Mixing Help from Audio Engineers
Best Headphones for Mixing – Under $100
We’ve seen a recurring question come up in all the mixing groups on Facebook. The question is: what are the most affordable headphones for mixing? Many times they will follow that question with a budget or number. And most times that number is $100. So, we decided to put together a list of the most common headphones used for mixing, under $100.
Mixing Headphones Under $100 - CHOICE #1
Shure SRH440 Studio Headphones
MixChecks Award: Flattest Frequency Response
Headphone Details:
The SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones from Shure provide exceptional sound reproduction and comfort.
Optimized for home and studio recording, SRH440 headphones reproduce accurate audio across an extended range.
Impedance, power handling and sensitivity are all calibrated for professional audio devices such as DJ mixers, mixing consoles, and headphone amplifier. Includes carrying bag and threaded 1/4″ (6.3mm) gold plated adapter.
Features:
- Enhanced frequency response delivers accurate audio across an extended range
- Impedance and power handling optimized for perfomance with professional audio devices
- Adjustable headband and collapsible construction provide comfort and portability
- Bayonet clip securely locks detachable cable into ear cup
PRICE: $99
Mixing Headphones Under $100 - CHOICE #2
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Monitor Headphones
MixChecks Award: MOST Comfortable
Headphone Details:
Features:
- Cutting-edge engineering and robust construction
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tuned flat for incredibly accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90° swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring
- Professional-grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
- Collapsible for space-saving portability
- Detachable cable (includes 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable and 3.0 m straight cable)
- For professional studio tracking and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring
PRICE: $99
Mixing Headphones Under $100 - CHOICE #3
Sennheiser hd280 PRO
MixChecks Award: Studio Workhorse (Most Durable)
Headphone Details:
Features:
High ambient noise attenuation
Accurate, linear sound reproduction
Soft earpads for a comfortable fit
Folding and rotating earcups for space-saving transport
Tough, single-sided cable
PRICE: $79.95
Mixing Headphones Under $100 - CHOICE #4
AKG K240 Studio Headphones
MixChecks Award: Coolest Looking
Headphone Details:
The AKG K240 Studio over-ear, semi-open headphones are designed for professional applications such as mixing, mastering and playback. Their advanced 30 mm XXL transducers with patented Varimotion diaphragms deliver a wide dynamic range, increased sensitivity and high sound levels, while their semi-open design provides a solid bass range and extremely clear highs. With impressive accuracy, musicians, producers and engineers rely on the AKG K240 Studio to clearly hear mixing details, which has made these headphones a standard in recording settings. In addition to great sound quality, the headphones are extremely durable and comfortable. Not only built to withstand the demands of countless hours in the studio, their self-adjusting headband provides an ideal fit and their over-ear pads nicely envelop the ears. The AKG K240 Studio headphones also feature a professional mini XLR connector and come with a 3 meter cable and convertible jack plug for connecting portable equipment easily. Altogether, from performance and ease of use to comfort and reliability, the AKG K240 Studio is a powerful tool for production environments.
Features:
- Professional studio headphones
- Semi-open
- 3 m replaceable cable
- Audio Interface type: Stereo plug – 3.5mm (1/8-inch) with 6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter
PRICE: $70
TL;DR
While there are hundreds of headphones to pick from, we highly recommend these classics for all your mixing needs. Most importantly, you DON’T NEED expensive headphones to produce good sounding mixes. As long as you take the time to learn the speakers/headphones you monitor on AND use proper references, you’ll have no limitations in your mixing.