The first question is, open or closed?

If you are using them for tracking (recording) a vocal or acoustic instrument while monitoring a backing track, you need a closed headphone.

If you are mixing, either will do although open is often lighter and more comfortable for longer sessions; closed is better if you have a noisy environment or don't want to annoy others.

I have recommendations for both types at the $100 price point: Grado (open) or SONY 7506 (closed).


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors