Studio Headphones: Your Key to Pro Audio Quality
With a quality set of studio headphones, you can immerse yourself in your favourite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks undisturbed, no matter how loud your surroundings. Studio headphones are also, by design, perfectly suited for professional audio production, delivering the clarity and precision required for meticulous sound editing and mixing tasks. If you need gear for vocal tracking and recording, our closed studio monitor headphones offer the highest quality isolation, and our open studio monitor headphones provide an expansive soundstage ideal for all manner of mixing and mastering tasks. Built to withstand the demands of touring and live performances, these models boast robust, long-lasting construction and components that are easily replaceable. From adjustable headbands for extended comfort during prolonged studio use, or rotating ear cups for DJs, all our headphones are designed with optimal functionality in mind.
Whether you’re a musician, a DJ, a sound engineer, or simply an audiophile seeking premium quality, Minidisc will have the headphones for you.
Normal Headphones Vs Studio Headphones
“Normal” headphones — ie. headphones that have been designed for everyday consumer use rather than professional audio use — are typically tuned to accentuate specific frequencies, catering to the listening preferences of casual listeners. While this may include features that can enrich the listening experience, such as enhanced bass and treble, this can prove a hindrance in the world of music production, where hearing every detail is crucial when making accurate adjustments to the mix. In home studios, it's common to use the same headphones for both recording and mixing. This has made studio headphones the preferred choice for people who work with recording studio equipment or any other manner of music production.
Role of Studio Headphones in Music Production
Studio headphones are the lifeblood of music production. They are indispensable for audio monitoring, providing accurate real-time feedback during recording sessions. Allowing for the critical listening that is needed for the fine-tuning of tracks, they also facilitate the important process of audio mixing and mastering. Studio headphones are just as vital for the editing princess, as they allow for the cleanup of recordings and precise editing through clear audio reproduction.
Main Features & Benefits of Studio Headphones
Noise Isolation: A critical feature in a pair of headphones, noise isolation pertains to the headphones' ability to confine the sound to your ears while blocking external noise from entering. In a studio setting, noise isolation enhances concentration on the audio by elimination external distractions. This improves sound quality, facilitating a truer representation of the piece being listened to.
Sonic Neutrality: Did you know that many headphones suffer from inadequate frequency response, leading to sound distortion and inaccuracy? Such issues are particularly detrimental in a studio environment, where they can undermine confidence in the work being produced. Quality studio headphones are designed with sonic neutrality; boasting superior frequency response, this ensures that you can listen to your audio in its purest form.
Frequency Response: Frequency response is designed to measure the range of audio frequencies the headphones can reproduce, affecting how well you hear bass, mids, and treble. A wider frequency response ensures a more detailed and balanced sound.
Durability: Durability ranks as a crucial attribute when selecting headphones, and fortunately, studio headphones are among the most robust options available. Originally crafted for the demands of producers, studio headphones are built to withstand extended use. Top-tier studio headphones prioritise comfort, featuring plush earpads and a gentle headband. Additionally, their wiring tends to be more resilient compared to other headphone varieties, further enhancing their lifespan.
Comfort: A key quality for any long listening session, headphone comfort is informed by the design of the earpads, headband, and the overall weight of the headphones. Comfortable headphones can significantly enhance the listening experience without causing fatigue.
Impedance: Impedance refers to the resistance the headphones provide to the electrical signal from the audio source. Lower impedance is suited for portable devices, while higher impedance requires more power, typically from professional audio equipment, for optimal performance.
Popular Studio Headphones Brands
Explore Mindisc’s selection of industry-recommended brands, including;
Audio Technica
Audio-Technica provided a diverse selection of headphones to accommodate various budgets and tastes. Renowned for their robustness and cost-effectiveness, Audio-Technica headphones are the choice of both music fans and professionals alike.
Beyerdynamic
A highly respected brand that’s been engineering high-quality headphones for many years now, Beyerdynamic headphones are renowned for their excellent noise isolation and their sturdy construction, making them an ideal choice for listening, mixing, and everything in between.
Sony
Sony has been a leading name in the sound game for decades, and for a very good reason; known for their dependability and cost-efficiency, they also produce headphones that are excellent for audio-mixing.
Audeze
One of the most prestigious manufacturers of headphones, Audeze first made its mark in the professional audio scene with the introduction of the LCD-X model, featuring planar-magnetic technology. They’ve been consistently innovating ever since.
Koss
Koss was established as early as 1958; their initial innovation was a portable stereo phonograph with side-wing speakers. Several decades on, and Koss continues to reinvent the wheel, providing classic designs decked out with constantly updated tech.
Top Studio Headphones by Minidisc
Audeze MM-100 Pro Planar Magnetic Headphones
Industry professionals around the world have long known of the many benefits of the acclaimed Audeze headphone brand. The MM-100 model can now let you bring that professional sound quality into the studio or the home. These headphones boast planar magnetic drivers engineered for precise sound and minimal distortion, setting a new standard for audio quality. Equipped with Audeze's exclusive waveguides, magnet arrays, and diaphragms, the MM-100 elevates audio performance to new heights. Designed with your comfort in mind, the MM-100 ensures ease during extended listening sessions. Experience the plush feel of gel-filled leather earpads and an adjustable suspension strap designed for lightweight, long-lasting comfort. The MM-100's design accommodates your workflow seamlessly, featuring a single-sided cable that can attach to either earcup for maximum flexibility. It comes with a 6.35mm to 3.5mm cable adapter to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices, from laptops to professional audio equipment. For convenience during travel, the MM-100 can be folded flat and stored in the provided soft cover gig bag.
The MM-100 is built to withstand the demands of daily use, whether you're moving between studio sessions, classes, or live performances. Each pair is meticulously hand-assembled and inspected in Audeze's Southern California workshop, guaranteeing excellence. The lightweight, durable design incorporates aluminium yokes, magnesium grilles, and a spring-steel headband, promising longevity and performance.
Audio-Technica ATH-M60X On-Ear Headphones
ATH-M60x headphones are engineered for monitoring purposes, suitable for studio, broadcast, and mobile applications. Featuring the acclaimed 45mm drivers found in the iconic M50x, these headphones are designed in a compact, on-ear style that is both lightweight (200g without cable) and portable, perfect for on-the-go monitoring and prolonged studio sessions. They boast thick memory foam earpads for superior comfort and sound isolation, and a headband made of metal for enhanced durability. Tuned specifically for monitoring, the M60x delivers a sound profile with an extended frequency range in both bass and treble, allowing users to scrutinise their mixes for any inaccuracies or distortion. The Audio-Technica ATH-M60X On-Ear Headphones also come with a carrying pouch and three detachable cables: a 3.0m straight and a 1.2-3.0m coiled cable for studio needs, alongside a 1.2m straight cable for mobile use.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Closed Studio Headphones
A staple of sound studios all around the globe, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro studio headphones deliver a comfortable fit and precise sound, making them perfect for extended periods of monitoring, mixing, and vocal tracking where sound isolation is paramount. Their lightweight construction and spacious earcups contribute to its comfort. Additionally, the availability of replacement earpads and headband components ensures its longevity and suitability for long-term projects. Renowned for their reliability and precision (a result of their peak German engineering), the Beyerdynamic DT series headphones are a top choice for any and all studio use. The DT series is available in various impedance levels, affecting the required power for optimal volume. The choice of model may influence cable length and earpad type as well; selecting a model that matches your amplifier's capabilities is crucial for achieving the best sound quality and reducing amplifier distortion. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you wish to discuss which version would be best suited for your needs.
Sony MDR-Mv1 Open Studio Monitor Headphones
These professional open-back studio monitor headphones were designed for precision in frequency response, making them great for creating spatial and stereo audio content. Offering faithful sound reproduction over a broad frequency range, the Sony MDR-MV1 Open Source Monitor Headphones employ a signal processing that takes into account the HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) in order accurately recreate the sound field of spatial audio sources. An acoustic resistor is strategically placed to manage airflow around the driver unit efficiently, covering as much area as possible to prevent spatial resonances, leading to natural and deep bass sounds without undue coloration. Sony's extensive testing, involving simulations and prototypes, led to the development of a diaphragm that minimises distortion while being highly compliant, enhancing the diaphragm's shape and corrugation. Designed with the user's comfort in mind, the MDR-MV1 is lightweight and features a soft, stable fit, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged periods of wear, whether working in the studio or engaging in extended listening sessions. They come with a 6.3 mm stereo standard plug, commonly used in studio equipment, and includes an adapter for compatibility with 3.5 mm stereo mini jack devices. Its detachable cable connects securely via a screw system, ensuring a stable connection and easy cable replacement.
Koss Pro4s Studio Stereophone Headphone
With its superior sound quality and lightweight design, the Koss Pro4s is the perfect choice for those long listening sessions. These premium headphones feature versatile connectivity options, including dual-entry input and an optional pass-through mode. Specifically designed for studio use, the Pro 4S offers exceptional sound isolation and is equipped with the Koss SLX40 Element (40 mm) for precise audio reproduction. The Pro 4S excels in delivering an enriched listening experience over extended periods; its impressive sound isolation, coupled with a frequency response of 10 Hz – 25,000 Hz and 99 dB SPL, guarantees a high-quality music experience. Its black and grey ear cushions add a touch of style to the functionally, while its compact dimensions (9.25 in x 2.55in x 8.7in) make it conveniently portable, complete with a protective carrying case. The headphone features a detachable, dual-choice cable input, a 3.5mm plug, and a coiled cable with an average use length of 4.5 feet, ensuring efficient connectivity.
Conclusion
Minidisc's Studio Headphones are engineered for precise sound reproduction, catering to all your professional audio needs. Check out our studio & DJ headphone range here, or browse our other audio equipment here. If you need assistance with something and would like to speak to one of our friendly staff members, don’t be afraid to hit us up via the Minidisc contact us page, or give us a call on 1300 666 275.