As a music producer, it’s important to have a pair of headphones with high sound quality to ensure your music sounds great. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which headphones to choose. However, you don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality pair of headphones. In this article, we’ll be looking at the top 10 best music production headphones under $100 in 2023.
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Why Good Headphones are Important in Music Production
When mixing and mastering tracks, it’s essential to be able to hear every detail of the music. This includes the low-end bass frequencies, the midrange vocals and instruments, and the high-end treble frequencies. If your headphones aren’t up to scratch, you may miss crucial details that can affect the overall quality of the music.
In this article, we’ll be looking at headphones that are suitable for music production. While there are many great headphones on the market, not all of them are suitable for this purpose. We’ll be looking at the features that make headphones suitable for music production, as well as providing recommendations for the best headphones under $100.
What to Look for in Music Production Headphones
When it comes to choosing headphones for music production, several important features need to be considered. These include frequency response, sound isolation, comfort, and durability.
Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce. For music production, you’ll want headphones with a flat frequency response. This means that they don’t boost or cut any particular frequency range, which allows you to hear the music as it truly sounds.
Sound isolation is also crucial for music production headphones. You’ll want headphones that block out external noise, so you can hear the music without any distractions. This is especially important if you’re working in a noisy environment, such as a busy studio.
Comfort is another essential factor to consider. As a music producer, you may be wearing your headphones for long periods of time, so you’ll want them to be comfortable. Look for headphones that have padded ear cups and an adjustable headband, so you can find the perfect fit.
Finally, durability is important. You don’t want to invest in a pair of headphones that will break after a few months of use. Look for headphones made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality.
Top 10 Music Production Headphones Under $100
| Headphones | Frequency Response | Sound Isolation | Comfort | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Flat | Excellent | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| Sennheiser HD280PRO | Flat | Excellent | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| Sony MDR-7506 | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| AKG K240 STUDIO | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| Samson SR850 | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| Tascam TH-02 | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | May not be as durable as some other headphones |
| Superlux HD 681 | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
| Monoprice 8323 | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | May not be as durable as some other headphones |
| Koss Pro-4AA | Flat | Good | Very comfortable with padded ear cups and adjustable headband | High-quality materials with a solid build |
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 best music production headphones under $100 in 2023.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a popular choice among music producers. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They also have excellent sound isolation, which means you can use them in noisy environments without any distractions.
The ATH-M40x headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
2. Sennheiser HD280PRO
The Sennheiser HD280PRO headphones are another great option for music production. These headphones also have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have excellent sound isolation, which means you can use them in noisy environments without any distractions.
The HD280PRO headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
3. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a classic choice for music production. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The MDR-7506 headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
4. Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO
The Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO headphones are a newer addition to the market, but they’re already making waves in the music production community. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The DT 240 PRO headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
5. AKG K240 STUDIO
The AKG K240 STUDIO headphones are a classic choice for music production. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The K240 STUDIO headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
6. Samson SR850
The Samson SR850 headphones have a semi-open design, which provides a natural sound and good soundstage. They have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The SR850 headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
7. Tascam TH-02
The Tascam TH-02 headphones are a budget-friendly option for music production. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The TH-02 headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They may not be as durable as some of the other headphones on this list, but they’re still a great option for those on a tight budget.
8. Superlux HD 681
The Superlux HD 681 headphones have a semi-open design, which provides a natural sound and good soundstage. They have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The HD 681 headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
9. Monoprice 8323
The Monoprice 8323 headphones are another budget-friendly option for music production. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The 8323 headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They may not be as durable as some of the other headphones on this list, but they’re still a great option for those on a tight budget.
10. Koss Pro-4AA
The Koss Pro-4AA headphones are a classic choice for music production. These headphones have a flat frequency response, which makes them suitable for mixing and mastering. They have good sound isolation, which means you can use them in moderately noisy environments without any distractions.
The Pro-4AA headphones are also comfortable to wear, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They’re made with high-quality materials and have a solid build quality, so they should last for years.
Headphone Buying Tips
When it comes to buying headphones, there are a few general tips that you should keep in mind. First, try the headphones on before purchasing them, if possible. This will give you an idea of how comfortable they are and how they sound.
Second, read customer reviews before purchasing headphones. This will give you an idea of any issues that other users have experienced with the headphones.
Finally, consider the type of music you’ll be producing when choosing headphones. Different genres of music require different types of headphones. For example, if you’re producing electronic dance music, you may want headphones that have a strong bass response.
Personal Experience: Finding the Perfect Headphones for My Home Studio
As a music producer with a home studio, I understand the importance of having a good pair of headphones to produce quality sound. When I first started out, I made the mistake of purchasing a cheap pair of headphones that did not provide the necessary frequency response or sound isolation. This led to frustration during the mixing process and ultimately resulted in a subpar final product.
After doing some research and trying out different headphones, I finally found the perfect pair for my needs: the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. These headphones have a wide frequency range and provide excellent sound isolation, allowing me to hear every detail in my recordings. They are also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Since investing in these headphones, my productions have greatly improved in quality and I have received positive feedback from clients and listeners alike. I highly recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x to any music producers on a budget who are looking for high-quality headphones.
Conclusion
Investing in a good pair of headphones is essential for music production. The headphones on this list are all great options for music production, and they’re all under $100.
Remember to consider the important features when choosing headphones, such as frequency response, sound isolation, comfort, and durability. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pair of headphones for your music production needs.
