What are the best studio headphones for mixing?

The beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X are the best open-back headphones for mixing, offering excellent soundstage and natural frequency response. The Sennheiser HD 600 series is another top choice. For closed-back options, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is the industry standard for tracking and mixing.

Open-back vs closed-back headphones for studio?

Open-back headphones like the beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X provide a wider soundstage and more natural sound, making them better for critical mixing. Closed-back headphones like the DT 770 Pro isolate sound, making them ideal for tracking vocals and instruments to prevent bleed into the microphone.

Can I mix with headphones instead of monitors?

Yes, but with caveats. Headphones can cause ear fatigue faster and don't translate bass frequencies as accurately as monitors. However, with open-back headphones and reference tracks, you can achieve professional results. The beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is excellent for headphone mixing.

What is the best budget headphones for music production?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X ($149) is the best budget headphone for music production, offering a balanced frequency response and good detail. The Sony MDR-7506 ($99) is another excellent budget option that's been an industry standard for decades.

Do I need a headphone amplifier for studio headphones?

High-impedance headphones like the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm benefit significantly from a dedicated headphone amplifier. Lower impedance models like the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm or Audio-Technica ATH-M50X work well directly from most audio interfaces. If your headphones sound quiet or weak, a headphone amp will help.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony MDR-7506: Best Closed-Back? (2026)

Name: Sony MDR-7506
Brand: Sony
Price: 99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (56789 reviews)

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR-7506 are the two most popular closed-back studio headphones in the world. One is modern, bass-forward, and built for producer enjoyment. The other is a 35-year-old broadcast legend that refuses to die because it's simply that good. I've owned both for years. Here's the comparison that tells you which one belongs in your studio bag.

ATH-M50x: The Producer's Favorite

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the best-selling studio headphone for a reason. The 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver a V-shaped frequency response — boosted lows and highs that make everything sound exciting. Bass is punchy and present without overwhelming the mids. The collapsible design folds flat for portability. Detachable cable (3 included) means you can replace it when it breaks. The ear pads are comfortable but wear out after 2-3 years. If you want headphones that make producing fun and sound great with any genre, the M50x delivers.

MDR-7506: The Broadcast Standard

The Sony MDR-7506 has been the industry standard for broadcast, film, and studio monitoring since 1991. The 40mm drivers deliver a neutral, mid-forward response that reveals detail without flattery. The treble is forward — almost bright — which makes sibilance and plosives instantly noticeable. The closed-back design provides excellent isolation for tracking. The non-detachable coiled cable is a love-it-or-hate-it feature. At $99, they're half the price of the M50x and used by everyone from NPR to Netflix. If you need a reliable reference that tells you the truth, not what you want to hear, the 7506 is unbeatable.

The Portability Problem

The M50x folds flat and comes with a carrying pouch — perfect for producers who work in multiple studios. The detachable cable is a lifesaver when the original breaks. The MDR-7506 folds into a ball shape with its attached coiled cable — less compact and the cable isn't replaceable. If you travel between studios, the M50x wins on portability. If your headphones stay on one desk, the 7506's fixed cable is a non-issue. Also worth noting: the 7506's earpads are cheaper and easier to replace ($10 vs $25 for M50x pads).

Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

At $169, the ATH-M50x is the better all-rounder for music production — exciting sound, portable design, replaceable cable. At $99, the MDR-7506 is the better value for critical listening and tracking — neutral response, excellent isolation, bulletproof build. The honest answer: buy the M50x if you produce and enjoy listening to music. Buy the 7506 if you record, edit dialogue, or need a reliable reference. Better yet: buy both for $268 and have the best of both worlds — the M50x for producing, the 7506 for tracking and reference checking.

Verdict ATH-M50x ($169) for producing, MDR-7506 ($99) for tracking — both for $268

Products in this Guide

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

★★★★½ 45,678

$169 USD

The most popular studio headphones in the world. Critically acclaimed clarity, deep bass, and collapsible design for portability.

Gear4Music

Sweetwater

Musik Produktiv Amazon R Reverb A Andertons

Bax Music

Music Store

Sony MDR-7506

★★★★½ 56,789

$99 USD

The broadcast standard since 1991. Closed-back, collapsible, and incredibly reliable. Trusted by professionals worldwide.