Are you a music producer looking for the perfect pair of headphones to take your craft to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the 8 best closed back headphones for music producers in 2024. These headphones offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them ideal for long hours in the studio. Whether you’re mixing tracks or recording vocals, these headphones will provide you with the accuracy and precision you need to create professional-quality music.
Introduction to Closed Back Headphones
Closed back headphones are a popular choice among music producers due to their ability to isolate sound and provide a more immersive listening experience. Unlike open back headphones, which allow sound to escape and ambient noise to enter, closed back headphones have sealed ear cups that prevent sound leakage. This feature makes them ideal for studio use, as it allows music producers to focus on the details of their mix without distractions from external noise.
The Advantages of Closed Back Headphones
There are several advantages to using closed back headphones for music production. Firstly, their closed design offers excellent noise isolation, allowing you to hear every nuance of your music without interference from external sounds. This is especially important when recording vocals or working in a noisy environment. Closed back headphones also prevent sound leakage, ensuring that your mix doesn’t disturb others around you.
Additionally, closed back headphones often have a more pronounced bass response, making them suitable for genres like hip-hop and electronic music where bass presence is crucial.
Comparison: open back vs closed back headphones
Before we dive into the best closed back headphones for music producers, let’s briefly compare closed back headphones with open back headphones. Open back headphones are known for their spacious and natural soundstage, which gives the music a more “live” feel. They allow air and sound to pass through the ear cups, resulting in a more open and transparent sound.
However, open back headphones provide little to no isolation from external noise and can be disruptive in a studio setting. Closed back headphones, on the other hand, excel in noise isolation and provide a more focused and intimate listening experience. The choice of open back vs closed back headphones really depends on what you want to get out of it!
Best Closed Back Headphones for Music Producers
Now, let’s explore the 8 best closed back headphones for music producers in 2024. These headphones have been carefully selected based on their sound quality, comfort, durability, and overall performance in a studio environment.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest addition to Sony’s highly acclaimed line of wireless closed back headphones. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the XM4, the XM5 offers even better noise cancellation and sound quality. With its advanced ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology, the XM5 blocks out external noise, allowing you to focus on your music with precision. The touch controls and customizable software features via the Sony Headphone App make it easy to tailor your listening experience to your preferences.
Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Great software integration
- Clear and engaging fidelity
Cons:
- More expensive than the XM4 model it replaced
- Headbands no longer fold
Apple Airpods Max
For Apple enthusiasts, the Apple Airpods Max is the ultimate closed back headphone. Designed to seamlessly integrate with Apple products, the Airpods Max offers a rich and spacious sound signature. With its advanced ANC and Transparency Mode, you can switch between immersive isolation and awareness of your surroundings with ease. The Airpods Max features a sleek and unique design, although the headband style may be divisive. Its seamless connectivity and ease of use make it a top choice for music producers within the Apple ecosystem.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Apple products
- Rich and spacious sound
- Very well made
Cons:
- Headband style is divisive
- The case provides only superficial protection
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys is a luxurious closed back headphone that combines stunning aesthetics with exceptional sound quality. Its real leather pads and headband, along with its carbon earcups, give it a premium and durable build. The Bathys features ANC technology that effectively blocks out external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music. With a 30-hour battery life, you can enjoy long listening sessions without interruption.
Pros:
- Luxurious build and materials
- Stunning looking
- The best sound we have heard in an ANC headphone
Cons:
- Double the price of the XM5
- Not available in most brick-and-mortar electronic shops
Sony WH1000XM4
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a top-performing closed back headphone that offers exceptional noise cancellation and audio quality. With its folding design and custom sound profiles, the XM4 is perfect for music producers on the go. Its passive hearing technology ensures that you can hear every detail in your music, while the 30-hour battery life ensures long-lasting performance. The XM4 is an iconic headphone that continues to be a favorite among music producers.
Pros:
- Iconic headphones at a better price than ever
- Strong ANC performance
- Great for traveling as has a folding headband
Cons:
- Lacks some features of the XM5
- The white version picks up stains
Sennheiser HD820
The Sennheiser HD820 is an audiophile-grade closed back headphone that offers a futuristic design and exceptional sound quality. Its wired connection and reference tuning ensure accurate and detailed audio reproduction. The HD820 features a 300 ohm impedance, making it ideal for use with high-resolution audio sources. With its durable build and audiophile-grade sound, the HD820 is a top choice for music producers who demand the best.
Pros:
- Audiophile-grade sound
- Futuristic design
- Durable build
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Requires good source components for best performance
Sony MDR-Z1R
The Sony MDR-Z1R is a closed-back headphone that offers a massive soundstage and deep bass extension. Its premium build quality and dynamic drivers result in exceptional sound reproduction. The MDR-Z1R is a headphone that is highly sought after by audiophiles for its detailed and spacious sound. While it comes with a hefty price tag, its performance and build quality make it a worthy investment for music producers who demand the best.
Pros:
- Massive soundstage
- Deep bass extension
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Limited availability in stores
Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
The Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X is a closed-back headphone designed specifically for music production. With its brilliant build quality and superb isolation, it is a top choice for studio use. The DT 700 PRO X offers a well-balanced and accurate sound signature, making it ideal for mixing and monitoring. Its closed-back design ensures minimal audio bleed into microphones, while its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Pros:
- Brilliant build quality
- Very reasonable price
- Passive noise cancellation is very effective
Cons:
- Can get a bit warm after a while
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a budget-friendly closed-back headphone that offers exceptional sound quality and durability. With its rugged build and detachable cables, it is perfect for music producers on the move. The ATH-M50x features a balanced sound signature with accurate bass reproduction, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. Its comfortable earpads ensure long listening sessions without discomfort.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Detachable cables for convenience
- Accurate sound reproduction
Cons:
- Limited soundstage compared to higher-end models
Comparison Table: Specifications of the Best Closed Back Headphones
To make it easier for you to compare the specifications of the best closed back headphones for music producers, we have compiled a comparison table. Please note that these specifications are subject to change, and it’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date information.
| Headphone Model | Wireless | ANC | Impedance | Frequency Range | Battery Life |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Yes | Yes | 47 ohms | 4Hz – 40kHz | Up to 30 hrs |
| Apple Airpods Max | Yes | Yes | N/A | 20Hz – 20kHz | Up to 20 hrs |
| Focal Bathys | Yes | Yes | 35 ohms | 10Hz – 40kHz | Up to 30 hrs |
| Sony WH1000XM4 | Yes | Yes | 47 ohms | 4Hz – 40kHz | Up to 30 hrs |
| Sennheiser HD820 | No | No | 300 ohms | 12Hz – 43.8kHz | N/A |
| Sony MDR-Z1R | No | No | 64 ohms | 4Hz – 120kHz | N/A |
| Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X | No | No | 32 ohms | 5Hz – 35kHz | N/A |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | No | No | 38 ohms | 15Hz – 28kHz | N/A |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Closed Back Headphones
When choosing the best closed back headphones for music production, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, sound quality is of utmost importance. Look for headphones that offer a balanced and accurate sound signature, as this will allow you to make precise adjustments to your mix.
Comfort is also crucial, especially if you plan on wearing the headphones for extended periods. Consider the weight, earpad material, and headband design to ensure a comfortable fit. Finally, durability and build quality are essential, as studio headphones need to withstand frequent use and travel.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Closed Back Headphones
To maximize your experience with closed back headphones, here are a few tips:
- Use a headphone amplifier or audio interface to ensure proper power and impedance matching.
- Experiment with different earpad materials to find the most comfortable fit.
- Take breaks and give your ears rest to prevent fatigue.
- Calibrate your headphones using reference tracks to familiarize yourself with their sound signature.
- Consider investing in a headphone stand or case to protect your headphones when not in use.
- Use high-quality audio files or lossless formats for the best sound reproduction.
- Keep your headphones clean and free from dust and debris to maintain their performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best closed back headphones for music producers in 2024 offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability. The Sony WH-1000XM5, Apple Airpods Max, Focal Bathys, Sony WH1000XM4, Sennheiser HD820, Sony MDR-Z1R, Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are all top-performing headphones that cater to different needs and budgets.
Whether you’re a professional music producer or a hobbyist, these headphones will elevate your music production experience to new heights. Consider the features, sound signature, and comfort level that best suit your needs, and start creating music with confidence and precision. Check out the best studio headphones here!
FAQs
Q: What makes closed back headphones a top choice for music production?
A: Closed back headphones are favored by music producers for their excellent sound isolation, which minimizes background noise and prevents sound leakage. This feature is crucial for accurate monitoring in studio environments, ensuring that producers can focus on the finest details of their mix.
Q: Can closed back headphones deliver the same sound quality as open back headphones for audiophiles?
A: While open back headphones are known for their wide soundstage, closed back headphones have significantly improved in delivering high-quality sound. Many top-rated models offer a detailed and balanced sound profile, making them a great choice for audiophiles seeking immersive listening experiences without external noise interference.
Q: Are there affordable closed back headphones that meet professional audio needs?
A: Yes, the market offers a range of closed back headphones catering to varying budgets without compromising on audio quality. Brands have been focusing on providing value-packed options, ensuring that music producers and audiophiles can access professional-grade sound fidelity at different price points.
Q: How important is comfort in closed back headphones for long studio sessions?
A: Comfort is paramount, especially for extended use. Look for headphones with soft, breathable ear pads, adjustable headbands, and a lightweight design. Comfortable closed back headphones prevent fatigue and allow producers and audiophiles to concentrate on their work or enjoyment for longer periods.
Q: What should I consider when choosing closed back headphones for both music production and casual listening?
A: Key considerations include sound quality, comfort, durability, and portability. Ensure the headphones offer a flat or neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring, are well-built to withstand regular use, and are comfortable for long listening sessions. Additionally, features like detachable cables and foldable designs enhance portability and flexibility.
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