How to Choose THE RIGHT Monitoring Headphones

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There are so many options for headphones out there, but if you are looking for studio monitoring headphones, what are your choices?
Also, what is the difference between earbuds, studio headphones, and normal listening headphones, like Beats?
I have all the answers here!
Some studio headphones that I recommend -
US Links -
AudioTechnica ATH M20x - amzn.to/3ikKSvu
Shure SRH440 - amzn.to/3BjQw9y
Shure SRH840 - amzn.to/36M9rfb
AudioTechnica ATH M50x - amzn.to/2VV5fb0
UK Links -
AudioTechnica ATH M20x - amzn.to/2VMG4XW
Shure SRH440 - amzn.to/3wOMC56
Shure SRH840 - amzn.to/3iqxWUz
AudioTechnica ATH M50x - amzn.to/2UfzQ2B
Canada Links -
AudioTechnica ATH M20x - amzn.to/3BqxmiH
Shure SRH440 - amzn.to/3ewF5S9
Shure SRH840 - amzn.to/3hTB50t
AudioTechnica ATH M50x - amzn.to/3iqy0Uj
My Instagram - @darkcornerstudios
My Twitter - @DarkCornerYT
TimeStamps -
00:00 Intro
00:37 Studio Vs Non-Studio
01:32 Studio Headphone Types
02:20 Type You Should Consider
02:38 What Kind of User Are You?
03:32 Build Quality Across The Price Ranges
04:00 Audio Quality
04:41 Comfort
05:34 Materials Matter
06:12 Features
07:34 How Much Should You Spend on Studio Headphones?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Gear -
Mics - RODE NT2A - amzn.to/2WWQTnn
- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/33kSBnq
Secondary Boom Arm - amzn.to/2WBhveB
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/2X3yTYi
Lenses - Canon 50mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2LxiI0k
Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok

[@alexkiddonen]

Great video. Very good points. The build quality and comfort are actually incredibly important

[@ChrisSchaffer]

I'm currently using a pair of Sennheiser HD 300 PROs - I've loved over the ear Sennheiser headphones because they actually are pretty guaranteed to be OVER my ears and have enough padding to not cause me headaches in combination with my glasses. I'm using them for all steps in any of my processes from monitoring to mastering, but, because they're closed back I also tend to relisten to anything I've produced on my regular system speakers. On the mastering side, I definitely need to up my game at some point, but because I record and master in the same room and may switch between recording and mastering shorter work segments I went with what was in my budget that felt like it would keep everything isolated from the mic while still being good enough for the level of mastering I'm capable of. Definitely going to be keeping an eye on the higher end Shure headphones for the day the Sennheiser pair start to wear out or I have an unexpected windfall and just have extra budget!

[@helmutczernik]

great video! i use old AKG K270 Studio Monitor with 600ohm selected membrans from the late 80'

[@caveman3703]

Thank you very clear explanation

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

For years I used the Sennheiser 280 Pro, good fit. Right side quit a while back, and the Newer Version wasn't as Comfortable. So I tried the Shure SRH840a and thought they were a bit tight between the Ears and the top of my Head. I returned them and tried the Shure SRH750DJ, Sounded good for Music, but after a couple of weeks they were Creaking a lot, so they went back. I then tried the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5, again very nice sounding, but the Ear Pads were not very comfortable when I was wearing my Glasses, and actually caused Pain to my Ear Lobes. so they went back. I was going to try the Shure SRH440A, as they were on sales, but found the SRH840A also $50 off. I retried the Shure SRH840A, they sound almost a Good as the Pioneers, but do fit around my Ears much better, and with a bit of repositioning of the Headband, I can wear them for hours on end.

[@i8twizlers]

Definitely gave me a direction with thought process for choosing a set for monitoring, feeling the SRH440 or the ATH-M40x, prolly over kill but they look more comfortable and the able to change the cord if needed, plus they are decent for mixing. 😊

[@shred5]

I bought the original model Audio Technica ATH-M50s in 2007 or 2008. The band and cups started to crack about 4 years ago and a few weeks ago I stepped on them and they initially survived, but the piece that holds the left side on broke a week ago. I'll probably buy another pair. They are very flat, with a slight drop off in lows but that makes them good for mixing too so the mix doesn't sound too bass heavy as it always does in headphones. I was thinking of trying the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro or the Shure SRH840A (until I saw how bright they are) but from everyone's tests, they were both a bit brigther.

[@dickginkowski6071]

This is an excellent summary! Admittedly, back in the day I was not high on using cans. We had nice Koss headphones but they were not terribly comfortable. When the Sony Walkman came out I noticed some pretty good sounding audio in the earbuds. Critical, no; decent, yes. Now I have an array of cans, including the Shure 840 and less expensive AT and Tascams. When I'm recording a podcast and phone interview on the Rodecaster Pro any of those will do but now that the Zoom P4 is my go-to podcast recorder...well...a $20 pair of Skull Candy or Sony earbuds works nicely (though I also have the Shure 215). As you note, most of what I am doing is monitoring to ensure that the caller or audio source is coming in at a good level and there are no unwanted sounds in the recording. With the P4 earbuds are an effective option -- and affordable. I use the more pricey ones on audio interfaces, of course, but the earbuds work just fine. (And the P4 may not be perfect but it does one Helluva job.)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Love the P4. For what that thing can do it is really well priced. In fact I believe most people who use the RCP could probably get by with the P4 and not a single person would notice

[@dickginkowski6071]

@@DarkCornerStudios Spot on! The P4 does about 85% of what the Rodecaster Pro does and is a little bigger than your hand. I'll ding it for poor battery life and the 10% price hike.

[@forfilmssakeUK]

Hey Dark Corner Studios, I plan to get a headphone for monitoring audio whilst recording video. I suppose I should be getting the M20x based on what you advised for 'monitoring' users? Cheers and take care.

[@brianpimental2948]

I will be using them for KZbin and voiceovers. What would you recommend?

[@CloD44]

I bought my Adam a7x monitor to mix and sometimes mastering , but sometimes I wanted something to critical listening and went with a semi open back headphone DT 1990 pro .. they sound great specially with the different analytical pads . I was still hearing some things that were off in the mids so I went and use my Sound ID software calibration and they had this models in their list to make them flatter in sound . After that I was able to hear better and reference the changes with my Adams … sometimes you need extra software to make the headphones sound better … great video 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

Adam are sick. Just heard them last night side by side with Yamala, JBL, M-Audio and Rokit. I might sell my Rokit 5 gen 4 to get Adam T5V or T7V They both sounded amazing. The T5V downright freakish for their size.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

I just wanna get the ones that would last me the longest :D Knowing the legendary durability of Shure mics, I tend to lean towards Shure headphones.. But I wanted to ask about the comfort. What would you recommend over the glasses? Looking at SHURE SRH840A at the moment.

[@EidosX_]

I just wanna say that was a fantastic video. Thanks!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks for watching!!

[@BinaryClay]

I am brand new in this game and I’m currently finding gear to use for creating KZbin videos. There is a lot to spend money on and I was considering whether My B&O H9i will work for studio use in wired mode? If not I’ll buy something recommended in the lower end price wise, but considering I have the H9i already I would love to get by with them if it makes any sense. And thanks for some great videos!

[@theaudioasylum4328]

Wow! What an awesome video. Thanks. I do voiceovers as well as syndicated-type radio show production & radio station imaging. I use the Shure 7506's. Being using them of decades & well, I just love them to pieces. Thanks again for another outstanding video. All the best to 'ya, potna!! :-)

[@Kriptonyan]

Shure or Sony's 7506? I'm not sure there are Shure headphones with that number...

[@theaudioasylum4328]

@@Kriptonyan Sony 7506. My bad!!

[@mikelisteral7863]

HEADPHONE industry is trash. you have a choice between extra bass crap or neutral with useless pads that dont seal

[@adambyrdmusic]

I have a pair of Bose wired earbuds which sound great. Would there be any difference in using them over traditional headphones to hear my vocal while connecting them to my focusrite solo?

[@elbeaver0]

I Love your analysis !

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks...glad you enjoy!

[@Horizonchronicles.]

Amazing video mate nice !!😊

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers! Glad you liked it!

[@hugosantos6099]

do you reckon i would be able to use a "not studio" headphones (sony wh 1000xm3) to record vocals and then get openback (sennheiser hd 560s) to mix and master? id definitely would like to try an open back but also definitely will need a close one to record vocals...

[@Bootrosgali]

840a , the update, is very nice indeed

[@NotAFanMan88]

I've probably gone as far as I need/want into the headphone game, using my Shure se846/Focal Clear for my two headphone scenarios. Very worth it.

[@mikelisteral7863]

HEADPHONE industry is trash. you have a choice between extra bass crap or neutral with useless pads that dont seal

[@fastmachinemedia]

Best phones for Voice acting & voice over work??

[@TheGeekGauntletPodcast]

I have the Rode NTH 100 and the Beyerdynamic 770 pro 80ohm. The Beyerdynamic is soo much better. Better sound and better comfort.

[@garrrbarr]

some qualities you didn't mention: how intense is the isolation provided? How hot do they make your ears? How echoey are they if they're closed back? Can they reproduce sounds "in your head" or does everything sound far away?

[@ApicalTrades]

Thank you so much for this amazing and easy to understand video. I have big ears and I need to get one that does not hurt my ears after using it for hours and hours. I did buy BOSE QC but the ear caps and ear pads are too small and they are on ear rather than over ear. I also bought several over ear headphone and they all do not cover my ears... My ears are 3.2inches in length and apparently there is no over the ear headphones for me LOL... If you know any over the ear headphones that can cover my ear size, I would highly appreciate it if you could please inform me, or better yet, do a video on it. Thank you so much and highly appreciated

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Beyerdynamic dt770 series have really big ear pads. They also come in different resistance....so if you don't have a strong enough interface...you can always get the 80 ohm version and they will work fine with almost any interface

[@seancloutier2577]

I want a small pair of in ear headphones....something small any suggestions

[@douglange6863]

Where's the Sony MDR-7506 in your list? I've had mine for almost 25 years. Also, have you ever worked with in-ear monitors, such as the Shure SE Series? I use them mostly for stage but I will use them when I'm curious about small details such as the crispy crunch of an SM58 vs a modded SM58 :-)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Good question. First off I always forget about the sonys...I use them at work all the time and I am rather dismissive of them...though they are a strong candidate. As for in ear...I would love to get into testing them. I will add it to the list!

[@GodOfMetal103]

i've got the sennheiser HD 25 70Ω and if i use these for to long they kill my ears, but they do the job

[@rossman265]

What do you think of Audio-Technica ATH-M50xDS Closed-Back Studio for recording guitar?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I love the ath series. They are fantastic

[@brian_bielanski]

Best bang for the buck in my opinion is the Sony MDR-7506. I've had a pair for more than 10 years and they keep on ticking. They sound great and add a pair of headphone softies to make for comfortable wearing all day long. I beat the crap out of these and never a problem. Just bought another pair for podcasting at home because I leave the old trusties at work now.

[@mikelisteral7863]

HEADPHONE industry is trash. you have a choice between extra bass crap or neutral with useless pads that dont seal

[@Barnsey87]

I have same experience with MDR 450s

[@martinkulik9466]

I bought bandwagons dt770 80ohm. terrible metallic harsh headphones… but everybody recommends them…

[@stevesmith7268]

I just acquired the dt 770 pro x. Decent, but not what I expected. Harsh is right. I prefer the Audio Technica sound.

[@stevesmith7268]

I just acquired the DT 770 Pro X. Decent, but not what I expected. Harsh is right. I prefer the Audio-Technica headphone sound

[@OurgasmComrade]

Honestly for those considering the ATH-M40x, drop it and go for the M50x and just use EQ to tame the bass to bring it closer to flat response. It's much better build quality and stereo imaging than the M40x which feels cheap and pretty terrible stereo imaging

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Taming the bass with EQ when using headphones for critical listening....completely misses the point. Unless you can put an inline eq in line in your master out... Which would still be subjective...and I don't know anyone that does that. If you are looking for perfect stereo imaging, you will be upping your price by a decent margin...probably well beyond the scope of this video...especially when looking for the flatest output

[@SianaGearz]

Spiky unpleasant highs and there's no real top end to speak of. Definitely not getting M50x myself, can't stand them. M40x are fine, i'm using them right now.

[@terraltheible]

I would really appreciate recommendations for a wide head, vast majority of headphones are too narrow, have too much clamping force for me. Budget is under $200.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I have a large head...I prefer the Shure line...srh440 Buying headphones is much like underwear...it can be tough...

[@matthaberek]

What headphones would you recommend for strictly JUST VOCALS tracking and recording vocals and mixing vocals with all your plugs in in your daw. All the music has been professionally been mastered and completed. I was looking at audio technica line up from the 20 to 40 or the seinheiser he 280s or beyerdyamic 240s though I hear the ear cups are too small. Yet I hear people say crazy stuff like bro just use your apple headphones 😂 someone wanna elaborate here pleassee

[@DarkCornerStudios]

All those are good...but if you want bigger cups...around the same price...the Beyerdynamic DT770s are nice for all that.

You suggested the audio Technica headphones to me so I bought them. You probably don't know this but you can't buy the amp needed for these things anymore and my Bose tonematch can't push them. On top of that they rub the top of my head because it is huge. They also don't cover the entirety of my ear I need a large headset with cans that cover my ears and are audible...

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Just looked up both...and there is no reason those headphones wouldnt work. As for the comfort...sorry about that...headphones are a bit personal...much like underwear.

[@jediisafella6262]

good video! I enjoyed the 2 random swoosh sound effects toward the end

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I had to remove some amazon price pics...apparently its a bit of a no no now... Forgot the wooshes... I was so clever in putting them in there too...sigh

[@andrewr4792]

The clamping pressure on the Audio Technicas was unbearable for me. I like the AKG K240 Headphones. They are cheap and sound great. I bought a pair of the Blue Mixer headphones with the built-in AMP, and they fit and feel great.

[@mikelisteral7863]

HEADPHONE industry is trash. you have a choice between extra bass crap or neutral with useless pads that dont seal

[@Eddylive]

Rode nth-100, what's your opinion?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I love them and they are my daily driver headphones

[@Eddylive]

@@DarkCornerStudios ok great cuz I don't know much about them but I bought a pair and have been using them for a week and they are fantastic!

[@koenignero]

Hi. If i produce content for people listening with iPhone Box Headphones. Why should I not wear them in the mix?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

They can't reproduce all of the frequencies that you require to properly mix. Now if you are just doing levels...that is fine. As soon as you dip into eq and compression....you may want to step up your headphone game

[@BojanBojovic]

As for the open back, critical listening reference headphones I would say that AKG 612 Pro and ATH R70X deliver outstanding results while the price is relatively affordable. AKG are dead flat, AudioTechnica almost the same just a little bit warmer. I bought ATH as I like the brand and AKG were not available at the moment of purchasing, but for 200 the 612 Pro are incredible value, while R70X are a little bit more expensive at 350.

[@mikelisteral7863]

HEADPHONE industry is trash. you have a choice between extra bass crap or neutral with useless pads that dont seal

[@BojanBojovic]

@@mikelisteral7863 Open back headphones do not seal, that is the point.

[@mikelisteral7863]

@@BojanBojovic point is the good headphones with the proper neutral sound signature all have shitty pads. and the ones with good pads are all extra bass crap

[@BojanBojovic]

@@mikelisteral7863 I understand what you are saying, but I do not agree. It is just your expectation. Open back cans are not supposed to suck to your head, that is the point in their sound signature.

[@mikelisteral7863]

@@BojanBojovic im not talking about open back.

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

$200 headphones won't necessarily sound better. I found M20X closer to the M50X in sound than the M30X and M40X. I may even prefer my Rockville M50 $50 headphones to my DT770 which lack bass and dynamics. The 280 Pro like the M40X have too much bass. At this point I like My Sony MDR 7506, ATH M50X, Rockville and the SRH 440 I just got in the mail. AKG 361 seems very good. As for spending more and getting better, that has no basis in reality. My Sennheiser 599 are muddy crap. The reason being, different drivers, different engineers and different balance. Listening side by side is the best way to pair the good with the bad. Using M50X and MDR 7506 as standards, I just compared about 15 headphones and as I said, the M20X had a better frequency balance than the M30 and 40s. Cant afford the HD 600. Was hoping Guitar Center had them for comparison but only up to HD 400 which did sound nice. I use Superlux 681 for vocal tracking because they have more clarity than anything I've ever heard. All the Superlux are good. Samson SR859 are not bad. I have some Sennheiser 560 on the way.

[@theway-backmusicmachinepod9953]

Such a subjective topic, isn't it? I started with a set of ATH MX-20s and they do a really good job on most applications. However, I ended up getting a pair of AKG K92s just because they're more comfortable. I use the AKG set for recording the podcast with my co-host, and the MX-20s for more detailed monitoring afterwards.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I never could get used to AKG headphones... Subjective indeed

[@theway-backmusicmachinepod9953]

@@DarkCornerStudios For sure. I find the MX-20s give a slight bit more detail, but I start getting a bit of a headache after 30-40 minutes with them.

[@dickginkowski6071]

@@DarkCornerStudios Ditto re: AKG. I kept worrying something would break.

[@BangsNaughtyBits]

Did you mean the ATH-M40fs? I love those. I slapped a pair of Wicked Cushins velour and have them connected to my primary interface. Like butter after hours... just with less of a greasy mess on my head. The ATH-M40x were the MOST UNCOMFORTABLE headphones I have ever worn out of the box. Immediately replaced their ear cups with some Brainwavez. !

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...I always forget they changed the name up along with their old cups. Those old cups were the best....for about 6 months...lol

[@TheHypeCom]

I agree, I was confused too at the beginning. The m40x are horrendous, even with a bad change the headband has like no padding and hurts after 30min for me.

[@jediisafella6262]

I am currently using the M40x's and I do actually enjoy them quite a bit, maybe that's just because I haven't tried the other options though.

[@BangsNaughtyBits]

@@jediisafella6262 They were painful for me out of the box but people have different head shapes and preferences. The replaced earcups were much more tolerable for me. !

[@jediisafella6262]

@@BangsNaughtyBits Yeah I might get some new pads. I don't actually have much of a problem with them but everyone is saying that Brainwavez and Wicked cushions are just much better so I would not be surprised if I liked them a lot.

[@mikelisteral7863]

HEADPHONE industry is trash. you have a choice between extra bass crap or neutral with useless pads that dont seal

[@horizen4461]

turn to Jesus Christ he loves all of us more than anything and he literally died for us. He took in the punishmrent for our sins thru on the cross. It wasn’t cuz we deserved it, but cuz he loved us. 1 John 4:10 “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” it was thru his love that he died for us and we can be forgiven

[@some______guy]

Lol

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I just saw this. Weirdest comment on a headphone video I've ever seen. I mean...Jesus would totally be an earbuds kinda guy

[@horizen4461]

@@DarkCornerStudios Maybe😂 I just keep that comment in my notes to copy and paste because everyone needs the gospel, even if 1000 people scroll right past it and 1 person gets saved it’s worth it

[@foxtrotindia8921]

@@DarkCornerStudios nice answer! I agree

[@stevesmith7268]

Um...this is not church dude. There's a place and a time.

[@LukeONYOURSELF]

[@anointgarcia]

IM THE RAPPER MONITER MIXER AND MASTERER