Best Of 2020 // Professional Studio Headphones For Producers
If you are looking for professional studio headphones for music production we have prepared this article featuring some of the best professional headphones releases this year by companies like Audio Technica, Austrian Audio, Kawai, Korg, Mackie, Dan Clark Audio, just to name a few.
Note that this list is still in work as new headphones are released. If you are looking to buy new studio headphones for your musical production works, we hope you will find this list useful.
Korg NC-Q1 – Active Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
Music equipment maker Korg has released the NC-Q1 Closed Dynamic Bluetooth Headphones, which has an active noise reduction system, built-in microphone, and offers high-quality sound with low distortion.
Korg NC-Q1 are full-sized wireless headphones that are designed for monitoring in studios and live concerts. The model supports audio transmission via Bluetooth and can work with the most popular codecs (aptX, AAC, SBC, etc.). It features an automatic noise reduction technology, which is able to adapt to the level of external noise.
In addition, the NC-Q1 has a built-in equalizer with a set of presets and a channel separation function, thanks to which it is possible to send the sound of the external environment to one of the channels and the audio signal from the source to another.
The headphones also have a set of standard controls for stop/play songs and allow you to directly call voice assistants from your smartphone. The battery of the model provides up to 36 hours of battery life.
Mackie MC-350 – Closed Studio Headphones
Mackie has announced the expansion of its MC studio line of headphones with two new models. The updated series includes closed MC-150, MC-250, MC-350, and open headphones MC-450 (presented below).
Mackie MC-350 are versatile headphones with a closed type of design, which are designed for monitoring during recording and critical listening to music. The model offers high-quality sound with a good level of sound insulation and is equipped with dynamic 50 mm emitters, the frequency range of which is 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
The impedance of the MC-350 is small – 32 ohms, which makes it possible to connect to any playback devices. The headband of the headphones has a leather trim, and the ear pads are made of soft, dense material. The weight of the model is 370 g.
Mackie MC-450 – Open Studio Headphones
The flagship of the updated line is the open MC-450, which can be used to work with music and offer balanced sound with a high level of detail.
Mackie MC-450 is equipped with dynamic 42 mm emitters, providing a range of reproducible frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The impedance of the new product is 54 ohms, which allows you to use headphones with most sound sources. Sensitivity – 101 dB.
MC-450, according to the developers, have a comfortable fit with a high level of comfort, which makes it possible to use during long music sessions. The headband of the model is trimmed with leather, and the ear pads are made of foam material with a memory effect. The weight of the headphones is small: 350 g.
Austrian Audio Hi-X50 – Closed Headphones Design
At NAMM 2020, the company introduced Hi-X50 studio headphones that offer good sound insulation and high-quality sound. Austrian Audio Hi-X50 are folding headphones with a closed type of design, which are equipped with dynamic 44 mm emitters with a frequency range from 5 Hz to 28 kHz. The model is designed to solve a wide range of problems and can be used both for monitoring / working with sound and for ordinary listening.
The impedance level is only 25 ohms, so the headphones can be used with any playback devices. The Hi-X50 has a well-built construction with metal inserts and ear pads made of foam material with a memory effect. Together with the model, a detachable cable of 3 meters and a cover are included.
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2 – Closed Headphones
The American company Dan Clark Audio has released Aeon Flow 2 Closed folding planar-magnetic headphones. Like the open version, the model is based on Mr. Speakers Aeon Flow headphones and differs from them in a number of improvements.
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2 Closed is equipped with a new magnetic system based on the flagship Ether 2 technology, which significantly improves the dynamics and detail of the sound. Compared to the original, the weight of the headphones became slightly less (327 grams), carbon fiber and processed aluminum materials were used.
Aeon’s impedance is 13 ohms (92 dB sensitivity), making it possible to use headphones with any playback devices. The model comes with a case for storage and carrying. When buying, there are options for choosing a cable with the required type of connector (XLR or TRS). The cost of Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2 Closed in stores is $ 900.
Kawai SH-9 – Headphones For Practicing Digital Piano
SH-9 was developed by Kawai in collaboration with Audio-Technica and, as the developer assures, optimized specifically for the sound of a digital piano, have a half-open design and soft stuffed ear cushions for a comfortable fit. These can reduce fatigue when playing the piano with headphones and play for up to several hours.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 16 OHM – Professional Headphones For Mobile Devices
The DT 770 PRO 16 OHM is a professional closed-type headphone designed for use with mobile devices, while preserving all the qualities of the DT 770 PRO, such as a comfortable fit and good sound quality.
Version 16 OHM, according to Beyerdynamic, allows you to get studio headphones on the go with low power consumption, which makes them a very flexible and economical tool. The price of the device is € 122.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x – Entry-Level Professional Headphones
The ATH-M20x is a closed monitor headphone focused on the average user and the entry-level studio. This model is equipped with 40 mm drivers with a playback range from 15 Hz to 20 kHz, soft ear pads, and an artificial leather headband for ease of use and a three-meter cable. The main advantage of the model is a good sound, with some reservations suitable for professional use. Available at a price of € 45.
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I hope this list will help you choose the right studio headphones for you. What headphones do you use? Do you intend to buy new headphones soon? Leave us a comment below.
