Semi-open studio headphones

Semi-open studio headphones have ear cups that are only partly vented, placing them between open-back and closed-back headphones. They sound airier than closed-back models, but leak less sound into the room than open-back models. They are suitable for mixing in a home studio, practising an instrument or long listening sessions. Examples include Superlux HD-681 Evo and HD-330, AKG K240 MKII and K240 STUDIO, Revoltage HP580 MKII, Samson SR850 or Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO.

When should you choose semi-open headphones?

Choose semi-open headphones when you want a more natural sound than closed-back models but are not alone in the room. For recording vocals with a sensitive microphone, closed-back studio headphones are a safer choice, keeping the backing track out of the microphone. For long mixing sessions in a quiet room, open-back studio headphones are more suitable.

What impedance should headphones for a laptop have?

Most of the semi-open models in the range have a low impedance. Superlux HD-681 Evo, Revoltage HP580 MKII and Samson SR850 have an impedance of 32 ohms, and AKG K240 MKII 55 ohms, so you can easily connect them to a laptop or a small audio interface. Superlux HD-330 is sold in 32- and 150-ohm versions, while Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO has an impedance of 250 ohms. These higher impedances are intended for studio use, where a mixing desk or a headphone amplifier drives the headphones.