best headphones for professional use

Hi Anna,

 

I would get the Sennheiser HD 25-1 II for this use.

 

They were designed for professional use, are closed back and seal well against external noise.

 

They are also excellent for listening to detail - these are my No.1 headphones when I am recording and want to hear subtle detail in a mix.

 

They will be perfect for what you want to do.

 

I would use the optional velour earpads that are supplied with the headphones as they are more comfortable than the leatherette ones.

 

I hope this helps.

 

 

 

another vote for the hd-25 here.

I had the HD-25ll back in 2002 for DJ use, and since then I had many other hps that do a better job for pro voice use.

 

Here is my recommendations...

 

1. GMP 8.35.

2. AKG K-271 MKll.

3. ATH-M-50.

4. HD-25.

 

The first version of the HD25 is more balanced and flat sounding compare to the bassy DJ version of 25ll.

 

 

BTW... the HD-25ll is on the ear hps, and all the hps I've mention above are over the ear hps ( the hps pads cover the ear). I prefer over the ear for SQ and better isolation and they are more comfy for long sessions.

 

Keep in mind that noise cancellation will only cancel out a continuous frequency--like a plane engine or machine hum. Likely, sound blocking is all you'll need for this task.

I'm going to defer to Acix on the actual question--the only thing I would add is to consider ones like the 835 and AKG carefully--something like the HD25 would not be comfortable for hours at a time. Personally, I find that AKGs are really comfortable.

Are you considering IEMs? They're the best choice if you want the most isolation.

Actually it is comfortable - but needs the velour earpads for best comfort.

 

The original HD 414 were on the ear headphones and I have never heard anyone complain about their comfort.

 

 

The SRH-840 seem OK, but I would not use them.

 

They are only 102dB efficient - 18dB worse than the HD 25-1 II.

 

They do not state a tolerance on the frequency response, so it does not mean very much.  The HD 25-1 II response is the -3dB figure.

 

It has a coiled cable which is heavy and springy - the HD 25-1 II has a light straight cable so you don't notice the weight of the cable in use.  I would never use a coiled cabled headphone again.

 

 

SRH840 are pretty good for all purposes, they're okay when it comes to isolation and are pretty neutral.

Poor durability! you must be joking!

 

I have had my HD 25-1 for well over 20 years (I bought them in 1989 I think) with no problems at all.

 

There was a pair of HD 25 that were used by a DJ and the building caught fire - he went in the next day to get his headphones, covered with water and fire damage - and they still worked!

 

These are used by broadcast professionals day in and day out - there is absolutely no problem with durability.

 

The only Sennheiser headphones that I heard had a durability problem was about 15 years or so ago where there was not quite enough support round the ball joint - the problem was fixed and any ones that broke were fixed under guarantee - even several years after the guarantee had officially expired.

 

You need have no fear about durability at all.