The Best Headphones of 2024: Who Made It Onto the Hitlist?
In this roundup of the best headphones, we’re looking at some of this year’s most exciting releases in closed and open-back designs.
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There was a wide range of headphones launched this year, so our list includes some entries from newcomers, as well as the usual suspects like Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic.
Due to the sheer volume of headphones, we’ve narrowed our scope to focus on music production. While you may simply prefer the sound of one manufacturer’s headphones to another, we’ve looked at the long-term durability for everyday use, and the versatility for home studio tasks such as recording, mixing, and mastering.
The Best Headphones 2024: Adam Audio H200
This year, Adam Audio’s entry into the headphones market with the H200 was certainly an interesting one. Rather than reaching into the premium end, Adam Audio cleverly created the relatively affordable H200 to bring pro features for under $150.
First off, it has a closed-back design which makes it more versatile. Instead of being a specialized mixing and production tool like an open-back design, the H200 can also be used for tracking or even DJing.
Equipped with 40 mm neodymium drivers, the H200 has a maximum SPL of 112.5 dB with a frequency range of 2 Hz to 23,500 Hz. What’s more, they come with a Sonnox corrective EQ plug‑in which is impressive at this price range.
- More from Adam Audio
The Best Headphones 2024: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio XE
Another consistent innovator, and not just in headphone design, is the Danish manufacturer, AIAIAI. At the end of last year, the company launched one of the first wireless studio monitoring solutions, the UNIT 4 Wireless+.
Meanwhile, the popularity of the AIAIAI sustainable modular headphones for DJs and producers continues to grow. This year, the affordable TMA-2 Studio XE closed-back studio headphones received an update, offering even more value for producers.
As each component can be replaced, you can swap out the earpads, headband, and cable for more high-end options at any stage, giving new life to your trusty studio headphones.
- More from AIAIAI
The Best Headphones 2024: SONY MDR-M1
For many years, the MDR-7506 has remained the industry standard in so many countries around the world. Now, further expanding on this legacy, SONY introduced the MDR-M1 this year, after the successful launch of the open-back MDR-MV1 in 2023.
The MDR-M1 is a closed-back reference headphone designed for mixing and mastering, and tested extensively in SONY’s immersive audio studios. With its wide-band reproduction, the MDR-M1 has a frequency range of 5 Hz – 80,000 Hz, and the 40mm drivers produce a maximum SPL of 102 dB.
Although the MDR-M1 is designed for mixing and mastering purposes, the closed-back design provides good isolation for recording and there are two detachable cables included for different applications.
- More from SONY
The Best Headphones 2024: Sennheiser HD-490 PRO
One of the most exciting releases this year was undoubtedly the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO, an open-back set of headphones with separate earpads for music production and mixing. The 38 mm neodymium drivers produce a maximum SPL of 128 dB and the frequency range is 5 – 36,100 Hz.
The HD-490 PRO is lighter than you’d expect and built for comfort, so you can spend hours making or mixing music without even realizing that you’re wearing headphones. Conveniently, the mini-XLR cable can connect on either side of the headset, and there’s a plug to cover the connecter that isn’t in use.
Overall, the HD-490 PRO is built upon a legacy of innovative headphone design, offering users a great solution for music production and mixing with a defined and nicely separated sonic character. Also, the included Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plug-in adds extra value.
- More from Sennheiser
The Best Headphones 2024: Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro MKII
Although it falls in a similar price range, the DT-1990 Pro MKII is a set of headphones that punches well above its weight. For years, the open-back DT-1990 Pro has been a preferred choice for mixing and now also includes 2 sets of earpads: one for music production, and another for mixing and mastering.
Equipped with 45 mm TESLA drivers, the DT-1990 Pro MKII offers a frequency range of 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz with a maximum SPL of 110 dB. What’s more, with a low impedance rating of 30 ohms, you can get great performance even with consumer devices.
Included in the package, the DT-1990 Pro MKII ships in a protective case with straight and coiled cables so you can configure them specifically for your setup.
More about the Best Headphones 2024:
- Check out our Budget Headphones Roundup
- Thomann’s Guide to Headphones
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