Bass carries. This is not brand new information for anyone with neighbors. Lower bass frequencies travel further and more efficiently through walls than higher frequencies. No one enjoys disembodied thumps. Headphones are a fantastic and considerate solution and gift (if you know what to look for).
What is the Difference Between Sound through Headphones and Sound Through an Amp?
When plugging headphones into an amp, you change how sound is created and perceived because you use different equipment to reproduce it. Because of their small design, headphones do not have subwoofers to push large amounts of bass frequencies. Instead, they derive their bass sound from proximity to the ear, the enclosure they make with the ear, and via the natural resonances of bone conduction. Many headphones are missing the essential equipment to produce authentic bass notes.
Can Earbuds Produce Bass?
Not all headphones are created equal, especially for bass practice. Earbuds can produce even less bass, despite giving a good illusion that they do. Over-ear headphones are best for plugging into an amp for bass practice.
Why Do Some Headphones Advertise Extra Bass?
Every headphone gives priority to a different blend of frequencies. Headphones that prioritize the lower bass notes may advertise this. This doesn’t necessarily mean they sound better or that the bass is well-represented. Extra-bass headphones, especially for bass guitar practice, may muddy your tone rather than highlight it. Headphones with a flatter frequency response will actually capture more detail in your bass tones.
What to Look For in Headphones for Bass Practice
The best headphones for bass guitar practice aren’t necessarily the best headphones in general. Headphones that prioritize noise canceling, for example, are extremely popular but haven’t given bass notes the love that makes a set good for practice with a bass guitar. Headphones for bass practice with an amp feature over-ear comfort and flat frequency response. They may advertise extra base or customizable options, but these features don’t always guarantee quality.
Best Headphones For Bass Guitar Practice With an Amp
We’ve gathered a few of our favorites from each price range because everyone in every price range deserves to sound their best and enjoy their sonic experience. We know that headphones can be highly personal, so we’ve considered consumer ratings because we hope to bring you options with universal appeal.
Splurges
High-end headphones provide more customization options, expensive engineering, and durable materials. If you care deeply about your acoustic experience, headphones are an excellent personal splurge. They are truly just for you.
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphone
Pros: Skullcandy notoriously builds in haptic feedback. That’s part of what you’re paying extra for. This means that your bass notes are accompanied by a slight vibration meant to mimic a speaker. This is not necessary to produce the tone you hear but rather built-in because some people enjoy this experience.
Cons: The price tag is high. This set frequently goes on sale, so we advise waiting if you’re offered full retail. Haptic feedback buzz isn’t for everyone. If this bothers you, this is not your set.
SENNHEISER HD 660 S
Pros: These audiophile headphones are built for supreme comfort and come with a wide range of customizable options. They are built specifically to plug into an amp for people who care deeply about the tonal quality.
Cons: The main complaint against these headphones is their hefty price tag.
Solid Midrange Sets
If you’re serious about your sound, it may be worth investing in a solid set of headphones to plug into your amp for peaceful bass practice.
Sony DJ Headphones
Pros: Many of the pros forsake pricier models in favor of these Sony DJ Headphones. These are a fan favorite that people replace in kind when they wear a set out.
Cons: The largest complaint about these headphones, which is sound quality over the piano notes, is not a concern for bass practice.
OneOdio Monitor 60 Professional Studio Headphones
Pros: OneOdio headphones are a decent midrange product that consistently sound good in various ranges and settings, including bass guitar practice. Reviews highlight the deep, rich bass notes as an impressive standout feature for headphones in this price range.
Cons: A few reviews but note that this headset falls apart or breaks more easily than its counterparts.
Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2
Pros: These headphones are a favorite among drummers, but they’re great for bass practice too. If you’re looking to use your headphones when playing multiple instruments, these all-around standbys might work well for you.
Cons: Reviews note that their plastic frames break, and ear pieces come off if not carefully stored.
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
Pros: We don’t have too many wireless sets on our list, because these often prioritize other features over those that create excellent bass. However, this wireless device has notably good low tones and frees you up to groove.
Cons: There’s nothing to be done about it. You sacrifice a bit of richness in your bass notes by going wireless.
Bargains
If you’re a beginner or working with a modest budget, you can still find a solid set of headphones for your solo bass practice. Here are a few of our favorites.
Yamaha HPH-50B Compact Closed-Back Headphones
Pros: These sturdy, comfortable headphones are marketed for the keyboard but have notoriously decent bass and overall sound quality.
Cons: These are pretty basic. Even the best budget headphones can’t include the technology and features that please the professionals, but these are a great grab for a budding musician.
OneOdio Over-Ear Headphone
Pros: We listed an OneOdio offering in the mid-range list as well. OneOdio prioritizes your sonic experience, even in its entry-level products. These are a comfortable, inexpensive crowd-pleaser.
Cons: Again, sound quality isn’t quite up to professional standards.
Our Pick: OneOdio Monitor 60 Professional Studio Headphones
We love the versatility and value almost as much as the clean bass sound.