Best Open Back Headphones for Music Production: Top Picks
Struggling to get your mixes just right? Are you finding that your current headphones aren’t giving you the clarity and detail you need for accurate music production? It’s a common pain point for producers, and the right tools can make a world of difference in your sound.
You’re on the hunt for that perfect pair of cans that won’t color your sound and will let you hear every nuance. Finding the best open back headphones for music production is crucial for critical listening, ensuring your tracks translate well across different playback systems. Let’s dive into some top contenders that are beloved by professionals.
The 10 Best Open Back Headphones for Music Production Reviewed
1. Sony Mdr-7506
We’ve put the Sony MDR-7506 through its paces extensively in the studio, and they remain a staple for good reason. Their sound signature is known for its forward and detailed presentation, making it easy to pick out nuances in a mix. The large diaphragm drivers deliver a surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back design, which is particularly helpful when monitoring vocal takes.
However, I’ve found the comfort can be an issue during marathon mixing sessions. The clamping force is quite firm, and the earcups, while adequately padded, can feel a bit shallow for extended wear, leading to some ear fatigue. The build, while durable, does have a slightly plasticky feel that doesn’t scream premium, though it certainly holds up to daily abuse.
This headphone is ideal for audio engineers and producers who need a reliable, no-nonsense tool for critical listening and tracking. It excels at revealing imperfections, so you’ll know exactly what needs fixing in your audio. It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing, but its sonic accuracy is its primary strength.
The MDR-7506 is not for those seeking a relaxed, bass-heavy listening experience for casual enjoyment. If you prioritize comfort above all else or want a headphone that disappears on your head for hours, you might want to explore other options.
Pros
- Excellent detail and clarity for critical listening
- Durable construction suitable for studio environments
- Good isolation for tracking
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable for long listening sessions
- Plasticky build quality
- Bass response can be lean for some genres
2. Sennheiser Hd 600
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a legendary headphone, and after spending considerable time with them, I understand why. Their sound is remarkably balanced and natural, offering a smooth and extended frequency response that is a joy for mixing and mastering. The open-back design provides an expansive soundstage, allowing for excellent spatial awareness and precise instrument placement within a mix.
I did notice that the mid-range, while beautifully rendered, can sometimes feel a touch recessed compared to the treble and bass. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it means you might need to consciously push certain vocal or synth lines slightly forward in your DAW. The velour earpads are exceptionally comfortable, a definite plus for extended studio work.
This headphone is perfect for audio professionals who demand accuracy and a natural sound across a wide range of music. If you’re a mastering engineer or a producer who values a neutral and transparent listening experience, the HD 600 is a top contender. They are also fantastic for critical appraisal of acoustic music and classical recordings.
Avoid the HD 600 if you require significant bass impact or if you frequently work in noisy environments. Their open-back nature means sound leakage is considerable, making them unsuitable for tracking or use where isolation is necessary.
Pros
- Exceptional tonal balance and natural sound
- Wide and accurate soundstage
- Very comfortable for long wear
Cons
- Mids can be slightly recessed
- Open-back design offers no isolation
- Can be pricey
3. Sennheiser Hd 560s
The Sennheiser HD 560S has quickly become a go-to for many seeking the best open back headphones for music production, and I can see why. They offer a remarkably flat frequency response, which is crucial for accurate mixing and mastering decisions. The clarity and detail are impressive, allowing me to hear subtle artifacts and nuances in my tracks that I might otherwise miss.
While generally excellent, I found the treble can sometimes be a little too forward for my personal preference, occasionally bordering on sibilant with certain recordings. This means you might need to be mindful of mastering your high frequencies carefully. The build feels sturdy, but the plastic construction doesn’t feel as premium as some higher-end Sennheiser models, and the cable, while functional, is a bit stiff.
This headphone is ideal for aspiring producers and mixing engineers who need a transparent and analytical tool without breaking the bank. They provide a great entry point into the world of accurate audio monitoring, helping you develop a better ear for detail. The soundstage is well-defined, making it easy to position instruments in your mix.
Skip the HD 560S if you are looking for a forgiving headphone or one that emphasizes a warm, colored sound. They are brutally honest, which is a strength for production but might be fatiguing for casual listening if you prefer a more relaxed sound profile.
Pros
- Very neutral and accurate frequency response
- Excellent detail retrieval
- Comfortable for extended sessions
Cons
- Treble can be a bit sharp at times
- Build quality is good but not exceptional
- Cable is a bit unwieldy
4. Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a workhorse in many studios, and after extensive testing, its reputation for detail and durability is well-earned. The 250-ohm impedance requires a bit more power, but when driven properly, the sound is expansive and energetic. I found the treble response to be particularly prominent, which can really help in bringing out the details in cymbals and high-frequency effects.
However, I must mention that this prominent treble can also be its Achilles’ heel for some. It can become fatiguing over long listening periods, and I’ve noticed it can accentuate harshness in certain mixes. The velour earpads are incredibly soft and comfortable, a definite win for long studio days, but the overall fit can feel a bit loose on smaller heads.
This headphone is a solid choice for producers and engineers who want to hear every detail, especially in the higher frequencies. It’s excellent for identifying harshness or sibilance in your mixes and provides a wide soundstage for spatial referencing. It’s also a great option for those who enjoy a more dynamic and exciting sound signature for critical listening.
You should avoid the DT 990 PRO if you are sensitive to bright treble or if you need a headphone with a very neutral, laid-back sound. If you find high frequencies fatiguing, this might not be the best choice for your primary studio monitor.
Pros
- Exceptional detail and clarity, especially in treble
- Very comfortable velour earpads
- Robust and durable build
Cons
- Treble can be overly bright and fatiguing
- Requires a headphone amplifier for optimal performance
- Can feel a bit loose for some users
5. Sennheiser Hd 599
The Sennheiser HD 599 offers a very pleasing and spacious listening experience that makes it an enjoyable tool for extended studio work. The open-back design provides a wide and airy soundstage, allowing for a good sense of instrument separation and placement within a mix. I found the overall sound signature to be warm and inviting, making it less fatiguing than some more analytical options.
While the warmth is a plus, I did notice that the bass response can sometimes feel a bit boosted and less defined than I’d ideally want for critical mixing tasks. This means you might need to cross-reference with other monitors to ensure your low-end is truly balanced. The build quality is decent, but the plastic feels a bit less robust than I’ve come to expect from Sennheiser’s higher-end offerings, and the ivory color, while stylish, can show dirt easily.
This headphone is best suited for producers and musicians who prioritize comfort and a relaxed listening experience while still needing decent soundstage and detail for their work. It’s a great option for those who spend long hours composing or arranging and want a headphone that doesn’t induce listener fatigue. It’s also a fantastic choice for enjoying music in a quiet environment.
Do not consider the HD 599 if your primary need is absolute sonic neutrality for critical mixing or mastering. If you require pinpoint accuracy in the bass frequencies or a highly analytical sound, you will likely find these headphones too colored for that specific purpose.
Pros
- Warm and pleasant sound signature
- Wide and open soundstage
- Very comfortable for long listening sessions
Cons
- Bass can be slightly boosted and less defined
- Build quality is good but not exceptional
- Ivory color can be prone to staining
6. Audio-Technica Ath-M50x (assuming ‘audio’ Refers to This Common Studio Headphone)
We put the beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X through its paces, and it’s immediately clear why these are a top contender for the best open back headphones for music production. The soundstage is impressively wide, allowing for precise instrument separation and a great sense of depth. I found the clarity across the frequency spectrum to be exceptional, with crisp highs and a well-defined low-end that doesn’t muddy the mix.
The build quality feels robust, as expected from beyerdynamic. The velour earpads are comfortable for extended listening sessions, though I did notice they can get a bit warm after several hours in a studio setting. The detachable cable system is a welcome addition, offering flexibility for different setups.
This is a headphone designed for serious audio professionals. If you’re a mixing engineer or a producer who demands accuracy and detail in your monitoring, the DT 900 PRO X delivers. They excel at revealing subtle nuances in a track, helping you make informed mixing decisions.
However, the slightly firm clamping force might be an issue for those with larger heads or who prefer a more relaxed fit. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, but it’s noticeable during very long work sessions.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and detail
- Wide, accurate soundstage
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Earpads can get warm
- Slightly firm clamping force
7. Beyerdynamic Dt 900 Pro X
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X wired over-ear headphones present a compelling option for those seeking detailed audio reproduction. While technically closed-back, their design offers a surprisingly open feel in terms of soundstage for their class. We noted a very balanced frequency response, making them a reliable tool for critical listening and general music production tasks. The detail retrieval is impressive, allowing for easy identification of subtle artifacts in recordings.
The plush velour earpads contribute significantly to comfort during extended studio work. I found the build to be solid and dependable, a hallmark of beyerdynamic engineering. The included coiled cable is quite long, which can be beneficial in a studio environment, though it can also add a bit of clutter.
This headphone is an excellent choice for producers and audio engineers who need a versatile monitor that handles a wide range of genres. It’s particularly good for tracking due to its isolation, but its clarity makes it suitable for mixing too. For anyone looking for the best open back headphones for music production, these are a strong contender even with their closed-back design.
My only real quibble is that the bass response, while accurate, can sometimes feel a touch overwhelming on certain tracks if not properly mixed. It’s a minor point, but something to be aware of.
Pros
- Balanced frequency response
- Good detail retrieval
- Comfortable earpads
- Robust construction
Cons
- Bass can be prominent on some mixes
- Cable can be cumbersome
8. Beyerdynamic Dt 770 Pro X
We evaluated the Philips Open Back Wired Headphones with a focus on their suitability for music production. These headphones offer a pleasant listening experience with a generally clear and articulate sound. The open-back design provides a good sense of airiness, which is beneficial for avoiding listener fatigue during long mixing sessions. I found the mid-range frequencies to be particularly well-represented, making vocals and lead instruments stand out nicely.
The design is lightweight and the earpads, while not luxurious, are adequate for moderate listening periods. The build feels a bit less premium than some competitors, with a noticeable amount of plastic in the construction. This contributes to their lighter weight, which is a plus for comfort.
These headphones would be best suited for hobbyist producers or musicians who are just starting out and need an affordable entry into open-back monitoring. They provide a decent sonic picture for general listening and initial mixing checks. For someone on a tighter budget, they offer good value.
However, I did notice that the treble can become a bit sibilant on certain tracks, which might lead to over-correction in a mix. Furthermore, the overall soundstage, while airy, lacks the precise imaging found in higher-end studio monitors.
Pros
- Airy and pleasant sound
- Good mid-range clarity
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Treble can be sibilant
- Less precise imaging
- Build quality feels less premium
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Driver Size | Impedance | Frequency Response |
| Sony MDR-7506 | 40mm | 63 Ohms | 10 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sennheiser HD 600 | 40mm | 300 Ohms | 12 Hz – 39 kHz |
| Sennheiser HD 560S | 38mm | 120 Ohms | 6 Hz – 38 kHz |
| beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO | 50mm | 250 Ohms | 5 Hz – 35 kHz |
| Sennheiser HD 599 | 38mm | 50 Ohms | 12 Hz – 38.5 kHz |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | 45mm | 38 Ohms | 15 Hz – 20 kHz |
| beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X | 47mm | 48 Ohms | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X | 47mm | 250 Ohms | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M70x | 45mm | 35 Ohms | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Philips SHP9500 | 50mm | 32 Ohms | 12 Hz – 35 kHz |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Open-Back Headphones Good for Mixing?
Yes, open-back headphones are highly recommended for mixing. Their design allows sound to escape. This creates a more natural and spacious listening experience. You can better perceive the stereo image. This helps in accurately placing instruments in your mix.
They minimize the ‘ear fatigue’ often associated with closed-back designs. This is due to their less pressurized sound. You can listen for longer periods without discomfort. This is essential for detailed mixing work. Their ability to replicate a speaker-like soundstage is a major advantage.
Can I Use Open-Back Headphones for Recording?
Generally, open-back headphones are not ideal for recording. Their open design allows sound to leak out. This leakage can be picked up by your microphone. This will introduce unwanted bleed into your recordings. It can be very difficult to remove later.
Closed-back headphones are the preferred choice for recording sessions. They create a seal around your ears. This significantly reduces sound leakage. This ensures a clean signal path for your microphones. Always use closed-back headphones when recording vocals or instruments.
What Is the Difference Between Open-Back and Closed-Back Headphones?
The main difference lies in their acoustic design. Open-back headphones have perforated earcups. This allows air and sound to pass through. They offer a more natural, spacious sound. You can hear your surroundings while wearing them.
Closed-back headphones have solid, sealed earcups. This isolates you from external noise. It also prevents sound from leaking out. They provide better bass response and isolation. This makes them suitable for loud environments and recording.
Do I Need a Headphone Amplifier for Open-Back Headphones?
It depends on the impedance of the headphones. Many open-back models have higher impedance. Higher impedance headphones require more power to reach adequate volume. They also benefit from better sound quality.
If your open-back headphones have an impedance above 80 ohms, a headphone amplifier is often recommended. An amplifier can provide cleaner power. This results in better dynamics and detail. Check the impedance rating of your headphones and your audio interface’s output capabilities.
How Do I Choose the Right Open-Back Headphones for My Budget?
Set a clear budget first. Research reputable brands known for studio headphones. Look for models within your price range that receive good reviews. Focus on the key factors: soundstage, flat frequency response, and comfort.
Consider buying used if your budget is tight. Many excellent studio headphones hold their value. Prioritize your needs; if detail is key, invest more there. Don’t overlook comfort; it’s crucial for long sessions. Read multiple reviews to gauge value for money.
Final Verdict
For music production, the Sennheiser HD 600 is the definitive choice. Its exceptionally neutral frequency response and expansive soundstage allow for precise mixing decisions. The comfort is superb for extended sessions, and its build quality ensures longevity. While it requires a decent amplifier, the sonic clarity and accuracy it provides are unmatched in its price bracket, making it an indispensable tool for any serious producer.