Headphones come in many different types – for professionals in the recording
studio, for enjoying music at home, or on the go. To help you make the right
choice, here is an overview of the key differences and use cases. Use the
following jump links to go directly to the topic of your choice:
Studio Headphones for Professional Recording
If you work in professional music production, a
studio headphone
is the ideal tool for mixing and mastering. These models offer a
flat frequency response, meaning the sound is reproduced
without boosted bass, mids, or highs, in its pure form.
This allows sound engineers to hear exactly what they are recording or
mixing.
HiFi Headphones Deliver the Ultimate Listening Experience
HiFi (High Fidelity) refers to high-quality sound reproduction. Accordingly,
HiFi headphones
are primarily designed for enjoying music at home or on the go.
Unlike studio headphones, HiFi headphones may emphasize certain
sound characteristics to create a more immersive listening
experience.
Open or Closed Headphones?
An important decision when buying headphones: Should you choose
open or closed headphones? Both designs differ
significantly in sound character and application.
Open Headphones
The backs of
open headphones
are not fully sealed. Air and sound can pass through grills or vents.
Advantage: a more natural sound quality. Disadvantage:
less isolation from ambient noise – and the sound also leaks outward.
Closed Headphones
Closed headphones
feature sealed ear cups that prevent sound from escaping or entering.
They are ideal for the recording studio or DJ use.
In addition, they tend to deliver stronger bass frequencies
and create a more intimate soundstage.
Semi-Open Headphones
A middle ground is offered by semi-open headphones.
They combine the benefits of both designs: open sound with a certain
degree of isolation. However, they isolate less than closed models while
allowing fewer external sounds than fully open headphones.
The choice depends on your personal preferences and intended use.
Open models are great for natural listening, while closed models excel at
isolation. Test listening is highly recommended when choosing the right
headphones.
Headphone Accessories
To enhance your listening experience and extend the life of your headphones,
a wide range of
accessories and spare parts
is available.
Examples include ear pads or headbands, which maintain
comfort and sound quality but may wear out over time. Also,
replacement or adapter cables
are practical if the original cable is damaged or a different connector
is required.