5 Best Closed-Back Headphones For Studio Mixing and Mastering Under $550

5 Best Closed Back Headphones for Studio Mixing and Mastering

Finding a proper headphone for mixing or mastering in the studio can be incredibly difficult. There are so many choices in headphones these days it can be nearly impossible for anyone to narrow it down to just a few choices. But the experts at MajorHiFi have you covered because we know headphones inside and out. Let’s take a look at the 5 best pairs of closed-back headphones for mixing and mastering between $200 and $550.

Audio Technica M70x – (Under $300)

Audio Technica M70x
Audio Technica M70x

BUY NOW – Audio Technica M70x
The Audio Technica M70x is an incredible headphone for the price. The M70x is a serious step up in the M-Series from the M-50x. It’s the most comfortable headphone in the series and features a frequency range of 5Hz to 40,000Hz. Built for critical listening in the studio, the M70x is an excellent closed-back headphone for mixing, mastering or even monitoring mixes.

In addition to the top-notch M70x headphone, buyers get 3 detachable cables, a hard case, and a soft case. Here’s a breakdown of the full features and specs for the M70x.

Frequency Response 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz
Driver Size 45mm
Sensitivity 97dB
Maximum Input Power 2,000mW
Impedance 35 Ohms
Collapsible  No
Earcup Swivel 90° Both Directions
Cable 9.8′ straight, 3.9′ – 9.8′ coiled, 3.9′ straight
Weight 9.9oz

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro – (Under $150)

BUY NOW – Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Here’s a headphone that’s hard to miss. If you’re familiar with the audio world even in the slightest manner, you’ve probably seen the Sennheiser HD 280 somewhere. Whether it is in behind-the-scenes studio features or maybe your favorite video podcast, there’s a big chance someone will be wearing these headphones. These cans have been around since 2003 and have garnered a reputation for being exceptionally reliable for a multitude of professional scenarios. From musicians to voice-over artists, the HD 280 Pro’s are perfect headphones for getting an accurate representation of performance and offer premium comfort for long mixing sessions.

Headphone Impedance 64 Ohms
Headphone Magnet Material Neodymium
Headphone Sensitivity 102 dB headphones
Included Accessories Stereo Adapter
Quantity 1 Pack, 2 Pack
Sound Output Stereo
Style On-ear
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.1 %
Use DJ/Studio
Weight 10.1 oz

Beyerdynamic DT 770 – (Under $200)

Beyerdynamic DT 770
Beyerdynamic DT 770

BUY NOW – Beyerdynamic DT 770
Beyerdynamic is well known for their studio and broadcast-quality headphones and the DT 770 closed-back headphone is an industry-standard for pro-audio mixing and mastering. You can get the DT 770 in 32 Ohm, 80 Ohm, and 250 Ohm models and the frequency response spans from 5Hz to 35,000Hz. This incredibly comfortable over-ear circumaural headphone is designed for excellent isolation and long listening sessions. All the parts on this Beyerdynamic headphone are replaceable which makes it a worthwhile investment that will likely last a lifetime.

Here’s a list of the specs for the Beyerdynamic DT 770:

Transmission Type  Wired
Principle Closed
Impedance 32Ohm, 80Ohm, 250Ohm versions
Frequency Response  5Hz-35kHz
Nominal SPL 96dB
Construction Circumaural 
Cable Coiled connecting cable with mini-jack plug (3.5 mm) & ¼“ adapter (6.35 mm)
Weight 270 g

Ultrasone Pro 900i – (Under $550)

Ultrasone Pro 900 Studio Series Headphone

BUY NOW – Ultrasone Pro 900i
Those who know Ultrasone headphones love them and those who have yet to discover them are soon to be Ultrasone fanatics. The Ultrasone Pro 900i is a dream come true for audio engineers that mix for many hours with headphones and demand the best possible sound. The frequency response on the Pro 900i headphone is 6Hz to 42,000Hz and has an impedance of 40 Ohms. If that’s not already enough to get your attention the super soft earpads and headband on the Pro 900i will definitely have you sold. The build and materials of the Ultrasone Pro 900i are second to none. The solid design and (included) carrying case make this another excellent headphone that will likely last you a lifetime.

Here are the full specs on the Ultrasone Pro 900i:

Principle dynamic, closed
Impedance 40 Ohms
Driver/Driver size Mylar/Titan, 40mm
Magnet NdFeB
Frequency range 6 – 42000 Hz
SPL 96 dB
Weight 295g

Shure SRH840 – (Under $200)

BUY NOW – Shure SRH840

Shure is another brand that’s hard to get away from when you’re in studio environments. They have their SRH440 model which is a great budget option, but for only a little more, the SRH840 is the one you’re gonna want to pick up. The frequency response is clear and supplies the listener with a balanced timbre that houses great extension and rich details to examine with a critical ear. Earcup and headband padding supply a good level of comfort for extended studio sessions. Its 10ft coiled cable gives you a ton of slack for bigger spaces and is also detachable as an added plus.

Sensitivity 102 dB/mW
impedance 44 Ohm
Maximum Input Power 1000 mW
Frequency Range 5 Hz – 25 kHz
Weight 0.7 lb (317.5 g)
Cable Length 3 meters (9.84 ft)
Cable Style Detachable coiled oxygen-free copper
Plug Gold-plated 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo mini-jack

Summary

Whatever your budget and pro-audio needs, there’s a closed-back headphone for you. Any of these 5 headphones listed here will do you well in your home studio or top-of-the-line recording facility. All these brands (Audio Technica, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Ultrasone, and Shure) make some of the finest headphones you’ll find anywhere and this list of the 5 best closed-back over-ear headphones is the perfect way to narrow down the choices and choose the perfect mixing or mastering headphone.

If you own one of these headphones and love how it works for you, comment in the forum below and let us know your favorite studio headphones and features.

Compare the ranking of various headphones, earbuds and in-ear monitors using our tools.

Discuss this, and much more, over on our forum.

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