If you record guitar with a live microphone, start with wired, over-ear closed-back headphones that seal comfortably: they help keep the click or backing track out of the recording. Open-back headphones are an option for judging takes after recording, provided the room is quiet. Window brightness does not determine the headphone type; audible noise from outside makes isolation more relevant.
If you monitor a click or backing track while recording acoustic guitar, vocals or a guitar amplifier, headphone sound reaching the microphone is a concern. SCAN UK favours closed-back headphones for acoustic-guitar recording; how much spill matters for an amplified guitar depends on the recording setup.
If the same headphones must cover tracking and editing, consider isolation alongside fit, cable layout and compatibility with your playback source. Audio-Technica, AKG and Shure list different cable and storage arrangements for their closed-back models, so check the exact model rather than assuming those features are standard.
If you mainly compare recorded takes once the microphone is off, an open-back design can suit analytical listening in a quiet room. Sennheiser positions the HD 560S for this use, but its open earcups are not a substitute for isolation during live-mic tracking.
Choose when: A microphone is live and you need to limit click or backing-track spill, or outside sound makes monitoring difficult.
Trade-off: Isolation depends on the fit and seal; a closed design alone does not settle every later mixing decision.
Choose when: Recording has stopped and you can compare takes in a quiet room.
Trade-off: Open earcups allow sound in and out, making them less suitable where microphone spill or exterior noise matters.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Playback spill during tracking | Check for closed-back, over-ear construction and a pad seal that works for you; plan where the cable will run. | If I record acoustic guitar with a live microphone, I do not want the click or backing track captured with my playing. Around 36% of consumers put leakage control first. |
| Fit and one-pair workflow | Consider pad fit during a session, cable length and whether the exact model offers replaceable wear parts. | When I use one pair for both recording and editing, it needs to remain comfortable and practical at my desk. For around 29% of consumers, that everyday workflow is the primary concern. |
| Post-take listening | Check whether an open-back design suits the room once recording has stopped, and confirm source compatibility. | After the microphone is off, I want to compare guitar takes without making isolation my main priority. That post-take need comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Playback-source compatibility | Check the exact impedance variant against your computer, interface or headphone amplifier; compare cable and adapter arrangements. | If I move between a computer and an audio interface, I need to know which headphone variant and connections I am buying. Around 14% of consumers prioritise source compatibility. |
Open-back headphones can serve post-take listening, but their sound can reach a microphone during quieter recording. SCAN UK particularly favours closed-back headphones for acoustic guitar.
If you need one pair before your recording setup is settled, start by assessing closed-back over-ear models. Consider an open-back pair separately for listening after recording in a quiet room.
beyerdynamic offers the DT 770 PRO in 32-ohm, 80-ohm and 250-ohm versions. Its specified 80-ohm version has a fixed 3 m cable, so an incomplete listing title could leave out details that matter to your setup.
Check the impedance, cable and included adapter for the exact version against the source you intend to use.
A noisy position by the window may tempt you to increase the monitoring level. The World Health Organization advises that listening risk depends on both level and duration.
Address outside noise where practical, check that the headphones fit securely and keep the monitoring level and session length in mind rather than relying on volume to overcome the room.
A manufacturer's description of a model as a reference headphone does not establish how every listener will judge every guitar mix.
Use the stated construction and specifications to narrow your choice, then check finished mixes on another familiar playback system before relying on one headphone judgement alone.
The DT 770 PRO 80-ohm is a wired, closed-back over-ear model specified by beyerdynamic for monitoring.
The ATH-M50x is a closed-back over-ear monitoring model with storage and cable options that may suit a shared recording and editing setup.
The K371 is a closed-back, foldable option for consumers who also want to consider use away from their usual recording position.
The SRH840A is a closed-back over-ear model for consumers considering a detachable cable in their studio setup.
The HD 560S is an open-back model positioned by Sennheiser for analytical listening after a take.
Choose closed-back headphones when a microphone is live and playback spill could reach it. SCAN UK particularly favours them for acoustic guitar; with a loud guitar amplifier, the importance of headphone spill depends on the setup. Open-back headphones are more appropriate for listening after recording in a quiet room.
Choose headphones according to microphone spill and audible outside noise, not the brightness of the window. If outside sound interferes with monitoring, a well-fitting closed-back pair makes isolation more relevant; manage screen glare separately.
Impedance differs between models and even between versions of the same model. beyerdynamic offers several DT 770 PRO variants, while AKG specifies the K371 at 32 ohms and Sennheiser specifies the HD 560S at 120 ohms. Check the listing's exact variant against your computer, interface or headphone amplifier before ordering.
Reduce the outside noise where practical and use a secure headphone fit instead of automatically raising the volume. The World Health Organization notes that listening level and duration both matter, so keep track of how loudly and how long you monitor during a session.