If you’re serious about music production, choosing the right headphones for mixing can make all the difference. Whether you’re a bedroom producer, a podcaster polishing your tracks, or a parent helping your child choose the right gear, understanding what makes great mixing headphones is key. I did tons of research and combed through expert reviews, community discussions, and technical specs — and today I’m breaking this down for you in a clear, practical way.
Mixing headphones aren’t the same as regular earbuds or consumer audio cans. They are designed to reveal every detail in your audio — from subtle whispering highs to deep, controlled lows — so your mixes translate well across speakers, car systems, phone earbuds, and everywhere in between. A good pair should be accurate, durable, and comfortable enough for long sessions. sparkmoor.com
Today we’ll look closely at two excellent options that consistently come up in pro discussions and recommended lists: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.
🎧 What Makes a Great Mixing Headphone?
Before we dig into the specifics of each model, here’s what you should look for when selecting mixing headphones:
🔍 1. Accurate and Neutral Sound
The goal of mixing is to hear what’s actually in the track — not what a fancy headphone wants you to hear. That means minimal “coloration” and a balanced frequency response. sparkmoor.com
😌 2. Comfort for Long Sessions
Mixing takes time. Warm, snug ear pads and a lightweight design help you stay focused without fatigue.
🛠️ 3. Durability and Build Quality
Studio gear gets a lot of use. A solid construction that can handle daily wear, cable swaps, or travel makes your investment worth it.
🔌 4. Good Isolation
Especially when mixing or tracking in untreated rooms, headphones that block external sounds help you concentrate on your work. sparkmoor.com
With those principles in mind, let’s compare two pro favorites.
🎧 1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x sits at the sweet spot between professional quality and affordability — which is why it’s a go-to choice for many aspiring producers and seasoned engineers alike.
🛠️ Built for Precision
The ATH-M50x features 45 mm large-aperture drivers that deliver a detailed, accurate sound with good bass extension and precise highs. This makes it ideal for critical listening and mixing, where clarity and depth matter most. Home Studio Basics+1
🎧 Great Sound for Mixing
Unlike consumer headphones that exaggerate bass or treble to “sound fun,” the M50x provides a balanced response that helps your ears learn what’s really in the mix. This means fewer surprises when your track is played on other devices.
💪 Comfortable and Practical
These headphones are well-built with a sturdy collapsible frame and comfortable ear cups. The detachable cable adds convenience — something experienced producers really appreciate for studio setups. audio-technica.com
🏆 Why It’s Loved
The ATH-M50x is often recommended because:
- It’s robust and reliable for daily studio use.
- It offers remarkably clear detail without harsh peaks.
- Its portability makes it useful for production on the go as well. Home Studio Basics
💡 Great for: Home studios, beginner to intermediate mixers, producers who want reliable all-purpose studio headphones.
🎧 2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Next up is a classic industry standard: the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. These headphones have been used in pro studios around the world for years and continue to be a top recommendation for mixing and critical listening.
🧠 Professional Sound Signature
The DT 770 Pro delivers a slightly different listening experience compared to the ATH-M50x. With a closed-back design, these cans offer controlled bass and detailed midrange — making them excellent for hearing the fine details in your mix. SoundGale
🛠️ Built to Last
Beyerdynamic headphones are known for their rugged build quality and comfortable velour ear pads, which allow you to mix for long stretches without discomfort. The design is wired and passive — meaning no battery and no latency. SoundGale
🎶 How They Perform
While some listeners find their treble a little bright, this can actually help you catch problems in cymbals, hi-hats, and sibilance that might be masked on flatter headphones. These headphones’ frequency response extends broadly — giving you a clear picture of your mix’s top-end detail. Higher Hz
📊 Why It’s a Studio Favorite
The DT 770 Pro often makes lists of best mixing headphones because:
- It provides depth and separation that help you judge stereo imaging.
- It’s comfortable for long sessions thanks to plush padding.
- It’s built like a tank and lasts for years. SoundGale
💡 Best for: Intermediate and advanced producers, detailed mixing sessions, studios where accurate monitoring is essential.
🎯 Which Should You Choose?
Both the ATH-M50x and DT 770 Pro are amazing choices — but your pick depends on your priorities:
| Feature | ATH-M50x | DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced all-around sound | ✅ | ✔️ Yes, with emphasis on clarity |
| Build and portability | ✔️ | ✔️ Professional comfort |
| Isolation | Good | Better (closed-back) |
| Best for beginners | ✔️ | Intermediate to Pro |
| Best for detailed high-end monitoring | Good | ✔️ |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Getting your tracks to sound great everywhere starts with hearing everything in your mix — and that means investing in reliable mixing headphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are two solid, time-tested options that offer accuracy, comfort, and durability — exactly what you need to elevate your productions.
Ready to take the next step in your music production journey? These headphones will give you the confidence to mix like a pro.
📌 Check Them Out!
<button onclick=”window.open(‘https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86′,’_blank’)”>View ATH-M50x on Amazon</button>
<button onclick=”window.open(‘https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-770-pro’,’_blank’)”>View DT 770 Pro on Official Site</button>
