Headphones have become an essential tool for music producers and engineers, especially for those mixing in home studios or on the go. But mixing with headphones isn’t without its challenges. From choosing the right pair to setting proper levels, there are crucial factors that can make or break your final mix.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most important aspects of mixing with headphones, drawing from the insights of over 15 years of professional mixing experience.
Ultimate Guide to Mixing with Headphones
Disclosure: This video is sponsored by Beyerdynamic
1. The #1 Rule: Monitor Your Levels for Safety and Accuracy
This is arguably the most critical aspect of mixing with headphones. Improper monitoring levels can lead to two major problems: hearing damage and poor mix decisions.
- Hearing Safety: Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. To protect your ears, you must set a safe listening level.
- Preventing Ear Fatigue: When mixing too loudly, your ears quickly become fatigued. Frequencies start to blur, and you lose objectivity, making it impossible to make clear, accurate mixing decisions.
How to Set Your Headphone Levels:
The recommended maximum safe listening level is 85 dBA. To measure this, you can use a professional sound level meter or, more conveniently, a free app from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) available on iOS and Android.
- The Method: Place your phone up against the headphone cup, creating a seal, and play some music from your DAW.
- The Target: Adjust your volume so the
LAeq(average reading) on the app stays between 75 and 80 dBA. This is loud enough to hear all the frequencies you need but safe for prolonged use.
Remember, this 75-80 dBA range is your baseline. You can always turn the volume down further for most of your mixing to reduce fatigue even more.
2. Choose the Right Headphones for Your Mix
The right headphones can make or break your mix translation—the ability of your mix to sound good on different systems. When choosing headphones, look for a balance between sound quality and a flat, un-hyped frequency response.
- Avoid Overly “Hyped” Headphones: Headphones with an exaggerated bass or bright highs might sound exciting, but they can mislead you into making incorrect mixing decisions that won’t translate to other systems.
- Steer Clear of Boring Headphones: While a truly “flat” headphone might seem ideal, some can sound dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged during long mixing sessions.
The best headphones for mixing offer a middle ground—a sound you enjoy and find comfortable, but one that also provides an accurate representation of your mix. The goal is to make objective decisions that will sound great everywhere, not just in your studio.
3. Comfort is King: Don’t Underestimate the Fit
Mixing can be a marathon, not a sprint. You could be wearing your headphones for several hours a day, so comfort is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
- Padding: Look for headphones with ample padding on the ear cups and headband. Materials like velour can make a significant difference in comfort during long sessions.
- Proper Fit: Ensure the headphones fit your head correctly, without excessive pressure on your temples or ears. An uncomfortable headphone, no matter how accurate, is useless if you can’t wear it for more than 30 minutes at a time.
4. Open-Back vs. Closed-Back: Which is Right for You?
This is a common debate in the audio community. While many professionals prefer open-back headphones for mixing, the best choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference and environment.
- Open-Back Headphones:
- Advantages: A more natural, “out-of-your-head” soundstage that closely resembles listening to studio monitors. This can make it easier to judge stereo imaging and panning decisions.
- Disadvantages: Less isolation. Sound leaks in and out, making them unsuitable for recording vocals or if you need privacy. The bass response can feel less dominant.
- Closed-Back Headphones:
- Advantages: Excellent isolation, blocking out external noise and preventing sound from leaking out. They often provide a more powerful and sealed low-end response.
- Disadvantages: The “in-your-head” sound can make it harder to judge the stereo field.
The best approach is to try both types and see which one you prefer. The one that gives you the most objective and enjoyable experience is the right one for you.
5. Do You Need a Dedicated Headphone Amp?
With modern technology, the answer is often no. Many professional headphones now have a lower impedance (measured in ohms), which means they don’t require a powerful, dedicated headphone amplifier to perform optimally.
- Impedance Check: Look up the impedance of your headphones.
- The Rule of Thumb: If your headphones have an impedance of 100 ohms or less, the built-in headphone amplifier on most modern audio interfaces is more than sufficient. You can even use them with consumer electronics like your laptop or phone without issue.
While some high-end headphones still require more power, many quality mixing headphones today are designed to be used without extra hardware.
6. The Long Game: Commit to One Pair
Once you find a pair of headphones you love and trust, stick with them. The only way to truly learn your headphones and get consistent, professional results is to spend a significant amount of time with them. Avoid constantly switching between different pairs for critical mixing decisions.
Mixing with headphones is a skill that can be mastered, and with the right tools and approach, you can achieve amazing, radio-ready results. By focusing on these key aspects—monitoring levels, choosing the right sound, prioritizing comfort, understanding the different types, and committing to your gear—you can set yourself up for a long and successful career in audio production.
Headphones in this Video
NIOSH Sound Level Meter: Need help setting your headphone monitoring levels? Download this free app to set the optimal mixing levels revealed in the video 👇🏻
*For a more accurate headphone level measurement, place the meter mic centered in between your headphone ear pads. Press the pads together to create a “seal” and start your measurement. This is not meant to be scientifically exact, it’s intended to help you stay within a safe range. I recommend monitoring well below suggested max levels.
Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a health care professional with hearing related questions or concerns.