Noise-canceling headphones have become a staple for many people in various settings such as flights, home offices, and loud work environments. These headphones, which have been available commercially since the mid-1990s, offer the ability to block out external noise and create a more immersive listening experience. However, they are not universally loved by everyone in the music industry.
Prominent composers and sound designers often have different preferences when it comes to headphones. While some professionals swear by noise-canceling options, others, like composer Diane Warren, prefer headphones that provide the most accurate and true sound. For example, eight-time Oscar nominee Wylie Stateman finds noise-canceling headphones fatiguing and believes they reduce the sound that enters your ears. Instead, he opts for Sennheiser’s HD series, which are designed to isolate noise rather than cancel it. He particularly enjoys their wireless options that comfortably fit over the ears.
Jonathan Beard, a composer and orchestrator, recommends the non-noise-canceling Listen Professional headphones from French brand Focal. He praises them for their extreme comfort and flat sound quality. He appreciates that the headphones don’t emphasize certain frequencies over others, which allows him to trust what he hears. Similarly, Oscar-nominated composer Terence Blanchard favors non-noise-canceling headphones like the AKG K701 and the Beyerdynamic 880 PRO for their honesty of sound, tonal balance, and clarity.
On the other hand, there are professionals who embrace noise-canceling headphones and find them beneficial to their creative process. Oscar-nominated sound editor Julian Slater and composer Marcelo Zarvos both rely on Sony’s WH-1000XM series headphones. Zarvos explains that he enjoys mixing score with noise around him, and the noise-canceling feature helps create an audio bubble. It allows the music to cut through the environment he’s in, whether it’s a plane or the subway. Ben Wilkins, a sound mixing Oscar winner, also prefers noise-canceling headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 35. He appreciates their intimate sound and uses them for travel, watching films on flights, and listening to music.
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Ultimately, the choice between noise-canceling and non-noise-canceling headphones depends on personal preference and the specific needs of each individual in the music industry. Both options have their merits, and it’s essential to find the headphones that provide the most enjoyable listening experience for each person.
For those interested in purchasing noise-canceling headphones, here are some recommended options by sound experts:
– Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bluetooth Headphones: These headphones offer excellent noise-canceling capabilities and comfortable fit.
– Focal Listen Professional Headphones: Known for their extreme comfort and flat frequency response, these headphones are ideal for personal and professional use.
– Sennheiser HD 350BT Headphones: With Bluetooth connectivity and noise-isolating design, these headphones provide a seamless and immersive listening experience.
– AKG K701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphones: Renowned for their tonal balance and clarity, these headphones are favored by professionals for their honest sound reproduction.
– Beyerdynamic 880 Pro Headphones: These headphones offer precise sound reproduction and high-quality build, making them a popular choice among music enthusiasts.
– Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones (Latest Model): The latest installment in Sony’s renowned WH-1000XM series, these headphones offer superior noise-canceling capabilities and excellent sound quality.
In conclusion, whether it’s noise-canceling or non-noise-canceling headphones, finding the perfect pair is a matter of personal preference. The music industry is fortunate to have a wide range of options that cater to different needs and preferences. So, whether you’re a composer, sound designer, or music enthusiast, there is a pair of headphones out there that will provide you with the ultimate listening experience.
