How to choose the right pro headphones

Closed Back

Closed-back headphones are perhaps the most common and familiar configuration. The “closed back” refers to the solid enclosure around the driver that “closes” it off from the outside world. The design completely isolates your sound—the music you’re listening to won’t bleed out, and outside noise won’t bleed in. This type of headphone excels when tracking instruments in the studio, mixing live sound, as monitors for musicians on stage, and for DJ setups or any other situation where you want to keep the sound just in your ears.

Open Back

When it comes to detailed sound, open-back headphones are in a league of their own. Whereas closed-back phones utilize solid casings to isolate sound, open-back headphones feature vented enclosures, giving you a more natural and spacious listening experience. Unwanted reflections in the cup are minimised, and the sound stage is very open and clean. Imagine the power and dimension of live sound, right in your studio. Open-back headphones are ideal for studio mixing, mastering and precision listening.

Semi-Open Back

Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Semi-open-back headphones deliver a more isolated sound similar to closed-back headphones, but with the natural sound image of their open brethren. They’re the perfect solution if you’re a home or project studio owner looking to track, mix and master with one set of headphones. And when you’re done in the studio, they’re great for enjoying your favourite music.

Our semi-open back headphones include K240 Studio, K240 MKII, K141 MKII, and more

On-ear or over-ear design?

Another important factor to consider is earcup design. Again, there are multiple choices. On-ear models have earpads that rest on your ears, while over-ear designs are built circumaural.

While circumaural models are usually considered more convenient for longer listening sessions, on-ear models are more portable.

Article originally published at akglife.com