2021 Best Noise-Isolation Headphones for Music Production

Nowadays, active noise-cancellation headphones are getting more and more popular. The headphones are great in blocking or canceling the annoying distracting ambient sounds while watching a movie or listening to music. However, there are a couple of reasons due to which you might not want these pairs. The first one is that the actual quality of sound doesn’t remain the same and they are comparatively different expensive.

That is actually where you should consider a pair of best noise-isolation headphones for music production. Because these headphones are pretty much different in operation. So, if you’re looking for the best noise isolation headphones for music production, then you have come to the right place.

In a hurry? This Numark HF125 DJ Headphones with 6-Feet Cable is the top pick on our list. It gives an optimal performance along with 7 height adjustment levels for user’s ease and around 6-feet long cable.

Best Noise-Isolation Headphones for Music Production

The comparison chart below enlists all the best noise-isolation headphones for music production to help you choose the best one.

Before digging into the actual list of top products, let me tell you the difference between noise-cancellation and noise-isolation headphones.

The noise-cancellation headphones use the microphone to listen to ambient sounds and with the help of special technology, it minimizes the outside technology. This audio processing in the headphone cancels the distracting noise through inverse sound waves.

On the other hand, the noise-isolation microphone doesn’t have any special audio cancellation technology, but it seals your ear canal and covers your ears properly to reduce the outside distraction. But comparatively the active-noise cancellation headphones are a better performer in reducing the outside sounds than the noise-isolation headphones.

Top 7 Best Noise-Isolation Headphones for Music Production

Generally, all headphones are noise-isolating to some extent, but there are specialized ones that are specifically designed for doing this better. These headphones come in different configurations such as wired, wireless, over-ear, and in-ear. And looking for the number of availabilities, then there are a lot of different options out there. And finding the best one is not an easy job.

But, to give you ease and save your lot of time we’ve researched on your behalf and compiled a list of top-quality products. So, spend time reading and find the product that perfectly matches your need.

1- Numark HF125 DJ Headphones with 6-Feet Cable

Whether you’re a DJ or just a home user, but a high very tight budget, and looking for a top-quality product that does the job effectively without compromising the sound quality, then these Numark HF125 DJ Headphones are one of the greatest picks.

Coming to the design, both earpieces have silver finishing at the outer part, while the black padded earcups at the inner side. These padded cups not only give the user comfort but also effectively blocks the outside for flawless music and movie experience.

Also, for giving users a more comfort the included headband of this HF-125 is padded. The headband features 7 different height adjustment levels giving users more versatility to choose the one with which he feels the comfort most.

The 40mm Mylar speaker driver sits inside the earcups and is protected with thin black material. The black protective covering over the speaker doesn’t seal the sound transmission but protects the speaker for long-lasting performance.

The 6-feet long cable gives the user a longer reach and the cable itself runs through the headband that relatively helps to vanish the chances of getting half-strangled by the tangled headphone cable. Overall, the headphones are very comfortable to wear, but we noticed one issue that it’ll give users a sweaty feel after an hour of use.

It is made of tough-looking plastic that lasts for long and sound quality is remarkable. However, the bass was pretty loud but a little bit unpleasant on the ears, and the midrange is also a little cloudy. Moreover, the truly deep bass is hard to find in this price range. Hands down, this is the best Noise-Isolation Headphones for Music Production.

Conclusion

These Numark HF125 DJ Headphones are great. They include many features at a very affordable price. Some of its remarkable features are comfort, ease of use, adjustability, great noise-isolation, and simple setup. In this price-rang, you will not find anything better than this.

2- KRK KNS 6400 On-Ear Closed Studio Monitor Headphones

Just like the elder KNS 8400s this KRK KNS 6400 On-Ear Closed Studio Monitor Headphones are full-sized circumaural headphones. As the name suggests, these are closed black headphones and known for giving a decent amount of noise-isolation as compared to any other same line products. Let’s further explore why this is the best noise-isolation headphone for music production.

Both the earcups and headband has a black color. Talking about the earcups, then it has on-ear closed design, the outer side of the cups have KRK logo printed right at the center, while the inner sides are foam-padded. Plus, the speaker sits inside the earcups under a black covering.

These padded headphones give excellent noise-isolation, and comfort to the user. Moreover, the black covering over the speakers helps in giving protection for long-lasting performance without actually compromising the transmission of sound waves.

Coming to the sensitivity, the controls and bass rendition are optimal just like the older sibling KRK 8400. The upper midrange feels little harsher on ears. However, the bass performance and noise attenuation are great when compared to any other product of the same line-up.

Compared to other products, this KNS 6400 is a little cheaper, but the overall look is a more-like studio monitor, that looks better than the endorsed sub-par headphones. Its lightweight and the long-cable connect to everything without limiting the reach of the user.

Conclusion

These KRK KNS 6400 On-Ear Closed Studio Monitor Headphones are a great addition in the market. The overall design looks pretty impressive and lightweight is another addition. Furthermore, the sound isolation performance is great, while the user comfort level is up to mark.

3- Sennheiser HD 559 Open Back Headphone

This Sennheiser HD 559 Open Back Headphone comes in a standard Sennheiser box, and inside the box, you’ll find a warranty pamphlet, detachable headphone cable, and the headphone itself. Talking about the construction, then it has pretty decent construction and lightweight.

Both the headband and the earcups are well padded with the velour padding. Moreover, the detachable cable is durable and has a 10-feet long reach, but the connection type is the ¼-inch stereo plug—you’ll not find an adapter in the box.

The low-end performance of this HD 599 gives deep and resounding bass, as well as relatively strong detail. There is no lacking in controls and the bleed is also kept to a minimum, but the bass is little emphasized.

The mid-range gives good clarity, decent detail, and purely interaction. However, in the upper mid you’ll feel slight compression. While on the high-end the sound quality remains sharp, and clarity is remarkable. Both placement and depth were alright. Overall, it’ll give you pretty much everything that you’ll expect from an entry-level headphone.

Conclusion

This Sennheiser HD 559 Open Back Headphone gives decent performance and very affordable in price. However, some is lacking in the upper-mid and high highs. Overall, the sound quality is good, construction is decent, and comfort is remarkable.

4- Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Black Headphone

Comparing to other models of this list this Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Black Headphone is a little pricey option, but the pleasant sound, reliable features, and sleek look make it worthy of the consideration.

These headphones are considered as one of the best headphones under $200.  Coming to the design, then this model has oversized closed black earcups along with the thick heap of padding. Furthermore, the upper headband is also padded to give the user a little bit more comfort.

The plastic construction is somewhat durable and a little more lightweight. The earcups are flexible that give slight movement in both horizontal as well as vertical ways giving the user more versatility to adjust the more comfortable angle.

It includes two removable cables in the box, both of them connect in the left earcup through the twist-lock mechanism. It ensures that the cable will not pop out on its own. It doesn’t fold for easier transportation, but its size is compact that won’t make much difference.

The 38mm drivers have an “Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement” feature, that helps to redirect the sound waves to the user’s ears. As far as, the sound performance is concerned, it gives optimal clarity and rich warmth.

Conclusion

This Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Black Headphone is a great addition to the market. It is better known for its optimal sound performance, adjustability, and comfort. The price point is a little high as compared to other mentioned products, but you’ll get what you’ll pay for.

5- Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones

Both headphones and stereo protection doesn’t always go hand in hand. That’s why the Vic Firth has manufactured a remarkable product to give the user a better performance in all situations. These Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones are also known as SIH 2.

These headphones are intended for professionals, not for those who’re looking for something regular to listen to music. Poor stereo isolation later leads to “headphone bleed” which means the musician can permanently damage their hearing ability or just listen to the headphone sound on the recording.

It comes with a capsule hearing protection just like the predecessor—and in workshop jargon that capsule hearing protection also called “Micky Mice”.  Both the earcups are well cushioned, that not helps in giving comfort but also in giving noise-isolation. However, the over-sized cushioning may feel a little bit uncomfortable during the extended use.

The previous SIH1 model has aggressive mids, that was felt uncomfortable on ears, but this updated SIH 2 models do come with a cleaner mids. The bass range is also very cleaner that doesn’t feel uncomfortable on each drum punch. Overall, the SIH2 sound is clearer and neater.

Conclusion

These Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones are specifically designed for professionals. It has many reliable features that not only give comfort but also protect the hearing capability of the musician. The price point is moderate and construction is long-lasting.

6- Pioneer Hi-Res Over-Ear Headphones

Pioneer is a well-reputed company and this Pioneer Hi-Res Over-Ear Headphone is an excellent addition from them in the market. These headphones are labeled as Hi-Res badge, which means it is certified by the Hi-Res audio consortium. It can easily produce up to 40,000Hz frequency.

Coming to the frequency response, then they have bright, but pretty flat frequency response, that effectively transmit the clear sound, but sometimes verges on boring edge. These are specifically designed for those who have tight budget but do not want to compromise on the sound quality.

The bass is correctly rendered, but little less boomy and prominent. You can pretty easily hear all notes. The mids are great and natural, you won’t feel hollowness or the nasal quality in the transmission of the sound.

Being designed for studio use, that’s why they have more neutral character, and so far, the best thing is that you can use it for everyday music listening and you’ll not feel any annoying or unpleasant feelings in the transmission.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Hi-Res Over-Ear Headphone is pretty reliable in terms of both price point and performance. It has a pretty decent sound quality that gives the user a pleasant music listening experience. Furthermore, at this price point, you’ll never feel any discomfort.

7- Fearless Audio S5h In-Ear Monitor HiFi Earphone

If you’re looking for something with excellent sound quality and optimal clarity then this Fearless Audio S5h In-Ear Monitor HiFi Earphone is worthy of the consideration. It has an in-ear compact design that not only does the job effectively but also pretty easy to carry.

It is best known for its excellent clarity and ideal low-end performance. Its great low-frequency atmosphere performance reduces the outside noises and directs the high-density sound waves to the listener’s ears.

The design is pretty excellent that perfectly fits in the human ear and ensures that the earplugs won’t pop out without your blessing. It is no doubt, a great product for both music listeners as well as music producers.

It features a sound tubes mechanism that effectively distinguishes between the low, mid, and high frequencies. Talking about the design, then it has an in-ear design that effectively plugs in the user’s ear, and the smooth fitting ensures the reduction of outside sounds.

Conclusion

So far, we haven’t found any issue reported for this product. This Fearless Audio S5h In-Ear Monitor HiFi Earphone is a pretty reliable product. It gives an excellent performance, comes at an affordable price, reliable everyone, gives multiple wearing options and can be carried anywhere.

Best Noise-Isolation Headphones for Music Production Buying Guide

There are several things that you should look for before investing in a noise-isolation headphone. We’ll discuss these factors on this list.

1- Noise Isolation

First and the most important thing that matters the most is the noise-isolation. It is usually depending on the design of the headphones. If the ear cups are well-padded and fit to ear perfectly, there are very few or even no chances for the outside sounds to get mixed with the music itself.

Whether you’re a pro-gamer, or a musician, or just a regular user who loves listening to the music, the noise-isolation can’t be compromised. Try to pick those headphones that properly cover the ears as well as ear canal to block outside sounds.

2- Comfort

Usually, professional musicians and music producers have to wear headphones for an extended time. However, if that is the case with you, then try to pick the pair of headphones that not only padded well but also breathable to give users a little comfort.

However, with the noise-isolation in mins the breathability can’t be too much, otherwise, there’ll be a compromise on the noise-isolation.

3- Durability

The last thing that you should consider is durability. Mostly noise-isolating headphones are made of plastic along with padded earcups and headbands. But make sure the plastic is durable and long-lasting, that will last for long. Because you wouldn’t end up with a broken pair after a couple of uses.

FAQs

What is the best noise isolating headphones?

There are several options available in the market. All of them are great in performance but different in price point. These Fearless Audio S5h In-Ear Monitor HiFi Earphone, Pioneer Hi-Res Over-Ear Headphone, and Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones are one of the best products available in the market.

Which headphones are best for music production?

Headphones for music production are the specialized ones that give an excellent sound performance and capacity to differentiate between low, mid, and high frequencies. Some of the best options are Fearless Audio S5h In-Ear Monitor HiFi Earphone, Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Black Headphone and Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones.

 What are noise-isolating headphones?

The noise-isolating headphones are one that covers the ears and seals the ear canal properly to block the outside sounds for a flawless music experience. Numark HF125 DJ Headphones with 6-Feet Cable and KRK KNS 6400 On-Ear Closed Studio Monitor Headphones are some of the best picks.

Does noise-canceling headphones work without music?

Yes, the noise-cancellation headphones can work without music. These headphones are equipped with advanced technology that cancels unwanted sounds to help musicians produce great songs.