Best Closed-Back Circumoral Headphones
One thing that is common among Voice Actors and music lovers, in general, is that they often change their headphones frequently because their listening device either gets damaged within a short time or sound quality drops after prolonged use.
If you are a voice actor, nothing can be as frustrating as not getting the full sound value of the voice playback you are listening to. To give people like you the best listening experience via headphones, we decided to scan the market for five of the best closed-back circumoral headphones of quality.
Before we get to that, you may be asking yourself – What are circumoral headphones and why do you even need one?
Circumoral headphones are devices that surround the ears when worn. These headphones are designed to isolate sounds so that only the wearer can hear what is being played and no one else. Also called a noise cancellation headgear, circumoral headphones produce high-quality sounds that non-circumoral devices are incapable of. Now that you know what a circumoral headphone is, in this article we have reviewed some of the best Closed-Back Circumoral Headphones on the market for an easier buying decision from you.
If you want to skip all that and find out the best one, we summarize as follow:
- For those who desire a headphone of the highest quality, go for the Focal Elegia Audiophile Circumoral Closed Back Over – Earphone
- For everyday indoor/outdoor use, get the Focus rite’ Scarlett 2i2
- For mainly indoor use, we advise you go for KRK KNS 6400
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Closed-Back Circumoral Headphones
Best Closed-Back Circumoral Headphones:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen 2×2 USB Audio Interface with Headphones, Microphone, Knox Studio Stand, 2 XLR Cables and Pop Filter
First on our list and in no particular order is Focus rite’ Scarlett headphones.
This 2i2 model is the best headphone ever produced by Focus rite among the Scarlett series with a switchable device Air mode.
This bundle includes Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen 2×2 USB Audio Interface, Cardioid Dynamic Vocal/Instrument Microphone, Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm with 5/8-27 Threading, Closed Back Over-Ear Headphone, 25-feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable, and Pop Filter
This feature enhances the quality of your recordings and provides it with a more open and natural sound.
The Scarlett 2i2 is also fitted with a big diaphragm condenser for quality studio sound capture.
It is great for songwriters and music producers in need of an easy to use headphone that’s light on the ears but yet effective in capturing sounds.
- The Pop-filter clarifies your vocals.
- Multipurpose headphone for mixing and recording.
- An all in one device for music production.
- Light on the ears.
- Not ideal for outdoor use.
- Additional accessories may be required which will cost you more depending on your needs.
KRK KNS 6400 On-Ear Closed-Back Circumoral Studio Monitor Headphones
KRK is a brand that’s well known for churning out gadgets of the best quality and their KNS 6400 doesn’t disappoint.
KRK Headphones provide a precise listening experience that takes you from personal studio to commercial studio to on-the-go track evaluations and they allow you to accurately enjoy your music with the consistent voicing philosophy and honest reproduction top producers, studio musicians, performers and engineers have come to trust.
KRK headphones provide incredibly natural frequency response that gives you a reference standard unaffected by your location.
What the manufacturer has done with this device is to give users sound independence of their monitors.
The quality is so pristine that it allows you to listen to every harmonic detail regardless of the music genre.
The earpads isolate music sounds while keeping out intrusive external sounds.
If you like listening to music outdoors, then this is the headphone for you.
With its natural frequency response that delivers the same sound output no matter your location, you can’t go wrong with the KRK KNS 6400.
- Natural sound production.
- Low distortion mechanism for perfect recording.
- Lightweight construction.
- Ear and head cushions for comfort.
- System’ volume can be adjusted for the user’s safety.
- Headband tightness can be discomforting after several hours of use.
- Expensive.
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Closed Back Headphone
Of all the Circumoral headphones available to buyers, only a few of them ticks all the boxes in terms of quality, durability, and ergonomic design.
Sennheiser’ HD 598 Cs is one of them.
This lightweight yet durable headset features a high-quality leatherette headband and cushioned ear pads providing outstanding wearing comfort for long listening sessions. A convenient one button remote with microphone on the cable allows calls to be answered.
The HD 598 Cs offers unrivaled performance and value. Crafted with precision using premium materials, it exudes luxury while delivering exceptional sound quality.
This model is engineered to provide the user with a natural and detailed sound.
This durable and lightweight headset has a leatherette headband for head protection and an ear cushion for ear comfort.
Due to these embedded features, you can wear the HD 598 Cs for several hours without feeling uncomfortable.
As an added feature to aid use, it has a remote button with a microphone which enables you to answer calls when on the move.
- Built for extreme comfort.
- Ergonomic design to ensure durability.
- A versatile headphone for multipurpose use.
- Picks up sounds you wouldn’t hear naturally.
- Quite cheap considering the sound quality.
- Ear foams begin to peel off after prolonged use.
Focal Elegia Audiophile Circumoral Closed Back Over – Earphone (Black/Silver)
When reviewing gadgets, we place a lot of emphasis on price because your budget is of the utmost importance to us.
However, we chose to introduce the high-end Focal Elegia Circumoral Headphone due to its unique features and advanced technology.
Many will find the price of the Focal Elegia to be quite steep, but the quality you pay for is what you get.
This device delivers the exact same sound quality outdoors as well as it does indoors through its “M” shaped magnesium and aluminum dome padding.
The soundproofing technology is top-notch, so when you put it on, you wouldn’t even hear the sounds around you due to the Elegia’ immersive feature.
If you are tired of buying a new replacement every now and then, you may want to consider going for this device once and for all.
For its incredible tonal balance, amazing frequency capturing and ergonomic design, Elegia has delivered a headphone every audiophile can trust.
- The advanced technology keeps sound in without disturbing everyone around you when in use.
- Smart packaging.
- Picks up every sound in detail.
- Very durable and surprisingly lightweight.
- Expensive.
- The French cable that comes with the product is not the best.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 OHM Over-Ear Studio Headphones in Black. Closed Construction, Wired for Studio Use and ideal for Studio Mixing
All the brands we have reviewed so far are great tools for sound listening and general music production.
However, our review will be incomplete if we do not review a headphone that is perfectly suited for voice acting and studio mixing.
Professional voice actors are aware that not every headphone projects sound in detail.
If you are professional in need of a device that can deliver high-resolution sounds, we introduce the Beyerdynamic DT 770.
Beyerdynamic is a very robust steel headphone with a fitted headband for extra fitness and comfort.
While you can use this set both indoors and outdoors, it has become quite popular among users for closed-door studio work. Contrary to the opinions of many, the DT 770 doesn’t itch the ears or irritate the skin even if it is worn for a long time.
It has soft and replaceable earpads that can be adjusted for personal comfort. In addition to all these, it also has a single practical cable that has been attached to the side to stop it from getting in your way when in use.
A great headphone for studio rats and voice actors.
- Works well with small devices such as Mp3 players and iPods without any need for signal boosters.
- Very comfortable on the ears.
- Solid physical characteristics.
- Flat Equalizer for sound balance.
- The cable is built-in and inflexible.
- Bass output is not as great as many would want.
Concluding Remarks
All the headphones on our review listed above have all been tested and trusted to deliver the ultimate music experience. They are ideal for professional voice actors and everyday music lovers who just want to enjoy their playlist undisturbed.
For those who desire a headphone of the highest quality, the Focal Elegia though pricey has all the essential features of a first-class device.
For everyday use, both indoors and outdoors, Focus rite’ Scarlett 2i2 or Sennheiser’ HD 598 is ideal choice as they are more price-friendly.
For strictly indoor use, we recommend you go for the Beyerdynamic DT770 or the KRK KNS 6400 model.
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