Studio headphones

Notes: Superb value for money with this hugely popular model from the ever-reliable Audio-Technica. A little smaller and a lot cheaper than the excellent M50X model, but with similarly clear, balanced performance.

Supplier's Notes:

The high-performance ATH-M40x professional headphones are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range.

Your studio experience is enhanced with superior sound isolation and swiveling earcups for convenient one-ear monitoring. Engineered with pro-grade materials and robust construction, the M40x excels in professional studio tracking and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring.

This product includes interchangeable coiled and straight cables, a carry pouch and a 1/4" jack adapter for universal compatibility.

Notes: There are lots of good reasons why these are some of the most popular studio headphones on the market. Clear sound, comfortable and good isolation. Perennial favourites from Japanese headphone specialists Audio-Technica.

Supplier's notes:
This is the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year.

The ATH-M50x features the same coveted sonic signature, now with refined earpads and detachable cables.

From large-aperture drivers to sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals.

This product includes interchangeable coiled and straight cables, a carry pouch and a 1/4" jack adapter for universal compatibility.

Notes: Modern classics. Open-backed design means they leak some sound but give a really clear impression of your music. Solid option for production work and mixing.

Supplier notes:
The DT 990 PRO is an open dynamic headphone for studio applications. Due to a weight reduction of the diaphragm an excellent sound reproduction quality is achieved. Its rugged design with a spring steel headband ensures a secure fit and withstands all demands. Soft headband and ear cushioning systems ensure a high comfort over long periods of time.

Beyerdynamic's DT PRO headphone series has it's roots in the early 1980s. Since then, millions of audio professionals from all parts of the world have become loyal users of beyerdynamic products. The series has been designed to cater for listening in a wide variety of environments, thanks to different headphone construction.

Notes: Classic closed-back headphones in a low-impedance version designed to play nicely with outputs on phones, laptops and interfaces. One of the best all-round options for production.

Supplier's notes:
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Headphones 80 Ohm are closed back dynamic headphones that use the same comfortable, sound isolating design as the 250 Ohm studio version, but with a lower resistance for general purpose and mobile applications. Because of the lower resistance, the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm headphones are louder and work on low power devices such as smart phones, MP3 player, laptops and bus powered interfaces. Therefore, if you are working in a loud environment or using a battery operated device, the Beyerdynamic DT 770Pro 80 Ohm headphones make the perfect choice of headphone.

When out and about, you really need to block as much ambient noise out as possible and a lot of headphones do this by clamping the ear-pads as tightly to your ears as possible and using materials that absorb a lot of sound. This produces two unwanted issues; discomfort, after prolonged use; and a loss of audio quality as sound being generated by the driver is absorbed by the cup. The DT 700 Pro series avoids this by using a clever bass reflex system and a large circumaural cup design with velour pads. Of course the real technology is in the transducer itself, which produces a nominal frequency response of 5Hz to 35kHz and a nominal SPL of 96dB, an exceptional performance.

Notes: For decades now, professional users all around the world have placed their trust in Beyerdynamic studio headphones. They remain the number one choice for music producers, sound technicians and broadcast users and are a firmly established piece of equipment in studios worldwide.

The DT 1990 PRO reference headphones combine these decades of expertise in headphone technology with the latest Tesla driver technology in an open-back design.

Thanks to its high-resolution and well-balanced sound the DT 1990 PRO sets new standards, not least in terms of design and workmanship.

Made in Germany:

As with all Beyerdynamic professional studio headphones, the DT 1990 PRO is also handcrafted in Germany. Backed by high-quality materials and meticulous workmanship, this high-end product is a long-term investment.

High-resolution sound:
Power and precision are critical requirements when it comes to sound reproduction. The efficiency of our latest Tesla driver technology is characterised by accurate resolution and high output power. Brilliant highs, a richly detailed midrange and precise bass combine to ensure sublime sound quality that is second to none.
Together with an ingenious open-back design, the high-resolution Tesla drivers ensure a wide, dynamic and extremely natural stereo image. Titanium-coated acoustic fabric and carefully selected precision-woven textiles round off the balanced sound quality.

Maximum wearing comfort:
The perfected design of the DT 1990 PRO combines innovation with decades of expertise in headphone technology. High-tech textiles and memory foam filled ear pads ensure exceptional wearing comfort. Headphones so comfortable you almost forget you are wearing them.

Open back design:
Natural and exceptionally spatial sound is achieved thanks to the open-back circumaural design. The optimised spatial sound reproduction makes the DT 1990 PRO headphones a reliable reference for mixing and mastering applications as well as for critical listening.

Two sound settings:
Choose between a well-balanced sound or analytical sound thanks to replaceable velour ear pads. Both ear pad variants are included to finish off this impeccable studio headphone package.

Durable construction:
The DT 1990 PRO is handcrafted in Germany. From a classy headband through to anodised aluminium yokes, these new studio headphones will impress with their exceptional craftsmanship and careful attention to quality and durability.

Technical data:
Transmission type: Wired
Nominal impedance headphones: 250 ohms
Weightheadphones without cable: 388 g
Headphone frequency response: 5-40,000Hz
Nominal sound pressure level: 102 dBSPL (1mW/500Hz)
Sound coupling to the ear: Circumaural (around the ear)
Cable & plug: 3-pin XLR plug, 6.35 mm (1/4") stereo jack plug, 3 m straight cable & 5 m coiled cable

Notes: Listen Professional circum-aural closed back headphones are the essential work tool for music production. Their tonal balance and precision in terms of audio spectrum make them perfect to evaluate the sound work quality. In addition, their comfort and accessories will make them very attractive for people travelling on business trips. The sound quality and the dynamics of these headphones are very surprising considering that this quality is usually found on more expensive items. The attention to detail of these headphones can be also shown thanks to the various patents and technologies which belong to Focal. Hence, a brand-new driver membrane was developed. The main goal was to propose a solution which would keep all the dynamics from the original track while reproducing accurately every single detail on the whole audio spectrum. Even if Listen Professional headphones are closed, they produce a very lively sound, giving the feeling of semi-open headphones while still providing the isolation of closed headphones.

Focal's core expertise:

The speaker driver has been given a 100% Mylar suspension, whereas the central dome is composed of a Mylar-titanium alloy to provide more rigidity and extended frequency response in the upper end of the spectrum. Thus, the moving part is extremely light, enabling the transducer to exceed 40kHz on a flat baffle. The reproduction of the bass and sub-bass registers also received a great deal of attention. The team of engineers managed to combine two factors which are hardly compatible: a tuning frequency which is as low as possible and extremely low distortion (0.3% at 1kHz - 100dB).

Ear cushions - the ideal acoustics:

The size of the ear cushions (height, width and depth) gives them a volume which makes it possible to achieve a great tonal balance. Microfiber provides a more linear bass response providing a better acoustic output, whereas the acoustic tissue, which is closer to the speaker driver, offers great absorption and linearity in the 3-9kHz register. The bass and lower mid-range sections benefit from remarkable tonal balance and excellent articulation: where compression and frequency response generally suffer on closed-back headphones.

For a frequent and intensive use:

Listen Professional is also equipped with a headband boasting a unique design to ensure comfort and durability. Its curve remains consistent, regardless of the shape or size of the user's head. Combined with the layer of silicone underneath the headband, this ensures that the weight is spread out evenly over the head, preventing the user from feeling any pressure in certain areas, which can be very uncomfortable during long working sessions. The horizontal and vertical rotation of the ear cups operate thanks to one single part: a joint integrated into each one. The ear cups also feature a black structured covering, making them resistant to impacts and scratching.

Provided Accessories:

Rigid carrying case. Thermoformed shell in the shape of the headphones. Can store one cable and an iLok key (not provided), all within its compact dimensions. Two OFC copper 24AWG cables with a very low resistance.

- 5m spiral for domestic use
- 1.2m cable fitted with a 3.5mm stereo jack connector
- 3.5mm and 6.35mm jack adapter

Notes: The MC series offers a versatile headphone with high performance 50mm Drivers, specifically designed for long term comfort for either studio or home use, with collapsible structure for simple transportation.

The MC-250 brings this series to new heights with a deeper 10Hz-20kHz frequency range, and 100dB sensitivity. Whilst still only carrying at 265g / 9.35. oz and with collapsible folding design, this edition is absolutely perfect for storage, and portability with ease. The MP-250 ensures punchy deep bass and precision-tuned highs to new degrees, ensuring the ultra-wide soundstage that your studio and home requires.

Notes: Whether you're referencing your mix in the studio or producing your next track, MC Series Headphones allow you to take the Mackie studio sound, trusted by artists around the world, wherever you go.

Whether you are tracking in the studio, mixing on your laptop, or even holding a boom on a set - having accurate, sturdy headphones are essential. Building on our studio monitor legacy, MC Series headphones offer the clarity and accuracy Mackie is known for in professional designs. All models feature large custom drivers for clear, distortion-free sound with ergonomic headbands and ear pads for hours of listening comfort in the studio or on the go.

Wear them all day- Nothing is worse than headphones that don't feel great to wear. With plush earpads and headbands, MC Series headphones keep you focused on your music.

Premium sound anywhere- When inspiration strikes, you can act on it, MC Series headphones feature durable, portable designs that aren't just made for the studio.

Your new studio standard- MC Series headphones are truly professional designs made to keep up with the demands of engineers, talent, and everywhere in between.

High-performance drivers- Custom-designed precision drivers are where it all starts. MC Series headphones use large drivers for the best possible headroom and bass response.

Notes: When you need to do serious work without bothering anyone in your living space and without being distracted by outside sound, choose PreSonus HD9 headphones. They're clean-sounding, extra-comfortable, and offer a broad, transparent frequency response that ensures accurate mixing.

The HD9's closed-back acoustic design provides superior listening isolation and reduces headphone bleed, so you hear nothing but music - and your housemates hear nothing at all.

The HD9's 45 mm dynamic, neodymium drivers and high-power handling (900 mW per channel into 40 ohms) deliver loud, clear, clean audio, minimizing listening fatigue. Best of all, its tailored frequency response extends all the way from 10 Hz to 26 kHz, with accurate bass response, enabling precise mixes.

The lightweight HD9 features an adjustable headband, cups that rotate 180 degrees on two axes, and comfortable, durable ear pads. The straight, ten-foot cable drops down one side so it doesn't get in your way. The result is a comfortable listening experience that you'll continue to enjoy during long sessions. And the HD9 is built tough so you can rely on it wherever your travels take you.

The PreSonus HD9's are an invaluable addition to your sonic toolbox. While there will always be a place in the studio for powerful and articulate studio monitors, fact is that more people are choosing portable, personal listening solutions nowadays. As trends in listening shift, it's wise for you to check your mixes on high-quality headphones as well as on your finely calibrated studio monitors. With the HD9's, you can rest assured that your mixes are translating well across myriad listening environments.

And with the HD9's combination of comfort, adjustability, sturdy construction, and acoustic isolation, you can mix better for longer.

Notes: Beautiful closed-back headphones from Sennheiser, ideal for critical listening and mix applications. Not the cheapest, but sound on par with much more expensive options.

Supplier's notes:
The newly developed HD 300 PRO delivers a neutral, high-resolution working sound. Its huge depth of detail passes through even in the loudest of environments. Irrespective of whether you are editing, playing or composing music, and regardless of whether you're behind a drum kit, at the mixing desk, in a live setting or in the studio, the HD 300 PRO provides the details that you need for making good decisions.

The HD 300 PRO works at the same level of precision that you apply to your production. To make this possible, we have pushed its acoustic properties to the boundaries of physics and recalculated them. Firstly, it's linear frequency response. It doesn't interpret, but rather ensures neutral transparency - the basis for good decisions. Its sound pattern remains delicate and precise in every application - across the entire spectrum.

Secondly, we have reduced distortion, wobbling motions and partial vibrations of the diaphragm to a minimum. Together with highly sensitive transducers, this construction guarantees powerful and distortion-free reproduction even at high sound pressure levels. Not to mention the recalculated air volumes in front of the ear. The HD 300 PRO gives the sound a remarkably natural, three-dimensional quality.

The design of the HD 300 PRO represents a smart combination of wearing comfort and ambient noise attenuation. Its circumaural, viscoelastic earpads can barely be felt even after several hours. And they provide reliable protection even against very loud ambient noise. To achieve this, we have designed the acoustic unit to be more isolated than a monitoring set has ever been. Even after sessions lasting several hours, you will detect only its sound - not its weight.

What's in the box?

1 x HD 300 PRO headphones
1 x Cable (1.5m with 3.5mm jack)
1 x 1/4" Adapter jack
1 x Quick start guide

Notes: Perennial favourite studio headphones from Sennheiser's extensive range. Closed-back design with an emphasis on isolation and comfort for long periods of use. Great all-rounders

Supplier notes:
The HD 280 Pro is Sennheiser's most significant closed, around-the-ear headphone to be introduced in years. Designed to exceed the demands of the professional environment, the HD 280 Pro boasts extremely robust construction combined with the sound quality, modular design and aggressive noise isolation the necessary in the field. The unique collapsible design, combined with swivelling ear cups, offers maximum flexibility in any application.