Pick your headphones
Everyone talks about studio monitors, or asks about the best studio monitors for mixing and mastering. But when you're building a home studio, your headphones might be just as important, sometimes even more. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of studio headphones, what they’re actually designed for, and what we recommend at Neus based on your workflow and budget.
Because the truth is: there’s no “best” headphone.
There’s only the right one for what you’re doing.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back: What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of studio headphones. Neither is better than the other, they just serve different purposes.
Closed-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are built to prevent sound from leaking out, and to block outside noise from getting in. They’re the headphones artists wear in the vocal booth. Why? Because of something called bleeding (when the instrumental playing in the headphones leaks into the vocal mic and gets recorded), this is extremely common in home studio sessions.
Closed-back headphones minimize bleed and help the artist focus on their performance without distractions. However, here’s what many people don’t realize: Closed-back headphones are not ideal for mixing or mastering. Because of their sealed design, certain frequencies bounce around inside the ear cup. That can slightly exaggerate parts of the spectrum and mislead your ears during detailed mixing decisions. They can also cause listening fatigue during long sessions.
Open-Back (and Semi-Open) Headphones
Open-back headphones allow a small amount of air and sound to pass through the ear cups. That design creates a more natural, speaker-like listening experience and reduces ear fatigue. They’re ideal for:
Music Production
Beatmaking
Editing
Mixing
Mastering
Broadcasting
If you’re spending hours shaping sound, this design tends to feel more accurate and more comfortable.
Our Honest Recommendation
When it comes to professional studio headphones, three brands consistently show up at the top:
Audio-Technica
Sony
Beyerdynamic
Let’s keep it real.
🎧 Sony MDR-7506 (Closed-Back)
(imagen)
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional closed-back headphone, the Sony MDR-7506 is hard to beat. They’ve been an industry staple for decades. You’ll see them in major recording studios, film sets and live production environments. They’re durable, comfortable, portable, and surprisingly affordable for the level of clarity they deliver. If you’ve ever watched behind-the-scenes footage from a film shoot, chances are someone on set was wearing these. For recording vocals in your bedroom studio?
They’re a safe bet.
🎧 Beyerdynamic (Closed-Back Option for Higher-End Recording)
(imagen)
If you want something more premium for recording, models like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are excellent. They offer:
Strong isolation
Solid build quality
Comfortable fit for long sessions
Clear and detailed sound
They’re more expensive, but the quality justifies the price — especially if you’re serious about your recording setup.
A Note on Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica headphones are very popular, especially among DJs. But in our experience, some models feel slightly overhyped for the price point. Long sessions can become uncomfortable, and durability doesn’t always match competitors in the same range. That said, preferences vary. Always trust your ears.
Final Thoughts
Your headphones are not just an accessory.
They’re tools.
If you’re recording vocals → go closed-back.
If you’re producing and mixing → go open-back.
If you do both → consider owning one of each.
Build your setup intentionally.
Your ears are your most valuable asset.
We’d love to hear what you’re using in your home studio, drop your thoughts and favorite models below.
Mr. Neus
