The Best Closed-Back Headphones for Home Recording
In the realm of home recording, finding the perfect set of headphones that balance sound quality, comfort, and budget is no small task. The term 'best' in professional audio is often ambiguous, and what works for one person might not work for another. The ultimate answer often lies in understanding your specific needs and budget.
My Personal Experience with Audio-Technica ATH-M5
My journey in home recording began with the Audio-Technica ATH-M5. These headphones are not the most affordable on the market, but they certainly didn't break the bank either. While they aren't perfectly flat in terms of sound, they offer a more accurate representation than many other mass-market options, such as the popular Beats cans, which can often be overly boomy and distorted.
The ATH-M5 headphones are not perfect at isolating external sounds, but they are better than earbuds, which is a critical advantage. I made this choice based on striking a balance between cost and functionality. The price point was crucial, as it allowed me to spend my budget on other aspects of my recording setup without breaking the bank.
Considerations for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the best closed-back headphones for home recording, several factors need careful consideration:
Soundstaging vs. Isolation
If you value soundstaging, you might consider open-back headphones, as they offer a more immersive sound experience. However, for those recording vocals, this might not be the best choice. Open-back headphones can pick up surrounding sounds and cause noise-bleed, which can compromise the quality of your vocal tracks.
Noise-Bleed Consideration
For high-quality vocal recordings, the lack of noise-bleed is crucial. If you find that the M5’s sound gets picked up by your microphones at your listening volume, you can employ methods to cancel this out. This might be through software or physically placing the headphones further away from your mics. In my genre of music, the noise bleed is not significantly noticeable.
Comfort and Longevity
When recording extensively, comfort and the ability to wear headphones for long hours are vital. The M5s, while comfortable, are not the most comfortable headphones on the market. If you need extended wear, it’s essential to consider headphones with more cushioning and a more ergonomic design. Trying on headphones before purchasing or selecting ones with a good return policy can be a game-changer.
Value for Money and Role in Your Setup
If you’re looking for 'something fairly good and around $200,' you’re likely to end up with headphones similar to the M5s. This choice is balanced and offers decent sound quality, comfort, and durability. While these headphones are not perfect, they serve their purpose well in a home recording setup.
One critical consideration for home recording is the role headphones play in your mix. Their limitations can be significant. No headphone can replicate the richness and depth of a club sound system or playback conditions on an Alexa-like device in mono or with tiny earbuds. The final sound quality can vary greatly depending on the playback device.
To ensure your music will sound good across a wide range of playback devices, it’s recommended to pay professional mixers and mastering engineers if possible. This professional touch can provide the last sanity check before releasing your music to the world, ensuring you feel better about your work even if you used budget-friendly equipment.
Conclusion
While the best headphones for home recording can vary based on individual needs, the Audio-Technica ATH-M5 provides a balanced solution. Understanding your specific requirements, budget, and the role headphones play in your home recording setup can guide you in making the right choice. Whether it's the M5s or another similar model, finding the right headphones can significantly enhance your recording experience.