Open-Back vs Closed-Back Headphones for Music Producers, Audiophiles, & Engineers

Should you use open-back or closed-back headphones for music production and critical listening?
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[@NicosLeben]

I usually use open-back headphones on my computer and closed-back for singing or when I want to deep dive into an awesome music production.

[@Janhouse]

I happen to have both of these and most of the time I use the open back ones. I do have an isolated room so background noise is not an issue.I also tried taking them to the office years ago and people asked me to take them back home since the audio leaks out. :) That is why I bought the closed ones for office. The open back headphones don't heat up, are very comfortable in general, allows me to have conversations if someone comes in, allows me to hear myself and just sound great.

[@AudioUniversity]

Well said, Janhouse! Thanks.

[@onatics]

Most people arent going to buy both so

[@merlinoner]

Love the production and the information provided by this channel. Thanks a lot.

[@ricrocren]

Great video. I have both open-back and closed-back headphones. The open-back are used in the mix/listening room, and the close-back (several pairs) are used in the 'live'/rehearsal/tracking room. Both options work great in the respective environments. Thanks for confirming what we are doing!

[@AlejandroIrias]

I got tired of looking for and watching videos that explained the difference between open and closed, after giving me a break, I found your video and certainly no one has explained better than you, I thank you very much, I finally know how to invest my money well in that purchase

[@RobertFisher1969]

Ok…that might have finally convinced me to try some open back headphones. I could hear some difference, and I see that it could be good for mixing even if I still need the closed back ones around for tracking.

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

I own, need and use the closed - the DT 700 Pro Xs. Bass response sounds much fuller in this example with the open backed; interesting. Thanks, Kyle. You do a great job!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Josh.

[@SwiftDreamer]

Closed back headphones are definitely a go to when you need to focus on bass, otherwise, open back let's the track breathe and is more optimal for mixing & producing

[@DarkTrapStudio]

They have more 20hz but less 40 to 80hz thant the open back, 990 have a gentle slope when the 770 have a shelf with a dip in low bass

[@bren.r]

lets*

[@fredherbaud6768]

I have just one pair of closed-back headphones, but after this video I will definitely try an open-back one! Very nice video!

[@teashea1]

very good video - well organized - nice production values

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

I use, as Kyle well described, open-back for mixing and mastering and closed-back for recording (mainly vocals and acoustic guitars). For open-back, even having the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, I prefer my Senheiser HD600, since these have a more flat frequency line before applying Sonarworks SoundID Reference for final correction. For closed-back I have Senheiser HD280 Pro.

[@calmination]

i have the 880 pro, which are semi-open. I love them.

[@sam-515]

Amazingly explained 😊. Got the point 👍

[@doublet147]

I have the 990s. They lean on the bright side but not a lot. They sound good, very revealing.

[@Voider6211]

I use both of these headphones, but the 80 ohm versions. I really like the 990s both for editing and just casual listening. I tried doing the same with the 770s before, and they had pretty much the same characteristic as what I'm hearing in this video. The closed-back nature of them made them sound less clear and interesting (and even a little bass and mid heavy), which I wasn't big on. But I do love them for recording voice-overs, because oddly enough, the headphones sound fairly neutral to me there. I don't have anything quantifiable to back that up, just my own feeling. When I monitor myself speaking, I feel what I'm hearing through the 770s is pretty close to how I naturally hear; I don't feel like I hear differently when I take them off after a long recording session, which could happen with headphones that are more bass or treble heavy. Basically, the 770s are duty headphones to me, while the 990s I consider dual purpose, both duty and casual.

[@Maly_Suk]

dt900 - one of the best audiio purchase i´ve ever did

[@michxl_c]

great vid thanks for the reviews

[@johnrohdejensen1218]

I have a pair of open DT 900 Pro X which I absolutely love. I use them for mixing, editing and especially for watching movies. They bring an amazing amount of detail and don't cook your ears. You can easily wear them for hours.

[@Staykool777]

OMG. Finally a great video that is informative, instructional and helps me make a decision. I'm hitting the like/subscribe.

[@RobKristjansson]

I use my DT990s for mixing and other critical listening, and my Rode NTH100s when I'm recording VO and my podcast, and for Zoom calls and the like. What I've found in my own recording and in this excellent demonstration, is that closed back headphones give the audio a kind of muted or dulled sound, whereas everything seems a little roomier and brighter (but not in a "Hey, that mic is bright" sense) in open backed headphones. If that makes any sense! lol

[@TheCarmacon]

Have been using the HD599 for a few years now and recently started missing the "cozy cabin in the forest feeling". Just ordered the DT 770 Pros and hoping to get this feeling back. I think the sound test in this video perfectly captures the difference between open and closed back phones. Listening to the DT 990 parts gives me this airy/free/flying sensation which is nice, but which I don't always want. Sometimes I want to hug the sound instead of it flying around me.

[@urbanandruralsurvival]

Clear explanation thx

[@thelostboymusic]

Thank you for the video, the timing is great as I am just starting to think of updating mine - i am looking at both typesso need to save up some $$

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@magix0221]

I use open back Sennheiser HD6XX at my computer for gaming, watching content, etc... but closed back wireless Senheiser headphones for listening to music on my phone and scrolling through social media. I love the open back for the wider sound stage and the ability to hear my surroundings if need be but I enjoy the base and loudness of the closed back wireless

[@ChrisCooo]

Thank you a lot for this Video. I was always wondering what was the difference and benefits of either closed back and open back headphones. Also I want to build a nice setup at home for Streaming, and Video editing and was wondering which type of headphones would be the best for me. Your comparison helped a lot and I'm now sure about buying open back ones. Love all of your videos, very well explained and clearly demonstrated. Helps a lot! Thanks for that.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Chris!

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

To me, on my Klipsch speakers, the bass was more pronounced with the open-back headphones. That was really noticeable.

[@davidhiggen3029]

Hey Kyle, good info as always. I'm wondering, on a related topic, if you have experimented with any of the 'studio room emulator' products out there? Slate VSX is an obvious one (they are ad-bombarding my inbox quite a bit lately), but there seem to be quite a few around. Waves 'Abbey Road' for one, and probably several others I can't immediately recall. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this. Cheers, and keep up the good work!

[@chrisvaughan159]

Thanks for the comparisons. They reinforce my ideas I have always had that open back are far superior to closed for sound quality. Although mine are open back DT911's which go back a ways.......

[@rashiefbrown9505]

Helpful 💯

[@nedim_guitar]

Both are needed if you record and mix. I found that out when I mixed on closed back heaven headphones (I know, you shouldn't mix on headphones), and I thought I was done, but when I referenced and listened through my open back headphones, which are more affordable and less high end, the mix sounded really bad. I could hear some things that I didn't hear on closed back headphones. There are so many things to learn before you start getting good results in a reasonable amount of time...

[@tim.rinsma]

You should mix on headphones, as much as you mix on speakers

[@nedim_guitar]

@@tim.rinsma Mixing on headphones isn't optimal, but some of us don't have the opportunity to always mix through monitors.

[@tim.rinsma]

You should still do it though. In the final stages of mixing I will do it to catch very small details. Along with this I have more accuracy when mixing the phase compatibility issues. It might not be optimal but its a must do if you want to get the most out of your music

[@cosmiczeppelin]

@@nedim_guitar Isn't the issue rather that mixing on headphones is too optimal and doesn't necessarily give you an accurate representation of how many people will listen to the mix? I understand the need to listen to a mix in different circumstances, but calibrated headphones seem like the most controlled environment possible, so it seems almost vital to a achieve a good mix in my humble opinion.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@cosmiczeppelin I can't disagree with that. I'm learning all the time. Cross referencing is important, but it's also important to learn your sound source, your monitors. I need to spend more time with all that, but you know... Job, family, life... 😄

[@zhordzrecords167]

nice, more of this! specially the binaural testing

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@VincentFink]

I've tested different headphones in the $100 range and like the sound my AKG k-240 semi-open the best because they have a more natural, clear sound, and they are more comfortable for wearing long periods without making me hot and sweaty like closed back will do. Since they are semi open they don't let out quite as much sound as full open back. I think if you can only get 1 pair for both tracking and mixing they are a good way, just remember to turn down/mute click track when recording and headphones are near the mic like when tracking vocals.

[@JoeTheViewer]

That headphones device (3Dio FS XLR) is sweet!!

[@rafmaclo]

I use a closed Panasonic RP-HTF295 of about € 30 to listen to music or record, and an open AKG 701 for mixing

[@aaax9410]

For singing (tracking ) i use open back so i can sing properly

[@andersom573]

Very very good

[@elon13yearsago8]

Nice video.. Hey, can you make video about building audio system for language laboratory? I cannot find many explanations about this project. I'll really appreciate it

[@3l84r70]

And I listened to this over closed back noise cancellation cans.. lol. But yes, there's a nice difference

[@SpySappingMyKeyboard]

I had heard open back is better sounding, but I didn't realise it made that much of a difference!

[@Welshmanshots]

The DT 990 Pros Sound more full and rich while the DT 770 Pros sound more flat and muted but both sound great but like you said depends on what environment you live in, i was going to spring for the 990 pros because they are only slightly more than the 770 Pros but im glad i looked up the difference because the amazon listing didn't even tell me if they were open or closed.

[@aniruddhasitar]

Your videos are always helpful My question is about combination of a pickup microphone with a condenser microphone. Is it a good idea to use both if having this opportunity?

[@AudioUniversity]

You can try it. I’d recommend listening for phase interactions and adjusting mic position accordingly.

[@1loveMusic2003]

You need both for many reasons like you explained

[@charlescooper2848]

Both sound Great … That music though would make any headphones sound good what’s the name of that song or group??

[@babysunn2]

I Use The Closed Back Headphones For Mixing... Due To My Apartment Environment Being A Bit Busy. But Great Info Nevertheless.

[@DarkTrapStudio]

Something to be said that is highly important, earcups condition make a huge difference, you have to change them when they start being flat if you want a good representation of theses headphones, especially the open back, Ive find this when talking to a mastering ingeneer about the 990pro and we agreed about that. Don't overlook your earcups on these Beyerdynamics guys !

[@arcanusluvalus1388]

how long do ear cups last (daily use)?

[@DarkTrapStudio]

@@arcanusluvalus1388 For the beyerdynamics, it depends on how you wear them how much time per day, hygiene, how large is your head so id say worst 6 months, best 2-3 years id say at glance for optimal condition.

[@alanadee2514]

I use open-back headphones to play live because it makes the sound really crispy and clearer and it adds to the the background that's in the room

[@alanadee2514]

I use an arranger keyboard, I live in an apartment, so I don't want to bother everybody by putting my PA system so loud, So I placed the PA speakers about a foot from my ears on Stands, with my keyboard sitting right in the middle of it, then I turn the volume of the PA system just loud enough to enhance the open back headphones, I started with the headphones first and I put them at a usable level that's comfortable, then I brought up the PA system two enhance the sound I was hearing in the headphones and it ended up being well you couldn't hear it on the other floors but the place where I'm practicing I'd like to play live through PA system that I want them to hear from quite loud, so basically, I'm using the headphones open back in the Ambient sound of the room to make a really big sound ,and it's working for me really well ,

[@RMVibes]

DT990 the best affordable/Pro headphones for mixing without a doubt!

[@Lishtenbird]

What about their huge treble spike? That's not neutral.

[@RMVibes]

@@Lishtenbird Sonarworks fix it 😁

[@totizedger]

The DT990 is v-shaped and not good for mixing and the treble peak is horrible, the DT770 Pro also have a treble peak but not as recessed mids, they are better sounding imo than the 990. EQ does help to some degree and i find that the 990 is good for gaming as footsteps and such are more easily heard and the soundstage and imaging is also good

[@lmao7562]

Hi! I have no clue where to start. I was looking at studio monitors that would best fit mixing and mastering, but I thought I might want some headphones instead because I just do better with earbuds and headphones. For listening to the most flat sound you could possibly get so you can hear the subtle changes in mixing and mastering, what do yall suggest?

[@TehCoza]

the open back sound a lot wider, but im gonna pick up closed back as im gonna be using one pair for everything as its all i can afford right now lol

[@Levi89723]

I can hear how the opem back gives the track more room to breath, it sounds quieter, i think i prefer the sound of the closed back becaude it sounds fuller (its louder and doesnt give the room open back does which i prefer) Id be recording in my room then fixing it up in a daw so what do you recommened?

[@snipperacoustics]

Surprisingly the DT770s sound as if they have a wider stage sound to the 990s despite being a closed back design unless it's the recording. I hear the 990s having more bass.

[@francescob.3019]

tldw: most people should buy closed, unless you really have an environment with VERY minimal noise coming from like outside or heaters, fans, people etc. Even pc cooling, while gaming for instance, might be annoying with open backs. Listening experience is substantially better with opens though. Usually people want from headphones some isolation like closed backs do. I tested this myself, i didn’t even watch the video, which i’m sure is great.

[@hampusjohansson3336]

Should I get closed headphones for record vocals

[@neilkendall5499]

Do closed back headphones actually block out outside sound? I have some AKG K92 closed back headphones which I use for playing at home. They do NOT block the outside sound out, and the sound from these headphones also leaks into the vocal mics when doing multitrack recording to a backing track . Perhaps there are varying degrees of closed back headphones, i.e. some block out the outside sound more than others.

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Which are best if mixing ATMOS, when headphones are only option and Atmos speakers are not available? Closed back or Open back?

[@angelorafaelsanjuan3345]

1:48 closed back 4:02 open back 4:45 comparison

[@jamestheradioman]

I've worked in radio all my life, so closed back cans are what I'm conditioned to use. In my home studio i use closed back headphones (Sony MDR7506). Although when mixing podcasts or any audio production I go back and forth between listening to the mix with my headphones on and listening to my Event TR8 Tuned Reference Biamplifier Studio Monitors (they don't make these anymore). QUESTION FOR KYLE: What are your thoughts on "Bone Conduction Headphones"? Have you had any experience using them?

[@AudioUniversity]

I’ve tried bone conduction headphones. They are really cool and allow you to hear the environment around you, although masking still occurs so it’s not as clear as I expected. The vibration also sort of tickled my ears. A cool technology though!

[@djashjones]

Bone conduction are great for when you need to hear your environment e.g. walking, cycling, work, etc but the bass is lacking too.

[@AudioUniversity]

Ash - Great point! The lows are missing but so are the high frequencies in my experience. Not even close to normal headphones in sound quality.

[@sjcwoor]

The treble, clicky, plucky parts sounded nicer in the open ones

[@DJA1TCH]

What about the best of both?......semi-open!

[@spinnerboyz]

As much as I love my 990, I'm afraid I'll have to get a closed back version for recording, because these are horrible during calls or podcasts. People complain about feedback as the open back headphones bleed into the microphone even if the volume is comfortable for me.

[@ML-gc2fi]

Which headphones would you recommend, for listening to music and being able to attach a boom mic to, for gaming? I know I need closed back, as my background is noisy. Thank you

[@miaobinhuang2315]

Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Drop + Sennheiser PC37X

[@raphaelhudson]

THe difference is hard to discern on this track, but I prefer the open sound, especially with the piano. I think if you like classical music or jazz then open back is MUCH better. But if you listen to pop or electronic probably closed is better, it is punchier and cleaner.

[@nigell.8705]

Read my mind lol. I was just researching this.

[@trashratio]

I use both of these, 770/990 250 ohm. But what are the differences between 32, 80, 250 ohm etc?

[@AudioUniversity]

The impedance is the difference. Higher impedance requires more voltage for the same power output.

[@anupgore]

You mentioned that you prefer to use open back headphones for video conferencing and live streaming, but wouldn't some sound bleed into the external microphone used during these 2 events? Am asking as i have a boom microphone setup for my video conferencing and am looking to buy a good headphone for the same. I am tired of using my Jabra active earbuds :)

[@danielzboy]

If I may chime in... I use a pair of HD600 open back headphones daily, which also includes live streaming and video conferencing occasionally, and it works out quite well. The sound leakage from open-backs is not super loud, although still quite audible like a whisper, so even if the sounds do bleed into the mic its impact is not that big, especially if you're using dynamic mics instead of highly sensitive condenser mics (I use a Shure SM58, a dynamic mic that does not pick up a lot of environment noise). It's different from studio recordings which require very clean and untainted sounds for the best outcome, as even a tiny bit of noise can become an amplified mess as it gets processed into the mix. Nevertheless, I think DT770 Pro is a great choice! (Avoid the DT770 M, which is mainly for drummers and bad tonality, but great noise isolation) Test them at a physical store if you can.

[@anupgore]

@@danielzboy Thank you so much for the input. I use a Rode M3 Cardioid Condenser Microphone as a boom mic with a Shure MVI digital audio interface (with a preset that does suppress environment noise) for my regular video conferencing & occasional live streaming. Hence my doubts! Now looking at the Dt 990 Pro Black Edition - 80 Ohms

[@AudioUniversity]

For video conferencing it’s not an issue, because any echo will be eliminated by AEC (acoustic echo cancellation) - you could even use speakers. Live streaming is a bit different, but I don’t expect you will have an issue, even with a condenser mic.

[@anupgore]

@@AudioUniversity Thank you so much for the revert. Another query I had was on the choice of headphones (as I wear thick-rimmed glasses) which of these would be a better option from a comfort pov - DT 990 PRO or DT 900 PRO X

[@AudioUniversity]

I haven’t tried on the DT 900 Pro X, but the DT 990s are extremely comfortable.

[@ezedjay]

So I've got both of those headphones.....which ones should I be listening to this video with 😂 To avoid that - I'll use something else I guess....maybe the DT250s??? Jokes aside - it's nice having both available to use.

[@GasStationKnives4Ever]

Those closed-backs actually sound more natural and full sounding to me. Super cool to hear it side by side. Thanks.

[@TheRusselmuscle]

I do the opposite. I use open back in environments like the gym so I can hear at least a little of what's going on around me. When I'm out in public I want to know what I'm dealing with, to do the opposite is just not a good idea.

[@galaddamodred1110]

So you make people listen to your music in public places?

[@ikestoddard2458]

Thank you for this video. I have high blood pressure, and require open back for home recording. 😁😁😁😎

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Ike!

[@saricubra2867]

On benchmarks the dt 770 pro is flatter than the 990, at least on RTINGs, it has better bass and mid clarity.

[@msd5808]

you gotta have the closed back to hear the beats

[@HailMaryFullOfGrace25698]

in the comparison, the closed back one is definitely more muffled

[@user-bu5kc4lv3p]

Open Back headphones is much better than Closed Back counterparts. The sound quality is very natural,spacious and wider soundstage it's recommend for audiophile users and gaming sessions but bass quality is good but lacks of bass sound from 20Hz-70Hz(-6dB)due from open back design but good. This headphones not recommend in outdoor because causing audio leakage it's only in quiet environments.

[@jumpstar9000]

is it just me that wanted to slightly adjust the position of the headphones when he put them on those binaural mics :-)

[@ltzvk]

should i get some closed backs if i share a room with someone? i wanted the dt 990 pro for mixing, gaming, media but i don't want to bother anyone, i can't afford both because of my budget

[@totizedger]

I have the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Ohm and have used them for gaming and they handled that quite well, the soundstage is good for a closed back and i found them more spacious than my Sennheiser HD600 which is an open back, they do have a peak in the treble like many other Beyerdynamic headphones but EQ can be used to tame the treble and not everyone is sensitive to that peak

[@amongstreality3487]

4:06 me listening to dt 990 sound while wearing dt 770: very interesting

[@alondite215]

All of the world's best headphones are open-backed. Focal Utopia, Sennheiser HE90, Audeze LCD5, etc. There's a reason for that. Close-backed headphones trap resonances/reflections that produce distortion, and if you do production work then what you are hearing through the headphones is _not_ the same as what's on the recording. No bueno. Open-backed headphones also have a much larger, more open and spacious headstage, and double as being far better headphones for listening as well.

[@sankarn.s5645]

Which headphone is best.???a high impedance or low impedance ??

[@AudioUniversity]

Higher impedance requires more voltage for the same power output. That means you’ll have better performance with a more powerful headphone amp.

[@sankarn.s5645]

What is the difference bw 4 ohm and 8 ohm speakr??which one produce good sound. ???

[@Exert145]

I only use iems

[@sharg0]

@Audio University: Link to the full article is broken (404)

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Rolf. I've just fixed the problem. I appreciate you letting me know.

[@sharg0]

@@AudioUniversity Confirmed working, feel free to delete my post if you want, it has served it's purpose. (or ask me to)

[@MML66]

I expect that this is because the 990 Palakkad is open, and the back of the Palakkad is open, and this reduces the difference. Now, if we compare with the closed and open sundara, the difference will be between the sky and the earth I expect that this is because the 990 Palakkad is open and the back of the Palakkad is open, and this reduces the difference. Now, if we compare with the closed and open sundara, the difference between the sky and the earth will be clear.

[@komasaeufer]

Does that listening test even make sense? It's just two microphones recording the sound, I don't get how that's supposed to help me. You need to wear open and closed headphones to hear the difference imo. No way to somehow reproduce that difference.

[@djashjones]

I made the mistake of using open backed headphones when I game. I still can hear my misses shouting at me!

[@jamestheradioman]

🤣

[@SolSeal]

Out of curiosity… what was the music you used? 😊

[@AudioUniversity]

Leave Me With Something - The New Fools (from Epidemic Sound)

[@rexwine]

Are you doing anything in particular for the sound quality for your youtube video?

[@silkroad1201]

(bare)dynamic dammit. Bear!

[@sharg0]

Why not have HQ uncompressed sound-files with the examples available in your article? This is something that perplexes me, people that have insight in audio but still serves "examples" via YTs filtering only instead of supplying complementary files.

[@AudioUniversity]

The challenge is finding high-quality files that will not cause copyright problems.

[@sharg0]

@@AudioUniversity You're an audio and music guy, create your own reference files! Vocal part, a couple of acoustic, some electronic and some distorted guitars to finish off. The important isn't the music but that everyone can compare with the same base. Perhaps set them as free for others to use as long as they state the origin with hope of getting a "universal" source for comparison.

[@borisdorofeev5602]

Why don't they just make and offer all high-quality headphones as hybrids? Or sell the base frame set as "open-back" with additional installable back pads/panels which clip or fit into the frame, for which they can charge $20-$30 more as you would with a SSD with/without an optional heatsink. To multiply profits, you can sell panels of various width which go all the way up to "noise-cancelling". You're paying over a couple hundred bucks for really high-quality headphones, an option as simple to add as this should be a no-brainer for companies. That's pretty strange.

[@godsinbox]

Bio dynamic. Ok

[@enyol]

open way to better sound

[@anindyapoetri]

I came here just because I saw your handsome face 😄

[@damienhenderson563]

does it really matter if you use open back or closed back headphones 🎧 I will use them on train watching movies general usage.

[@andx4024]

2 9a1rs

[@TytoMobile]

Listening on multi-BAD IEMs doesn't give a great picture of the difference lol

[@Wargwarn]

You can’t listen to headphones through other headphones or speakers. Wtf you doing 😂

[@stevehaddon151]

Open backed akg702s for recording, mixing and as reference when mastering. I prefer the soundscape offered to be far superior abd that includes bass heavy tracks. If you can get the bass sounding good in headogones it generally translates well to big rigs.