Choosing the Best Headphones for Singing: An Expert Guide
When selecting headphones for singing, it's important to find ones that provide excellent sound quality and a reliable microphone. While popular brands like Beats offer stylish and well-designed options, there are other headphones specifically optimized for vocal performance and recording. This guide will introduce you to some top options and offer recommendations based on mic quality and overall performance.
Top Recommendations for Headphones with Superior Mics for Singing
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M5
Type: Over-ear
Mic Quality: Audio-Technica's ATH-M5 headphones are well-regarded for their sound quality, particularly when paired with a good external microphone. They offer a great monitoring experience for your vocals, making them a fantastic choice for those who want to capture their best performance.
2. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Type: Over-ear
Mic Quality: These headphones are known for their passive noise isolation and sound accuracy, making them ideal for studio settings. However, for singing, it's recommended to use a separate high-quality condenser microphone to achieve the best results. The built-in mic is good for casual singing or voice recording, but it's not as high-quality as dedicated studio mics.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Type: Over-ear
Mic Quality: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro provides excellent sound quality and comfort. These headphones require an external microphone to provide the best results for vocal recording, as their built-in mic is primarily designed for low-level monitoring.
4. Sony WH-100M5
Type: Over-ear wireless
Mic Quality: The Sony WH-100M5 offers great active noise cancellation and decent built-in microphone for casual singing or voice recording. While it's not the highest-quality mic for professional recording, it is suitable for those who want a portable solution for occasional use.
5. Shure SRH1540
Type: Over-ear
Mic Quality: Shure SRH1540 headphones deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort. Like the others, they are best used with a dedicated microphone for the best vocal capture. They are designed for high-performance listening but work well when paired with external mics for recording.
6. Razer Nari Ultimate
Type: Over-ear wireless
Mic Quality: While the Razer Nari Ultimate is excellent for gaming and casual use, its vocal quality is decent for singing but not as professional as studio headphones. It's a good choice for those who want a combination headset for both gaming and occasional vocal recording.
7. AKG K371
Type: Over-ear
Mic Quality: The AKG K371 provides a balanced sound and good isolation, making them suitable for vocal monitoring when paired with a high-quality external mic. These headphones are a great choice for those who want a reliable and comfortable pair for studio recordings.
Recommendations for the Best Vocal Capture
For the best results in singing, it's often more effective to use high-quality studio microphones like the Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020 along with good headphones for monitoring. Headphones alone won't provide the best vocal capture if you're aiming for studio-quality sound. A dedicated microphone paired with a quality headphone setup will give you the cleanest and most accurate sound.
Best Headsets with Built-in Mics for Vocal Recording
If you're considering a headset with a built-in mic for recording, look for options specifically designed for vocal use. Two excellent choices are:
1. Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is a versatile USB microphone that's perfect for home recording setups. It captures clear and detailed audio, making it an excellent choice for vocal performance, podcasting, and more.
2. Rode NT-USB
The Rode NT-USB is another high-quality USB microphone that offers excellent audio quality. It's designed for professional home recording and provides consistent and accurate sound, ideal for capturing vocals and other audio sources.
Conclusion
While Beats headphones are stylish and provide decent sound, the options mentioned above are better suited for vocal performance and recording. Always consider using a dedicated microphone for the finest results in singing. Investing in the right combination of headphones and microphone can significantly enhance your vocal recordings and overall listening experience.