| Recording studio headphones of varying quality are | | | | the output from monitors rather than headphones. |
| available for vocalists and instrumental musicians to | | | | Any recording studio headphones you buy need to be |
| clearly hear themselves while they produce their best | | | | within your overall budget. They also need to be |
| performances. In addition, recording producers need a | | | | comfortable to wear because you and your musician |
| clear reproduction of sound to be able to effectively | | | | guests are likely to use them for long periods of time. |
| mix recordings. But what do you need to consider | | | | They should be padded well so that the sound |
| before purchasing recording studio headphones? | | | | produced via the headphones does not include sounds |
| First you need to be clear about why you need them. | | | | from elsewhere. This is especially important if they are |
| Do you only intend to use them to mix recordings or | | | | being used by a producer who is in the same room as |
| do you want your vocalists and musicians to hear | | | | the musicians. Similarly, performers using recording |
| themselves? If the headphones are for you alone then | | | | studio headphones should be able to concentrate on |
| go for the best you can afford. If they are for your | | | | the sounds emitted through the headphones rather |
| musician guests then ideally also provide them with | | | | than being distracted and disturbed by other external |
| great quality headphones. However, it rather depends | | | | sounds. |
| on how much your guests are likely to mistreat the | | | | You should expect your headphones to provide a true, |
| headphones and how much of your budget you are | | | | clean and flawless reproduction of sound. They should |
| prepared to put aside to replace any broken ones. If | | | | also have a good frequency range so that the bass |
| you are on a tight budget then either buy them some | | | | and treble responses provide an excellent sound |
| less expensive headphones or encourage your guests | | | | quality. Your headphones should be durable and light |
| to bring in their own recording studio headphones for | | | | weight. An adjustable headband is also particularly |
| their recording session. | | | | convenient. Headphones can be sealed cup or open |
| Wireless headphones are not recommended for | | | | ended but sealed is generally better for recording and |
| monitoring your recordings. Similarly noise cancelling | | | | monitoring purposes. Whatever your decision, it is |
| headphones are not generally endorsed - you need to | | | | recommended that you only go to well respected |
| know in detail exactly what is being recorded. Also the | | | | manufacturers when you want to purchase recording |
| majority of producers consider it sensible to mix using | | | | studio headphones. |