Top 10 Professional Mixing Headphones and Their Specifications

When it comes to professional music production, having the right headphones is crucial for accurate sound mixing. Unlike consumer headphones, professional mixing headphones provide a flat frequency response, ensuring that what you hear is as true to the original sound as possible. Here are the top 10 professional mixing headphones along with their specifications to help you choose the best one for your needs.

1. Sony MDR-7506

Driver Size: 40mm

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz

Impedance: 63 ohms

Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW

Type: Closed-back

Weight: 230g

Pros: Clear sound, lightweight, great for long sessions

Cons: Ear pads wear out over time

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Driver Size: 45mm

Frequency Response: 15Hz – 28kHz

Impedance: 38 ohms

Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW

Type: Closed-back

Weight: 285g

Pros: Excellent sound isolation, deep bass

Cons: Slightly boosted low-end may not be fully neutral

3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)

Driver Size: 45mm

Frequency Response: 5Hz – 35kHz

Impedance: 80 ohms

Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW

Type: Closed-back

Weight: 270g

Pros: Extremely comfortable, durable build

Cons: High impedance requires an audio interface or amp

4. Sennheiser HD 600

Driver Size: 42mm

Frequency Response: 12Hz – 39kHz

Impedance: 300 ohms

Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW

Type: Open-back

Weight: 260g

Pros: Neutral sound, ideal for mixing

Cons: Requires an amplifier due to high impedance

5. AKG K701

Driver Size: 50mm

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 39.8kHz

Impedance: 62 ohms

Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW

Type: Open-back

Weight: 235g

Pros: Excellent spatial imaging, very detailed sound

Cons: Large design, not ideal for travel

6. Shure SRH1840

Driver Size: 40mm

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 30kHz

Impedance: 65 ohms

Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW

Type: Open-back

Weight: 268g

Pros: Wide soundstage, accurate sound reproduction

Cons: Pricey, requires an amp for best results

7. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Driver Size: 45mm

Frequency Response: 5Hz – 35kHz

Impedance: 250 ohms

Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW

Type: Open-back

Weight: 250g

Pros: Wide soundstage, clear highs

Cons: Not ideal for bass-heavy mixing

8. Focal Listen Professional

Driver Size: 40mm

Frequency Response: 5Hz – 22kHz

Impedance: 32 ohms

Sensitivity: 122 dB/mW

Type: Closed-back

Weight: 280g

Pros: Great sound isolation, portable

Cons: Expensive for closed-back headphones

9. Audeze LCD-X

Driver Size: 106mm planar magnetic

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz

Impedance: 20 ohms

Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW

Type: Open-back

Weight: 612g

Pros: Unparalleled clarity and detail

Cons: Heavy and expensive

10. Neumann NDH 20

Driver Size: 38mm

Frequency Response: 5Hz – 30kHz

Impedance: 150 ohms

Sensitivity: 114 dB/mW

Type: Closed-back

Weight: 388g

Pros: Excellent build quality, detailed sound

Cons: Expensive for a closed-back model

Choosing the right pair of mixing headphones depends on your workflow and environment. Open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD 600 and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro provide a natural sound, making them ideal for mixing in quiet spaces. Closed-back models such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Focal Listen Professional offer great isolation, making them better suited for recording and mobile use. If budget isn’t a concern and you want the best possible sound accuracy, high-end options like the Audeze LCD-X are worth considering.

No matter which model you choose, investing in a good pair of professional mixing headphones will help you produce better, more polished music.