Last Updated: March 2023
What are the best headphones for radio broadcasting on the internet? Before buying broadcast headsets, you must consider technical issues like sound quality, noise isolation, and device connectivity. You'll also need to look at practical issues such as comfort, durability, and price.
In this guide to broadcasting headphones, we'll walk you through what you need to know to pick the best broadcast headset for your needs. Want a good pair of headphones to help you take control of your internet radio station, but need help figuring out where to start? Below is a list of six of the best over-ear headphones out there.
Main Takeaways:
- When shopping for broadcast headsets, consider sound quality, noise isolation, device connectivity, comfort, durability, and whether you want a headphone with microphone capability built in.
- Leading broadcasting headphones brands include Audio-Technica, Sony, Beyerdynamic, V-MODA, and Sennheiser.
- Quality broadcast headphones are available for as low as $69, while higher end broadcasting headphones can run over $300.
Six Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Headphones for Internet Radio Broadcasting
When you're shopping for broadcasting headphones, in addition to price, there are several vital factors you should look at before buying radio headphones. Some of the most important considerations when selecting radio headphones for broadcasting are:
- Sound quality
- Noise isolation and noise reduction
- Device connectivity
- Comfort
- Durability
- Built-in microphone
Let's examine each of these items:
1. Sound Quality
What features determine the sound quality of broadcast headphones? Some of the essential items that contribute to radio headphones' sound quality are:
- Headphone driver size, measured in millimeters (mm): the bigger, the better
- Sound pressure, measured in decibels per milliwatt (dB/mW), and sensitivity, measured in decibels per voltage (dB/V): higher sensitivity delivers higher volume
- Impedance: related to resistance, measured in ohms, with higher-end microphones having at least 300 ohms to avoid background noise like hissing and crackling
- Frequency response: measured in hertz (Hz); look for a low-frequency response if you want bass (important for podcast applications) and mid-range if you want to pick up singing
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): expressed as a percentage indicating the ability to prevent sound distortion at high volumes, 1% or less marks high-quality headphones
Review your radio headphone's specs to evaluate these items. The best radio headphones have high sound quality.
2. Noise Isolation and Noise Reduction
Another factor affecting sound quality is how your radio headphones handle noise. Broadcast headsets may include noise isolation or noise reduction features. Radio headphones with noise isolation intercept noise of all frequencies passively by sealing the ears. Noise reduction filters out low and middle frequencies. This feature costs more than noise isolation, so it usually comes with higher-end radio headphones.
3. Device Connectivity
Radio headphones can have either wireless or wired connectivity. Wireless headphones can be helpful if you need to walk around while broadcasting. Be sure to evaluate the reliability of your wireless headphones, as there is more potential for connectivity issues. Wired headphones may come with items such as cables, specified by the length in meters and feet, and adapters, specified by diameter in inches and millimeters and by connection type (male/female, snap-on/screw-on). Make sure your headphones will connect to any required devices.
4. Comfort
Several variables determine over-ear headphone comfort. These include:
- An ear cup extension long enough to leave a seal around the ears without requiring full extension
- Even clamping force that allows you to wear headphones comfortably for at least a half hour
- Ear cup rotation capability
- Ear cup depth, size, and shape; circular cups usually provide the most comfort
- Cushioning and headband size, shape, and material
Review headphone product descriptions and reviews to evaluate comfort, or better yet, try a pair on.
5. Durability
Headphones are a must-have piece of radio equipment, but they can be expensive to replace, so durability is important. Durable headphones are made of metals such as aluminum rather than plastic.
6. Built-In Microphone
Headphones with built-in microphones allow you to talk while you listen. This can be useful for applications such as taking listener phone calls during podcasting. Consider whether you need an integrated microphone for your station's purposes.
Which Headphones Are Best for Radio Broadcasting? Six Top Picks
Below are our picks for the best headphones for radio broadcasting. For each headphone reviewed, we'll identify what type of design and connectivity it uses, note its best uses, list pros, and cons, quote the current price, and give an overall evaluation.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Headphones
Designed with enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Headphones were made for studio use. Priced under $100, these headphones offer some of the best audio quality out there while remaining affordable.
- Type: Over-ear, closed-back dynamic
- Connector Type: Wired
- Best Used For: Noise isolation
- Pros: Superb mid-range response and excellent sound isolation at a low price
- Cons: Suboptimal response for low and high ranges, uncomfortable to wear for long periods of use, plastic design snaps easily
- Pricing: $79
- Overall Evaluation: High-quality mid-range response at a very affordable price, but the trade-off for the low price is low durability
2. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones
With neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers, Sony's MDR-7506 Headphones deliver deep bass, low distortion, and a robust and detailed sound. The headphones are also designed to reduce external noises, allowing users to focus on their audio content.
- Type: Over-ear, dynamic, closed magnet
- Connector Type: Wired
- Best Used For: Mid-range frequencies
- Pros: Strong mid-range response, comfortable for short periods
- Cons: Bass can sound tinny, harsh treble gets fatiguing, small ear cups may not suit wearers with large ears, and headband padding wears out in a couple of years
- Pricing: $80.38
- Overall Evaluation: Best for mid-range use on a budget
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones feature the same critically-acclaimed sound of the ATH-M50s, with the added feature of detachable cables. The sound isolation, 90° swiveling ear cups, and 45mm drivers make these headphones a top-notch choice for broadcasters.
- Type: Over-ear circumaural
- Connector Type: Wired
- Best Used For: Sub-bass, treble while tracking and mixing
- Pros: Comfortable for short-term use, durable
- Cons: Mid-range response weak, can become uncomfortable after prolonged use, swiveling ear cups can become locked in the wrong position
- Pricing: $168
- Overall Evaluation: Best used for tracking, mixing, and mastering, but for the price, the ATH-M30x is a better buy
4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones produce high and low frequencies and everything in between with incredible precision. They also feature replaceable velour ear pads. The 80-ohm headphones are ideal for general studio usage. For mixing desks and audio interfaces, check out the 250-ohm version.
- Type: Over-ear, dynamic, closed
- Connector Type: Wired
- Best Used For: Tracking
- Pros: Comfortable build quality
- Cons: Quiet bass, muted mid and high ranges
- Pricing: $139
- Overall Evaluation: Comfortable, but the sound is inferior to the ATH-M30x despite the higher price tag
5. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphones
V-MODA's Crossfade M-100 Headphones have 50mm, dual-diaphragm drivers, separating the bass tones from mid and high tones. The hexagon shape and ergonomic headband contour to the user, providing a comfortable fit with minimal gaps.
- Type: Over-ear circumaural, Bluetooth connectivity
- Connector Type: Wired
- Best Used For: Tracking and mixing, live performance
- Pros: Deep base and strong mid-range response, comfortable
- Cons: Design lacks durability
- Pricing: $309.97
- Overall Evaluation: Great sound and comfort, but the high price point and lack of durability make the ATH-M30x a better buy
6. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones
Featuring noise reduction, natural sound reproduction, and folding and rotating earcups, these Sennheiser headphones make for a good pair of professional headphones.
- Type: Over-ear, circumaural, dynamic, closed
- Connector Type: Wired
- Best Used For: Tracking and mixing on a budget
- Pros: Strongest in mid-range response, comfortable
- Cons: Drops at points in low bass response, below average in high-frequency response, lacks durability
- Pricing: $99
- Overall Evaluation: Comfortable for mid-range tracking and mixing, but less value than the ATH-M30x for the price point
Start Broadcasting With Your Internet Radio Headphones Today
Determining the best new headphones for radio broadcasting will depend on your specific needs. As a rule of thumb, some of the most important considerations include sound quality, noise management, connectivity, comfort, durability, and built-in microphone capability. Of course, your budget is another significant factor. For the price range covered in this review, we rate the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x your best option. If you have a higher budget, you may explore other options for a long-term investment, but the ATH-M30x will get you started.Investing in quality equipment and essential tools is critical for delivering a quality internet radio show. Your internet broadcast platform is one of the essential tools you can invest in. Live365's end-to-end broadcast platform provides the easiest way to create and grow an online radio station. We give you a voice to reach audiences through user-friendly audio tools and services, licensing management, monetization support, and distribution channels. Sign up for a free trial to start building your internet radio station today.
Discover the ultimate guide to selecting the perfect broadcasting headphones for your internet radio station on Live365. Explore our curated list of broadcaster equipment to ensure crystal-clear sound quality and professional performance. Elevate your broadcasting experience with the right equipment today!
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