Headphones

The Best Closed Back Headphones for Studio and Home Use

Eric Chan

If you are making and listening to music, then a good set of headphones is a must-have for effective audio monitoring. There are different options to check out, from in-ear monitors to open-back headphones. An excellent option to go for is the noise-canceling headphone. This pair of headphones will deliver an astounding amount of noise isolation and a crisp, accurate sound for the user to interpret quickly.

The closed-back options are advantageous during audio recordings at home or studio because they are airtight, preventing sound from leaking into the microphone. This feature makes them perfect for tracking. Audio engineers can use them for mixing music accurately because of good sound quality and isolation. Let us take a look at the best closed-back headphones for your perfect sound experience.

Best Closed-Back Headphones

1. Audio Technica ATH m50x Headphones

Sale
Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones, Black
  • Wireless on the go design delivers the same critically acclaimed sonic performance as the...
  • Touch control provides convenient access to voice assist Sensitivity - 99 dB/mW Impedance
  • Mic and button controls built into the ear cup allow for easy handling of calls music...
  • Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers deliver exceptional clarity throughout an...
  • Includes 30 centimeter (1.0 feet) USB charging cable and carrying pouch Magnet neodymium

ATH are professional studio headphones with critically acclaimed performance praised by top audio engineering experts and reviewers. The pair of headphones have a 1.2m-3.0m coiled and a 1.2m straight detachable cable. ATH have designs tailored for your comfort and day-to-day use at home or on the go. 90-degree swiveling headphone cups and a collapsible frame make it portable and easy to fit into your backpack. One ear monitoring is possible because of the flexibility of the headphones.

The audio Technica ATH has a circumaural design covering the ear pinna for good sound isolation in a loud space. Each audio Technica headphone has a 45-millimeter large aperture dynamic driver and a 99dB/mW impedance. The copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils together with the rare earth magnets deliver an exceptional sound experience.

PROS

  • Thanks to incredible build quality, ATH m50x passes the industry standards of a good pair of headphones.
  • Airtight closed-back design ensuring no sound leakage from the headphones.
  • Swiveling and collapsible design for flexibility and convenience during storage.
  • The audio Technica ATH m50x has an exceptional frequency range.
  • A detachable headphone jack with an extended helix.
  • ATH has a wireless version with a voice access touch control.
  • Great for mixing music.

CONS

  • ATH has headphone jacks which can sometimes be limiting.


2. Sony MDR 7506 Large Diaphragm Headphone

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Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
  • Neodymium magnets and 40 millimeter drivers for powerful, detailed sound
  • Closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises
  • 9.8 foot cord ends in gold plated plug and it is not detachable; 1/4 inch adapter included
  • Folds up for storage or travel in provided soft case
  • Frequency Response: 10 Hertz to 20 kilohertz

The Sony MDR 7506 professional stereo headphones have comfortable closed-ear designs with outstanding external sound reduction. A 40-millimeter driver size and neodymium magnets make the headsets perfect for music production and most mixing purposes. The closed-back headphones have a very affordable price for their capabilities. A frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz and an excellent mid-range response is incredible compared to most brands.

The MDR 7506 model has a good build quality with a foldable headset featuring a rugged, secure closed-back design ideal for tracking by a musician. No sound will bleed from the headphones into a recording mic leading to clean mixes, which will benefit audio engineers. The Sony MDR has a 9.8-foot cord with a gold plated plug.

PROS

  • Sony MDR closed-back headphones are lightweight and engineered for long periods of use.
  • The design is friendly for users at home, studio, or broadcast environments.40 mm PET diaphragm and neodymium magnets exceed the industry standard in performance.
  • Mixing music is easier because of the sound quality and frequency response.
  • The headphone experience is unmatched, given its price range.
  • The closed-back design will help sort out any bleeding issues during recording, ensuring clean mixes.

CONS

  • The headphones have no detachable cords.


3. Bowers Wilkins Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sale
Bowers & Wilkins PX Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones...
  • Bowers & Wilkins PERFORMANCE - PX draws on decades of Bowers & Wilkins design experience...
  • ADAPTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION - Perfect sound anywhere - on a plane, in the street or in the...
  • FEEL MORE OF YOUR MUSIC - Built with the same drive units from our P9 Signature...
  • PX RESPONDS TO YOU - When you need to pause, lift an ear cup. Put PX down and it goes to...
  • SMART POWER - With a 22-hour battery life, PX is always ready; put it down and it goes...

Bowers and Wilkins have decades of combined design experience, offering the world perfection. The headphones are wireless and have a 22-hour battery life when in use and an astounding six months on standby mode, offering users comfortable use both at home and on the move. Listening to music has never been better because the headphones have an app that lets you have customized settings and cloud storage to store your presets. You can update the app, a feature that most headphones do not have.

The closed-back headphones have a comfortable degree of noise isolation, allowing nearby sounds, making it an interactive option. Some of the most remarkable features any closed-back headphones can have are found on this pair. Built-in sensors intuitively interact with you. Put the headphones on your head, and it plays, remove it, and it goes on standby mode.

PROS

  • The closed-back headphones have just enough noise isolation to allow for interaction with those around you.
  • The headset has built-in sensors, which are intuitive to users as they wear or remove the headphones.
  • The battery life can last 22 hours of active use and six months on standby mode.
  • Mobile applications are included to help tailor the headphone functionalities towards your needs.
  • Music can be played back and paused remotely.
  • The headphones look nice and will add to your style.

CONS

  • The closed-back headphones have a higher price than other brands.
  • The headsets are relatively heavier.
  • The headphones depend on an app to control them, and there is always the possibility of an app crashing.
  • Bowers Wilkins is not fully closed-back headphones.
  • The headphones are not ideal for mixing music.


4. Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones,...
  • Three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening experience in any...
  • Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more
  • Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up
  • Balanced audio performance at any volume
  • Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, personalized settings, access to future updates, and more...

The Bose QuietComfort 35 is a Bluetooth pair of headphones with Alexa voice control. The headphone set is fitted with a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound during phone calls. Bose QuietComfort headphones have a balanced audio performance at any volume and are enabled for audio-only versions of augmented reality.

The headphones have an app that will help you have personalized settings and access future updates.

PROS

  • Bose headphones have very minimal, elegant designs and are a good option for a presentable look.
  • The headphones are enabled for an Augmented Reality experience.
  • The headphones are closed-back and cancel out sounds and noises.
  • Bose headphones have a good frequency response.
  • The headphones have Alexa voice controls.
  • The headphones have a touch control for their applications.

CONS

  • The headphones have a pretty high price.
  • The Bose frames are not fully collapsible.
  • You can not use the headphones for listening to mixes for engineering purposes.
  • A musician would not use the headphones for tracking.
  • You have to continuously update the app to get the latest features from Bose.


5. Focal Elegia Closed-Back Headphones

Focal Elegia Audiophile Circum-Aural Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones...
  • Elegia is the new and the first audiophile circum-aural closed-back headphones integrating...
  • Every component has undergone cutting edge research and been meticulously considered to...
  • Incorporate a new generation of exclusive full-range speaker drivers capable of operating...
  • Solid-aluminum headband wrapped in leather and perforated microfiber molds securely to...
  • Please note: Elegia Headphones now come with a stronger solid black non-braided headphone...

Focal Elegia high-fidelity closed-back headphones are a high-end set-piece with a design that has a pending patent. The full-range speaker driver puts it in the category of the best closed-back headphones. Thanks to the aluminum, leather, and micro-fiber incorporated into the design, the headphone experience is maximized. The headsets have excellent ambient noise sound-proofing, incredible tonal balance, and frequency range to ensure an out-of-this-world experience when listening to music or any other audio content.

PROS

  • The headphones give an optimum experience listening to music on an audiophile player.
  • Focal has a design that has a pending patent making it unlike other headphones in the world.
  • The headset has ambient noise sound-proofing.
  • The headphones have a detachable cable on each set.

CONS

  • The headphones are not ideal for mixing music or for use in a studio setting.
  • The price is very high for headphones that are tailored for use on the go or at home.
  • A musician would not find it very useful for tracking.


Everything to Consider Before Getting a New Headphone Set

We use headphones to monitor sound. Therefore any headphones we get should have features that will deliver the best response. Different people have different preferences when buying headphones. Some want to listen to music, while others use them professionally for production, tracking, and mixing. The list of headphone brands is endless. Here are a few factors to help you narrow down to which headphones you will need.

1. Build Quality

Good things last longer, and so should good headphones. The finishing, handling technology, foldability, material, and weight will determine how long a good set of headphones will potentially last. Aluminum is a light metal and is used on most pairs of headphones. The headphones have cups that should fit around the ears comfortably to ensure efficient noise isolation. The material used on the headphones should be comfortable on the skin. Headphones with a closed-back need to have adequate sound-proofing.

2. Cables

Some headphones have detachable cables; others have fixed cables. Some headphones are wireless altogether. Cables have varying lengths depending on how far your sound source will be. In a studio, the headphones might need to be attached to a mixer. The cable needs to be in a helix form and enough for the audio engineer to move around the studio. Headphones for use on the go or at home would look untidy with the cables for people going for a minimal look.

Cables connect to a point and sometimes do not fit. Remember to buy adaptors for such situations. Some headphones have cables that can have quarter-inch jack adaptors to fit into studio equipment. Wireless headphones need to be charged before listening to music. Note the type of USB cable that will be compatible with your headphone set.

3. Frequency Response

Good closed-back headphones need to have a good frequency response. A good set should accommodate sound ranging from 10Hz to 20kHz. Expert reviews will help you know what type of headphones to go for.

4. Noise Isolation

Closed-back headphones have higher noise isolation than their open-back counterparts. Noise isolation headphones are ideal for use in a studio setting to avoid sound bleeding out into a mic, in a live event, or in any noisy environment.

5. Price

The price will, in most cases, determine the quality of the headphones you will get. The price, however, is also dependent on your budget. It is better to get good quality headphones, balanced on each ear, keeping them safe. Your ears are susceptible to loud, unbalanced noises and can easily suffer damage.

6. Headphone Cups

Headphones make contact with your body at the cups. Different people have different ear sizes, and therefore the headphones might not necessarily fit everyone. Fitting cups will be comfortable and will Isolate sound better, in the case of closed back sets. The best thing a headset can have is replaceable cups, making it possible for different people to use the same headphones and reduce any health risks.

7. Wireless Connectivity

Wireless headphones have a few features which are different from wired ones. Most need Bluetooth connectivity and therefore need a device to connect to. Some headphones have apps that are used to control them. Wireless headphones need good batteries, charging systems, flawless app control, and significantly reduced lagging. Applications have more tools than would physically be fitted on the headphones. Wireless headphones will probably be heavier because of the built-in battery, touch response pad, sensors, and mics. Compare different wireless headphones to see what is trending.

8. Battery Life

Definitely on the list is how long the batteries in your headphones will last, whether on standby or in use. Some headphones have incredible standby lives of up to 6 months. Averagely, wireless headphones should last you between 22 to 24 hours. This feature should be at the top of your list of priorities when checking out wireless headphones.

Handling and Safety

1. Cleaning

Headphones are always in contact with your ears. Therefore, you should not share your set with random people. Occasionally change the cups on your headphones with a clean set.

2. Battery

Whenever your wireless headphones are not in use, switch them off. Charge your batteries using the correct chargers to allow only the right amount of voltage to come in. Check the battery life of the headphones before buying a set to maximize the use.

3. Ear Fatigue

Ear fatigue can occur when you listen to the headphones for an extended period. When this happens, you will feel uncomfortable, tired, and pain in the ear. Listening to loud volumes will increase the risk of ear fatigue. Closed-back headphones will not give a sense of how loud the headphones are against the background. Good listening habits and extra care is advised. One way of ensuring safety is by buying quality sets.

4. Product Safety

Great ads do not necessarily mean good sound. Search for information from well-known sites and online stores, read every article there is from forums. Some stores stock goods for business purposes only. Send inquiries only to an authorized email address of your dealer. Remember, not every article is accurate.

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