Gear & technology
Closed-back
Also called closed headphones, sealed headphones
Closed-back headphones have sealed earcups that keep sound in and much of the outside world out. They suit commuting, offices and recording, and usually give stronger bass than open designs, at some cost to spaciousness.
The seal stops the driver’s rear wave from escaping and blocks outside noise passively, typically by 10 to 25 dB depending on the fit. It also lets the headphone build pressure for deeper Bass, which is why many closed designs have more low end than their Open-back siblings.
The sealed chamber reflects sound back toward the ear, so closed headphones can sound boxy or closed-in if the cup is not well damped, and the Soundstage is usually narrower. Good ones, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Focal’s closed models, manage the reflections with care.
Nearly all noise-cancelling headphones are closed, since cancelling needs the seal, and most Wireless ones are closed for portability and isolation.