About Professional Audio Headphones

Pro audio headphones are used mostly by sound engineers and DJ's for monitoring signal sources during live sound situations. In studio recordings, musicians and singers use headphones to play along to a backing track. Professional headphones, especially noise-reducing headphones, are also becoming popular for high-end consumer use. In studio radio situations, DJ's use a pair of headphones when talking to the microphone while the speakers are turned off, to eliminate acoustic feedback and to monitor their own voice.

Wired headphones are attached to an audio source. The most common connectors are 1/4" and 3.5 mm stereophonic jack plugs and sockets. The older 1/4" standard is used on professional equipment, and is often used on fixed equipment. Wireless headphones eliminate the cord altogether. They require a radio frequency transmitter or an infrared transmitter.

Pro audio headphones can also sit directly inside the ear canal. In-ear monitors, for example, are becoming popular alternatives to stage monitors, mostly because of their portability, but also because they act as an earplug to block out environmental noise.