Headphones for tracking are essential tools for musicians and audio engineers, offering clear, accurate sound reproduction for precise monitoring during recording sessions. These headphones are designed to isolate the wearer from external noise, ensuring a focus on the audio being recorded. With features like comfort, durability, and flat frequency response, the “Best Headphones for Tracking” enable creators to make informed decisions about their mixes, capturing performances with utmost fidelity.
Best Headphones For Tracking Table
| Product Name | Frequency | Sensitivity | Driver Size & Magnetic Type | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OneOdio Headphones | 20Hz - 40kHz | 110 dB | 50mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
| Sony Headphones | 10Hz - 20kHz | 106 dB | 40mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
| Audio-Technica Headphones | 15Hz - 20kHz | 96 dB | 40mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
| Beyerdynamic Headphones | 5Hz - 35kHz | 96 dB | 45mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
| Philips Headphones | 6Hz - 35kHz | 101 dB | 50mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
| Samson Headphones | 10Hz - 30kHz | 98 dB | 50mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
| Sennheiser Consumer Audio Headphones | 18Hz - 20kHz | 120 dB | 40mm, Neodymium Magnet | Check On Amazon |
Best Headphones For Tracking Reviews
1. OneOdio Headphones
OneOdio headphones are designed with DJs, musicians, and avid music listeners in mind, offering superior sound quality, comfort, and durability at a cost-effective price. These headphones feature 50mm neodymium drivers that produce a full, detailed sound across all frequencies, from the deepest bass to the highest treble. The comfort is enhanced by soft ear pads and an adjustable headband, making them suitable for extended periods of use.
Constructed from durable materials, these headphones are built to withstand regular use. They offer flexible connectivity options, including both 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks, making them compatible with a wide range of devices. The ear cups can swivel 90°, which is particularly useful for DJs or anyone who prefers single-ear monitoring.
The foldable design of the headphones makes them easy to carry, ensuring your music can accompany you wherever you go. Ideal for use in the studio, on stage, or during leisure time, OneOdio headphones provide an exceptional listening experience that elevates every musical moment.
Best Features
- Crystal-clear audio from deep bass to sharp highs.
- Plush ear cushions and adjustable headband for extended use.
- Robust construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Interchangeable jacks for various devices.
Pros
- Superior sound quality for immersive listening.
- Extremely comfortable for extended wear.
- Sturdy and long-lasting materials.
- Easy connection to different devices.
Cons
- Difficulties with warranty claims and replacements.
2. Sony Headphones
The Sony MDR7506 headphones are highly regarded by musicians and audiophiles for their exceptional sound quality. Equipped with advanced technology, these headphones deliver crystal-clear audio, allowing listeners to hear every detail in their music. They also offer effective noise isolation, creating a private listening environment free from external disturbances.
Designed with comfort in mind, the MDR7506 features soft, cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. They are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
Sony enhances the user experience with a foldable design for easy transport and gold-plated connectors for a reliable, high-quality connection. Ideal for music production, listening, or any creative endeavor, the MDR7506 headphones provide a superior sound experience, underscoring Sony’s reputation for audio excellence.
Best Features
- Clear and detailed audio quality.
- Plush, padded ear cups for long hours.
- Reliable and sturdy construction.
- Blocks external noise for immersive listening.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and detail.
- Comfortable for extended wear.
- Long-lasting and reliable build.
- Provides a quiet listening environment.
Cons
- Limited durability with parts breaking easily.
3. Audio-Technica Headphones
Audio-Technica headphones are favored by music lovers, sound engineers, and audiophiles alike for their exceptional audio performance, comfort, and durability, all offered at a reasonable price. These headphones are equipped with 40mm drivers, featuring rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, which ensure every nuance of sound is captured clearly, from the crisp highs to the deep bass.
Their closed-ear design provides excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for use in both studio and live settings, allowing users to focus solely on their music without external interruptions. Designed for extended wear, these headphones boast soft padding and an adjustable headband for maximum comfort over long periods.
Constructed with high-quality materials, these headphones are built to withstand regular use, ensuring they remain a reliable part of your audio gear for years to come. The convenience of a single-side cable exit enhances the user experience by reducing cable clutter. Whether for professional use or personal enjoyment, Audio-Technica headphones offer a superior listening experience in a user-friendly and durable design.
Best Features
- Soft, padded ear cups and adjustable headband for extended wear.
- Crystal-clear sound reproduction for an immersive listening experience.
- High-quality materials for long-lasting use.
- Blocks external noise for focused listening.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable, even for long periods.
- Clear and immersive sound quality.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Great at blocking out surrounding noise.
Cons
- Poor build quality.
4. Beyerdynamic Headphones
The Beyerdynamic Over-Ear Studio Headphones are highly recommended for professionals, musicians, engineers, and avid music listeners due to their superior sound quality, comfort, and durability. Featuring an open-back design, these headphones deliver a spacious stereo image and detailed three-dimensional sound, making them ideal for music production tasks such as editing and mixing. With a 250 Ohm impedance, they are optimized for use with powerful amplifiers, ensuring clear, undistorted sound even at high volumes.
Designed for comfort, the headphones come with soft, padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. Constructed with premium materials, they are built to endure the rigors of daily use, ensuring they remain a dependable part of your audio setup.
These headphones offer the perfect blend of audio fidelity and wearing comfort, making them a trustworthy choice for both professional work and leisure listening.
Best Features
- Clear Sound Captures intricate music details.
- Soft, padded ear cups for extended use.
- Long-lasting construction for everyday wear.
- High Impedance provides powerful sound without distortion.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity for detailed music.
- Comfortable, even during long listening sessions.
- Sturdy build ensures longevity.
- Delivers powerful sound without losing quality.
Cons
- Higher price compared to other models.
5. Philips Headphones
The Philips Over-Ear Studio Headphones with Microphone cater to those in search of superior sound quality, comfort, and adaptability. Designed to enhance the audio experience for gamers, video creators, and audio professionals, these headphones feature a detachable microphone for clear communication during gaming sessions or calls. Equipped with 50mm drivers, they produce detailed sound, deep bass, and a balanced midrange to bring your games, music, and movies to life with exceptional clarity.
With an open-back design, these headphones offer a broad soundstage and natural sound reproduction. The ear cups are padded with breathable cushions, and the headband is adjustable, featuring numbered sizes for a personalized, comfortable fit suitable for long periods of use. They come with a 9.8-foot cable and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, ensuring compatibility across various devices, including gaming consoles, PCs, and professional audio equipment.
Overall, the Philips Over-Ear Studio Headphones deliver a high-quality audio experience, blending comfort and versatility. They are ideal for immersive gaming, effective communication, and comfortable, extended use.
Best Features
- Clear Sound with detailed stereo, crisp bass.
- Adjustable headband, breathable cushions.
- Versatile Usage for Gaming, content creation, audio work.
- Clear voice communication.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for immersive experience.
- Comfortable design for extended use.
- Versatile usage across different activities.
- Detachable microphone for clear communication.
Cons
- Issues related to the microphone.
6. Samson Headphones
The Samson Semi-Open-Back Headphones stand out for their excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability. These headphones are equipped with 50mm drivers that incorporate rare earth magnets, offering a wide frequency response and a broad dynamic range. This design allows users to enjoy clear music while remaining aware of their surroundings, making these headphones ideal for studio use where monitoring external sounds is necessary.
Featuring an over-ear, circumaural design with velour cushions, these headphones promise superior comfort for prolonged use. The headband automatically adjusts to the wearer’s head for a secure and personalized fit. Additionally, the package includes a 1/4″ stereo adapter, making these headphones compatible with a variety of audio devices.
Suitable for music production, gaming, or casual listening, the Samson Semi-Open-Back Headphones deliver high-quality sound reproduction and a wide dynamic range, catering to all your audio needs.
Best Features
- Captures every detail in music.
- Over-ear design with velour cushioning.
- Semi-Open Back balance between sound isolation and awareness.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for detailed music.
- Comfortable for extended use.
- Ideal for studios, balancing music and awareness.
Cons
- Limited noise isolation due to semi-open design.
7. Sennheiser Consumer Audio Headphones
The Sennheiser headphones offer an ideal mix of high-quality sound, affordability, and practicality, making them a top pick for anyone looking for great audio performance without a high cost. These headphones are engineered in Germany and equipped with 32mm, 18-ohm transducers that produce detailed and vibrant sound. The closed-back design and around-ear fit with specially designed ear pads significantly minimize background noise.
Ideal for use in noisy environments such as airplanes, trains, or busy offices, these headphones provide a quiet space for you to immerse in your music. They feature a convenient in-line smart remote with a single button, allowing you to control music playback and handle calls easily without needing to access your device directly.
Lightweight and foldable, with a detachable cable, these headphones are designed for easy portability. This design ensures that you can take them anywhere with ease, and cable replacement is straightforward in case of wear or damage.
Overall, the HD 400S headphones deliver an engaging listening experience with clear sound quality. They offer a tranquil audio environment, enabling uninterrupted enjoyment of your favorite tracks.
Best Features
- Balanced audio with extended bass.
- Closed-back design reduces ambient noise.
- One-button smart remote for music and calls.
- Lightweight, foldable, and detachable cable.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality and clarity.
- Effective reduction of ambient noise.
- Convenient in-line remote for easy control.
- Portable and easy to carry around.
Cons
- Some users said that they are not comfortable with the given earpads.
Buying Guide For The Best Headphones For Tracking
1. Type of Headphones
a. Over-ear
Why it Matters: Over-ear headphones enclose the entire ear, offering superior sound isolation and reducing leakage. This is particularly important in tracking to prevent the click track or backing track from bleeding into the microphone.
What to Look For
- Closed-Back Design: For maximum isolation, opt for closed-back over-ear headphones. These limit the escape of sound and block out ambient noise, allowing for a more focused recording environment.
- Comfort and Fit: Given the long hours spent in studio sessions, look for models with padded ear cups and adjustable headbands to minimize listener fatigue.
b. On-ear
Why it Matters: On-ear headphones rest directly on the outer ears. They offer a compromise between the bulkiness of over-ear headphones and the intimate fit of in-ear models, providing decent sound quality without completely isolating the listener from their environment.
What to Look For
- Breathability: On-ear headphones can become uncomfortable over long sessions, so seek out models with breathable materials to reduce heat and discomfort.
- Portability: These headphones are generally lighter and more compact than over-ear models, making them a good choice for tracking on the go or in less traditional settings.
c. In-ear
Why it Matters: In-ear headphones, or earbuds, fit directly into the ear canal, offering a level of isolation and direct sound delivery that can be ideal for detailed listening. While not traditionally used for tracking, they can be beneficial for musicians who need to hear themselves clearly without the bulk of larger headphones.
What to Look For
- Sound Isolation: Look for in-ear models with good seal tips that provide effective noise isolation, allowing for accurate monitoring of tracks without external interference.
- Comfort and Stability: Since these will be worn for extended periods, it’s essential to find in-ear headphones with multiple tip sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
2. Frequency Range
Why it Matters: The frequency range of headphones determines the breadth of sound that can be reproduced. A wider frequency range allows for a more detailed and expansive sound, capturing the full spectrum of high, mid, and low tones.
What to Look For
- Wide Frequency range: Look for headphones that offer a broad frequency range, typically between 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is the standard for hearing most sounds. Some models extend beyond this range, offering even greater detail in the highs and lows.
- Flat Response: For tracking, headphones with a flat frequency response are preferable. This means they don’t artificially boost or cut any frequencies, providing a true representation of the sound as it is recorded.
3. Sensitivity
Why it Matters: Sensitivity measures how efficiently headphones convert an electrical signal into an audible sound. It affects how loud your headphones can get and can be particularly important in a studio setting where precision listening at various volumes is required.
What to Look For
- High Sensitivity Rating: Headphones with a higher sensitivity rating (measured in decibels per milliwatt, dB/mW) will be louder at a given volume setting on your audio device. This is useful for tracking in environments where background noise cannot be completely eliminated.
- Balanced Sensitivity: However, extremely high sensitivity might not always be beneficial, as it can lead to ear fatigue during long sessions. Look for a balanced sensitivity level that allows for clear, loud listening without the risk of hearing damage.
4. Driver Size and Magnetic Type
Why it Matters: The driver in headphones is the component that converts the electrical signal into sound. The size and type of driver affect the sound quality, with larger drivers generally providing better bass response and overall sound clarity. The magnetic type used in the driver can also influence sound quality, with certain materials offering stronger magnetic fields and more precise sound reproduction.
What to Look For
- Larger Driver Size: Typically, look for drivers that are at least 40mm in diameter for better sound quality. Larger drivers can produce deeper bass and clearer highs.
- Neodymium Magnets: Headphones with drivers that use neodymium magnets are often lighter, more powerful, and provide a clearer, more detailed sound compared to those using other types of magnets.
5. Impedance
Why it Matters: Impedance measures the headphones’ resistance to the electrical signal. High-impedance headphones require more power to deliver high audio levels, which can result in cleaner, more detailed sound, especially in studio environments with dedicated amplification.
What to Look For
- Low to Medium Impedance for Versatility: Headphones with an impedance of around 32 ohms are well-suited for use with a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and laptops, without needing additional amplification.
- High Impedance for Professional Settings: For studio tracking, headphones with an impedance of over 100 ohms may be preferred when paired with professional audio equipment that can provide the necessary power.
6. Microphone Feature
Why it Matters: While not a primary concern for all tracking situations, headphones with a built-in microphone can offer added convenience for tasks that require vocal recording or communication with other artists and producers during a session.
What to Look For
- Built-in vs. Detachable Microphones: Consider whether a built-in microphone suffices for your needs or if a detachable model might offer more flexibility and higher quality. Detachable microphones can often be replaced or upgraded independently of the headphones.
7. Connectivity Technology
Why it Matters: The mode of connection between your headphones and audio device can affect the convenience of use, sound quality, and latency. Wired connections are traditional for tracking due to their reliability and minimal latency, while wireless technologies offer mobility and convenience at the potential cost of slight delays and compressed audio quality.
What to Look For
- Wired Connections: For zero-latency monitoring and uncompromised sound quality, look for headphones with a 3.5mm jack or quarter-inch plug. Ensure the cable is long enough for freedom of movement in the studio.
- Wireless Technology: If you prefer the flexibility of wireless, seek out headphones with the latest Bluetooth technology, ensuring they support aptX Low Latency codec to minimize delay during tracking.
Headphones – FAQs
Ans: “Tracking” is the recording phase of audio production. The best headphones for tracking/recording are ones that can give a performer clear audio while they are being recorded without that audio leaking into the microphone that is recording them.
Ans: For studio recording, musicians typically use closed-back headphones to prevent sound from feeding back into the microphones. However, for other studio applications like monitoring and mixing, open-back headphones are preferred due to their ability to create a better representation of three-dimensional sound.
Ans: IEMs are small and portable which makes them ideal for students, travelers, and those tight on space. They also tend to isolate ambient noise significantly better than headphones: this facilitates lower volume listening and protects listeners’ ears in the long run.
Ans: While they focus on accurate sound, they might lack the flat response needed for precise mixing. It’s recommended to use studio monitors alongside tracking headphones for mixing and mastering.
Ans: Headphones is a term used for a device that features two drivers connected by a headband and worn over the head. It’s also used as an umbrella term that encompasses all the other terms. Headsets are basically headphones with microphones. Earbuds are small devices which fit directly into the ear canal.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right headphones for tracking is crucial for a smooth recording and mixing process. It’s important to look at factors like the size of the drivers, impedance, sensitivity, and whether they come with a microphone, depending on what you need. By understanding these details, you can pick headphones that let you monitor audio accurately while recording. The right pair of headphones not only improves your work process but also helps you stay creative and produce quality sound without any issues.
