Best Headphones for Tracking and Recording

Tracking headphones serve a specific function: providing performers with a mix they can hear while preventing that mix from leaking into microphones. This isolation requirement drives design choices that differ from headphones optimized for mixing or casual listening. The best tracking headphones combine excellent isolation with comfortable fit and sound quality that inspires great performances.

Why Isolation Matters for Tracking

When recording vocals or acoustic instruments, the performer needs to hear backing tracks, click tracks, and their own performance. Without headphones, this monitoring would bleed into the microphone and contaminate the recording.

Even with headphones, poorly isolated designs leak sound that sensitive microphones can capture. This bleed compromises the recording’s usefulness and limits mixing options. Closed-back designs with good seal around the ears minimize this problem.

Isolation also helps performers hear details in their headphone mix without excessive volume. Lower monitoring levels reduce ear fatigue and allow longer, more productive sessions.

Best Professional Tracking Headphones

The Sony MDR-7506 ($99) has dominated tracking applications since 1991. The lightweight design provides comfort during long sessions while the frequency response helps performers hear themselves clearly. The slightly forward upper-midrange ensures vocal clarity in the mix.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($149) delivers excellent isolation with balanced sound quality. The detachable cable reduces replacement hassles, and the folding design facilitates storage. The sound quality exceeds what tracking strictly requires, making them useful for other applications.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ($159) provides exceptional isolation through circumaural earpads that seal completely around the ears. The velour pads remain comfortable for hours of tracking. Available in 32, 80, and 250-ohm versions for different amplification scenarios.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($99) maximizes isolation with its closed, circumaural design. The 32dB of passive attenuation prevents bleed even at higher monitoring levels. The coiled cable suits studio applications.

Budget Tracking Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($49) provides adequate isolation at entry-level pricing. Studios tracking multiple musicians often stock these as backup or disposable options.

The Tascam TH-02 ($25) serves as an ultra-budget option for basic tracking needs. The isolation and sound quality prove adequate for click track and basic guide mix monitoring.

The Sony MDR-V150 ($25) offers lightweight comfort with modest isolation. Multiple pairs allow equipping entire bands without significant investment.

Multi-Performer Tracking Considerations

Recording bands or ensembles requires multiple headphone sets and potentially multiple mixes. A headphone distribution amplifier drives multiple headphones from a single source.

The Behringer HA400 ($25) provides four headphone outputs at minimal cost. Each output has independent volume control for performer preference.

The PreSonus HP4 ($99) offers four channels with professional build quality. The unit can be rackmounted for permanent studio installation.

Personal monitor mixers like the Behringer P16 system allow each performer to create their own mix from available sources. This capability improves performer comfort and reduces control room workload.

Headphone Fit and Comfort

Tracking sessions can extend for hours, making comfort essential. Uncomfortable headphones distract performers and compromise performance quality.

Circumaural designs that surround the ears rather than pressing on them prove most comfortable for extended wear. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 exemplifies this approach.

Earpads should seal adequately without excessive clamping pressure. Adjustable headbands accommodate different head sizes and shapes. Replaceable earpads extend headphone lifespan as wear affects both comfort and isolation.

Sound Quality for Tracking

Tracking headphones need not match reference monitoring accuracy. Performers need to hear themselves and the backing track clearly more than they need perfectly flat frequency response.

Slight high-frequency emphasis can help vocalists hear pitch and consonants clearly. This enhancement doesn’t affect the actual recording, only the performer’s perception.

Too much bass can obscure pitch information and encourage performers to oversing. Moderate bass response typically works better for vocal tracking than bass-heavy consumer headphones.

Cable Considerations

Long headphone cables suit tracking applications where performers may be positioned away from equipment. The Sony MDR-7506’s coiled cable extends to accommodate movement.

Detachable cables like those on the ATH-M50x simplify replacement when cables inevitably wear. This feature adds practical value for frequently used tracking headphones.

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All tracking headphones are available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon with bulk pricing often available.