You are passionate about a particular topic. Let's say you are planning to have a podcast on personal development. You're the host, so every episode is entirely up to you. You choose the topics, plan the episodes, and record them independently. You might spend a week researching productivity tips. Recording an engaging 30-minute episode and sharing those tips requires editing the audio.

When choosing headphones for podcasting, you might be confused. Many podcasters might consider open-back or closed-back headphones in this situation. You want a more natural and spacious sound, but you do not wish to lack noise isolation. So, while considering the factor of noise isolation, you think about which one is best. 

Whether Open-Back vs. closed-back Headphones mitigates the sounds from your surroundings, you wish to avoid distraction during recording. Also, you need more comfort for long listening sessions because open-back headphones allow for better airflow around the ears.

So, how will you choose between the two? This blog will discuss noise isolation, comfort zones, and air pass-through factors of open-back vs. closed-back headphones.

Noise Isolation Feature Of Closed-Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones available at Delenzo Mart are generally the better choice for solo podcast recording. Their design creates a seal around your ears, blocking out most external noise. It is crucial to focus on your recording and minimizing distractions. They also prevent sound from your headphones from leaking out and being picked up by your microphone (which can create an echo or feedback loop). It is essential if you're recording in a less-than-ideal acoustic environment.

But closed-back headphones effectively block the noise from outside. These headphones allow you to focus entirely on your voice and script. At the same time, closed-back headphones prevent background music from leaking out. They are picked up by your microphone, which ensures a clean, professional recording even in a noisy environment.

Why Do Open Back Headphones Not Prevent Noise Isolation?

Audio Technica's open-back headphones offer very little noise isolation. They're designed to let sound in and out. These headphones are fabulous for a more natural listening experience in quiet environments but are a major disadvantage for recording. Any ambient noise will be easily heard, and the sound from your headphones will bleed significantly, likely being picked up by your microphone. It makes them unsuitable for solo podcasting unless you have a soundproofed recording space.

You're recording a podcast in your home studio with open-back headphones. You speak into the microphone, and the background hum of a fan and the faint chirping of birds outside seep into your ears. Audio Technica's open-back headphones are not ideal for recording due to their lack of noise isolation. However, some professionals prefer these headphones for specific reasons. 

Then, Why Should Audio Professionals Prefer Open-Back Headphones?

Open-back headphones are not the best choice for recording a podcast. These headphones give a sound that feels more like real life and natural. Like the more space, you have as you hear speakers in a room. The open design lets sound go out, making a more significant and absorbing experience. Sound artists and video editors use these headphones for mixing and mastering. This is because they are concerned about accurate spatial representation.

Comfort Zone Feature Of Closed-Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones give better isolation. However, they can sometimes become less comfortable during long recording sessions. The seal around your ears can hold heat. It can make your ears sweat, too. Sweating can lead to discomfort and cause tiredness. But many closed-back headphone models are made with breathable materials. They also have comfortable padding. These features lessen the issue of discomfort. Closed-back headphones are best suited for solo podcasting.

Preventing Your Ears From Overheating With Open-Back Headphones

Open-back headphones usually give better airflow because of how they are made. The ear cups of open-back headphones have holes or vents that let air move around quickly. This is different from closed-back headphones, which have solid ear cups that stop airflow. Air can move around more freely, keeping your ears from getting too hot. It makes them maybe more comfy for a long time. However, this good thing is less important than their bad noise isolation for recording purposes.

Closed-Back Headphones Restrict Air Pass-Through

Closed-back headphones stop air from moving around the ears. The ear cups of closed-back headphones are made to make a block around the ear. The block stops sound from getting out. The block stops the outside noise. The design also stops air from moving because there are no holes for air to go around. But the main reason they are made is to stop outside noise. The sealed design makes a wall. The wall stops sounds from reaching your ears. You can then focus on the audio of the podcast recording.

Tips For Podcasters To Handle Lack Of Air Pass In Closed-Back Headphones

Restriction of airflow leads to heat and moisture buildup, which can be uncomfortable. But podcasters can take several steps to minimize heat buildup. Take regular breaks, which allow your ears to breathe. Taking regular breaks prevents excessive sweating and relaxes your ears. Regularly cleaning closed-back headphones is really important and removes sweat. Remove debris. Sweat and debris can accumulate, which then contributes to discomfort.

Open-Back Headphones Maintain Coolness Of Ears

Open-back headphones are good at letting air flow through. The open design allows for great airflow, which keeps your ears cooler and more comfy during long sessions. This is nice, but it comes at the cost of bad noise blocking. But open-back headphones are not good for recording unless you're in a tranquil place.

Wrapping Up

In short, closed-back headphones are strongly advised for solo podcast recording. They are great at noise blocking. Closed-back headphones are less airy than open-back headphones. Cutting down background noise is essential for high-quality audio. Stopping sound leaks is also essential. Those things are much more important than the possible comfort trade-off. Look for closed-back models with comfy padding and breathable materials. They will make your comfort the best during recording.

FAQs

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Prolonged Closed-Back Headphones On Hearing Health?

Prolonged use of closed-back headphones at loud volumes can be harmful to ear health. Loud sounds can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, slowing down hearing loss. NIHL is usually not fixable.

What Are Effective Cleaning Methods For Closed-Back Headphones?

Start by taking apart the headphones a lot. Remove earpads and cables if you can take them off. For leather earpads, make sure to clean them carefully with a bit of wet cloth. Use warm, soapy water and then dry them with a microfiber cloth.

How Do Podcasters Balance Noise Isolation & Accurate Audio Monitoring With Closed-Back Headphones?

Closed-back headphones that cover your ears are a common pick for podcasters. You should find headphones with an even sound from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This makes sure the sound you're listening to is as near as can be to the real sound being recorded.