Jane
When you listen to your favorite pop star’s latest hit, it is easy to admire the vocals, melodies, and production. What you might not think about is what happened behind the scenes as that track was being crafted. Before a song gets mixed and mastered, it is shaped in a recording studio where every detail matters. One of the most essential tools for any artist working in the studio is a quality pair of headphones. These are not your average consumer earbuds or wireless cans you use to listen to music on a commute. Studio headphones are finely tuned tools that allow artists to hear every nuance of their performance and production.
Carefully selected studio headphones are essential in professional music production. These headphones provide clear and accurate sound to ensure every detail is captured. Comfort is necessary for long recording or mixing sessions. Certain models have become iconic in studios due to their reliability and performance. The following section examines the most popular studio headphones in use, highlighting their unique features, reasons for their widespread preference, and their impact on the creative and technical process of producing music.
Why Studio Headphones Matter for Pop Stars
To understand why pop stars love a certain model of headphones, it helps to understand what makes a great pair of studio headphones in the first place. When an artist is recording vocals or mixing tracks, they need sound that is:
- Accurate. The audio you hear at the studio should reflect the actual recording without distortion or color. This allows producers and artists to make decisions that translate well across all listening systems.
- Detailed. Studio headphones reveal subtle details in recordings. Artists can hear breath nuances, small timing shifts, and effects that might be lost on regular headphones.
- Comfortable. Recording and mixing sessions can last hours. Headphones that are uncomfortable quickly become a distraction.
- Durable. Studio gear gets heavy use. Pop stars and engineers need headphones that can withstand frequent sessions without wearing down.
When these factors come together, pop stars are able to record their vocals with confidence. They can hear returns, backing tracks, and mixes clearly and make musical decisions that elevate their performance. They can also polish songs during mixing sessions, keeping every element balanced and powerful.
Many pop stars also use studio headphones for listening and reference, even at home or on the road. Some artists have personal editions or preferred pairs that they bring to sessions, tours, and writing retreats.
Let us explore some of the most popular studio headphones used by pop stars and recording professionals around the world.
Top 7 Studio Headphones Pop Stars Swear By
1. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 studio headphones are legendary in recording studios around the world. They are often the first pair that young engineers and artists encounter when they start in professional music. What makes these headphones so popular among pop stars?
First, they deliver a clear, detailed sound that helps artists hear precisely what has been recorded. The mids and highs are pronounced, so vocal clarity is excellent. For pop music, where vocals play a central role, this is crucial. Engineers appreciate how neutral these headphones are. They do not overly color the sound, meaning what you hear is closer to what was actually captured.
Pop stars such as Adele, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish have been photographed in studios using MDR-7506s. While these artists have access to high-end gear, many still reach for this reliable classic. It is affordable compared to other professional options and is easy to replace if lost or damaged.
The Sony MDR-7506 also folds up for travel. Touring artists often bring them on the road so they can work on music while away from home. For musicians who write and record in hotel rooms during tours, these headphones provide consistency and reliable sound.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Another favorite in the pop music world is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These closed-back headphones are known for their punchy bass, crisp highs, and overall balance. They play a vital role when pop stars need to feel the low end of a track without bleed into a microphone.
Artists like Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa have been seen using ATH-M50x studio headphones during sessions. Producers often set them up for artists to play back vocal takes and check mixes. These headphones are comfortable and rugged, making them ideal for long days in the studio.
The ATH-M50x also comes with detachable cables, which is a feature working musicians appreciate. If a cable gets damaged, it can be replaced without buying a new pair of headphones. This longevity makes it a cost-effective choice for artists and engineers alike. They are often found in home studios, professional facilities, and on tour buses.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is frequently described as a “reference” studio headphone. Reference headphones aim for the most accurate reproduction of sound possible. For pop stars who like a faithful representation of what was recorded, the DT 770 Pro delivers.
These headphones are comfortable with large ear cups and velour pads. For long sessions, this comfort is essential. Pop stars who spend hours perfecting harmonies and retakes often choose these for their relaxed fit.
The sound signature of the DT 770 Pro is balanced with extended low end and detailed highs. Tracks feel full and spacious. Engineers often use these headphones when building mixes that need to translate well across many listening systems.
Artists such as Ed Sheeran and Lana Del Rey have been known to favor Beyerdynamics during recording sessions. The DT 770 Pro comes in different impedance options, making it adaptable to both professional studio gear and mobile recording devices.
4. Sennheiser HD 600 and HD 650
Sennheiser makes some of the most revered headphones in audio history. While these models are often thought of in high fidelity listening circles, many pop stars and producers use them in studio settings.
The HD 600 and HD 650 models are open-back headphones. This means they allow air, and thus sound, to flow through the back of the speaker driver. Open back designs create a more natural and spacious sound. Many artists find this useful when mixing because it feels closer to listening to studio monitors.
Artists such as John Legend and Ariana Grande have been spotted with Sennheiser open-back headphones in studio suites. They enjoy the wide soundstage and the ease with which they can hear details in complex arrangements.
Open-back headphones are not ideal for recording vocals because they leak sound. However, for mixing, mastering, and listening back to a finished track, they are beloved by professionals.
5. Audeze LCD-X
For pop stars who want the top of the line in sound quality, the Audeze LCD-X is a dream choice. These planar magnetic headphones are known for their incredible detail and accuracy. They reveal subtle layers in music that other headphones might miss.
Artists and producers who work in immersive audio, orchestral pop, or layered vocal music often use Audeze LCD-X to make precise mixing decisions. They are heavier and more expensive than most consumer headphones, but the sound payoff is significant.
Pop stars who take a hands-on role in producing their music often gravitate toward these headphones because they allow them to hear the smallest intricacies in their tracks. Whether it is reverb tails, vocal doubles, or sub bass information, these headphones are revealing without being fatiguing.
6. Shure SRH1540
Shure might be best known for its iconic SM58 microphone. However, the SRH1540 is among its most respected studio headphones. They offer a smooth, warm sound that many singers find flattering without masking detail.
Artists like Halsey and Beyoncé have used Shure studio headphones during private sessions. These headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and robust. They create a very balanced sound that translates well into real-world listening environments.
The padded headband and plush ear cups are especially appreciated during long sessions. Studio headphones that feel good on your head help artists stay in the zone and express their best performances.
7. Grado SR325e and Other Grado Models
Grado headphones have a distinct sound signature. They are open back and known for their bright, articulate midrange. This makes them excellent for pop music, where vocals sit front and center. Singers have been known to use Grado headphones when tracking and mixing to ensure every lyrical nuance is clear.
While not as common as some of the other models on this list, Grado headphones have a passionate following. They are especially popular among artists and engineers who want a detailed, energetic presentation.
Artists such as Charli XCX and The Weeknd have been photographed in studios with Grado models. Their unique finish and retro style add character to any session.
Matching Headphones to Artistic Workflow
Different pop stars have different needs when it comes to headphones. A singer who is tracking vocals will have different priorities than a producer who is mixing a chart-topping track. Here are a few things artists consider when choosing studio headphones:
- Closed back vs open back. Closed-back headphones isolate sound and help prevent bleed into the recording microphone. Open-back headphones provide a more natural and expansive sound, which is ideal for mix decisions.
- Comfort over long hours. Artists often spend more time in headphones than off them. Cushioned ear pads and adjustable headbands are key.
- Durability. Studio life is hard on gear. Headphones that break on tour or in day-long sessions slow creativity.
- Portability. Many pop stars write and record on the road. Foldable designs or replaceable cables matter.
These factors influence not just which headphones are chosen, but how they are used. Some artists keep dedicated studio headphones in their primary studio. Others travel with multiple pairs to ensure they can work in different environments.
Beyond the Studio
While studio headphones are designed for making music, many pop stars also use them outside of sessions. They use them:
- For listening back to tracks while traveling
- For checking mixes in quiet environments
- For personal enjoyment of high-quality sound
Artists take their ears seriously. A song that sounds perfect in the studio on consumer earbuds might lose definition on the radio or streaming playlist. By using serious studio headphones, pop stars can make better choices that help their music succeed everywhere.
Headphones have a way of becoming part of an artist’s creative process. Some pop stars even incorporate the visual of their favorite headphones into their public persona. When fans see a beloved artist wearing a certain pair of headphones, that pair can become instantly desirable.
Why Studio Headphones Are Essential Tools for Pop Music Excellence
Studio headphones are more than just accessories for pop stars. They are essential tools in the creative process. From the simplicity and reliability of the Sony MDR-7506 to the high definition detail of the Audeze LCD-X, each of the popular models used by top artists brings something special to the table.
Whether recording vocals, referencing mixes, or simply listening with intent, pop stars choose studio headphones with care. They rely on accurate sound, comfort, durability, and a design that fits their workflow. Many of these headphones have stood the test of time, becoming classics in studios around the world.
The next time you listen to a chart-topping hit, consider the journey that sound took before it reached your playlist. From talented artists and dedicated producers to finely tuned studio headphones, many elements come together in pursuit of great music. For performers who touch millions of listeners, studio headphones remain an indispensable part of making pop music that resonates.
