Hello audioz friends...

I'd like some advice: what are the best headphones for mixing (semiclosed, closed, ohms etc.) and the best studio monitors not too large in size (power, 2/3 ways etc.) for a home studio producing Pop/Dance music?
The budget could go up to €300/400 for headphones and €500/600 for monitors (though for truly high-quality products, an extra €100/200 wouldn't be a problem).
> Also, is it necessary to have two supplementary small monitors like Auratones? Does it really make sense in a home recording setup?

A question: do the monitors require a separate amplifier to drive them? I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Thanks for your attention and help.

P.S.: Any extra advice is more than welcome.

 

Last edited: Jun 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM

Studio Monitors: https://www.spinorama.org/?quality=high&page=1&power=active&sort=score
Headphones: https://list.hangout.audio/iem/?tableMode=true&sort=priceLowHigh

 

There are no rules for headphones, but if you want something that is very balanced, the Sennheiser HD600 is what you want. You might need an amplifier. I mix on a FiiO FT3 with custom pads.

Monitors on the other hand, I think most nowadays have an amp integrated unless they're specifically passive. Can't really recommend anything other than Yamahas, I don't use monitors that much.

 

DT 990 Pro X: Beyerdynamic - 199 € incl. tax -> https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-990-pro-x
Studio headphones for critical listening and editing (open-back)
Nominal Impedance Headphones 48 ohms

or

beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro 250 Ohm - 159 EUR -> https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-990-pro

Yamaha HS 7 - 225 € x2 = 250 € (For large rooms HS8!)
HS Series (HS5/HS7/HS8/HS8S)
https://europe.yamaha.com/en/business/audio/products/speakers/hs-series/

Hello ElMoreno, do you already have an audio interface?

 

Last edited: Jun 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM

I agree with @PulseWave :

For Producing and mixing :

Open headphones : Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X
Monitoring speakers : Yamaha HS8

I advise you to choose the HS8 over the HS7 because I believe the bass response in HS7 is not enough, especially at low volume.
I you are looking for smaller speakers I would look at Genelec's 8010 AP (I have no experience with them).

If you don't have a dedicated room that is treated for sound reverberation (even ever so slightly) where you can produce at a somewhat loud level without disturbing your neighbors I would look into more high end headphones models but in truth DT 990 Pro X are already great.

Telling us about your room or lack of and audio interface or absence of it will help us give you the right advices.

If you don't have an audio interface already, go with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, some people like to say it's not great compared to so and so and use very specific arguments but I can tell you first hand that it's a good interface because I have a friend that's been using it for 6 month so I know it and it does the job as intended.

If you plan on tracking vocals or have the extra cash I would choose a Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre from the start, this is the audio interface I have been using for 5 years now, it's better in every way and the preamps are in another league.

These tools give you a faithful, flat, clear and uncolored response wich is what you are looking for when you are producing and mixing.

Don't fall into the trap of spending thousands on expensive gear while your ears are not trained enough to take advantage of it.
You will be able to buy this high end gear without thinking about money if you can make decent a living from music.

There is a whole industry that revolves around getting you to gough your hard earned money for gear you don't need, don't be fooled by sponsored Youtubers.

Maybe not useful for your goals : For the vocalist (you ?) you need a pair of closed back headphones : Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X is great.
For the mic I would choose an Audio-Technica AT4040 or a Sony C-80.

Cheers !

 

There is no definitive answer, but for me, the DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) is the ideal affordable headphone for all tasks, from tracking to mixing and mastering. I worked for a long time with the HD600 and HD650 for mixing and mastering, using HD280 Pro and HD380 Pro for tracking, but I was unsatisfied with their frequency curves and always used a correction plugin (Toneboosters Morphit). Then last winter, I did several tests over several weeks, listening to many tracks that I know very well, pink noise, brown noise... to find the pair of headphones that would be closest to "my ideal curve" that would not require any correction. I used my HD650 and HD600 to try out all the curve simulations of the headphone models available in Toneboosters Morphit. And the ideal model/curve, for me, was the DT 770 Pro.

Some will say that closed headphones are not accurate enough for mixing, blah blah blah... but for me, the frequency curve is the most important thing, even if the HD600 and HD650 with correction worked very well, I prefer to use the DT 770 Pro.

I want to emphasize that there is nothing impressive, no WOW factor, with the DT 770 Pro. It is not "an experience" to listen to music through these headphones and they may even seem sonically disappointing in a shootout, but for me, it is a great working tool that makes me take good mixing decisions, which translates.

Auratone are useful, I have a pair that I use constantly but they are not essential in my opinion. Again, it's a working tool that doesn't sound impressive at all but gives a very accurate perspective of the midrange. You can only have one, especially if you're on a budget, which forces you to do a mono check at the same time ; )

 

Last edited: Jun 16, 2025 at 9:20 PM

Bad interface for headphones. It colors low impedance headphones and locks you in high impedance headphones that will be inevitably starved of power.

 

Tannoy Gold 7, Austrian Audio Hi-X65, Audient ID14 MKII

 

Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 4:16 AM

For headphones I'd suggest HD490 pro, it's a new design that address limitations that hd 600/650 have (better soundstage is one of those) and should be better for mixing. They could become the new standard in "Pro" realm.

I use AKG 701 at the moment and combined with something like Realphones/Soundworks etc... I'm already more than satisfied and they're 129 Euros new.

For monitors HS8 are a solid choice but there should be better products in the same price range that I didn't test so I can't speak for them. Many people says good things about Kali Audio products: maybe check them too? Kali Audio in-8 v2 should their best model that could fit your budget.

I don't think you'll need speakers like Auratones once you know your speakerse and headphones and use software simulations to simulate other spaces/speakers to do virtual checks if needed.
I would invest in a good and solid audio interface like a RME Babyface, don't underestimate the importance of driver efficiency and stability when working with audio. Just my 2c

 

For Monitors I recommend the Adam Audio A7X.
Since Adam Audio replaced the A7X with their upgraded A7V,
you can get the A7X for "cheap" in the net on ebay or similar platforms.

I saw offerings at 500-700€ ($580-810) for a pair (used or "like new")
and since I own them as well, I can tell you they're the best monitors I've ever had.
The sound is extremely clear and well balanced, only downside are the lows for a bit.
If you're looking for a deep and powerfull low end, you should buy an additional
Adam sub. I bought the Sub10 MK2 but that one is so powerful that the neigbors 2
floors above still hear the bass when I turn up the volume to just 50%.
Therefore I'd suggest Adam's Sub8.

With the Adam Sub, the A7X act as sattelites. The Sub has an integrated audio interface
with an equalizer that acts as a DAC where you plug in the monitors. Deep frequencies
are played by the sub and all the other ones are played by the monitors and that in a perfectly
synchronized way like it would come out of the monitors only.

 

It's above your budget but still worth it in the long run Neumann NDH-30

 

Hello mate, excellent question(s). My answers:

• Sony's MDR-MV1 is open design and highly recommended (for the price range)
• Sony's MDR-M1 is closed design and cheaper (it's a solid choice for the price)

For monitors, there's a plethora of home studio grade 'monitors' in the sub-$1,000 range. But you don't mention the dimensions of your room, so I wouldn't know what size (8", 6.5", 5.5", etc) woofer to recommend. Rule of thumb is multiply each measurement (LxHxW) to get minimum/nominal Wattage. For instance a 5m (L) x 4m (W) x 2.5m (H) = 50 watts (per monitor).

If you've a small and untreated room, then a pair of 8" woofers might prove overpowering - in the lower register.

Luckily for you, or not, Genelec make an extraordinary little but powerful monitor:

• Genelec's 8010-A (small, but punchy and clear - ideal for a bedroom setup, especially if you've neighbors to contend with).
  I've worked with those before (mobile setup), and I was more than pleasantly surprised (and satisfied).

If the Genelecs are too pricey, or seem underpowered for your room, you can't go wrong with ADAM:

• Adam Audio D3V (excellent bass response for the size; can hook up direct to your laptop via USB)

One of my favorite bedroom studio monitors is by Fostex (made in that factory in Shenzhen, hence the bang for the buck):

• Fostex PM0.4C (a little bigger than the Genelecs, very balanced sound I found)

If only a bigger 8" woofer will do for your room, or if you really must feel that bass thumping in your chest, the PreSonus are good:

• PreSonus Eris 8 (really decent sounding for the price - I've never mixed on them though, up to you to try)

I hope this helps. Good luck to you mate!

 

Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 12:13 PM

DT770 pro 250 ohm are great.

 

Many great advices for budget monitors and speakers. My advice would only be to not go too exotic, that is don't buy something not many people use, bcs resale value. ;) Start with like Yamaha HS7, ADAM A7X, Tannoy Gold speakers and Zennhiza, AKG K240 Studio (or Austrian Audio x65), BeyerDynamic DT770 phones. You can't go wrong with those.

One thing that nobody mentioned I think is to buy open headphones with higher impedance (250-600ohm) for mixing (better, flatter sound) and closed headphones (no leakage) for singing. Closed hps just have to be comfortable enough for long sessions. IMO Sennheiser 280 or 380 Pro closed hps (only possible to buy 2nd hand) are perfect for that.

Cheers!

 

Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 9:38 AM

I've been working with the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro Studio stereo headphones, dynamic, open, 250 ohms, for almost 10 years, and they're very comfortable; after a while, you can barely feel them on your head. Keep in mind that closed headphones can sometimes make your ears warm; if your neighborhood is very noisy, even closed headphones are no good.

I replaced the ear cushions once. Make sure you order from Thomann; they'll give you your money back if you don't like them. Thomann sells these products as B-stock. Thomann also offers a 3-year warranty, and Thomann has its own repair shops.

 

Good to know, I only came across beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm in radio stations so I have no experience with high impedance headphones like these in a home studio environment.

I didn't detect anything on Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen using both beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm) and DT 990 Pro X (48 Ohm) but I'm producing music, I'm not a mixing/mastering engineer so maybe I'm just not trained enough.

I would advise OP to go for a Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre over a 2i2 though.

 

To replace the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro (I couldn't stand to listen to them and were going to return them for something else) that were stolen from our apartment about two weeks ago (along with my Microtech Gefell m930 mic and laptops, ipads, an electric scooter and a two wheel old lady shopping cart to take everything home with I guess) I picked up the Neumann NDH 20 for monitoring. Noise? Nothing gets through these suckas. I was using a Dremel Tool to carve a magic wand for my six year old niece using a grinder which is REALLY LOUD, especially at full throttle. I put on some Frank Zappa while I worked at medium volume and didn't hear a peep from the outside world. In between songs I expected to hear the roar of the Dremel but it was sooo quiet that it made me raise my eyebrows in disbelief. The Neumanns are stupid expensive and for my listening satisfaction while tracking I'm still working out an EQ profile that I'm gold with, but to keep the world at bay out of your ears while tracking there can't be much more useful.

For mixing if and when I can't use my monitors I don the Shure SRH1840 open back headphones and really couldn't be happier!

 

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro headphones are within your budget range. They are easy to EQ and also extremely comfortable.

 

Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 2:08 PM

Thanks guys for your advice and tips, they're all extremely useful and precious.
I'm studying them based on the budget.

1 - Headphones: The headphones you described range from 48 > 300 Ohms.
Why such a big difference... it's so important? And if yes how do you choose the right ones based on Ohms?

2 - Audio Interface:
I own a Focusrite Clarett2Pre Thunderbolt audio interface, but at my friend's place - where we'll set up the home studio (his basement) - he has an old M-Audio M-Track MKII white. We'll have to buy a new one, better than that. Any ideas?

3 - Room:
I've noticed the basement has a lot resounding boom, around 3/4 seconds decay. Recommend me some good panels or techniques to reduce/eliminate it completely. The room is roughly 30/40 square metres.

4 - Microphone:
I think we'll need a good condenser mic too, both for vocals and sax, plus any other possible needs (around €300/400).

5 - Monitors:
From reading your advices, these will be the last purchase we'll make, if we decide they're really necessary.

I'll keep you updated… Love

 

Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM

This is bullshit... Higher impedance is only better because it has less distortion. It technically sounds better, but only in numbers. Even low impedance headphones these days have THD so low it's under human hearing.

There is no reason to purposefully handicap yourself with high impedance if you can't drive it properly. Better having low impedance than power starved headphones that sound like crap. Unless you plan on getting an external amp (in which I recommend).

I don't remember exactly the details, you can check on Julian Krause's YouTube channel if you're curious. If it happens to you, you might think it's part of how your headphones sound. It changes the low end a little instead of being flat from start to end.

You don't. Electric resistance is a byproduct of the design process. It's not a feature. You get headphones you think you like. You shouldn't bite high impedance headphones if you can't drive them properly, but if you get an external amp, impedance means nothing.

Instead of a brand or model, get an interface with ADAT/SPDIF inputs, line inputs (preamp bypass) and digital outputs. Future proof yourself with something that fits the budget. Better than paying top dollar for an interface that won't be good enough after you decide to expand. I have an Audient iD24 and it's great.

Hire a professional.

Advanced Audio CM414, CAD Audio M179