How to choose monitor headphones | 7 criteria to reduce high-frequency piercing and low-frequency misinterpretation

When it comes to monitor headphones, it's not so much whether the sound is flashy as it is whether you can continue to make the same decision for a long time. A product that hits the high end will create a mix that is darker than necessary, and a product that bulges out the low end will cut down on the bass too much.

1｜Decide whether for recording or mixing

For recording, it is easy to use a closed type with less sound leakage, while for mixing, an open type is advantageous because it is easier to judge the space and reverberation. Rather than trying to satisfy everything with just one device, you will be less likely to make mistakes if you narrow down your usage first.

2｜Listen to the quality, not the quantity, of high frequencies

Even with bright headphones, it tends to be easier to judge if the cymbal's reverberation is finely divided and the sibilance is heard as one sound. Products that make the high frequencies sound like dusty sand and make you want to turn down the volume after a short period of time can lead to fatigue during production.

3 | Consider the depth and speed of the low range separately

Being able to produce low sounds is different from having a large bass. Check that the low range settles down immediately after the kick and that you can follow the pitch of the bass. Products that allow the bass to linger for a long time tend to make the bass on the song side too thin.

4｜Wearing comfort is as important as sound quality

Lateral pressure, depth of ear pads, and weight of the top of the head may not be obvious in 30 minutes, but they will affect your judgment after 2 hours. If you use glasses, the seal may change easily, so try it in the actual production position.

5｜Check impedance and sensitivity

High impedance does not necessarily mean high sound quality. Check that the audio interface or mobile device you are using can produce sufficient volume, and that the low frequencies do not collapse when you raise the volume.

6｜See availability of ear pads and cables

The sound of headphones changes greatly depending on the deterioration of the ear pads. Making sure you can continue to buy genuine replacement parts and that the cables are removable can save you money in the long run.

7｜Compare songs you know at the same volume

During the listening test, the louder the volume, the better it sounds. Align the perceived loudness of each candidate and compare the vocal distance, snare hardness, reverb length, and bass pitch in order.

In the end, rather than trying to find a perfectly flat pair, it's better to understand the quirks of the headphones and create an environment where you can check them using speakers, other earphones, and reference songs. Being able to work for a long time with painless sound is also a great feature.