Best Headphones For Field Recording

Capturing the perfect sound in the field demands not just top-notch recording equipment but also the right pair of headphones. Whether you’re documenting wildlife, recording interviews, or capturing the ambient sounds of a bustling city, your headphones are your connection to the raw audio environment.

The best headphones for field recording offer exceptional clarity, robust build quality, and comfort for those long recording sessions.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top options that professionals and enthusiasts alike swear by. Ready to elevate your field recording game? Read on to discover the best headphones that will ensure you don’t miss a single detail.

Dive into our full blog post to find the perfect pair for your needs!

In this topic we will cover:-

Impedance and Field Recording
Top Headphone Picks for Field Recording
Other Notable Options
Factors to Consider When Choosing Headphones

1. Impedance and Field Recording

Explanation of Impedance and Its Importance for Field Recording

Impedance in the context of headphones refers to the resistance that the headphones present to the audio signal. It’s measured in ohms (Ω). Impedance is a critical factor in determining how much power the headphones will draw from the audio source and how they will interact with various recording equipment.

For field recording, impedance is particularly important because:

Power Efficiency: Field recordists often rely on portable equipment, which typically has lower power output compared to studio gear. High-impedance headphones require more power to achieve the same volume levels as low-impedance headphones. Therefore, using headphones with an impedance that matches the power output of your recording device ensures efficient power usage and better battery life.
Sound Quality: Impedance affects the overall sound quality. Headphones with mismatched impedance can result in poor audio performance, including distorted sound or insufficient volume levels. Proper impedance matching ensures the headphones can reproduce the recorded sounds accurately without distortion.
Portability: Field recording often involves mobile setups. Low-impedance headphones (under 50 ohms) are generally more suitable for portable devices as they require less power and can operate efficiently with battery-powered field recorders.

Matching Impedance to Recording Equipment

To achieve the best performance in field recording, it’s crucial to match the impedance of your headphones with the output impedance of your recording equipment. Here’s how you can do it:

Check Your Equipment’s Specifications: Identify the output impedance of your field recording device, which is typically listed in the device’s manual or specifications sheet.
Choose Compatible Headphones: Select headphones with an impedance that is appropriate for your recording device. As a rule of thumb:
- Low Impedance (16-50 ohms): Best for portable devices and field recorders with low power output. These headphones can easily reach adequate volume levels without requiring excessive power.
- Medium Impedance (50-100 ohms): Suitable for devices with a bit more power, including some portable audio interfaces and higher-end field recorders.
- High Impedance (above 100 ohms): Typically used with professional studio equipment with higher power output. These headphones provide more headroom and can deliver a more detailed sound but are less practical for field recording due to power constraints.
Consider an Amplifier: If you have high-impedance headphones but still want to use them for field recording, consider using a portable headphone amplifier. This can help drive the headphones properly, ensuring you get sufficient volume and sound quality.
Test and Adjust: After selecting your headphones, test them with your recording setup in various field conditions. Make adjustments as necessary, such as using different headphone models or adding an amplifier, to ensure the best possible performance.

2. Top Headphone Picks for Field Recording

1. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones for Field Recording

Overview of the Sony MDR-7506 Headphones

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a staple in the audio industry, renowned for their reliability and accurate sound reproduction. Introduced in the early 1990s, these closed-back, over-ear headphones have become a standard choice for audio professionals in various fields, including studio recording, broadcast, and field recording.

Their design is both practical and durable, featuring a foldable structure that makes them easy to transport and store. The MDR-7506 headphones are equipped with large-diaphragm drivers and neodymium magnets, delivering clear and detailed sound across a wide frequency range.

Reasons Why They Are a Reliable Choice for Field Recording

Sound Accuracy: The MDR-7506 headphones are celebrated for their flat frequency response, which ensures that the audio captured in the field is reproduced faithfully. This accuracy is crucial for field recording, where monitoring the integrity of the sound is essential.
Durability: Built with a robust construction, these headphones can withstand the rigors of fieldwork. The combination of a metal frame and high-quality plastic components ensures longevity, even in challenging environments.
Comfort: Extended field recording sessions require comfortable headphones. The MDR-7506 features cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband, providing a comfortable fit that reduces fatigue during long periods of use.
Isolation: The closed-back design of the MDR-7506 offers excellent passive noise isolation, minimizing external noise interference. This is particularly beneficial in noisy outdoor environments where clear monitoring is necessary.
Portability: The foldable design and included carrying pouch make these headphones highly portable, allowing for easy transportation between locations.

Impedance and Compatibility with Recorders

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones have an impedance of 63 ohms, which strikes a good balance between efficiency and performance.

This impedance level ensures that the headphones can be driven effectively by a wide range of recording devices, including portable field recorders, audio interfaces, and professional mixing consoles.

The relatively low impedance allows for adequate volume levels and clarity, even when powered by battery-operated devices commonly used in field recording.

Overall, the Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a dependable choice for field recording due to their accurate sound reproduction, durability, comfort, noise isolation, and compatibility with various recording equipment.

These qualities make them a preferred option for professionals who require reliable monitoring tools in diverse recording environments.

2. ATH-M50x Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts due to its exceptional sound quality, robust build, and affordability.

These headphones are designed with 45mm large-aperture drivers, which provide a balanced and accurate sound signature, making them suitable for critical listening tasks. The over-ear design offers excellent noise isolation, essential for field recording in various environments.

Key Features:

Driver Size: 45mm
Frequency Response: 15Hz – 28kHz
Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Weight: 285g
Detachable Cables: Comes with three cables (1.2m-3m coiled, 3m straight, and 1.2m straight)
Foldable Design: For easy storage and portability
Swiveling Ear Cups: 90-degree swiveling ear cups for one-ear monitoring

Reasons Why They Are a Great Budget-Friendly Option

Sound Quality: The ATH-M50x delivers a clear, detailed, and balanced sound signature, which is crucial for accurate field recordings. The bass response is tight without being overpowering, and the mids and highs are well-defined.
Build Quality: These headphones are built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of field use. The ear pads and headband are made of high-quality materials, ensuring comfort during long recording sessions.
Portability: The foldable design and included carrying pouch make the ATH-M50x easy to transport, a key feature for field recording.
Affordability: The ATH-M50x offers professional-grade sound and build quality at a price point that is accessible to those on a budget. This makes them an excellent choice for amateur recordists, students, or professionals looking for a reliable secondary pair.
Versatility: These headphones are not only great for field recording but also for mixing, mastering, and casual listening, offering great value for their price.

Impedance and Sound Quality for Field Recording

Impedance: The ATH-M50x has an impedance of 38 ohms, which means it can be driven efficiently by most portable audio devices, including field recorders, without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier. This is particularly beneficial for field recording where mobility and simplicity are important.
Sound Quality: The ATH-M50x is known for its accurate sound reproduction, making it ideal for capturing the nuances of field recordings. The extended frequency response (15Hz – 28kHz) ensures that all aspects of the audio are captured, from the deepest bass to the highest highs. The headphones’ excellent noise isolation helps to minimize ambient noise interference, allowing for clearer recordings even in challenging environments.

3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Overview of the HD 280 Pro Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are a popular choice among audio professionals for their durability, sound quality, and reliability. They are closed-back, over-ear headphones designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction with minimal coloration, making them ideal for critical listening and monitoring in various environments. Key features include:

Driver Type: Dynamic, neodymium magnets.
Frequency Response: 8 Hz to 25 kHz.
Impedance: 64 ohms.
Sensitivity: 113 dB.
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): < 0.1%.
Cable: Coiled, single-sided, 3.3 – 9.8 ft (1 – 3 m).
Weight: Approximately 285 grams (without cable).

Reasons Why the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Are Robust and Reliable for Field Work

Durability: The HD 280 Pro headphones are built with robust materials, including a high-grade plastic frame and a coiled cable that resists tangling and strain. The headphones can withstand the wear and tear of regular use in various field conditions.
Replaceable Parts: Key components, such as ear pads and cables, are replaceable, extending the lifespan of the headphones. This is particularly valuable in the field, where equipment can undergo heavy use.
Collapsible Design: The headphones feature a collapsible, rotating earcup design that allows for easy storage and transport, making them convenient for field recording professionals who need to move frequently between locations.
Professional-Grade Sound: The HD 280 Pro delivers a flat, accurate sound signature that is essential for monitoring and recording. The extended frequency response ensures that all nuances of the audio are captured, which is critical for field recordings.

High Ambient Noise Attenuation and Comfort

Noise Isolation: The closed-back design and circumaural (over-ear) earcups provide excellent passive noise isolation. The HD 280 Pro can attenuate ambient noise by up to 32 dB, making them suitable for use in noisy environments and ensuring that the user can focus on the audio being recorded or monitored.
Comfort: The HD 280 Pro headphones are designed for long-term use, with padded earcups and a cushioned headband that distributes pressure evenly across the head. The adjustable headband ensures a snug yet comfortable fit for various head sizes.
Lightweight Construction: Despite their robust build, the HD 280 Pro headphones are relatively lightweight. This, combined with their ergonomic design, minimizes fatigue during extended recording sessions, which is crucial for field work where monitoring might be required for extended periods.

3. Other Notable Options

1. KZ ZS10 Pro X: Smaller In-Ear Option

The KZ ZS10 Pro X is a highly regarded in-ear monitor (IEM) that is favored by many professionals for its compact design and impressive sound quality. Here are some key features:

Balanced Armature and Dynamic Drivers: The ZS10 Pro X utilizes a combination of balanced armature and dynamic drivers to deliver clear, detailed sound with robust bass and crisp highs.
Noise Isolation: Due to their in-ear design, these monitors provide excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for field recording in noisy environments.
Comfort and Fit: The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for extended periods, which is crucial for long recording sessions.
Portability: Being small and lightweight, they are easy to carry around and perfect for on-the-go recording setups.

2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Closed-Back Studio Monitoring

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a closed-back headphone that is widely used in studios for its excellent isolation and accurate sound reproduction. Here are its highlights:

Closed-Back Design: This design prevents sound leakage and provides excellent isolation from external noise, which is beneficial for monitoring in field recording scenarios.
Comfort: The DT 770 Pro features soft, replaceable ear pads and a padded headband, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Durability: Known for their robust build quality, these headphones can withstand the rigors of field use.
Sound Quality: They offer a detailed and balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on the bass, making them suitable for various recording tasks.

3. Grado SR80x: Affordable Open-Back Choice

The Grado SR80x is an open-back headphone known for its affordability and excellent sound quality. Here’s why it stands out:

Open-Back Design: This design provides a natural and expansive soundstage, which can be advantageous for critical listening and mixing.
Clarity and Detail: The SR80x is praised for its clear and detailed sound, with a particular emphasis on the midrange, which is crucial for accurately capturing vocal and instrument nuances.
Comfort: While the design is a bit retro, the foam ear pads are comfortable for moderate use.
Price: The SR80x offers excellent value for money, making high-quality open-back headphones more accessible to those on a budget.

Comparing the Options:

KZ ZS10 Pro X: Ideal for those who need a compact, portable solution with excellent noise isolation.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Best for those who require robust build quality and excellent noise isolation in a closed-back design.
Grado SR80x: Suitable for users looking for an affordable open-back headphone with a natural soundstage and detailed midrange.

4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Headphones

When choosing headphones for field recording, there are several critical factors to consider to ensure optimal performance, comfort, and durability. Here’s an expanded look at these factors:

1. Noise Isolation for Accurate Monitoring

Importance: Noise isolation is crucial in field recording as it helps block out ambient sounds, allowing you to monitor recordings accurately and make precise adjustments on the spot.

Closed-back Design: Opt for closed-back headphones, which offer better passive noise isolation by preventing external sounds from leaking in.
Fit and Seal: Ensure the ear cups fit snugly around your ears to create a proper seal, enhancing noise isolation.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): While ANC can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary for field recording, as passive isolation is usually sufficient.

2. Impedance and Compatibility with Recorders

Importance: Impedance affects how headphones interact with your recording equipment. Matching impedance ensures optimal performance and sound quality.

Low Impedance (under 50 ohms): Ideal for use with portable recorders and devices without dedicated headphone amplifiers.
High Impedance (above 50 ohms): Better suited for professional recording environments with dedicated headphone amplifiers. Ensure your field recorder can drive high-impedance headphones efficiently.

3. Comfort for Long Recording Sessions

Importance: Field recording often involves extended periods of use. Comfortable headphones prevent fatigue and allow for prolonged focus on your work.

Ear Pads: Look for headphones with soft, cushioned ear pads made from materials like memory foam or plush leatherette.
Headband: A well-padded and adjustable headband helps distribute weight evenly and reduces pressure on your head.
Weight: Lightweight headphones are more comfortable for long sessions, reducing strain on your neck and head.

4. Durability for Rugged Field Use

Importance: Field recording can involve harsh environments and frequent travel. Durable headphones withstand wear and tear, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Build Quality: Choose headphones with robust construction, such as metal-reinforced headbands and sturdy plastic or metal ear cups.
Detachable Cables: Detachable and replaceable cables reduce the risk of damage and make it easier to replace a damaged cable rather than the entire headphone.
Weather Resistance: While not common, some headphones offer weather-resistant features, which can be beneficial in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

5. Compact Size for Portability

Importance: Portability is essential for field recording, as you’ll likely need to transport your gear frequently.

Folding Design: Headphones that fold up or come with a carrying case are easier to transport and protect during travel.
Low Profile: Compact and lightweight headphones take up less space in your recording bag and are easier to carry around.

Additional Considerations

Frequency Response: A flat and accurate frequency response ensures you hear a true representation of the recorded sound, which is essential for making precise adjustments.
Cable Length: A cable that’s too short can be restrictive, while one that’s too long can be cumbersome. Look for an optimal length, typically around 1.5 to 2 meters, or consider coiled cables for flexibility.
Connector Type: Ensure the headphone connectors are compatible with your recording equipment. Standard 3.5mm jacks are common, but some professional headphones use 1/4-inch connectors or require adapters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best headphones for field recording hinges on key factors such as sound accuracy, comfort, durability, and isolation. The Sony MDR-7506 stands out with its unparalleled clarity and precision, making it a favorite among professionals for its ability to faithfully reproduce sound.

Similarly, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers robust build quality and excellent sound isolation, ensuring reliable performance in diverse environments. For those prioritizing comfort during long recording sessions, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro delivers with its plush ear pads and exceptional noise isolation.

Each of these models offers unique strengths that cater to various field recording needs, whether it’s capturing subtle nuances or enduring extended use. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and specific recording conditions, but these models are exemplary options that provide the reliability and audio fidelity essential for high-quality field recording.