2023 UPDATE: Top 10 AKG Headphones For Mixing & Mastering

Today we look at “10 Best AKG Headphones For Studio Mixing, Mastering & Music Production in 2023.”

While headphones come in different shapes, sizes and variations, today’s list cover the overhead design, which comes with closed-back and open-back variants. While it all depends on the situation and your personal preference, both have their positives and negatives.

Open backs offer a much wider sound stage giving you a clearer image of the separate tracks in your mix. You’ll also notice that these headphones offer an uncolored neutral response without accentuating any frequency tier.

Closed backs, on the other hand, give you good sound isolation. This means that because their drivers are confined in a closed space, relatively little of the outside world can be heard, and there is hardly any sound leakage.

So if you’re in a studio trying to record vocals, the closed-back nature of the earcups will prevent the mic from picking the sound of your mix through the headphones.

Now let’s dive into the 10 best AKG headphones list so you can get an in-depth overview of each one and decide which one suits you the most.

10 Best AKG Headphones For Studio Mixing, Mastering & Music Production 2023

1. AKG K-712 Pro

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Over the years, AKG has carved out a name for itself by delivering some high-end headphones.

Whether you’re looking for a decent pair of headphones to fulfill your mixing needs or a gamer who wants an intense gaming experience with accurate reproduction of directional sound, AKG has you covered.

The AKG K-712 Pros are designed to provide a neutral response along all frequency levels so that the sound is uncolored. This way, when you sit down for the final mastering and mixing, you get an accurate representation of the sound.

Key Features: 

• Build
  The AKG K-712 Pros are made entirely of plastic to keep the overall weight in check. Weighing 235g, the headphones showcase an adjustable headband design which you’re likely to see on almost all the open-back headphones in the AKG line. The frame lacks notches to resize the K-712s, as the phones will automatically adjust to the head of the wearer.
• Earcups
  The earcups are made of velour and have sufficient padding under the surface, which adds to the comfort. The padding used in the earcup construction acts like memory foam and returns to its original shape. The size of the cups is quite large, which makes them completely cover the user’s ears. Since the K-712 are open-back headphones, the cups’ exterior is mesh covered. In addition, you’ll find a small XLR-type port on one of the earcups to connect the 3-meter-long detachable cable.
• Technicalities
  AKG’s K-712 Pros offer a frequency response range of 10Hz to 39,800Hz, which is decent enough to encapsulate the frequencies that can be heard by the human ear (20Hz – 20,000Hz) and beyond. Regarding impedance, the headphones are designed to have a resistance level of 62Ω. While this means they’ll sound good enough on their own, you may want to hook them up with a solid-state or tube amplifier to get the best performance out of them.
• Frequency Response
  The K-712 Pro headphones seem to lack bass response, although the roll-off is smooth. The higher end seems quite bright, but not to the point where it may sound uncomfortable. Cranking the volume up will cause a slight loss in clarity. However, keeping the volume at a moderate level is where the headphones really shine.
• Sound Stage
  The defining characteristic of most open-back headphones is their ability to deliver a wide sound stage. In most other open-back headphones, you’ll get an impression of the sound being almost next to the ear that eventually extends to give that wider stage feel. The K-712 is also a good example of this, but strangely the audio image is such that the sound appears to start at a distance from the ear and then moves away to provide width. However, there is no loss in detail or sound quality because of this approach that the K-712 pros adopt.
• Headphone Amps
  As expected, the K-712 pro headphones offer a slightly different response on solid-state and tube headphone amplifiers. On the solid-state variety, the high ends become more pronounced, almost on the verge of being shrill but not quite. The middle range seems to be detailed and clear. Although minimal on the K-712s by default, the bass response gets a slight boost in a solid-state setting. However, when used with a tube amp, the high-end shrillness gets subdued to reveal rich tones in the treble region, although the mids lose their definition ever so slightly.

Pros: 

The headphones offer a wonderfully wide sound stage, giving you an immersive experience regardless of the genre of music you’re interested in. The frequency response in the treble and mid ranges is such that it’ll impress the audiophile in you.

Cons: 

The AKG K-712 Pro lacks a snug fit for people with smaller heads. In addition, the automatic adjusting mechanism may falter to make the earcups press down on the top of the ears. If you want to listen to some bass-heavy music, the K-712 Pro falls a bit short.

2. AKG K-812

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The K-812 reference headphones, are designed for sound engineers, music producers and musicians.

The headphones strives to deliver great detail in all frequency ranges. In addition, the K-812s also can be a good option for mixing and mastering your sound as they offer a comprehensive sound presentation with good separation.

The headphones boast the largest sound driver made by AKG, offering better dynamic range and a lot of headroom. In addition, because of the material used in its construction, the K-812s are extremely durable and withstand the test of time.

Key Features: 

• Build Quality
  Being a flagship device, AKG has used a combination of metal and good-quality hard plastic for the K-812’s construction. While adding metal to the mix adds durability and strength, the K-812s weigh around 390g, making them heavier than some of all plastic variants. In addition, the headband is made of a mesh-like material which won’t create any hot spots on the top of your head.
• Adjusting Mechanism
  The headband design looks similar to the automatically adjustable mechanism we’ve become used to seeing on most AKGs, but it works differently. The K-812s can be resized by pressing the round symbol buttons on both sides and adjusting the frame according to the user’s head size. Unfortunately, the adjustment buttons seem a bit stubborn, and you’ll have to take the phones off your head to resize the headphones. However, once adjusted, the phones stay put.
• Cable
  The K-812 comes with the same cable you get with lower-end models like the K-240. With a length of 3 meters, the cable has a 3.5mm jack at one end with a quarter-inch jack that can be screwed onto it. The end that connects to the headphones has AKG’s own proprietary connector.
• Earcups
  The earcups completely cover the ears and have an asymmetrical design with a slightly flatter section that goes behind the ear to seal the sound within the cups and the user’s ear. The pads make use of memory foam insides that are covered with pleather. The overall feel is extremely soft and comfortable. The pads are also easily detachable and can be replaced if they get worn out from extensive use. The cups conceal a rather large 53mm headphone driver inside.
• Character & Sound
  The bass has an extremely smooth roll off, and the overall response on the K-812 is better than other open-back headphones. However, some harmonic distortion makes the bass sound a bit muddy at times. The mids seem warm but tend to be aggressive and may require equalizing. The K-812 is a bright-sounding pair of headphones with a treble response that peaks around the 6kHz mark. Transients can get harsh and unpleasant, resulting in a sloppy hazy sound. The sound stage is quite wide, and there is great detail with a decent separation between the different layers.

Pros: 

The asymmetrical design of the earcups and the material used in their construction makes the K-812 one of the most comfortable headphones on the market. In addition, these open-back headphones provide a decent bass response and bright mids/highs.

Cons: 

The K-812s are extremely expensive, so you expect every aspect of the headphones to good. However, the adjustment mechanism feels cheap and inconvenient. Also, you get the same cable that you find on the lower-end K-240 or K-701 headphones.

3. AKG K-271 MKII

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AKG’s K-271 headphones are like the K-240s in many ways and you might be unable to tell them apart at a glimpse

However, the main difference is that while the K-240s are semi-open from the back, the earcups on the K-271 have a completely closed back, which offers much better sound isolation.

This sound insulation makes the K-271s ideal for drummers who want to hear the mix while they play. These closed-back headphones can also be a useful tool for live sound guys who want to get considerable isolation so that they can concentrate on sound adjustments.

Key Features: 

• Design
  The K-271 also features the automatically adjustable mechanism made famous by AKG. The headband is nicely padded, and the frame doesn’t clamp too hard on the wearer’s head. A unique feature of the self-adjusting headband is that when you take the headphones off, whatever music is being listened to gets muted automatically.
• Cable Options
  The K-271 headphones come with dual cable options. First, you get a 3-meter-long straight cable with a 3.5mm jack on one end and a mini XLR connector at the end that attaches to the headphones. Secondly, also included in the box is a coiled cable that doesn’t get in the way and can extend itself if required. Finally, you’ll also find a high-quality quarter-inch screw adapter that can be paired with both cables.
• Earcups
  AKG offers two different pairs of earpads for the K-271. The headphones come attached with a couple of pleather earpads but also included in the box are 2 velour earpads that can be swapped if required. The internal construction is the same as both variations employ memory foam for added comfort.
• Character & Sound
  Regarding the sound, the AKG K-271 is one of the most natural-sounding budget headphones. The overall sound is neutral, and there’s no emphasis on frequency ranges. The sound separation is good, and because of its tonal characteristics, the K-271 delivers sound the way it was meant to be heard. The bass sounds well-rounded, the mids are warm, and the highs are articulate and shine through nicely.
• Impedance & Frequency Response
  The AKG K-271s come with an impedance of 55Ω. While they will sound adequate when hooked up to your mobile device for casual listening, you may want to use a headphone amp to drive them to their full potential during mixing and music production. Regarding frequency response, the K-271s deliver a range between 16Hz and 28,000Hz.

Pros: 

The K-271 headphones don’t leak any sound and offer good isolation from external sounds.  This makes them a popular choice for vocal recording in a studio setting so that the sound of your mix doesn’t bleed into your mic.

Cons: 

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones with enhanced bass response, you need to look elsewhere because of the K-271’s flat response along the whole frequency spectrum. In addition, the frame could use swiveling joints near the earcups for added comfort.

4. AKG K-361

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The AKG K-361s feature 50mm drivers that can deliver a neutral response along all frequency ranges.

The materials used in the headphones’ construction keep the weight down to just 219g. The design provides a snug fit thanks to a head clamping effect which is just right for extended use. In addition, the K-361s are one of the more economical headphones in the AKG range.

The earcups are oval-shaped and completely surround your ears, adequately curtailing any sound intrusion if you’re in a noisy environment. While the headphones have decent sound isolation, they also don’t leak out sound due to their closed-backs.

Key Features: 

• Build
  The K-361 is made of soft-touch plastic, but the overall construction is quite sturdy. The headband is made of silicon and has some padding on the bottom so that it doesn’t dig into the user’s head. The adjustment mechanism is fairly simple. Both sides have a round AKG symbol joint that can be compressed or expanded per user preference. The K-361s also come with a string-drawn carry pouch that helps to protect it from scratches and dust.
• Cables
  The K-361 comes with two cables of varying lengths (1.2m and 3m). Both cables have a 3.5mm jack on one end and a jack that twists and locks in place on the headphone end. The box also includes a good-quality quarter-inch jack that can be screwed onto either of the two cables.
• Earcups
  The ear cups are not very deep but, at the same time, are soft and comfortable. Since the K-361s are closed-back headphones, you may get some hot spots on your ears if you work in a warm environment. As with most AKGs, the pads can be replaced if they get worn out. Another interesting feature is the K-361’s foldable design. Both cups can be rotated upwards to fold into the headband and become nice and compact.
• Impedance & Frequency Response
  The K-361 isn’t too power-hungry and has a resistance of only 32Ω, so you don’t need to invest in a headphone amp. Even with your mobile device, you can get a good level out of these closed-back headphones at a 75% volume level or less. In addition, the headphones offer a frequency range of 15Hz – 28,000Hz.
• Character & Sound
  The treble response may not be the best, and some purists may pick out missing frequencies in the higher echelon. While there is decent detail, you may also feel that the treble sounds unnatural. However, the K-361 can deliver clear vocals with exceptional isolation from the rest of the mix. The headphones offer an exceptional bass response which is clear and warm; however, it isn’t pronounced enough to the point where it might cause ear fatigue. The sound stage has a good range as it extends farther to the left and the right with a lesser sound projection towards the front and back.

Pros: 

The kind of sound characteristics that the K-361 has, combined with its build quality and comfort, makes these headphones one of the best budget options. The K-361s also offer excellent noise isolation and don’t allow any sounds to creep out.

Cons: 

Some of the true audiophiles out there will be able to pick a significant scoop in the higher frequencies, causing treble sounds to be unnatural and thin. Also, the K-361s lack a throbbing bass response which some of you may be looking for.

5. AKG K-702 (Great For Mixing & Mastering)

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AKG’s 700 series has some of the more popular headphones from AKG.

Contrary to how some headphones may focus more on enhancing certain frequencies, with the K-702, you hear the same audio signal as intended by the sound source with little or no variation. No wonder they’re labeled “reference headphones”.

The design is simple but durable. Also, the materials used in manufacturing the AKG K-702 make it very light and easy on the head. This is especially good when you wear them for hours while you mix and master your sound.

Key Features:

• Appearance
  The AKG K-702 has huge cups that sit nicely on the ears, covering them completely. These cups are padded with foam on the inside. The foam used here is like memory foam which slowly regains its original shape when pressed. Because of the foam, your ears won’t get sweaty like they might with headphones that offer leather insides. Instead of notches to adjust the headphones’ size, the adjustment mechanism includes an intelligent, genuine leather strap that adjusts automatically according to the wearer’s head. With the K-702, you also get a detachable cable that is 3 meters long. The headphones come in a combination of black and white, and a limited edition black and red coloring are also available in some stores.
  
• Weight
  The K-702 is light and weighs around 8.3 ounces without the detachable cable. The overall material used is plastic which makes the headphones durable and light. The weight is so negligible that you may forget that you’re wearing them at all.
  
• Impedance
  Contrary to some of the more high-powered mixing and mastering headphones in the market, the K-702 has an impedance of 62Ω. This means you don’t need a headphone amplifier to get a good sound out of them. However, if you have a headphone amp on hand, you can get even better sound volume through the K-702. 
• Frequency Range
  The AKG K-702 comes with a broad frequency range of 10 Hz – 39800 Hz, which is way beyond the audible range of the human ear. However, a similar range is found on most headphones of this category to ensure that all the necessary frequencies are there.
  
• Character & Sound
  The AKG K-702 has a balanced and flat sound. The low-end frequencies are not muddy, the mid-level frequencies can also be heard, and the higher frequencies are not too sharp or piercing. Another interesting feature is that the sound stage is very wide. This means that the overall sound in both cups seems to come from wide sources. As a result, you may feel that you hear different instruments from different parts of the room. Also, there is a distinguishable separation of all the sounds you hear in both ears.

Pros:
These “reference headphones,” give you an accurate representation of the sound of your mics and line instruments during mixing. The wide sound stage provides sufficient separation of soundtracks to help you get the levels right.

Cons:
Since the K-702 are open-back headphones, there is a significant amount of sound leak. This problem makes them less suitable for recording because some of the mics in your recording space might pick up the sound leakage.

Good For:
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones to listen to your favorite songs, then AKG’s K-702 is probably not a good choice. Because the 702s are reference headphones, they are much more suitable for mixing and mastering.

In addition, the audio stage is exceptionally wide, which gives each track perspective in terms of the overall mix and helps you adjust your levels effectively. 

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The AKG K-612 Pro is a close relative of the K-702 in terms of features and looks.

K-612 Pros are also labeled “reference headphones” and promise to provide uncolored sound without boosting audible frequencies, much like the K-702 headphones. Its ear cups have neodymium magnets that provide balanced sound.

The 612 also steals several design elements from its cousin, the AKG K-702, as they both look almost identical with minor differences. The same durability is there, and the materials used are also the same contributing to their light weight.

Key Features:

• Appearance
  The AKG K-612 comes in black and silver. Appearance-wise, the main difference you may observe when comparing the K-612 to the K-702 is that the aforementioned K-612 has a 3-meter-long non-detachable cable with a quarter-inch jack at the end of it. You will find a 3.5mm connector underneath when you unscrew the 6.35mm jack attached to the headphones out of the box. The cups are the same, and so is the material used for padding. The automatically adjustable head strap with the AKG branding returns as well.
  
• Weight
  The K-612 weighs 238 grams or 8.4 ounces. The headphones have a plastic body with airbrushed plastic on the sides made to look like metal. The construction makes the headband flexible and difficult to break. It also ensures that the headphones are very light.
  
• Impedance
  Contrary to the lower impedance of just 62Ω on the K-702, the AKG K-612 has a much higher resistance at 120Ω. The higher impedance takes the K-612 into headphone amp territory. If you wish to provide enough juice for your beloved 612s to shine, you will need a good amp with enough gain by your side.
  
• Frequency Range
  The AKG K-612 offers a frequency range of 12 Hz – 39500 Hz, almost identical to what the K-702 offers. Such a wide frequency response ensures that no frequencies in the audible range and beyond get ignored. All AKGs offer a similar range.
  
• Character & Sound
  The overall sound seems to be flat. The bass frequencies seem tight and lack a bit of warmth. There seems to be a slight treble boost around the 2,000 Hz frequency range, so if you play around with the EQ and adjust the frequency around that level, you can overcome the boost. The sound may also seem a bit dry, which enhances the sounds of some stringed instruments in your mix. Like on all AKG headphones, the width of the sound cannot be understated. You get a feel of being in the center of a room with audio tracks playing around you. 

Pros:
The AKG K-612 is at the lower end of the price scale. In terms of comfort, the 612 outshines most of the competition. The sound is realistic, and the slight treble boost combined with dryness makes your stringed instruments stand out.

Cons:
The K-612s come with a captive cable meaning that any fault in the cable will result in a high cost of repair. Being open-back headphones, the K-612s leak sound. Furthermore, you’ll need an amp to power them significantly due to high impedance.

Good For:
The AKG K-612s are suitable for beginner-level sound engineers as they are not too heavy on the wallet and cover all the basics well. The sound separation is good, and the lows, mids, and highs seem more or less balanced.

The slight treble boosts enhance vocal audio so you could use these to mix and master vocals.

7. AKG K245 (Budget Option 2)

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Considering the features that are on offer, the K-245 is very cost-effective and gives good value for money.

Most AKG models on this list look similar in design and appearance, and the K-245 is no different. The headphones have a flexible but solid construction with several positive and negative aspects that set them apart from others on the list.

AKG’s K-245s have a more rugged feel due to a combination of metal and plastic used for its construction. However, the usage of metal has added slightly more weight to the K-245 as compared to the higher-end K-612 and K-702.

Key Features:

• Appearance
  Most of the AKG K series headphones look quite similar in design. You get the same adjustable strap and an open headband with ear cups on either side. The cups come with 50mm drivers and have a padded memory foam finish. In addition, the headphones have joints that allow you to rotate the earcups fully. In terms of weight, these are the heaviest of the AKG headphones discussed here and weigh in at 294 g or 10.4 ounces. The AKG K-245 comes in all black with white branding on the headband and cups.
  
• Foldable Design
  The K-245 is a member of AKG’s foldable headphones series, including the K-175 and K-371. This is a somewhat unique feature and adds to the portability of the AKG K-245 headphones. Like most foldable headphones, you get a string pouch to carry them.
  
• Impedance
  Don’t have a headphone amp? Not a problem. The AKG K-245 comes with an impedance lower than any of the headphones on this list. The resistance level on these headphones is just 32Ω. So connecting them to your mobile device and getting a good sound response is guaranteed.
  
• Character & Sound
  Much like the K-612, the sound coming from the K-245 is flat and uncolored. Surprisingly the sound stage is quite narrow on these headphones compared to its elder brothers, the K-702 and K-612. The mids and higher frequencies are managed quite well. The headphones succeed in bringing out the vocals in a mix. The detail is there, and the K-245 manages sibilance quite well too. However, the bass frequencies lack warmth and clarity and might need some EQ adjustments. The frequency response on these headphones is 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz.
  
• Replaceable Parts
  The AKG K-245 comes with a detachable coiled cable that is exceptionally long and can be extended up to 5 meters. You get a 3.5mm connector on the end of the cable and a 6.35mm adapter. If anything happens to the cable, you have the option to replace it. The earcups are also replaceable, and if you find yours have worn out or become sweaty, you can pop them off easily and get new ones.

Pros:
The low impedance ensures that an amp is not required. The headphone’s response to mid and higher frequencies is impressive.  The AKG K-245s are collapsible and become very compact when folded.

Cons:
In terms of frequency response, the K-245 lacks in the bass department. Although the K-245 belongs to the AKG family of wide-sounding headphones, the soundstage on this unit is narrow and sound separation is lacking because of it. 

Good For:
The AKG K-245s come with a lower price tag and is suitable for beginners who don’t have a reference point and want to buy their first headphones. The 245s are ideal for vocal mixing and podcasts related work.

However, you may avoid using them for genres that require a good bass response. 

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The AKG K-701 is the twin brother of the K-702 as they look almost identical.

The K-701 is also labeled as “Reference Headphones,” which means that they intend to produce uncolored and unaltered sound so that any flaws or deficiencies can be identified and fixed during the mixing process.

When buying a pair of AKGs, you can be certain of getting very light, open-designed headphones that provide great comfort. Being budget-friendly headphones, the K-701’s overall look, presentation, and color combination give a premium feel.

Key Features:

• The Presentation
  The overall presentation of the boxed K-701 is quite impressive. The box has a large viewing window through which the headphones can be seen standing vertically on a plastic stand with the AKG branding. This is the only pair of headphones on this list with which you get a stand.
  
• Appearance
  Apart from that, all popular design features of the AKG series return with the AKG K-701. The automatically adjustable head strap with the AKG branding is there. At just 8.3 ounces, the headphones are ideal for extended use. The cable on these is a non-detachable straight cable that is 3 meters long and has a quarter-inch jack at the end of it. You also get a 6.35 mm to 3.5 mm adapter in the box. The AKG K-701 comes in a combination of maroon, white, and grey, which gives the headphones an impressive look.
  
• Earcups
  The large “3D form” earcups cover your ears completely, and the foam is designed, so drivers don’t touch the ear. The foam used is a bit firm and holds its shape, unlike other models of the AKG family that use memory foam on the cups. Each earcup has a 50mm driver inside like the K-245.
  
• Impedance
  The AKG K-701s have an impedance of 62Ω. Therefore, your mobile device and iPod can get decent results from your K-701. In addition, the low resistance level saves you from the hassle and expense of purchasing a headphone amp. 
  
• Character & Sound
  The sound is not as colorless as you might expect with a pair of reference headphones. The bass on the K-701 is a bit on the leaner side. The texture is smooth, but you’ll hear it slightly in the back of the mix. These AKGs favor the mid-range frequencies, and you can hear a boost. This brings out the vocals and guitars more in the mix. Some distorted sounds, however, tend to be a bit sharp and annoying if the guitar tracks are positioned slightly above the overall mix. The treble is detailed and gentle. There is no sharpness to it which may send you running to EQ the sound. The soundstage, like most AKG headphones, is massive. You’ll get adequate clarity of each track in the mix, and the left/right panning is quite evident.  

Pros:
You won’t need to power the AKG K-701s with an amp. The sound stage is wide and immersive and the different tracks in the mix can be visualized with good clarity. The mids and highs show great character and tonal qualities. 

Cons:
Like the K-245, the K-701 also lacks in terms of bass response. The phones are bulky, and the open design makes them a bad choice for outdoor or public use. Also, the 3-meter-long cable is straight, not coiled, and may get in the way.

Good For:
The AKG K-701s are more suitable for intermediate-level users. The mids and highs are very articulate, so if you’re mixing vocal tracks or voiceovers, the K-701 becomes a good choice.

Of course, your guitars (clean or distorted) and other stringed instruments will get a good response too.

9. AKG K-240 MKII

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Sultan Zafar

Sultan Zafar is a guitar player from Islamabad, Pakistan. He has been playing music with various mainstream musicians for over 20 years. He is a song writer and music producer. These days he spends his time exploring different music genres and collaborating with fellow musicians on various projects. Read more..