Every good vocalist knows the importance of choosing the best headphones for recording vocals.
When considering what's best for recording vocals, do you feel overwhelmed by the vast array of headphone options?
With audio gear constantly evolving and my experiences as a musician, I spent countless hours evaluating headphones to find the crowning gems.
In this comprehensive guide, we want to discuss what we came up with after researching the top headphones that are specifically designed for recording vocals that provide optimal sound quality and comfort--ensuring your recordings are pitch-perfect every time.
Ready to level up your vocal recording game? Please read through the article below to become well informed before you make a purchase.
How To Identify The Best Headphones for Recording Vocals
When you're recording vocals, make sure to use headphones that let you hear clearly without any sound leaking out. Here's what to keep in mind and some headphone options for recording vocals:
Frequency response
Understanding frequency response is essential for high-quality audio recording. Frequency response refers to how well headphones reproduce various sound frequencies, measured in Hertz (Hz).
When recording vocals, you'll want a pair of headphones with a 'neutral' or 'flat' frequency response. This means the headphones can generate all tones accurately without emphasizing specific ranges.
Usually, vocal recordings desire a wide range from 20Hz to 20kHz for the most clear and precise sounds possible. Note that only some brands will provide this information readily, so you may need to do some digging before finding your perfect pair!
Comfort and fit
Choosing the best headphones with a balance of comfort and fit can vastly enhance your recording sessions. It's not just about getting that perfect sound quality but also ensuring they snugly wrap around your ears without causing discomfort over time.
Long hours in the studio necessitate headphones that can be worn for extended periods without leaving you feeling burdened or squeezed.
The materials used in manufacturing also play a significant role in comfort levels. Leatherette earmuffs are ideal if you're looking for softer cushioning, while silicone offers robust stretchability to accommodate different head sizes.
A secure fit is essential, too—it saves you from constantly readjusting your cans and lets you focus solely on hitting those high notes or landing the precise drum beats effortlessly.
Noise isolation
Noise isolation in headphones is crucial for capturing precise vocals. Blocking ambient noise, these high-quality headphones create a clear and focused listening environment that's ideal for recording.
With passive noise cancellation technology, they physically establish a barrier between your ears and any unwanted external sounds. This feature is extremely useful when you're laying down tracks or when every audio detail matters most during the mixing process.
Noise-isolating headphones significantly reduce distracting background chatter, making them a top choice among musicians and producers who demand the best sound quality for their crafted pieces of music.
Durability
Durability is important when selecting headphones for recording vocals. It refers to the ability of headphones to withstand potential wear and tear.
High-quality materials and sturdy construction play a significant role in ensuring durability. Features like detachable and replaceable cables can also enhance the lifespan of headphones.
Additionally, reinforced connectors and robust hinges are important for headphones that need to be folded and unfolded frequently. So, having durable headphones is essential for musicians, drummers, or anyone who wants their investment in quality sound equipment to last longer without compromising performance.
Price range
Headphones suitable for recording vocals come in various prices, from as low as $49 to as high as $500. Whether on a tight or loose budget, options are available for every price point.
Affordable headphones can still provide decent sound quality and meet the needs of most musicians and voice-over artists. If you're looking for mid-range priced headphones, these are often considered the sweet spot for home studio use.
For those who prioritize top-notch audio quality and have a higher budget, premium headphones offer exceptional clarity and nuanced sound reproduction.
Best Headphones For Recording Vocals
My Recommendations At A Glance
Take a quick look at my recommendations to explore the product list, or scroll down for comprehensive reviews.
- Sennheiser HD 650
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
- Sony MDR7506
- Shure SRH1540
- AKG K240 MKII
- Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X.
- Neumann NDH 20
- AKG K240 Studio
Comparison Table
Product Name | Brand | Price | Connectivity | Colour | Weight |
Sennheiser HD 650 | Sennheiser Consumer Audio | $399.95 | Wired | Titan | 9.12 Ounces |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Audio-Technica | $149.00 | Wired | Black | 0.63 Pounds |
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro | Beyerdynamic | $209.00 | Wired | Gray | 10 Ounces |
Sony MDR7506 | Sony | $72.15 | Wired | Black | 8 ounces |
Shure SRH1540 | Shure | $499.00 | Wired | Black | 454 grams |
AKG K240 MKII | AKG | $80.00 | Wired | Black | 1.46 Pounds |
Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X | Beyerdynamic | $269.00 | Wired | Black | 350 Grams |
Neumann NDH 20 | Neumann | $549.00 | Wired | Silver | 2.46 Pounds |
AKG K240 Studio | AKG | $53.99 | Wired | Gold | 1.23 Pounds |
1. Sennheiser HD 650
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Highlights
- Wired connectivity for a reliable audio connection
- Over-ear design for a comfortable and immersive listening experience
- Sleek titan colour for a stylish look
- HD 650 model name from the trusted brand Sennheiser Consumer Audio
- Long cable length of 118 inches for convenient use
- Lightweight at only 9.12 ounces for easy portability
The Sennheiser HD 650 headlines as a technologically advanced headphone specially tailored to the discerning audiophile.
It combines an elegant titanium-silver finish with high-quality sound and comfort, resulting in an unparalleled listening experience. The lightweight aluminium voice coils offer fast transient response.
At the same time, the high-power neodymium magnets deliver maximum efficiency - perfect for tech-savvy individuals, music lovers or drummers needing precise audio feedback during performances.
Notably, this pair of headphones set the bar with its optimized design and hand-picked driver elements that minimize harmonic and intermodulation distortion.
The reputable Sennheiser brand fortifies this product with over 60 years of audio technology expertise, ensuring excellent dynamic response. To top it all off, customer peace of mind is guaranteed through a 2-year international warranty.
What makes us rank the Sennheiser HD 650 as No.1 is its impressive balance between impeccable sound quality and user-centred features like the precision damping silk, which offers a frequency range reducing total harmonic distortion to just 0.05 per cent!
This allows users to enjoy their favourite tracks and delve into new dimensions of audio fidelity unfettered by unwelcome distortions, making it a must-have in your Hi-Res open-back dynamic headphone collection.
Features
- 118-inch cable length: The Sennheiser HD 650 has a long cable, allowing you to move around without being restricted by a short cord. Whether you're listening to music or watching movies, you can connect it to your audio source and enjoy the immersive sound from anywhere in the room.
- Lightweight aluminium voice coils for fast transient response: These headphones deliver incredibly quick response times thanks to the lightweight aluminium voice coils. You'll experience every detail of your favourite tunes with impressive precision and accuracy, allowing you to immerse yourself in the music fully.
- High-power neodymium magnets for maximum efficiency: The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones offer exceptional efficiency with high-power neodymium magnets. This means that they require less power from your audio device while still producing high-quality sound. You can enjoy music without draining your battery or sacrificing audio quality.
- Improved frequency response up to 39,500 Hertz: The Sennheiser HD 650 boasts an improved frequency response range of up to 39,500 Hertz. This wider range allows you to hear even the subtlest nuances in your music, ensuring that no details are missed. From deep bass notes to soaring highs, these headphones deliver accurate and rich sound across all frequencies.
- Specially designed acoustic silk for reduced distortion: The Sennheiser HD 650 features specially designed acoustic silk that ensures precise damping over the entire frequency range. As a result, harmonic and intermodulation distortion
Pros
- High-resolution sound quality
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Durable construction with aluminium voice coils
- Reduced distortion and precise damping for clear audio reproduction
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Not suitable for use in noisy environments due to open-back design
- Requires high-quality audio source to appreciate its capabilities fully
This Sennheiser HD 650 is the perfect audiophile headphone for those who value crystal-clear sound quality and appreciate fine details in their music.
It's ideal for sound engineers, mixing professionals and serious music lovers alike, so if you're looking to take your listening experience up a notch, try it today!
Specifications
- Item Weight: 9.1 ounces
- ASIN: B00018MSNI
- Item model number: 508825
- Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6/5 stars 2,674 ratings4.6 out of 5 stars
- Best Sellers Rank: #11,726 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #718 in Over-Ear Headphones
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Date First Available: October 2, 2001
- Department: Music, instruments, instrument accessories
- Manufacturer: Sennheiser
- Language: English, French, Spanish
- Units: 1.0 Count
- Number Of Items: 1
- Cable Length: 118 Inches
- Brand: Sennheiser Consumer Audio
- Model Name: HD 650
- Colour: Titan
- Form Factor: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Highlights
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a treat for the ear. The professional-grade construction combined with its critically acclaimed sonic performance makes it irresistible.
I was particularly impressed by the 45-millimetre large aperture drivers - they're equipped with uncommon earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils, delivering outstanding clarity throughout a wide frequency range and deep, accurate bass response.
It's perfect for losing yourself in the symphony of your favourite classical piece or feeling every beat of that heavy metal song.
The circumaural design that contours perfectly around the ears provides excellent sound isolation even in loud environments. So whether you're drumming away at a concert or sitting in a busy café, these headphones will tune out the world around you.
One feature that stands out is their practicality - 90-degree swivelling ear cups allow easy one-ear monitoring while recording tracks or DJing. Plus, they have detachable cables, which add to their convenience!
For me, comfort is just as important as sound quality when choosing headphones; fortunately, The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X excels on both fronts, with its durable and plush earpad material providing supreme comfort during long jam sessions.
We've ranked this product No.2 because although it offers stellar audio quality and durability like our No. 1 pick, it didn't have wireless connectivity options — something many tech-savvy users look for today.
However, if robust build, superior audio experience and practical design drive your headphone choice rather than wireless flexibility, trust me: nothing comes close to Audio-Technica ATH-M50x in its class.
Features
- 90-degree swivelling earcups: Allows for easy one-ear monitoring, perfect for professional DJs or audio engineers who must listen to their mix and the live sound simultaneously.
- Professional grade earpad and headband material: Provides superior durability and comfort, making these headphones suitable for long hours of use without causing discomfort or fatigue.
- Circumaural design contours around the ears: Ensures excellent sound isolation in loud environments, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music without external distractions.
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range: Experience every nuance of your favourite tracks with crystal clear audio reproduction, from the highest highs to the deepest lows.
- Proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with special earth magnets: Delivers powerful and precise sound reproduction, allowing you to hear every detail in your music just as the artist intended.
Pros
- Provides easy one-ear monitoring with 90-degree swivelling earcups
- Offers exceptional sound isolation in loud environments with circumaural design
- Delivers extended frequency range and accurate bass response for high - quality audio experience
- Praised by good audio engineers and pro audio reviewers for its sonic performance
Cons
- Some users report that the headband can be uncomfortable during extended use.
- The headphones may feel heavy compared to other models on the market.
- The detachable cable can sometimes come loose or disconnect during use, requiring readjustment.
This product is perfect for audio technicians and professional sound engineers seeking the ultimate in studio-quality listening experiences.
Get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones today to experience studio-grade performance at a price that won't break the bank!
Specifications
- Item Weight: 10.1 ounces
- ASIN: B00HVLUR86
- Item model number: AUD ATHM50X
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer battery is required.
- Customer Reviews: 4.7 4.7/5 stars 25,107 ratings4.7 out of 5 stars
- Best Sellers Rank: #82 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #2 in Recording Headphone Audio Monitors
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Date First Available: January 23, 2014
- Department: Musical Instruments
- Manufacturer: Audio-Technica U.S
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
- Units: 1.0 Count
- Number Of Items: 1
- Cable Length: 3 Meters
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Model Name: ATH-M50x
- Colour: Black
- Form Factor: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
3. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Highlights
- Wired connectivity for reliable and uninterrupted audio transmission
- Over-ear The over-ear form factor provides a comfortable and immersive listening experience
- The sleek grey colour adds a touch of style to your audio setup
- Model name: DT-880-PRO-250, ensuring professional-grade quality sound
- Lightweight design at just 10 ounces for easy portability
- Not discontinued by the manufacturer, indicating its popularity and continued availability.
Hitting third place on our list is the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro, a semi-open studio headphone that offers an amazing blend of transparency and power.
Loved by tech-savvy individuals, musicians and drummers alike, this over-ear headphone stands out with its impressive analytical abilities.
Crafted for long listening sessions, the headphones feature velour circumaural ear pads and an adjustable padded headband, ensuring optimum comfort.
The well-thought-out design of DT 880 Pro includes an innovative system equalization and specially designed housings.
These features work in unity to produce a superior sound quality often associated with open-back headphones while delivering the needed punch you would expect from closed models.
The semi-open design enhances sound quality, making it ideal for those who want to define basses and detailed high frequencies in their mixes or music-listening experience.
One major reason we picked Beyerdynamic's offering as number three is due to its robust yet comfortable build, not forgetting its easy serviceability since all parts are replaceable!
This makes these headphones reliable for those marathon mixing or mastering sessions without worrying about durability issues. Talk about being economical!
Furthermore, these professional studio-grade headphones also come with components such as a coiled connecting cable equipped with a mini-jack plug and a ¼“ adapter catering to different types of audio devices – further enhancing its appeal to our discerning audience.
Features
- Coiled connecting cable with mini-jack plug (3.5 mm) & ¼“ adapter (6.35 mm): The coiled cable allows for flexibility and convenience when moving around while wearing the headphones, while the mini-jack plug and adapter ensure compatibility with many devices.
- Net weight without packaging 295g: With its lightweight design, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is comfortable for extended periods, making it ideal for long studio or listening sessions.
- Headphone frequency response 5 - 35.000 Hz: The wide frequency response ensures you can hear every detail in your music, from deep bass to sparkling highs, providing a more immersive listening experience.
- Supplied in a nylon carrying case: The included carrying case provides protection and easy transportation for your headphones, allowing you to take them anywhere without worrying about damage.
- Analytical sound: With their semi-open design and diffuse-field studio headphone technology, the DT 880 Pro delivers an analytical sound that accurately reproduces audio recordings. This makes them perfect for professional use in recording studios or critical listening applications where accuracy is key.
Pros
- ding High-quality audio with a wide frequency response range of 5 - 35,000 Hz
- Comfortable fit with adjustable, soft padded headband and velour ear pads
- Durable construction with easily replaceable parts for long-lasting use
- Includes a portable case for convenient storage and transportation
Cons
- The semi-open design may not provide sufficient noise isolation for use in loud environments.
- The cable may be too short for some users' preferences
- Headphones have a relatively high impedance, requiring a powerful audio source to drive them effectively
This product is perfect for the sound engineer, music producer or audio enthusiast who demands only the best sound quality.
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro offers a clear and accurate listening experience with an adjustable and comfortable fit to ensure long studio sessions.
If you're looking for pristine audio, order your Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro now!
Specifications
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Product Dimensions: 9.4x4.7x11.2 inches; 10 Ounces
- Item model number: 490970
- UPC: 714573526279 714497643359 613815977278
- Manufacturer: Beyerdynamic
- ASIN: B001B1QENY
- Brand: Beyerdynamic
- Model Name: DT-880-PRO-250
- Colour: Gray
- Form Factor: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Best Sellers Rank: See Top 100 in Electronics
- GTIN: 714573526279 714497643359 613815977278
Tips for Properly Using Headphones for Vocal Recording
When using headphones for vocal recording, it is important to maintain safe volume levels, take regular breaks, use them in a quiet environment, adjust EQ settings appropriately, protect them from physical damage, and consider wireless options for increased mobility.
Maintain safe volume levels.
Maintaining safe volume levels when using headphones for vocal recording is crucial. The World Health Organization advises that the sound intensity produced by headphones can reach the same level as other noise sources, leading to hearing damage over time.
To protect your hearing, keeping the volume of headphones at a safe level is recommended. Even at 60% volume, you can still enjoy clear music and appreciate the beat with good-quality headphones.
Remember, caring for your hearing is essential for musicians and anyone who loves music.
Using voice activation or auto-leveling features on recording software can also help maintain safe volume levels during vocal recording sessions.
By setting up these features, you don't have to constantly adjust the headphone volume manually and risk going too loud without realizing it.
Additionally, it's important to note that using headphones while operating a motor vehicle is not recommended due to safety reasons.
Take regular breaks
I always make sure to take regular breaks when I'm using headphones for vocal recording. It's important to give your ears and vocal cords a rest to prevent fatigue and strain. Taking breaks allows you to rejuvenate, focus, and produce your best work.
So remember to step away from the headphones, grab a drink of water, and give yourself a well-deserved break. Your ears and voice will thank you for it!
Use headphones in a quiet environment.
When recording vocals, using headphones in a quiet environment is crucial. This helps eliminate external noise and distractions, allowing you to focus on your performance and hear the subtleties in your voice.
Background noise can interfere with the integrity of your recording and make it difficult to hear yourself. Using headphones in a quiet space ensures that every nuance of your vocals is captured accurately, resulting in a high-quality recording.
Whether in a professional studio or a home setup, creating an optimal listening environment by using headphones in quiet surroundings will greatly enhance the quality of your vocal recordings.
Adjust EQ settings appropriately.
To enhance your listening experience while recording vocals, it's crucial to adjust the EQ settings on your headphones. EQ (equalization) allows you to fine-tune the balance of different frequencies in your audio signal.
This means you can customize the tonal balance to achieve the desired sound quality. By boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges, such as bass or treble, you can bring out the best in your vocal recordings and make them sound more polished.
Experiment with different EQ settings until you find the optimal configuration that suits your voice and musical style.
Protect headphones from physical damage.
I always make sure to protect my headphones from physical damage. Taking care of them is important so they can last a long time. I do this by storing them in a protective case when I'm not using them.
This helps prevent any accidental drops or bumps that could cause damage. I also avoid wrapping the cord around the headphones, which can lead to tangling and potentially damage the wires inside.
Instead, I gently coil the cord and secure it with a Velcro strap or clip. These simple precautions ensure that my headphones stay in great condition for all my recording sessions and music enjoyment!
Consider wireless options for increased mobility.
Consider wireless options for increased mobility when using headphones for vocal recording. With wireless headphones, you can move freely without being tethered to a device or worrying about tangled cords.
This allows you to experiment with different positions and find the best spot in the room for optimal sound quality. Additionally, wireless headphones make it easier to collaborate with others during recording sessions as you can easily pass them around or listen together without any limitations.
The reduction of restricted movement that wireless options provide adds convenience and flexibility to your recording process, making it a worthwhile investment for any musician or vocalist.
Conclusion - Best Headphones For Recording Vocals
In conclusion, when it comes to the best headphones for recording vocals, the Sennheiser HD 650 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are top choices.
The Sennheiser HD 650 offers a reliable wired connection and comfortable over-ear design, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x boasts high customer ratings and a sleek black colour.
Both headphones provide exceptional sound quality and are highly recommended for musicians, music lovers, and professionals in the industry.
Take advantage of these fantastic options - grab your own Sennheiser HD 650 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50x today!
FAQs
1. Are these headphones suitable for recording vocals?
Yes, these headphones are specifically designed for recording vocals and provide high-quality sound reproduction to capture the nuances of your voice.
2. Can I use these headphones with my recording equipment?
You can connect these headphones to your recording equipment using a standard audio cable or adapter.
3. Do these headphones have noise-cancelling features?
Many headphones have built-in noise-cancelling technology that helps eliminate background noise and ensures clearer vocal recordings.
4. What is the price range of the best headphones for recording vocals?
The price range for the best headphones for recording vocals varies depending on the brand and features, but they generally fall between $100-$500.