Can You Really Do It? Andrew Scheps Thinks So.
“You can’t mix on headphones.” That phrase has been repeated for decades in studios, classrooms, and forums. But Grammy-winning engineer Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica) proves the opposite: not only can you mix on headphones, you can do it professionally, and even finish entire albums that way.
In this Puremix conversation with Fab Dupont, both engineers share how their workflows evolved beyond traditional studio setups and why headphones have become essential to modern mixing.
Using headphones in a personal workspace allows for flexible and private mixing sessions, making it easier to work without disturbing others and to maintain creative control at any hour.
🎧 Watch the full discussion free on Puremix: Mixing on Headphones with Andrew Scheps & Fab Dupont
If you want to learn more, check out our free guide to mixing with headphones; a no-cost resource for anyone interested in audio mastering or improving their mixes on headphones.
The Headphone Mixing Myth (and Why It’s Outdated)
For years, the audio world insisted that “real” mixes needed to happen on studio monitors. The argument was simple: speakers interact with the room, providing a physical sense of space and depth that headphones can’t replicate.
But as Andrew Scheps points out, that belief came from circumstance, not science.
“People mixed on speakers because they were in studios, and because there were other people in the room. You can’t really make a record as a team with six pairs of headphones.” Mixing with headphones
Today, with portable studios, laptops, and digital workflows, you can mix anywhere, and headphones give you a 100% consistent listening environment no matter where you are.
In many personal studios or shared spaces, headphones are often the only option for critical listening and mixing when using speakers isn’t practical. Headphones provide a consistent and controlled listening experience, allowing you to hear the details of your mix clearly and make informed mixing decisions, regardless of your environment.
Choosing the Right Headphones for Mixing
Selecting the right headphones for mixing and mastering is a crucial step for any music producer or audio pros aiming for professional mixing and mastering results. With so many headphone models on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by specs and opinions.
➡️ The most important factors to consider are frequency response, comfort, and how accurately the headphones reproduce the stereo image. Some headphones may have a tiny bit of emphasis or dip in certain frequency ranges, which can subtly affect the neutrality or tonal character of the headphones.
Open back headphones are often favored for mixing because they deliver a more natural sound and a wider stereo image, closely mimicking the experience of listening to studio monitors in a well-treated room. This open design allows sound to move freely, reducing ear fatigue and helping you make better decisions across the frequency spectrum. Overall, open-back headphones are more popular for mixing due to their neutral-sounding midrange response and natural 'open' sound.
However, closed back headphones have their place too especially when you need isolation from the outside world or are working in noisy environments. Also, closed-back headphones are preferred for tracking since their closed design reduces bleed from getting into microphones.
Ultimately, the best approach is to try out different headphone models and see which ones sound good to your ears and fit your workflow. Read reviews from other audio professionals, and don’t be afraid to invest in a good pair that feels comfortable during long sessions. Remember, the right headphones are the ones that help you consistently create great mixes, whether you’re in a studio or on the go. Finding the sweet spot between sound quality, comfort, and usability is key when selecting headphones for mixing.
Understanding Headphone Sound
When it comes to mixing and mastering, understanding how headphones sound is essential for achieving great mixes that translate across all playback systems. Unlike studio monitors, which interact with the room and benefit from acoustic treatment, headphones provide a direct sound source to your ears, creating a unique listening environment that can reveal details you might miss on speakers.
One key element of headphone sound is how different models reproduce frequencies and stereo image. Open-back designs typically offer a more natural, spacious response suited for critical listening, while closed-back headphones provide isolation but can color the low end. Understanding these traits helps you interpret what you hear more accurately when mixing.
Another challenge with headphone mixing is the way stereo image is presented. With headphones, sounds can feel like they’re sitting directly in your left or right ear, rather than being spread out in front of you as with studio monitors. This can make it tricky to judge panning and stereo width accurately. To address this, many audio professionals use frequency response correction tools and plugins that simulate the acoustics of a treated mix room, such as Redline Monitor or Sonarworks Reference 4. These tools help flatten the frequency response and create a more speaker-like listening environment, making it easier to make reliable mixing decisions.
To ensure your mixes sound good everywhere, it’s crucial to check your work on multiple systems studio monitors, laptop speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and even cheap headphones. This helps you identify any issues with the frequency spectrum or stereo image that might not be obvious on your main headphones. Reference tracks are also invaluable for calibrating your ears and making sure your mixes hold up in different listening environments.
When choosing headphones for mixing and mastering, look for models with a flat frequency response, comfortable fit, and durable construction. Popular choices among audio professionals include the Audio-Technica M50x, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, and Sony MDR-7506.These headphones are known for their reliable audio performance and are built to withstand the demands of regular studio use.
Ultimately, successful mixing on headphones comes down to understanding the unique characteristics of your chosen model, using the right tools to correct for any shortcomings, and always cross-checking your mixes on multiple playback systems. By doing so, you’ll be able to create mixes that sound great in any room, on any system whether you’re working in a personal studio, a professional facility, or on the go.
Andrew Scheps’ Headphone Workflow: The Studio on Your Head
When Scheps began mixing while traveling, he realized something surprising: the headphone mixes translated perfectly when he got back to the studio.
“When you put on a pair of headphones, you are wearing the studio on your head. It’s 100% reproducible." Mixing with headphones
His go-to pair? The Sony MDR-7506 a budget-friendly, closed-back staple found in countless studios. He’s been using them for over 20 years, with no correction software or crossfeed plugins. Over the years, Scheps has listened to and heard many different headphone models for mixing and critical evaluation, and while some of them sounded impressive or revealing in their own ways, he always returns to the Sony MDR-7506.
“They’re bright, but I’m used to them. My ears have acclimated. Any other headphones, I can listen, but I can’t work.” Mixing with headphones
Scheps emphasizes that familiarity is more powerful than gear specs. Once your brain learns a pair of headphones, you can make confident mix decisions anywhere, hotel rooms included.
Fab Dupont’s Hybrid Approach: Headphones Meet Speakers
Puremix founder Fab Dupont takes a slightly different approach. He doesn’t mix exclusively on headphones but he’s integrated them deeply into his process.
“Headphones have become part of my mixing process. I use them to place the low-end it cuts my time down.” Mixing with headphones
Fab uses Focal Spirit Pros (paired with a small Bose speaker for vocal checks) to verify low-end accuracy and translation. Instead of relying solely on speaker acoustics, he uses headphones as a “low-end microscope,” allowing him to accurately monitor low frequencies and ensure clarity in the lower end of the mix. He dials in 808s, kick drums, and sub frequencies with surgical precision. He checks how the kick drum, deep bass, and other bass elements translate across different systems, emphasizing the importance of deep bass in achieving a balanced mix. The low-end accuracy Fab achieves with headphones closely matches what he expects from main speakers in a studio, making them a reliable reference point for analyzing bass and low-frequency details.
This hybrid method ensures mixes retain energy and clarity on both large systems and earbuds mirroring how modern listeners consume music.
The Translation Principle: Making Mixes Travel
Both engineers agree: the key isn’t the gear it’s translation. The goal is for your mix to sound consistent everywhere: in headphones, cars, clubs, and laptops. This is known as mix translation making sure your mix stays consistent across different monitoring chains and playback setups. Using the right speaker in your monitoring setup is crucial for accurate mix translation, helping your mix sound right on everything from headphones to car speakers.
Scheps offers this timeless piece of advice:
“If every time you go to the speakers the vocal’s too loud, don’t fix it there. Go back to where you made the mistake fix it in the headphones. That’s how you train yourself to listen for it.” Mixing with headphones
This “train your perception” approach replaces technical correction with ear calibration. By repeatedly identifying what changes between listening devices, you teach your brain how your chosen headphones translate to the real world.
Why Headphone Mixes Often Sound “Too Wet” on Speakers
If you’ve ever taken a flawless mix heard on headphones to speakers and thought, “Wow, that reverb sounds way too intense,” you’re definitely not alone.
Both Scheps and Dupont experience this and the reason is perspective, not a mixing flaw.
“When I switch to speakers, it usually just sounds a bit wet. That’s not low-end translation it’s the acoustic environment adding reverb.” Mixing with headphones
Headphones isolate the mix completely; speakers add reflections from your room. Room acoustics, including reflections and standing waves, can significantly affect the perception of reverb, making mixes sound wetter than they do on headphones. Additionally, comb filtering caused by phase cancellations from these room reflections can further distort the sound when listening on speakers. What feels lush and deep in cans can sound over-ambienced in air. The fix? Revisit your reverb and compression balance after a speaker check but don’t rewrite your mix philosophy.
Working with Low End Frequencies on Headphones
Mixing bass frequencies on headphones can be one of the trickiest parts of the process, especially when using closed back headphones.
These headphones often emphasize bass frequencies, which can make it challenging to judge the true low-end response of your mix. Headphones deliver the left channel directly to the left ear and the right channel to the right ear, providing a separate stereo image without the natural blending that occurs with speakers in a room. This direct channel delivery can impact your perception of low end and stereo image during mixing.
To get around this, many music producers use frequency response correction tools that help flatten the headphone’s frequency response, giving you a more accurate picture of your bass and sub frequencies.
It’s also essential to check your mix on multiple playback systems like studio monitors, Bluetooth speakers, and even small speakers to make sure your low end translates well everywhere.
Mixing on headphones alone can sometimes lead to mixes that sound thin or overly boomy on other systems, so always take the time to listen in different environments. By being aware of your headphones’ limitations and using tools to correct for them, you can achieve a balanced low end that sounds great on any listening device.
Overcoming Ear Fatigue When Mixing on Headphones
Ear fatigue is a real challenge when mixing on headphones, especially during long or intense sessions. The direct sound from headphones can quickly tire your ears, leading to poor mixing decisions. To combat this, it’s worth noting a few simple strategies: take regular breaks to rest your ears, and switch between headphones and other listening setups to keep your perspective fresh.
Mixing at lower volumes can also help reduce ear fatigue and protect your hearing over time. Investing in headphones designed for mixing and mastering with comfortable ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and a balanced frequency response can make a big difference. Some studio headphones even include features like frequency response correction or built-in acoustic treatment to further improve your listening experience. By prioritizing comfort and sound quality, you’ll be able to mix longer and more effectively, ensuring your mixes sound good on every system.
Home Studio Considerations for Headphone Mixing
Setting up your personal studio for mixing with headphones goes beyond just picking up a good pair of headphones it’s about creating an environment where you can consistently achieve great mixes, no matter your space or budget. While mixing on headphones helps sidestep many room acoustics issues, there are still several factors that can make or break your results.
Start with the right headphones. Open back headphones are a favorite among audio professionals for their natural stereo image and accurate frequency response, making them ideal for critical mixing in a home studio, as we mentioned. However, if you’re working in a shared space or need to block out background noise, closed back headphones offer better isolation, though they may color the sound or exaggerate certain bass frequencies. Whichever you choose, pay close attention to the frequency response some headphone models boost deep bass or high end, which can skew your perception of the mix.
Tame your room even if you’re mostly on headphones. While headphones minimize the impact of room acoustics, a well treated room still benefits your workflow, especially when you switch to studio monitors for final checks. Simple acoustic treatment like bass traps and diffusers can help control reflections and create a more accurate listening environment, making it easier to trust what you hear whether you’re on headphones or speakers.
Leverage technology for accuracy. Frequency response correction tools are a game changer for home studios. Software like Sonarworks Reference or Waves Nx can flatten the frequency response of your headphones and simulate the sound of high end speakers in a treated room, giving you a more reliable reference point for mixing. This helps ensure your mixes translate well to other playback systems, from laptop speakers to Bluetooth speakers and beyond.
Optimize your playback system. A quality headphone amp can make a noticeable difference in sound quality, delivering a cleaner, more detailed signal to your headphones. And don’t forget to check your mixes on multiple systems switch between your main headphones, studio monitors, laptop speakers, and even cheap headphones to catch any issues across the frequency spectrum.
Create a focused listening environment. Comfort matters: invest in an ergonomic chair, keep your workspace tidy, and minimize distractions so you can focus on the music. Position your headphones properly for the best stereo image, and take regular breaks to avoid ear fatigue mixing at lower volumes helps protect your hearing and keeps your perspective fresh.
Choose headphones that fit your workflow. Popular models like the Audio-Technica M50x, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, and Sony MDR-7506 are trusted by music producers for their durability and reliable sound. When selecting headphones, consider not just frequency response and comfort, but also how well they isolate you from the outside world and how they feel during long sessions.
By thoughtfully setting up your personal studio for mixing with headphones balancing the right gear, acoustic treatment, and workflow habits you’ll be able to create mixes that sound good everywhere. Whether you’re working in a treated room or a small apartment, these strategies will help you achieve professional sound quality and reliable mix translation across all listening environments.
Creating a Mix Room Environment in Your Headphones
Recreating the feel of a professional mix room in your headphones is now easier than ever, thanks to recently developed audio plugins and software. Some headphones also come with included software that enables environmental modeling and improves sound accuracy, further enhancing the mixing experience. Tools like Redline Monitor and Waves Nx can simulate the acoustics of a well treated room, giving you a better sense of space, stereo field, and depth while mixing on headphones. This virtual mix room environment helps bridge the gap between headphones and studio monitors, making it easier to judge how your mixes will sound in other listening environments.
If you’re working in an untreated room or don’t have access to accurate monitors, these plugins can be a game changer. Combine them with reference tracks and regular checks on different playback systems to ensure your mixes translate well everywhere from high end speakers to cheap headphones and Bluetooth speakers. By using these techniques, you can turn your headphones into a reliable mix room, allowing you to create mixes that sound great in any room, on any system.
Headphones: The New Reality of Modern Mixing
Mixing with headphones isn’t just a workaround it’s becoming the norm. As Scheps notes:
“If so many people are listening on headphones, making something that’s physically uncomfortable to listen to on headphones is doing the song a disservice.” Mixing with headphones
In an era where streaming, remote sessions, and portable rigs dominate, headphone mixing aligns perfectly with how audiences actually listen. The best mixers today blend comfort, translation, and familiarity to make decisions that hold up on every system. Successful mixing on headphones is achievable when you invest in great headphones that provide both comfort and accurate, resonance-free sound, ensuring your mixes translate well across all playback systems.
So, Should You Mix on Headphones?
Absolutely if you learn your headphones.
Quick Checklist for Effective Headphone Mixing
✅ Pick one pair and use it daily (Sony MDR-7506, Focal, Sennheiser HD600).
✅ Listen to 10+ reference tracks through them.
✅ Balance your mix at low levels to avoid fatigue.
✅ Cross-check on speaker systems you know, then make your adjustments in headphones to help train your perception.
Conclusion: Consistency Over Convention
Scheps sums it up best:
“Whatever works for you as a process is how you should mix. At the end of the day, you just want a mix that feels the same no matter where you listen.” Mixing with headphones
Headphones aren’t a shortcut they’re a tool of precision and consistency when used with awareness. Whether you’re in a treated control room or a train station with your laptop, you can still produce mixes that hit emotionally and technically everywhere.
