A good set of headphones is crucial for any pianist or keys player; when you’re practising, they can be the bridge between a good-sounding instrument and a great-sounding instrument. The sound quality of your headphones depends on their driver, and you can also benefit from various design features such as collapsibility and different connectivity options.
When choosing your headphones, it’s important to know what exactly you’ll be using them for; whether it be recording, personal practice, or live performance. This will determine which features may be useful to you. For example, headphones for personal practice ideally need to be noise cancelling, and headphones for live performance may need to be compact yet powerful.
So, let’s take a look at the best headphones for digital pianos. We’ll cover all these use cases and help you choose the ones that are perfect for your needs.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three headphones and what we think are their best features.
| Rode NTH-100 Professional Studio Headphones | Cooltech gel earcups make these headphones comfortable to wear. | Check the current price |
| SubZero HFH100 Hi-Fi Headphones | With a frequency range of 10Hz-24kHz, these headphones are great at capturing all the highs and lows of the piano. | Check the current price |
| Shure SRH440A Professional Headphones | Excellent noise cancellation make these headphones great for silent practice. | Check the current price |
What type of headphones do I need?
The type of headphones you need depends on how you want to hear your piano.
Open-back headphones allow for sound ventilation and a more expansive sound. As the name suggests, the cup doesn’t have built-in housing and is, instead, exposed. This allows for air circulation around the headphones, giving the sound an “airy” quality. Open-back headphones give you a true representation of your piano sound, one that is natural and clear, without any resonance or bass build-up.
Closed-back headphones have a minimal sound spill, which allows for a more concealed and enriched sound experience. This is because the earcup is encased and will not let air through, so all you hear is the sound coming from the headphones. Closed-back headphones offer an increased bass response and reduced outside noise interference.
The best headphones for digital pianos
1. Roland RH-A7BK Headphones
Type: Open-back
Frequency Response: 10Hz to 25,000 Hz
Driver Type: 40mm
Connection: Wired
Pros
- Lightweight and secure fit
- Designed specifically for use with digital pianos
- Great if you need to communicate with other musicians during use
Cons
- Can’t be used for multiple purposes, so they’re suited to players wanting a dedicated set of headphones
The Roland RH-A7BK Headphones are a must-have for anyone looking for a high-quality audio experience. These headphones offer clear and crisp sound, providing you with audio that will completely immerse you in your piano playing. Its vast frequency response is great for digital pianos as it allows you to hear the lowest bass tones and higher treble range in great detail.
The sleek black design of these headphones is not only visually appealing but will also complement any piano setup. They’re also comfortable, making them perfect for pianists who want a set of phones that are reliable and enjoyable to wear for long listening sessions.
Better still, with their open-air construction, the Roland RH-A7BK headphones will enhance your listening experience, providing you with clear, natural sound.
2. SubZero HFH100 Hi-Fi Headphones With Detachable Cable
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 24kHz
Driver Type: 40mm
Connection: Detachable cable
Pros
- Soft headband allows for comfortable wear
- Detachable cable allows for easy storage
- Affordable price
Cons
- Aimed at players looking for an affordable set of headphones
The SubZero HFH100 Hi-Fi Headphones are perfect for both casual music listening and practice sessions. With a frequency range of 10Hz-24kHz, they’ll capture every nuance of your playing – this vast range is particularly great for digital pianos. They’re also exceptionally comfortable to wear thanks to the soft headband and earcups.
The detachable 3.5mm jack cable with a 1/4″ jack adapter means you can easily switch between devices. And they’re super affordable! A win-win!
3. Shure SRH440A Professional Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 22kHz
Driver Type: 40mm
Connection: Detachable wire
Pros
- Detachable straight cable
- Comfortable to wear
- Ideal for any player looking for a full sound
Cons
- Not suited to people who want to be able to hear over the headphones
Ideal for any keyboard or digital piano player looking for a reliable set of headphones for electronic instruments and recording situations, the Shure SRH440A Professional Headphones offer a clear and accurate sound and are a must-have for any practice or studio session.
Their closed-back design also offers excellent noise isolation, ensuring you can focus solely on the sound of your instrument. Beyond their fantastic sound and optimal bass tones, their comfortable and ergonomic design makes them a pleasure to wear, even for long periods.
The rotatable earcup allows for one-ear listening which may come in handy if you’re playing with other musicians. And with a driver size of 40mm, you can be sure that they’ll deliver a decent amount of power.
4. Kawai SH-9 Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz
Connection: Fixed wire
Pros
- Designed for use with digital pianos
- Offer a clean and clear output
- Extremely comfortable to wear
Cons
- Fixed wire means they are more difficult to store than headphones with removable wires
The Kawai SH-9 Headphones have been specifically designed for use with digital pianos. They provide a clean and clear output, ensuring optimal sound quality with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20Khz – a standard level that’s perfect for reproducing all the tones of the piano. The closed-back construction then ensures all those bass notes come through clearly.
Not only do they elevate your music experience, but they also allow for peaceful practice sessions without disturbing others. The adjustable headband ensures an enjoyable, customised fit for extended periods of use, whilst the over-ear design ensures they’re extra comfortable.
5. Rode NTH-100 Professional Studio Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 35KHz
Driver Type: 40mm
Connection: Detachable wire
Pros
- Comfortable to wear thanks to CoolTech gel earcups
- Wire can be attached to the left or right for convenient setup
- Ideal for recording with
Cons
- Quite big, so they’re not ideal for players looking for something more compact and portable
The Rode NTH-100 Professional Studio Headphones deliver stunning audio quality that’s perfect for digital pianos. They’ve been expertly designed to cater to the needs of sound enthusiasts, with a focus on clarity, precision, and comfort. Featuring a closed-back design, the headphones offer exceptional noise isolation, ensuring you won’t be disturbed by ambient sounds while recording or monitoring audio.
Thanks to a frequency range of 5Hz-30kHz, the NTH-100s capture every nuance of sound you need them to and reproduce them with accurate detail. Plus, the soft earpads and durable headband provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. We particularly love the CoolTech gel featured in the earcups; they keep your ears cool whilst you play, adding an extra level of comfort.
6. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II Closed Back Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 8Hz – 25kHz
Driver Size: 40mm
Connection: Detachable wire
Pros
- Ideal for studio and personal practice
- Foldable design allows for easy storage
- Closed-back minimises any loss of sound
Cons
- Closed-back design isn’t suited to players wanting the most natural piano sound possible
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II Closed-Back Headphones feature advanced over-ear design and noise-cancelling technology – perfect for those who demand high-quality sound in an immersive, distraction-free setting. They’re great for digital pianos due to their vast frequency response, capturing the lower notes and the treble in great detail. The closed-back design then ensures those bass tones are as rich as possible.
As well as offering sonic clarity and dynamic range, these Sennheiser headphones are robust and incredibly size-efficient. They’ll also fold down to fit into your bag, so you can easily take them to and from the studio.
7. Roland RH-A30 Headphones
Type: Open
Frequency response: 10Hz to 25Khz
Driver Type: 45mm
Connectivity: Fixed Wire
Pros
- Newly-designed ear pads for ultimate comfort
- Open-air design for non-isolating sound
- Lightweight yet rugged for professional use
Cons
- Comes with a premium price tag
The Roland RH-A30 Headphones are an excellent choice for intermediate and professional digital piano players. Their newly designed ear pads perfectly blend comfort and quality and are ideal for extended playing sessions. Comfort is often a crucial factor for musicians who spend long hours practising or performing, and Roland have made no compromise on this aspect.
Another notable feature is the open-air design which delivers high-quality sound without completely isolating you, the pianist. This allows you to remain connected to the surrounding environment while staying immersed in the music.
Better still, these headphones are both lightweight and rugged, making them suitable for packing up and taking to the studio and using them over and over again. Their durable, high-quality build is perfect for professionals who need a good, robust, hard-wearing pair of headphones.
8. SubZero DJH200 Professional DJ Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 12hz – 25KHz
Driver Type: 45mm
Connection: Detachable cable
Pros
- Coiled cable gives you the freedom to move around
- Quality 45mm driver offers powerful sound
- Ideal for players looking for an affordable set of headphones
Cons
- Designed with DJs in mind rather than pianists – but they still work great with digital pianos!
They might be designed for DJs, but the SubZero DJH200 Professional DJ Headphones work exceptionally well with the piano. With an extended frequency range of 12hz – 25KHz, they’re perfect for capturing the beauty of the piano, delivering clear and detailed bass and treble notes.
The detachable 3m coiled cable gives you fluid motion and flexibility, whether you’re on stage or in the studio. Plus, soft ear pads provide comfort for long listening sessions.
9. Yamaha HPH-100 Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 20hz to 20KHz
Driver Type: 40mm
Connection: Wired
Pros
- Offers a balanced treble sound
- 90-degree swivel mechanism offers a great level of adjustability
- 2-metre cable lets you move around the piano
Cons
- Frequency response isn’t as wide as other headphones on this list
The Yamaha HPH-100 are the perfect set of headphones for anyone looking for comfort and high-quality audio. Dynamic and closed-back, they deliver crystal clear sound with balanced bass and treble. Thanks to its adjustable headband and 90-degree swivel mechanism, you can practise in complete comfort. Plus, its 2m cable with 1/8” connector and 1/4” stereo adapter ensures that you can easily connect to any device.
The 40mm dynamic driver offers a decent amount of power and the frequency response delivers everything you would need from a pair of headphones at this price point. Ideal for players looking for an affordable pair of headphones for personal practice, these headphones are a great set of headphones to simply get the job done.
10. Sennheiser HD 300 PRO Professional Monitoring Headphones
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 6Hz – 25kHz
Driver Type: Dynamic
Connection: Wired
Pros
- Ideal for professional players looking for the highest-quality sound
- 64-Ohm impedance allows for playback on a variety of devices
- The lightweight design is great for long playing sessions
Cons
- Aimed at professional-level players
The Sennheiser HD 300 PRO Professional Monitoring Headphones offer a linear response that provides precise reproduction of every detail in your audio, making them perfect for digital piano use. Additionally, the HD 300 PRO’s phenomenal ambient noise attenuation capabilities let you concentrate on your work without distractions or interruptions.
With an impedance of 64 Ohms, these headphones are suited to a wide variety of playback devices, while their lightweight and comfortable design ensures that you won’t experience any fatigue during long sessions in the studio.
Better still, the headphones are durable and robust, making them a long-term addition to your setup. Ideal for professional players looking for quality sound, the Sennheiser HD 300 Pro ensures clear sound and is great for use with digital pianos.
11. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones, 80 Ohm
Type: Closed-back
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 35kHz
Driver type: Dynamic
Connection: Fixed wire
Pros
- Clear and articulate tone thanks to the closed-back design
- Comfortable wear for long periods of wear
- Bass reflex technology is perfect if you want a bassy sound
Cons
- Fixed cable makes storage less efficient
One of the more expensive headphones on this list, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones are tailored to players who want to spend a little extra to ensure they’re getting premium-level sound. Their seriously extensive frequency range makes them ideal for digital pianos, allowing you to achieve bass tones down to 5Hz and treble tones up to 35kHz, all in high detail.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones are a trusted choice for studio applications and offer superb quality when paired with a digital piano; this is all thanks to their 80-Ohm impedance which amplifies the sound to a crisp quality. Their closed-back design then ensures the piano tone is clear and accurate – perfect for recording and mixing purposes.
What’s more, they have a top-notch impulse response for precise frequency reproduction. And if you’re someone who spends hours sitting in the studio, DT 770 Pro have got you covered with their comfortable design.
Things to consider when buying headphones for a digital piano
Open or closed back
As discussed earlier, open- and closed-backs produce very different playbacks. Open back delivers a natural sound, allowing for air circulation and sound ventilation. This means you’ll be able to hear background noise and communicate better with fellow musicians.
Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, offer a more bassy sound with minimal interference. They’re great if you want to be completely immersed in your piano practice, with noise cancellation blocking out anything that might distract you.
Frequency response
Frequency response refers to the frequency range that the headphones can pick up. It’s shown in Hertz, e.g., 10Hz to 24KHz. The first number represents the bass of the spectrum whilst the second number is the treble end. Generally, the range for a standard set of headphones is 20Hz to 20KHz as this matches the frequency range that the human ear can respond to.
Sensitivity and impedance
Both sensitivity and impedance affect the quality and volume of the sound. Sensitivity is the volume that a pair of headphones can play at a given power level; this determines the quality of sound and the depth of volume. The standard sensitivity for headphones is 1 kHz at 1 milliwatt (mW) of power. The greater the sensitivity, the louder the headphones will be.
You may also notice the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) on the spec list. This is another way of displaying sensitivity and can change from brand to brand.
Impedance refers to the ability to withstand electrical currents. Your headphones’ level of impedance is the power it needs for you to have the best sound quality.
So, if your headphones have a high impedance, but you pair it with a low-power amp, the quality won’t be as good as it could be when connected to a higher output amp.
Connectivity and cable length
This is, perhaps, one of the most overlooked features – but it’s an important one! The length of the cable will determine how much movement you’ll have at the piano, and as any player will know, the more freedom and comfort you have, the better the creative output will be.
The length of the cable isn’t essential, whether you’re using them for personal practice, live performance, or recording, but it is something to consider. Most headphones come with a standard headphone jack but also a 1/4’’ adapter, allowing you to plug your headphones into a bigger port.
Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation eliminates outside noise and distraction, so you can hear clearly through the headphones. If you’re looking for noise-cancellation headphones, closed-back headphones are a go-to thanks to their ability to encapsulate the sound within the headphone itself, without any airflow. Open-back offers plenty of air movement.
Budget
Whilst your budget can vastly improve the quality of the headphones, this doesn’t mean there aren’t some great headphones at lower price points. The minimum you should look at spending on headphones is roughly £39 – at this price, you can get a decent pair that has a 40mm driver and a good frequency range.
A midrange budget should be £60 to £75. As models increase in price, you’ll notice that they become more compact and easier to store. For top-end headphones, you should look at spending £90 onwards.
Durability
As a general rule, the more money you spend on a product, the more features and longevity you are likely to get out of it. However, this is not to say that less expensive headphones won’t deliver the experience you’re looking for! Its durability really depends on not only the materials used but also how often you’ll be using the headphones and where.
FAQs
What kind of headphones do I need for a digital piano?
Closed-back headphones are better suited to digital pianos as they offer minimal sound leakage and reduce any background noise. This is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the sound of your digital piano.
How do you connect headphones to a digital piano?
You can easily connect your headphones to a digital piano through the Phone/Output socket. This is usually with a 1/4’’ jack adapter.
Are piano headphones different?
There is a certain type of headphones that is easily suited to the digital pianist, ones that have a wide frequency response and are comfortable to wear over long periods of time. There are also headphones designed specifically for the piano, such as the Roland RH-A7BK and Kawai SH-9.
Final thoughts
The best headphones for you depend on the type of sound you’re after and your budget. We hope our list of the best headphones for digital pianos has helped you in your search!
0 Comments