Have you ever noticed that your favorite podcasters always seem to have their headphones on? It’s not just for style (though it can add a nice touch) — there’s a lot more to it. You might be new to podcasting or just want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your gear. In any case, here’s what you need to know about keeping everything in balance, from your guest’s voice to background noise.
Why Do People Wear Headphones on Podcasts?
To hear their own voice clearly
When recording, your voice sounds different through a microphone than it does to your own ears. Normally, you hear yourself through both the air and vibrations from your skull, which makes your voice sound fuller. Through a mic, however, it’s just the air that carries your voice. So, you get to hear how you truly sound to their listeners and adjust your tone or pacing if necessary.
To stay aware of speech pace and clarity
Many new podcasters may not realize they’re speaking too quickly or mumbling until they listen back to the recording. Headphones provide instant feedback, which helps podcasters notice how they sound and adjust their speech in real time.
To monitor audio levels across the recording
It’s not only the host’s voice that needs monitoring. Podcasters must keep track of their guests’ audio levels to know that background music and sound effects don’t overpower the conversation. Besides, you might have a co-host or two, and each person’s voice should be clear and balanced. If one person speaks too softly or too loudly compared to others, it’ll create an uneven listening experience.
To block out external noise
Whether it’s traffic outside, appliances humming, or even rustling clothes, background noise can easily ruin a recording. Headphones, particularly noise-cancelling ones, create a quieter, more focused environment for recording. Plus, it just makes for a more productive session overall.
For the podcaster’s look
Yes, some of it might be for style, and wearing headphones has become a signature look in the podcasting world. The main purpose is functional, but wearing headphones also gives a professional, polished appearance to podcasters. Some people notice a big difference in their on-air presence with headphones on versus without them.
Why Not Wearing Headphones Can Ruin Your Podcast
When recording a podcast remotely, wearing headphones is a must. Without them, the sound from your speakers gets picked up by your microphone when you’re not speaking. Then, a split second later, that same sound is recorded again by your mic. This causes a double recording effect that creates an echo and makes your audio sound distorted and unprofessional. Once this happens, it’s nearly impossible to fix, no matter how skilled the editor is.
This issue is often mistaken for a simple echo, but it's really just the same sound being captured twice. The solution is simple: wear headphones.
As for in-studio podcasting, it comes with their own challenges, like background noise, room acoustics, and mic placement. Even though it’s not as critical as in remote setups, wearing headphones does help you catch a lot of issues early. It keeps everyone on the same page with the sound quality and prevents surprises later during editing. Headphones also help maintain the flow of the conversation because everyone speaks at the right moment.
Why Your Guest Needs Headphones, Too
If you have a guest on your podcast, it’s just as important that they wear headphones. Without them, their mic will also pick up the audio from your speakers and cause the same problem. It doesn’t matter if they use fancy headphones or regular earbuds — they just need to avoid speakers to prevent audio issues.
For you as the host, headphones help you monitor the recording and make sure everything sounds good. For your guest, headphones make sure their mic doesn’t pick up your side of the conversation.
What Are the Best Headphones for Podcasting?
Here are some popular choices based on different price ranges:
Under $100
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20X — Affordable, lightweight, and comfortable, which makes them perfect for long recording sessions.
- Sennheiser 280 PRO — These closed-back headphones block out outside noise and prevent sound leakage, which is great for recording podcasts.
$100-$200
- Sony MDR7506 — These headphones are famous in the podcasting world for great sound quality, comfort, and durability.
- Sennheiser HD-25 — A popular choice for DJs, these headphones work well in noisy environments, so they’re also a solid option for podcasts.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x — Very comfortable with excellent sound quality, perfect for both in and out of the studio.
- Beyerdynamic DTT 770 Pro — The comfort and sound quality are great, with a warm tone and rich bass, just not ideal for advanced editing or mixing.
$200-$400
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II — These wireless headphones are famous for their noise-canceling feature, which helps block out background noise for better focus during recording.
- Shure SRH940 — These professional headphones have a top-notch sound quality and are comfortable for long sessions.
$400 and above
- Sennheiser HD 660S — These lightweight headphones have an open-back design, which reduces sound leakage and provides clear audio.
- Shure SRH1540 — These offer detailed sound and a durable build, perfect for podcasters who need precise audio monitoring.
Do Pros Use Earbuds?
Most pros stick to over-ear headphones for their better sound quality and comfort. Some do use earbuds, especially if they need something more portable or compact. Earbuds are light and discreet, and this can be great for on-the-go recording or if you don't want bulky headphones.
However, they don’t offer the same level of sound isolation or clarity as over-ear headphones. Try to avoid them for serious podcasting sessions.
What About Streamers or YouTubers?
For YouTubers, headphones are mostly useful during editing, specifically when they fine-tune the audio for a polished final product. They can easily spot issues like distortion, imbalances, or background noise and correct them before uploading.
As for streamers, headphones are a must throughout the entire streaming process. They rely on them to monitor live audio and maintain clear communication with their audience. This is especially important for gaming streamers or those watching other content, where overlapping sounds or audio get picked up easily and interfere with the stream.
Best Practices for Using and Setting Up Headphones for a Podcast
Most podcasters know to use headphones for basic monitoring/ But there are a few lesser-known practices that make a significant difference in how your podcast sounds and feels.
Optimize your headphone impedance for your audio gear
Headphones come in various impedance levels, which affect the sound quality and how loud your headphones get at a given volume.
If you’re using a portable recorder or audio interface with a lower power output, choose headphones with a lower impedance (e.g., 32-80 ohms). For more powerful setups (studio mics and interfaces), go for headphones with a higher impedance (e.g., 250 ohms) for clearer, more detailed sound.
Avoid using the same headphones for recording and editing
It could be convenient, but using the same pair of headphones for both recording and post-production may result in inconsistent sound impressions. Recording headphones emphasize certain frequencies that are pleasant during a recording. At the same time, it makes it harder to catch subtle issues like distortion or clipping during editing.
Consider a separate pair for editing to get a more neutral and accurate mix.
Adapt your headphone type for your recording setup
If you’re working in a multi-person setup or recording remotely, you might want to use open-back headphones for better sound balance when you’re listening to multiple audio sources at once (especially when adjusting levels for guests). Just be cautious about how much sound bleeds through — it’s a delicate balance.
Experiment with audio fatigue breaks
If you're editing for a long time or mixing, give your ears a break. Continuous headphone use, especially with high-volume levels, can cause auditory fatigue, leading you to miss subtle nuances in the mix. Try taking short, 5-minute breaks every hour, and during these, listen to something non-podcast related or listen on speakers to reset your audio perception.
That’s it for now! Wearing headphones seems like a small detail, but it plays a huge part in having a professional, smooth sound. If you’re not wearing them already, it’s time to start.
