing sound signature, the MM-500 is a serious contender for those who require uncompromised audio fidelity.

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Price: $149

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a widely respected closed-back studio headphone known for its punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp treble response. Popular among audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, it offers great low-end impact without overwhelming the overall mix. The 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver excellent clarity and detail, making it suitable for monitoring, mixing, and casual listening. With its collapsible design, rotating ear cups, and durable construction, the ATH-M50x is a reliable and portable choice for DJs, producers, and audiophiles looking for a well-balanced yet engaging listening experience.

Austrian Audio

Austrian Audio The Composer

Price: $2,699.00

The Austrian Audio Composer is a flagship over-ear headphone designed for both professional studio use and high-fidelity listening. Built with Austrian Audio’s cutting-edge Hi-X technology, it features highly efficient drivers that deliver precise detail, deep bass extension, and a natural midrange. The Composer’s premium materials and ergonomic design ensure long-term comfort, while its sturdy build guarantees reliability in demanding studio environments. With an expansive soundstage and refined tuning, it excels in mixing, mastering, and immersive listening, offering a balanced and articulate sonic presentation that captures the finest nuances of any recording.

AlphaTheta

AlphaTheta HDJ-F10 Professional Wireless DJ Headphones

Price: $389

The AlphaTheta HDJ-F10 is a professional wireless DJ headphone engineered for high-performance club and studio environments. Designed for seamless wireless connectivity and low-latency monitoring, it features high-resolution drivers that deliver deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, ensuring accurate sound reproduction. The earcups provide excellent passive noise isolation, while the reinforced construction withstands the rigors of live performances. With both Bluetooth and wired connectivity options, the HDJ-F10 offers flexibility for DJs who require reliable audio quality and mobility without compromise.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 600 Over-Ear Open-Back Headphones

Price $349.95

The Sennheiser HD 600 is a legendary open-back headphone revered for its neutral and natural sound signature. With its open-back design, it delivers an airy and spacious soundstage, making it an excellent choice for mixing and mastering. The HD 600 features carefully engineered dynamic drivers that provide a smooth midrange, controlled bass, and refined treble. Its lightweight build and plush earpads ensure long-term comfort, making it a staple in both professional and audiophile setups. Decades after its release, the HD 600 remains a benchmark for high-fidelity headphones.

Sennheiser HD 650 Over-Ear Open-Back Headphones

Price: $499.95

The Sennheiser HD 650 builds upon the HD 600’s legacy, offering a warmer and slightly more refined tuning. Designed for audiophiles and professionals seeking an engaging yet natural listening experience, the HD 650 provides extended bass response, silky mids, and a smooth treble presentation. Its open-back design enhances spatial imaging, while the lightweight construction and velour earpads ensure maximum comfort during extended sessions. Whether used for casual listening, mixing, or mastering, the HD 650 remains a top choice for those seeking a balanced and immersive audio experience.

Shure

Shure SRH240A Professional Over-Ear Headphones

Price: $59

The Shure SRH240A is an entry-level professional headphone offering a well-balanced sound signature at an affordable price. Designed for general monitoring and casual listening, it features 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a full-range audio response with a slight emphasis on bass. The lightweight build and closed-back design provide good passive isolation, making it suitable for home studios and on-the-go use. While not as detailed as higher-end models, the SRH240A is a great option for those looking for reliable, budget-friendly monitoring headphones.

Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones

Price: $149

The Shure SRH840A is a professional-grade closed-back headphone designed for critical studio monitoring and mixing. Featuring 40mm neodymium drivers, it delivers a precise frequency response with deep bass, detailed mids, and extended highs. Its foldable design, reinforced headband, and plush ear pads make it comfortable and durable for long-term use. The SRH840A offers excellent passive noise isolation, ensuring accurate monitoring in studio environments. With its well-balanced sound and robust build, it remains a solid choice for audio professionals and musicians.

Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones

Price: $499

The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back headphone designed for audiophiles and professionals who demand pristine sound quality and superior comfort. Equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers and an aluminum-alloy frame, it delivers deep bass, a rich midrange, and a smooth treble response. Its memory foam earpads provide exceptional comfort and passive noise isolation. The SRH1540’s lightweight carbon-fiber construction ensures durability without adding extra weight. With a spacious soundstage for a closed-back design, it excels in both studio monitoring and high-fidelity listening.

Shure SRH1840 Professional Open-Back Stereo Headphones

Price: $499

The Shure SRH1840 is a high-end open-back headphone designed for professional mixing, mastering, and critical listening. Featuring matched 40mm neodymium drivers, it delivers an exceptionally natural and detailed sound with an open, spacious soundstage. Its lightweight aluminum frame and ergonomic design ensure maximum comfort during long sessions. The SRH1840’s extended frequency response and accurate imaging make it a top choice for audiophiles and engineers who require uncompromised audio clarity and precision.

Sony

Sony MDR-7506 Professional Stereo Monitor Headphones

Price: $99

The Sony MDR-7506 is a studio classic, widely used for professional audio work due to its balanced sound and exceptional detail retrieval. Featuring 40mm neodymium drivers, it delivers a clear and accurate sound signature, making it ideal for recording, monitoring, and mixing. The closed-back design provides excellent isolation, while the foldable construction makes it portable and durable. Decades after its release, the MDR-7506 remains a trusted choice for sound engineers, broadcasters, and musicians.

Sony MDR-M1 Professional Reference Closed Monitor Headphones

Price: $249.99

The Sony MDR-M1 is a professional closed-back headphone tailored for studio monitoring and reference-grade listening. With its precise tuning, it offers a neutral and accurate sound signature, ideal for mixing and mastering. The closed-back design ensures excellent isolation, while the lightweight frame and plush ear pads provide lasting comfort. The MDR-M1 is built to meet the demands of critical audio work, offering reliable performance in professional environments.

Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Studio Monitor Headphones

Price: $399.99

The Sony MDR-MV1 is an open-back studio monitor headphone engineered for professional mixing and mastering. It delivers a wide and natural soundstage, making it ideal for spatial audio production. With high-resolution dynamic drivers, it provides precise imaging and accurate frequency response. The lightweight design and breathable earpads enhance comfort for extended use. Its open-back architecture ensures a transparent and airy sound, making it an excellent tool for immersive and detailed audio work.

Final Verdict:

The headphones in this guide cater to a wide range of needs and budgets, and should help audio producers in picking the right ones for them. Whether you're an audio engineer requiring absolute accuracy or a music lover seeking rich and detailed sound, these models offer exceptional performance and comfort. Investing in the right pair of headphones ensures an immersive and accurate audio experience, allowing you to hear every nuance of your favorite recordings or productions with clarity and precision.