Whether you are recording in a professional studio or a home studio, mixing a new tape or performing as a DJ, the right headphones are one of the most important pieces of equipment you will purchase. Trying to find the right headphones, however, can be a challenge.
We’ve taken a look at multiple headphones and have recommendations to consider for each category. All of these recommendations are high rated by consumers.
Best Recording Headphones for 2015
Part of the best studio headphones for 2015 include the top two best recording headphones. The two models we chose were the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and the Extreme Isolation EX-29.
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro has some fantastic features that any recording artist would want. They are durable and space efficient, which the ear cups being able to collapse. This model ranks in our list as the highest recording headphones, with an average consumer rating of 4.5 stars.
Some of the other noteworthy features include:
- Rates up to 32 dB for attenuation of ambient noise
- High maximum SPL using neodymium magnets
- Accurate sound reproduction for monitoring applications
- Single-sided cable for minimal cable interference in movement.
Runner Up
The second place headphones in the best recording headphones portion of the best studio headphones for 2015 list are the Extreme EX-29 headphones. These pulled in an average of 4.0 stars from consumers.
The main selling point for these are that they are an essential for any drummer! Why? They were created by a drummer for drummers in the recording studios!
They feature 29 dB passive isolation to ensure that no outside noise will be carried through these headphones. A surprising twist is that these type of headphones don’t require any batteries in them, like most other models do.
The chord was also create with drummers in mind. There is a twin lead cable, one to each ear, and an extensive 9 ft cable. This allows for the cable to run underneath or around the drum kit without interfering with any pedals.
Best Mixing Headphones for 2015
The second category in our best studio headphones for 2015 list are the best mixing headphones. We have selected two here as well. The first is the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro and the second is Samson SR850.
The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro are a great, lightweight headphone option for people mixing music in professional studios and home studios. With an average rating of 4.5, anyone from professional mixers to amateur mixers can appreciate what these headphones have to offer.
These headphones are built to be worn frequently and can take a beating. They are constructed with a spring steel headband and have been made to be easily fixed. All parts of the headphone can be replaced singularly by the owner themselves.
Other noteworthy features are the amazing sound reproduction capabilities, the 9.8 ft. chord and the 250 ohms. Oh, and it also comes with a great little drawstring bag for when you are finally taking a break from mixing and decide to put them to rest for a bit!
Runner Up
The second on the best mixing headphones for 2015 is the Samson SR850. These headphones also came in with an average rating of 4.5 stars by consumers.
These headphones were made for comfort and extended use in the studio during one session. They sport a self-adjusting headband that fits securely but also gives a natural fit for the user.
Some of the features for this model include a wide dynamic range and 50mm drivers. There is also an open ear design that offers isolation from all outside noise.
Best DJ Headphones for 2015
Now, if you have recording and mixing headphones on the list you can’t continue without giving at least one recommendation to the best DJ headphone for 2015 on the best studio headphones for 2015 list.
The best DJ headphones, rated an average of 4.5 stars by consumers, is given to the HD8 DJ.
The HD8 DJ is also created by Sennheiser (the same brand that created our first choice for the best recording headphones for 2015 at the top of this list).
Aside from looking completely stylish with its bold black construction and bright teal accents, these headphones are made to last. They are built with metal-crafted reinforcement parts and metal pivot rings. (The metal pivot rings especially helps with one-ear monitoring at a turntable.
Some other desirable features these headphones offer include:
- Comfortable, soft ear cushions
- Insane sound reproduction
- Capable of high SPL for loud environments
- Swivel ear cups, up to 210 degrees
- 95 ohm impedance
- Includes a single-sided coiled cable or a single-sided straight cable that can be used with either ear cup
- Two year warranty
- Protective case
Best 2015 Studio Headphones for 2015 Honorable Mentions
So, no matter what your hobby (or profession is), be it recording, mixing or DJ, we have some great suggestions for headphones for you. While this list obviously isn’t all inclusive, it’s a great start to what to look for and suggestions for some pretty amazing brands and models.
Didn’t see ones that caught your eye in the above list? Here is the list of honorable mentions that almost made the cut, but not quite.
Honorable Mention for Best Recording Headphones for 2015
The honorable mentions for best recording headphones for 2015 include the following:
- TASCAM TH-02. These particular headphones came in with an average rating of 4.0. It made the honorable mention list because of its price, lightweight and its ease of use. However, it didn’t make our best list because there were a number of reviews that suggested that it has the possibility of poor sound quality.
- Sony MDR-7510. This model of Sony displayed great potential with an average rating of 4.0, but sadly didn’t make the cut. While they have a great closed-ear design and has a high power handling capacity, the customer reviews note that the quality is not great, especially for the price that had to be paid.
Honorable Mention for Best Mixing Headphones for 2015
The honorable mentions for the best mixing headphones for 2015 include the following:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40X. While this model does come in with a high average of 4.5 stars, there are some customer reviews that knocked it off of the best studio headphones for 2015 list. These headphones were noted to be uncomfortable for people, especially if there are glasses involved. In addition, it was also a frequent complaint that the connection where the detachable cord connects is weak.
- AIAIAI TMA-1. These have an average of 3 stars for a rating. They are reviewed to have great sound, but there’s quite a problem with the construction of them (and their lack of ability to last very long).
Honorable Mention for Best DJ Headphones for 2015
The honorable mention for the best DJ headphones for 2015 goes out to the Pioneer HD-J2000. While these do provide fantastic sound quality and comfort, they were only given an average rating of 4 stars. The reason for not making the best studio headphones for 2015 list? The structure quality is poor. There have been multiple reviews where customers complained that the headband has snapped.