Good Headphones for Electronic Music: What to Look For
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As any fan of electronic music knows, a good pair of headphones is essential for enjoying the genre. But with so many different types and brands of headphones on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are best for electronic music. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on what to look for when choosing headphones for electronic music.
Introduction
Headphones are an essential part of any electronic musician’s arsenal, and with the wide variety of styles and types available, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, we’ll break down the different features to look for in a good pair of headphones for electronic music, and give you our top picks for the best headphones for electronic music production.
When you’re shopping for headphones, the first thing you’ll want to consider is what style of music you’ll be making. If you’re mostly producing ambient or chillout music, you’ll likely be looking for a different set of features than if you’re producing high-energy dance tracks.
Next, think about what type of headphones you want. There are three main types: over-ear, on-ear, and earbuds. Over-ear headphones are the most popular type for studio use, as they provide the best sound isolation and comfort. On-ear headphones are a good compromise between sound quality and portability, while earbuds are the most portable but have the poorest sound quality.
Finally, consider your budget. Headphones can range in price from under $50 to over $500, so it’s important to find a pair that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
With those factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best headphones for electronic music production:
The Different Types of Headphones
There are three main types of headphones: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear. In-ear headphones are small and fit snugly inside your ear canal. On-ear headphones sit on top of your outer ear. Over-ear headphones are the largest type of headphones and they go over your ears.
In-Ear Headphones
Also known as “earbuds,” or “earphones,” in-ear headphones go directly into your ear canal. They’re extremely portable and come in a variety of styles, including completely wireless. In-ear headphones are great for listening to music on the go, but they can be less comfortable for extended wear and some people find them intrusive. They also don’t provide as much noise isolation as other types of headphones, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking to block out external noise.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are less intrusive than over-ear models, and many people find them more comfortable for extended wear. They’re also usually more compact and easier to transport, making them a good choice for use on the go. On-ear headphones typically have earcups that rest on the outer ears, rather than enclosing them.
Over-ear headphones are sometimes called full-size headphones because they completely enclose your ears. They provide the best sound quality and isolation, but they can be bulky and inconvenient to carry around. Over-ear headphones are available in both open-back and closed-back designs.
Over-Ear Headphones
If you want the best possible sound quality, over-ear headphones are generally the way to go. They tend to be much larger than other types of headphones, but they also provide better sound isolation and a larger soundstage. Because of their size and weight, over-ear headphones can be somewhat uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, but they’re still a good choice for listening at home or in the studio.
Factors to Consider When Buying Headphones
There are a few things to consider when looking for headphones to buy. The first is what type of headphones you want. There are three main types: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. Over-ear headphones are the most comfortable but they can be bulky. On-ear headphones are a good middle ground- they’re not as bulky as over-ear headphones but they’re not as small as in-ear headphones. In-ear headphones are the smallest and most portable but they can be uncomfortable for some people. The second factor to consider is what you’ll be using the headphones for. If you’re a DJ, you’ll need a different type of headphone than if you’re a producer or a listener. DJ headphones need to be able to swivel so that you can headphones can wear them on one ear or both. Producer headphones need to have a flat frequency response so that you can hear all the frequencies in the music. Listener headphones just need to sound good. The third factor to consider is price. Headphones range in price from $50 to $500. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get good headphones, but the pricier headphones will usually sound better.
Sound Quality
Arguably the most important factor to consider when buying headphones is sound quality. There are a few things to look for when assessing sound quality. First, pay attention to reviews that mention the soundstage. The soundstage is how “wide” the music sounds. Headphones with a good soundstage will make it feel like you’re surrounded by music, rather than that the music is coming from inside your head. Good headphones will also have tight bass response and clear treble. Be wary of reviews that mention “mud” in the low end, as this means that the bass frequencies are muddled and not well-defined. Muddiness in the lows can make electronic music sound muddy and can be very fatiguing to listen to over long periods of time. Finally, pay attention to reviews that mention sibilance. Sibilance is a “hissing” sound, usually in the high frequencies, that can be very harsh and unpleasant to listen to. Many cheaper headphones tend to have bad sibilance problems, so be sure to read reviews carefully before making a purchase.
Comfort
Wearing headphones for long periods of time can be uncomfortable, so it’s important to choose a pair that won’t cause pain or fatigue. Look for headphones that are lightweight and have soft, cushioned ear cups. If you wear glasses, make sure the headphones don’t put too much pressure on your temples.
You should also consider how the headphones will stay in place while you’re moving around. On-ear and over-ear headphones tend to stay put better than earbuds, which can fall out if you sweat or move around too much. However, over-ear headphones can get hot and uncomfortable after a while, so they might not be the best choice if you plan on wearing them for long periods of time.
Lastly, think about how easy it is to adjust the volume and control other features without taking off the headphones. In-line controls are convenient, but they can be difficult to use if you have long fingernails or large hands.
Durability
An essential factor to look for when buying headphones is durability. You want a pair of headphones that are going to withstand frequent use, as well as the occasional accidental drop or two. The last thing you want is for your headphones to break after just a few months of use. There are several different materials that can be used to make durable headphones, such as metal, plastic, and even rubber. If you can find a pair of headphones made with durable materials, then you can be sure that they will last you for many years to come.
Another factor to consider when it comes to durability is the type of environmental conditions that the headphones will be exposed to. If you live in an area with high humidity, then it is important to find a pair of headphones that can resist moisture. If you live in an area with high temperatures, then it is important to find a pair of headphones that can resist heat. By taking the time to consider the type of environment you live in, you can be sure to find a pair of durable headphones that will work well in your specific geographical location.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding good headphones for electronic music, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the headphones have a wide frequency response. This will ensure that you can hear all the details in the music. Second, you’ll want to make sure that the headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Third, you’ll want to make sure that the headphones have a good seal so that you can hear the music clearly without outside noise interfering. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the headphones are durable and will last for many years. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best headphones for your needs.
