Headphones buying guide for audiophiles, recording engineers, music producers, and music lovers. recording We take a look at the different types of headphones, some are built for the recording studio, while some are useful for silent practice or for listening to music. Also, find reviews of the best studio headphones & in-ear monitors.
Introduction to Headphones
Guide to Headphones: Things To Consider When Shopping
You may be surprised to find that they are so many different types and styles of headphones to choose from. Today headphones have become a very specialized item. They also vary widely not only in style but in price as well. You can get a pair of earbuds that cost anywhere from a few dollars all the way up to a few hundred dollars.
Besides earbuds there are also surround sound, noise canceling, closed back, open back, around the neck, on the ear and over the ear headphones.
The ones used in the recording studio are flat (add no color to the sound), whereas the ones used for enjoying music and for practicing your instruments do add color to the music (they try to make the music sound better).
Types of Headphones
There are several options when it comes to picking up a new set of headphones.
- Full Size: These are large in size and sit around the ear. Some of the best headphones are full sized.
- In Ear: In ear headphones provide better isolation that most other types.
- Earpad: Earpad headphones are one of the most common headphone types.
- Closed: Closed headphones are comfortable and isolate you from outside noise; read our top choices.
- Headset: This is the type that you should ideally use when you want to listen as well as talk.
- Noise Cancelling: Best for travelers who can now cut out external noise with these fine headphones.
- Wireless For free-range listening, get rid of the tether.
- Balanced: The pinnacle of headphone listening.
- Earbuds: Earbuds are convenient and inexpensive, but sound okay.
- Behind the Neck: Make room for something else at the top of your head with these behind-the-neck headphones.
- Clip-On These ones clip to your ears.
So you get Headphones in various types, such as: In-Ear, On-Ear, Semi-Open, Closed Back, Foldable, for iPhone, gaming, noise cancelling and wireless Headphones, and pro DJ / Studio headphones.
Over-the-ears headphones can further be divided into Closed-back and Open-back headphones:
- Closed-back headphones have a solid outer shell, and provide excellent noise isolation.
- Open-back headphones have openings (perforations, grills, etc.) in the ear-caps, allowing and sound to pass in and out of the headphone cups. So you can potentially hearing the sounds from the surrounding, and even the audio from the headphones can be heard by those nearby.
Use caution, use only when needed
Though it is said that hearing music on headphones at very high volumes for several hours can cause hear damage, using it moderately and at comfortable volumes does not do any harm.
Nevertheless, it is a good practice to take a break every 45 minutes or so and give some rest to your ears before you start playing the piano again. Unless you buy one of those high end studio headphones, it is better to stick to around couple of hours (max.) usage daily.
Hearing can also be damaged by playing loud sound/music for longer periods. So make sure you set the volume at reasonable levels.
Understanding the Technical Aspects
Here’s a bit about the technical aspects of headphones.
Noise Isolation vs Noise Cancellation
But then how different it is from a or noise-canceling one?
Sound isolating earphones physically blocks the background noise. These are usually multi-purpose and can be used for your keyboards, for listening to music, and so on. For most general purpose, these can be used.
Noise cancellation headphones, on the other hand, are specialized equipment, mostly used by studio engineers, to negate selected frequencies. In a recording studio, even when the basic structure of the song is finalized, recording artists and music producers put in a lot of hard work trying to perfect the recorded sound.
With ordinary headphones, you cannot accurately hear the bass, the details, and the dynamics of the recorded sound. That is where a noise-canceling headphone helps you to reduce noise and they also provide clear music with powered isolation.
All About Impedance
If you do some search on headphones, you may come across terms like “high impedance” and “low impedance” headphones. Stated simply, the “low impedance” headphones are to be used with low-voltage audio source, say an portable mp3 player. Now they may work perfectly with an entry level music keyboard but if you have a top level piano keyboard or intend to use it with a powerful audio source, “high impedance” audiophones will work better.
Just for reference sake, most apple earphones that are used with ipods are around 23 ohms. Some of the the better studio phones, especially the Audio-Technica are around 38 ohms. You even get earphones with even higher impedance – Sony MDR headphones are 63 ohms and you will find them in use in most studios.
That should also explain why some of the best headphones sound dull and muffled with cheap digital keyboards and pianos.
Headphones vs. Monitors
When it comes to monitoring, there are several advantages to using studio monitors. With headphones, it can get a bit difficult to get an idea of how it all sounds in a typical reflective room, and they are rarely as flat in frequency response compared to good studio monitors.
Most budget headphones are also usually unable to convey the high frequencies quite right, and the bass is also a bit less full. Besides, many find it a lot easier to work with speakers, as opposed to headphones.
So, even though headphones will be more cost-effective, at some point in time you should consider getting a quality set of monitors. However, for amateur music producers, even headphones would do just fine.
When shopping for headphones, you’ll notice models that say “extra bass” or “live sound”, which means they are designed to reproduce certain frequencies (bass, treble, mids) better than others, much like most of our home entertainment amps & speakers.
However, for mixing/monitoring, it’s always better to get “flat” speakers/headphones, something that doesn’t focus on any certain frequencies.
Sound Isolation is Important
In a recording studio, it is important to hear the greater details of the various tracks/mix, especially at a lower volume; and this is achieved by sound isolation headphones.
General-purpose headphones, on the other hand, are intended for casual listening and do not give you complete sound isolation.
Listening at comparatively lower-volume is always good because it means your ears don’t get fatigued over extended periods. Besides, it is much safer for your ears than turning up the volume to overcome the background noise.
And it is not that sound isolating earphones are used only in studios; the way these are built they can be used while travelling, exercising, and even studying if you like listening to soft music while reading.
Isolation vs Noise Cancellation
Noise isolation is actually different from noise cancellation.
Noise cancellation headphones are usually used by sound engineers for specific purposes, especially to negate selected frequencies; but then it may introduce certain coloration into the resulting audio.
These headphones are generally larger and are powered by batteries.
Sound isolating earphones on the other hand physically blocks the background noise, and for that purpose, these are recommended over most noise cancellation earphones.
Top Headphone Brands
Here we have listed the top headphone brands based on customer feedback, expert reviews, and overall product quality.
Sennheiser
Founded in 1945, German audio equipment manufacturer Sennheiser is well known for its headphones and microphones. They make a wide range of headphones (low-end to high-end) catering to different kinds of users – recording artists, disc jockeys, musicians, gamers and music lovers.
Checkout Sennheiser Headphones here.
Audio-Technica
Founded in 1962, Audio-Technica is a very popular audio equipment manufacturer, with an impressive track record when it comes to selling headphones. Audio-Technica offers a wide selection of budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end headphones, catering to professionals as well as consumers.
Checkout Audio-Technica Headphones here.
Beyerdynamic
Founded in 1942 in Berlin, Germany, Beyerdynamic is among the oldest audio companies in the world (along with Shure and RG Jones Sound Engineering.) The company is named after electrical engineer Eugen Beyer, who started this company in Berlin in 1924 to build cinema speakers. Most of their premium headphones and microphones are carefully handcrafted in Germany. Today, Beyerdynamic is synonymous with a wide range of professional audio products; besides, beyerdynamic conference technology can be found in conference centres all over the world.
Beyerdynamic produces some of the best headphones in the world – high fidelity headphones, in-ear headphones, studio headphones, DJ and mobile headphones suitable for professional studio or stage application, or for high-end music listening at home. Beyerdynamic headphones deliver clear, crisp and a wide frequency response range, and are sturdy & comfortable to wear as well. Beyerdynamic headphones have a superb sound quality and excellent build quality; they are also quite expensive.
Shure
Known for its quality mics, Shure also produces premium quality headphones for sound engineers, disc jockeys, and music lovers. When it comes to sound quality, Shure is a popular choice among audiophiles.
AKG
Vienna based AKG manufactures audio equipment (headphones, mics, wireless audio systems, accessories) for both professional and personal use.
Founded in 1947, it was taken over by American company Harman International Industries; later Samsung bought over Harman in 2016.
There are several big recording studios that use AKG headphones for monitoring and playback; these are used in recording studios and broadcast facilities. In general, all musicians and audio engineers use these to listen to mixes and songs.
If you want to monitor your music comfortably in a noisy environment, or if you’re mixing in a club or just casually listening to music as you walk down the street, you have some good options from AKG.
AKG offers a wide selection of headphones ranging from budget-friendly to premium, with the AKG K702 being the perfect example of what the company has to offer. AKG is best known for producing excellent open-back headphones.
Sony
Sony offers a wide selection of headphones, for both audiophiles as well as casuals. Sony headphones look stylish and have excellent sound quality, but doesn’t offer a lot of premium models (such as the top-tier brands above).
Bose
Founded in 1964, Bose makes some excellent noise-canceling headphones and is the go-to brand for those working in aviation or aeronautics. However, Bose products can be expensive and many consumers don’t even consider the brand because of this reputation.
Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones
Stylish, elegant headphones with powerful sound and audio technology. Beats by Dre Headphones are used by professional musicians for their incredible sound and legendary styling.
Available in black and white colors, these headphones look stylish and do not feel overly indulgent. Along with the headphones, you get a rugged carrying case, instruction manual and two different cords.
If you are a producer of hip hop and rap beats, you’ll definitely need a good pair of earphones. Beats by Dr. Dre Mixr are more of DJ headphones and also good for creating Hip Hop and Rap Beats.
This is a cool piece of gear that you’ll require for making beats — whether it’s RnB, hip hop, rap, funk or soul (or trap beats).
The good thing about these headphones is that they have lesser bass, and cleaner sound compared to the others in this price band. They are soft on the ears, no muddy bass, can swivel like the pros, and look stylish.
Buy Beats by Dre Headphones on Amazon
Buying Headphones: Factors to Consider
Factors to consider before making a purchase:
First is what will be the typical use, for instance, if you’re going to be primarily listening to music when you work out then and earbuds may be the best type to choose.
If you’re listening is going to be primarily through a high-end stereo system then a over-the-ear type would probably be your best choice.
You also get amplifiers that are specifically designed for use with headphones. It boosts the signal that goes to the speakers in the ear cups which causes the two and makes it possible to deliver a wider spectrum of sound.
In case, your listening device has a low-quality soundcard as some computers do, a headphone amp will also accentuate the poor sounding music as well is the good. To achieve the best quality listening experience is important that each piece of equipment in the sound chain is better than average standards.
In-Ear vs Over-Ear Headphones
There are lots of musicians/enthusiasts who prefer listening to music using “in-ear”, but when it comes to recording, they use “over-ear” as it gives more clarity and blocks out any background noise.
Noise canceling headphones are probably the healthiest for your ears. This is because they block out outside noise allowing you to hear what you’re listening to at lower volumes. This of course is much better for your ears.
There are two types of noise canceling headphones the first type uses what’s known as a ‘passive noise cancellation’ and the second type incorporates a function called an ‘active noise cancellation’. Active noise cancellation requires the headphones to have an additional power source which is usually powered by batteries.
Active noise cancellation is achieved by using tiny microphones mounted on the headphones themselves that pick up outside noise and play it through the headphones in an anti-phase matters thus canceling the frequencies that are emanating from outside the ear cups.
Passive noise cancellation is simply achieved by incorporating a closed back earcup and a snug fit over the ears.
A high quality set of the best headphones can increase your listening enjoyment tenfold. Remember to keep in mind three important facts when buying any type of portable listening device, they are comfort, primary use and of course sound quality.
Best Studio Headphones
Best studio headphones for recording.
Best headphones for digital pianos/keyboards.
Best DJ Headphones.
Wireless Headphones
Here’s a common scenario when listening to sound using headphones. The wire gets caught somewhere and the earbud tears or the wires break, and most of the time its painful as well.
Don’t you wish that you had a wireless one?
The good news is that nowadays wireless headphones are not only affordable, they are also smaller in size and barely noticeable. If you choose an earbud or canalbud style, nobody will even realize that you are listening to your favorite songs or radio station.
Some of the best brands that make these equipment include Sennheiser, Shure, and Koss.
They are also great in the car. If you’re driving down the highway and you get a call on your cell phone, you can easily answer those calls using this hands-free option and still keep both your hands on the steering wheel.
These are also useful in an office setting where the secretary has to walk around (perhaps delivering the mail) while still being able to answer the phone. These hook over the ear and a small microphone reaches to their cheek, which can pick up their conversation.
For those who love to listen to music and want a better quality sound, a circumaural headphone (preferably with an amplifier) is a real good choice.
Overall, wireless headphones offer a perfect combination of convenience and quality for listening to music or for having conversations; just remember to keep the volume down a little when hearing.
Are Earbuds Harmful for Ears?
Impact of various earbud headphones on the ears of iPod and MP3 music listeners, as researched by an audiologist and professor. Noise Canceling Headphones seems to be the recommendation.
Turn ’em down and turn ’em off. That’s the advice of Dean Garstecki, a Northwestern University audiologist and professor when it comes to using those ever-present earbuds favored by iPod and MP3 music listeners everywhere.
In the 1980s, audiologists began cautioning lovers of loud music about hearing loss that could potentially result from use of their Walkman or portable compact disc (CD) players when those devices were on the cutting edge of music listening. With iPods the hot holiday gift for music lovers of all ages, Garstecki is encouraging safer use of the popular music listening devices.
“We’re seeing the kind of hearing loss in younger people typically found in aging adults. Unfortunately, the earbuds preferred by music listeners are even more likely to cause hearing loss than the muff-type earphones that were associated with the older devices,” Garstecki said.
Not only are earbuds placed directly into the ear, they can boost the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels. “That’s the difference in intensity between the sound made by a vacuum cleaner and the sound of a motorcycle engine,” said Garstecki, professor and chair in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
In addition to the more intense sound signal, today’s music listening devices — with their longer battery life and their capacity to hold and conveniently play lots of music — also encourage users to listen for longer periods of time than did the older portable devices. That, too, increases the potential for hearing damage, according to Garstecki.
“I have an audiologist friend at Witchita State University who actually pulls off earphones of students he sees and, in the interest of science, asks if he can measure the output of the signal going into their heads,” said Garstecki. He found that often students were listening at 110 to 120 decibels.
“That’s a sound level that’s equivalent to the measures that are made at rock concerts,” said Garstecki, chairman of Northwestern’s communication sciences and disorders department. “And it’s enough to cause hearing loss after only about an hour and 15 minutes.”
The solution, according to Garstecki, is the 60 percent/60 minute rule. He and other hearing specialists recommend using the MP3 devices, including iPods, for no more than about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume. “If music listeners are willing to turn the volume down further still and use different headphones, they can increase the amount of time that they can safely listen,” Garstecki added.
To avoid sustaining permanent hearing loss in the middle ranges –the range required to hear conversation in a noisy restaurant, for example — Garstecki recommends the use of older style, larger headphones that rest over the ear opening.
Another option is the use of noise-canceling headphones. “Unlike earbuds, noise-canceling headphones quiet or eliminate background noise. That means listeners don’t feel the need to crank up the volume so high as to damage their hearing,” Garstecki said.
“The problem is noise-canceling headphones are more costly and more visible than the tiny earbuds. For image-conscious teenagers and adults, they may be a hard sell.”
Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051216191834.htm
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