Top 6 Guitar Headphones for Guitar Amps – A Guide By Zager
Are you a guitar enthusiast who is always looking for ways to rock out without disturbing your neighbors or family members? Look no further than the best headphones for guitar amps! Sure, there’s nothing quite like plugging into a cranked amp, but with the right pair of cans, you can enjoy great tone at a low volume whenever you want. And let’s not forget about the production benefits, too – headphones provide unparalleled clarity, allowing you to hear every nuance of your effects and background noises without interference from room acoustics or speaker coloration.
So whether you’re looking to jam silently or perfect your sound, investing in a good pair of headphones is a no-brainer for any guitarist. Get ready to shred like never before!
How Do I Choose the Best Headphones?
Before choosing a pair of headphones, it’s essential to consider your specific needs. Are you someone who values simplicity and doesn’t mind being tethered to your amp with a cable? Or are you planning on recording at home or in a studio and need a pair of headphones that can deliver high-quality sound for your recordings? You may be looking for options to move around freely and pretend you’re playing on a massive stage in front of thousands of fans (we won’t judge!).
If you’re an old-school guitarist who prioritizes tone above all else, you might prefer a pair of headphones with a shorter cable that won’t interfere with the pure sound of your favorite headphone amp. Whatever your preferences, a perfect pair of headphones is out there waiting for you.
Essential Factors To Look Out For
Some essential factors must be considered when picking the ideal headphones for your practice sessions. First, remember about earbuds – they may be great for working out, but they’re not the best for playing guitar.
Instead, opt for comfortable and secure on-ear headphones that won’t slip or slide when you’re in the groove. Not only will they offer superior sound quality, but they’re also better suited to the needs of musicians, whether you’re fiddling with your pedalboard or focused on your fretboard. Just be aware that not all on-ear headphones are created equal, so it’s worth investing in a higher-end model that won’t allow sound to escape during recording.
Bluetooth headphones might look flashy, but they can introduce a delay between your guitar and headphones. So, if you want to take your playing to the next level, stick with high-quality wired headphones and prepare to rock out like never before!
Technical Terminologies You Need To Know
It’s time to crack the code of headphone jargon! Keep those technical terms from you scratching your head when trying to find the perfect headphones for your guitar practice. You can cut through the confusion and make a confident purchase by getting educated on the terminology.
Let’s face it, we all want to feel like rock stars when we’re shredding away, and that starts with having the right gear. So, let’s get schooled on the ins and outs of headphone terminology and take the first step toward mastering our sound.
Frequency Response
When it comes to headphones, the frequency range typically falls between 20Hz to 20,000Hz – which also happens to be the maximum range for the human ear. While our ears are most sensitive to the 2000-5000 Hz frequency range, some headphones boast bass below 20 Hz, which is more “felt” than “heard.”
On the other end of the spectrum, frequencies above 20,000Hz may only be audible to some and can depend on your age. Manufacturers often list the “Frequency Response” specifications, with a higher number indicating a more precise top-end sound. So, watch for these specs to ensure you get the best sound quality from your headphones.
Noise Isolation vs. Active Noise Cancellation
If you’re in the market for headphones, you may have come across the terms “Noise Isolation” and “Active Noise Cancelling.” While both aim to reduce unwanted outside noise, there’s a difference between the two. Noise Isolation is a passive design that physically blocks out external sounds, commonly found in cheaper headphones.
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Active Noise Cancelling takes things up by creating an opposing sound wave to cancel out external noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music fully. This dynamic electronic process requires power and is more advanced than Noise Isolation. So, depending on your needs and budget, consider which option works best for you when purchasing.
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Soundstage And Imaging
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Soundstage and Imaging are the most fantastic features of headphone technology. They allow you to perceive the location of each instrument in a song. For instance, when listening to an orchestra, you can hear where each device is placed in the mix, from the violins on the left to the cellos on the right.
You can visualize the whole orchestra before you, with all the instruments positioned at varying distances. Musicsic would be more var with soundstage and imagined, with all the elements piled up in the middle of the mix.
Open vs. Closed-Back Headphones
Open Back
Open-back headphones have an advantage over closed-back headphones as they allow air to pass through, resulting in a clearer and more natural sound. These are ideal for outdoor use but may only last briefly as the closed-back option due to the possibility of moisture build-up causing electronic faults.
For guitar practice in your bedroom, open-back headphones are a great choice. However, they are not recommended for use in a recording or studio scenario due to the sound leakage onto other tracks.
Closed Back
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Regarding headphones, closed-back designs provide a tighter fit that blocks out external noise, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. However, due to their sealed construction, these headphones can feel a bit stuffy and may cause discomfort over long periods of use.
As a guitarist, closed-back headphones are ideal for studio sessions or when you’re commuting. I have open-back and closed-back headphones, and I prefer using the latter for gaming and practicing guitar. Still, I wouldn’t recommend wearing them while biking or engaging in activities that require awareness of your surroundings.
In contrast, open-back headphones offer a more natural sound by allowing air to pass through them, resulting in a more transparent and dynamic audio experience. While they may not be as effective in blocking external noise, they are perfect for listening to music or podcasts in a quieter environment. Ultimately, the choice of headphones depends on your needs and preferences.
What is the difference Between Flat/Neutral Response Headphones?
Flat Response
Headphones with a balanced frequency response provide an equal output across the entire spectrum of frequencies. Typically, these headphones have an “open-back” design, which may not be suitable for studio or home recording, as previously discussed.
Neutral Response
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Neutral response headphones are designed to produce music that stays true to the original sound. They’re perfect for identifying issues in a mix, especially in recording studios. Moreover, these headphones are fabulous for casual listeners who want to experience music as it was intended to be heard.
So what can we conclude with our technical terminologies? Buying the right headphones to match the correct frequency response is essential. Guitar amp headphones, mainly wired ones, are the way to go but wait. How would we know what to look for in terms of comfort?
Well.
Let’s dive into that now!
Comfort
When you plan to practice guitar for extended periods in your bedroom or spend long hours working on a new solo in the studio, comfort is crucial when buying headphones. The best way to test comfort is by wearing them for a while. Only then will you know if they fit your head correctly or if they’re causing discomfort or pain to your ears.
Stretch Them Out
When you buy a new pair of headphones, they might initially feel tight and uncomfortable. This can result in headaches and sweaty ears. To avoid this, you can try a simple trick. Please take a few books and place them in between the headphones to widen them slightly, making them a bit looser than the size of your head. Leave them like that overnight; they should feel more comfortable wearing them the next day.
Guitar Amp Connections
Most amplifiers have a “phones” jack that accommodates headphones with either a 3.5mm or 6.3mm diameter plug, which should fit most headphone brands. Checking the amplifier’s jack input is always a good idea before plugging in your headphones.
Sometimes, you may come across a “Rec Out” jack instead of a headphones jack. Don’t worry; you can purchase a low-cost adapter (3.5mm to 6.3mm) that will allow you to connect your instrument and listen to it through your headphones. You might even find an adapter in your junk drawer, so rummage around!
Our Top Picks; The Best Headphones For Guitar Amp
Let’s look at the top picks we choose personally for your convenience!
OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones
The Oneodio headphones offer exceptional value for their price. Initially, I was hesitant to purchase them as I thought the sound quality might need improvement, but I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive features they provide. The soft, padded ear cushions enhance comfort and good isolation. You can adjust the headband to your liking, ensuring maximum comfort. These headphones can fit even the largest of heads without any discomfort.
They can be folded to half their size when not in use, making them easy to store in the included classy carry pouch.
The headphones are well-built, and I noticed no creaks or squeaks while handling them. The coiled cord stretches up to 9.8ft and ensures you can comfortably plug them into your amp and sit back on your chair.
The Oneodio headphones come with a standard 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug and feature an attractive design of clear black matte plastic with glossy finish trims. The finish might feel cheap, but the sound quality is fine.
Considering their low price, the Oneodio headphones provide excellent sound quality, with a nice balance between deep bass and treble clarity. The bass drivers are smaller than those of other headphones, so the bass isn’t overpowering. However, it’s an accurate bass tone that isn’t too heavy. The mids and treble tones are clear and precise, and I had no issues with the sound quality.
The cups sit comfortably over your ears, essential for extended guitar-playing sessions.
These headphones have an impedance of 32 Ohms and a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz, making them perfect for practicing guitarists.
They come in black, pink, and light blue. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s easier to find better headphones than the Oneodio Pro 10 in terms of quality. They provide impressive sound quality that competes with higher-priced headphones. I was surprised by the quality of these headphones, and I can see why they’re so popular among buyers.
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones
The first thing that caught my attention with the CB1 headphones was the generously cushioned memory foam ear cups. They were so comfortable that it felt like a gentle embrace around my ears. Compared to other headphones in this review, I could wear these for hours without discomfort, which is a significant advantage
These headphones come with two detachable cables, one straight and one coiled, even though they are not wireless. I particularly like the coiled cable when playing guitar through headphones, as it tends to last longer, although you may have to sit closer to your amp.
The CB1 headphones have significant 50mm dynamic drivers that produce a detailed and expansive soundstage. Although the sound quality is warm, it lacks the clarity of the Beyerdynamic headphones reviewed above.
However, for their price range, the CB1s hold their own and provide a more enjoyable listening experience than cheaper headphones.
With a flat frequency response, these headphones are perfect for matching up with studio speakers. They offer distinctive clarity and crisp low-end, with a rich and balanced mid-range, making them the best mid-priced headphones reviewed.
The most impressive feature of the CB1 headphones is the quality and wideness of the soundstage they provide for their price range.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones are designed for pro studio use, focusing on delivering high-resolution sound quality. This makes them perfect for mixing tracks and fully experiencing the nuances of guitar sounds.
Made in Germany, they are built to be durable and long-lasting. The audio definition is remarkable, with clear and detailed high frequencies and powerful bass that will satisfy bass lovers. These Beyerdynamic headphones stand out for their spacious and clear sound.
The cable is fixed and 3 meters long, ample for musicians.
It is tangle-free and comes with a gold-plated stereo jack plug of 3.5mm and a 6.35mm adapter. The soft velour earpads are comfortable and replaceable. The large ear cups sit comfortably on your ears, providing an excellent fit. The headphones also come with a convenient drawstring bag for easy transportation.
The DT770 Pro headphones produce clear and distortion-free sound, even at high volumes. They are perfect for those who appreciate soundstage, providing an immersive listening experience. As a rock music fan, I enjoyed listening to my favorite tunes with these headphones. They offer excellent value and are a great addition to any music lover’s collection. The only downside is that the design could be more precise, which doesn’t affect their fantastic sound quality.
The headphones have an impedance of 250 Ohms and a frequency range of 5 – 35.000 Hz. They are available in an impressive range of 16, 32, 80, and 250 Ohms. So what’s stopping you from adding them to your collection?
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open
The AKG K240 Professional Headphones are renowned for producing high-quality sound with minimal noise and distortion, making them a reliable choice for those on a lower budget. The vintage design harks back to the 1970s and features a shiny black finish, gold accents, and a headrail, which I find pretty appealing. The construction is primarily plastic, which may be less durable for traveling but sufficient for studio use or guitar practice. The headphones and cable use mini XLR connectors for optimum contact.
Guitarists should note that the semi-open design of these headphones allows some outside sound to filter through, which I find helpful when practicing and preventing ear fatigue. The bass response is precise and subtle rather than heavy and thumping. If you prefer a richer, more substantial bass, there may be better options than these. However, for guitar playing, they are a great choice.
The AKG K240 headphones have a bright, crisp sound that is incredibly clear, especially among lower-priced options. They are self-adjusting, which ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Despite the lack of padding on the headband and ear cups, they are remarkably lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
It’s worth noting that these headphones have a “semi-leakage” design, meaning there is some good escape. As a result, there may be better choices for recording purposes. However, the clear highs and lightweight nature make them one of my top picks for playing guitar through.
These headphones have a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz, a low 55-ohm impedance, a 35mm plug on one end, and a mini XLR on the other that connects to the headphones.
Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones
. The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones are an excellent choice for a guitarist. These headphones are designed for professional monitoring and are comfortable to wear, even for long periods. They also effectively block ambient noise, making them ideal for loud environments.
The soft ear pads surround your ears, preventing any sound leakage. These headphones are perfect for sound engineers, DJs, guitarists, and other professionals who require precise sound reproduction. The single-sided cable prevents tangling, making these headphones ideal for use in the studio or during long gigs. Thanks to their folding and rotating design, they are also compact and easy to transport.
Despite weighing 10 ounces, including the cable, the HD280PRO headphones are incredibly comfortable. The earpads are padded, and the headband can be adjusted to fit your head size perfectly.The collapsible design makes these headphones easy to store, making them an excellent choice for musicians on the go. They also have an impedance of 64 ohms, which means they can be used with various audio devices, including cell phones and iPads.
With over 10,000 positive reviews, finding anything negative about these headphones is challenging. The Sennheiser HD280PRO is an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Overall, these headphones offer exceptional value for money, making them the best guitar amp headphones and an excellent investment for any guitarist.
Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio Headphones
Tascam’s headphones offer an affordable and contemporary design. The earpads are round and soft and can rotate up to 90 degrees, while the headband is also padded to provide maximum comfort during long recording sessions. The stitching on the earpads and headband is tight, but the material used may wear down with frequent use.
Despite not being made with the highest quality materials, the Tascam headphones are durable and can be easily folded for transportation. They have a lightweight and modern appearance.Surprisingly, the sound quality of these headphones is comparable to more expensive models in the same price range.
The bass is not overpowering, but the lows, mids, and highs are well-balanced and suitable for studio mixing or playing musical instruments. These versatile headphones are perfect for everyday use and are an excellent value for the price.
The Tascam headphones are a top choice for those looking for affordable headphones to practice guitar with. They have a frequency response of 18 Hz to 22 kHz and a snap-on adapter that can convert the 3.5mm jack to a 6.3mm one.
FAQs
What Headphones Should I Use For the Guitar?
Best headphones for guitar: AKG K240 Professional, Sennheiser HD 280 PRO, and Tascam headphones.
Is It Good to Practice Guitar With Headphones?
Headphones can be handy when practicing guitar without causing problems and can even improve amplification’s sound quality. It is essential to use headphones designed explicitly for amplifiers when using headphones with guitar amplifiers.
