Headphones are an indispensable tool for anyone consuming audio, whether you're a casual listener, a music student, or a studio professional. In a crowded marketplace, understanding headphone types is key to selecting the right pair for your needs.
Over-ear headphones (circumaural) surround your ears and provide good sound isolation. On-ear headphones (supra-aural) rest on your ears and may be more comfortable for some. Both types come in closed-back, open-back, and semi-open-back versions.
Closed-back headphones are ideal for recording, with sealed ear cups to prevent sound leakage or ‘spill’. Over-ear and closed-back designs ensure minimal spill, resulting in cleaner recording, which is crucial during overdubbing sessions. Overdubbing involves a musician, such as a singer, recording an additional part over an existing track. With closed-back headphones, the singer hears the existing tracks without the sound leaking into their microphone and affecting the recording.
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