Whether you use them for music production, onstage monitoring, communicating with your team, or simply listening to your favorite tunes, the performance of your headphones is crucial to achieving your creative goals. Consequently, they can become one of the most important purchases you’ll make as a musician. With that in mind, it’s important to ensure your headphones last. If you’re not sure where to start, then you’re in luck — the audio enthusiasts at Sweetwater are on the case. Join us as we lay out the best practices for keeping your beloved headphones, earbuds, and IEMs in tip-top shape!
How to Make Your Headphones Last
To ensure your headphones withstand the test of time, you’ll want to spend time maintaining them between uses. Both cleaning your headphones and storing them in a secure location are imperative to their safety and longevity. That said, it’s also important to understand how to correctly wear your headphones, as improper handling may risk damage and/or poor performance. The following tips will give you a good grasp on how to take care of your headphones whether you frequent the studio desk or casually listen to your favorite tracks at home.
Cleaning & Storing Your Headphones
Appropriate cleaning procedures vary for every headphone model, but the basic principles remain the same. The key is to keep your equipment dry and free of debris. Most earbuds and headphones benefit from a simple wipe with a damp microfiber cloth — just ensure they are powered off prior to cleaning to avoid potential damage. By the same token, your headphone cable is also liable to get dirty, so don’t forget to give it a quick wipe, too. For particularly tough grime such as excess sweat, some distilled water and/or rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth should do the trick. From there, ensure your equipment is sufficiently dry and then store it in a safe case.
Many headphones including wireless earbuds and several high-end headphone models will come with a case. That said, if your headphones do not come with a case, then there are plenty of options available from Sweetwater, such as Dekoni Audio’s Headphone Savior case. For in-depth info, check out our article on how to correctly store your headphones!
Likewise, removable items such as ear tips and ear pads can easily be cleaned via the same procedure or by using a dedicated tool such as the Westone Audio Wax Loop cerumen removal tool. That said, if your ear tips or ear pads are too dirty, have visible damage, or don’t work correctly, then you may want to consider replacing them altogether.
Wearing Your Headphones
As important as it is to keep your gear safe while you’re away, you should also pay attention to how you treat your headphones while using them. So, how should your headphones fit on your ear? For starters, headphones typically come in two different forms: circumaural and supra-aural. Sound confusing? The difference is actually quite simple.
Circumaural headphones (also referred to as over-ear headphones) rest over your ears, meaning they entirely encapsulate your ear for a fitted, noise-isolating profile. Supra-aural headphones (on-ear headphones), however, simply rest on top of your ear, with the headphone drivers located directly on top of the ear canal. Conversely, earbuds and IEMs supply a smaller driver that you insert directly into your ear. No matter your headphones of choice, it’s important that you wear them as intended, not only to protect your gear and yourself but also to ensure you’re getting the best possible sound for your listening situation.
Replacement Parts
Over time, you may find that your headphones’ contact points have deteriorated as a result of sweat, skin oil, and cerumen buildup. And sometimes, cleaning just isn’t enough. In such cases, replacing worn peripherals can substantially increase the longevity of your gear. With headphones, the most common replacements are ear tips (in the case of wired and wireless earbuds), ear pads (wired headphones), and headphone cables. Replacing the gear itself is easy; most ear tips and ear pads will easily slip off and back on, and cables simply plug into your device.
So, where are you supposed to find all of your replacement ear tips, ear pads, and headphone cables? Right here at Sweetwater, of course! We’ve got an array of replacement headphone peripherals to choose from, many of which come directly from your headphones’ manufacturer for an assured fit. Likewise, premium accessories from other notable brands such as Dekoni Audio can enhance your listening experience. At the end of the day, it’s all up to personal preference — just make sure the equipment you buy is compatible with your set of cans! If you’re unsure, then you can always call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for clarification.
Maximizing Battery Life
If you’re rocking a pair of wireless headphones, then one obvious factor remains: battery life. While most wireless earbuds and headphones harness enough onboard power to keep you jamming for hours on end, there are a few key habits to keep in mind to help you maximize their lifespan. That way, you’ll be able to utilize your headphones for extended periods of time while keeping your battery healthy in the long term. Specific headphone manufacturers such as AIAIAI offer wireless headphones with user-replaceable batteries, making the process a cinch from the get-go. For most headphones, however, removing the battery for direct replacement isn’t viable. That’s where these next routine habits can come in handy.
While keeping your headphones at full charge ensures you’ll be able to jam at any time, continuous charging on a full battery can put unnecessary strain on the battery itself. The same can be said about allowing your headphones to run until the battery is depleted. Instead, set some ground rules: charge your headphones to 85% at a maximum and begin recharging when the battery level falls to around 20% to ensure balanced battery use. Likewise, avoid keeping your headphones out in the sun, in your car, or around heating appliances. Excess heat can deteriorate the effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries over time, which most wireless devices utilize. By taking these few guidelines into consideration, your headphones can serve your listening purposes for years to come.
Extend the Longevity of Your Gear with Sweetwater!
There you have it — with these tips at your disposal, you’re on your way to maximizing the life of your headphones. Best of all, you can find all the equipment you need to get started at Sweetwater, from replacement ear pads to headphone cables, wax loop tools, and beyond. If you have any questions regarding compatibility, proper equipment care, or product specifications, then give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 — they’re always ready to help.