Live Performance Headphones
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Live Performance Headphones

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fostex t50rpmk3 headphone headband logo view

Live performance headphones are designed to meet the demands of musicians, vocalists, and audio engineers on stage. Unlike studio or consumer headphones, they prioritize isolation, clarity, and durability to ensure performers can hear their mix even in loud environments. 

Browse our collection of live performance headphones from Fostex and find the perfect pair for you. Buy yours online today.


Why do musicians wear headphones when playing live?

Musicians wear headphones when playing live to hear a clear and consistent audio mix while performing on stage. In-ear monitors or closed-back headphones are the most common choices for live performances, as these are designed to block out external noise and deliver a focused feed of vocals, instruments, and backing tracks.

By isolating sound, headphones help musicians stay in sync with the rest of the band, follow tempo cues, and maintain pitch accuracy. Headphones can also help protect hearing during loud performances, allowing musicians and sound engineers to stay locked in and deliver the best live sound possible.

fostex t60 headphones front view on white background


Live Performance Headphones for Bassists

Fostex T20RPMK3 Headphone

fostex t20rpmk3 headphones front angled view

Price: $169.99


Studio-reference sound quality with exciting bass for bassists

The Fostex T20RPMK3 is a powerful tool for live performance monitoring, combining the precision of planar magnetic technology with a rugged, stage-ready design.

Its proprietary Regular Phase (RP) diaphragm driver - featuring a copper-foil etched polyimide film and powerful neodymium magnets - delivers fast transients, low distortion, and excellent detail across the frequency spectrum. The open-back design offers a wide, airy soundstage, helping performers and engineers accurately judge spatial placement and stereo image during live sets.

With a high input tolerance of up to 3000mW, 50Ω impedance, and frequency response from 15Hz to 35kHz, it’s equipped to handle high-SPL environments with clarity and control.

Its adjustable headband, comfortable ear cushions, and detachable cable system ensure reliability and comfort through long performances, making the T20RPMK3 a great choice for stage monitoring, live mixing, and rehearsal work.

fostex t20rpmk3 headphones ear cup view

Pros
  • Powerful, prominent bass.
  • Excellent clarity and detail.
  • Smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
  • Solid build quality.
  • Great price to performance value.
Cons
  • You'll hear external noise due to the open-back ear cups.

Closed-Back Headphones for Live Performances

Fostex T40RPMK3 Headphone

fostex t40rpmk3 headphones front quarter view

Price: $169.99


Reference-grade clarity and tone for live performances

The Fostex T40RPMK3 is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone built for serious monitoring in demanding environments - ideal for live sound engineers, session musicians, and studio professionals alike.

Powered by Fostex’s proprietary Regular Phase (RP) diaphragm driver, it delivers fast transients, low distortion, and a balanced, highly detailed sound.

The tuning leans toward a slightly warm, full-bodied signature, with tight, extended bass, neutral mids, and smooth, controlled treble - making it easy to monitor vocals, instruments, and low-end content with accuracy. The closed-back design enhances isolation and focus, helping users stay locked into their mix even in noisy environments.

With a 15Hz–35kHz frequency range, 3000mW input handling, and 50Ω impedance, the T40RPMK3 provides ample headroom and consistent clarity. Combined with its comfortable ear pads, adjustable headband, and detachable cable, the T40RPMK3 is a rugged, high-fidelity tool built for precise monitoring and long-term reliability on stage or in the studio.

fostex t40rpmk3 headphones side view

Pros
  • Reference-grade sound quality
  • Smooth sounding pair of headphones.
  • Accurate bass tuning.
  • Standard 3.5mm cables.
  • Great price.
Cons
  • Comfort can be an issue with the thin stock ear pads.
  • Strong clamp force might feel uncomfortable during extended wear.

Live Performance Headphones for Sound Engineers

Fostex T50RPMK3 Headphone

fostex t50rpmk3 front angled view

Price: $169.99


Precise sound from bass to treble for precise live audio monitoring

The Fostex T50RPMK3 is a semi-open planar magnetic headphone designed for professionals who demand clarity, accuracy, and versatility across both studio and stage environments.

At its heart is Fostex’s renowned Regular Phase (RP) driver, featuring a copper-foil etched polyimide diaphragm and neodymium magnet array, delivering lightning-fast transients and an exceptionally balanced sound. The tuning offers a neutral, studio-accurate signature with tight, punchy bass, clean, transparent mids, and smooth, extended highs, making it ideal for critical mixing, detailed tracking, and vocal monitoring.

Its semi-open design provides a compelling blend of natural spatial imaging and moderate isolation, helping users stay immersed in their work while remaining aware of their environment - a valuable trait for hybrid studio/live settings.

With a 15Hz–35kHz frequency response, 3000mW power handling, and 50Ω impedance, the T50RPMK3 is built for headroom, precision, and adaptability. Featuring revised ear pads for comfort, an adjustable headband, and a detachable cable, the T50RPMK3 stands out as a reliable, reference-grade headphone for professionals who need balanced performance across diverse production scenarios.

fostex t50rpmk3 side view

Pros
  • Incredibly detailed and clear sound.
  • Wide and immersive soundstage.
  • Excellent sound positioning.
  • Offers a more powerful and impactful bass than its counterparts.
  • Removable cable.
  • Incredible value at just $169.99
Cons
  • Somewhat hard to drive. Will need a powerful amplifier to get the best sound.
  • Stock ear pads are thin and can pose comfort issues.

Headphones for Travel and Mixing

Fostex T60RP Headphone

fostex t60rp headphones front tilted view

Price: $329.99


Punchy, textured bass and an immersive soundstage - Fostex T60RP

The Fostex T60RP takes the signature precision of the RP series and elevates it with refined acoustics and luxurious design, making it a top tier choice for audio professionals who demand both sonic integrity and everyday comfort.

Featuring Fostex’s acclaimed Regular Phase (RP) planar magnetic driver, the T60RP delivers a fast, articulate sound with tight, impactful bass, clear, natural mids, and smooth, extended highs, ideal for mixing, mastering, and critical listening. Its tuning leans slightly warm and musical, while still preserving the accuracy needed for production work.

Unlike its siblings, the T60RP features a closed back mahogany wood housing, which enhances bass response and lends a more natural acoustic tone. The result is a controlled yet spacious soundstage with just enough isolation for use in shared studio spaces or tracking sessions.

With a frequency response of 15Hz to 35kHz, 3000mW input capacity, and 50Ω impedance, it delivers both power and clarity across a wide array of sources.

Finished with plush leather ear pads, an upgraded headband, and a detachable balanced cable system, the T60RP combines professional grade performance with a refined, handcrafted feel, perfect for creators who take their sound and comfort seriously.

fostex t60rp headphones side view

Pros
  • Smooth, neutral sound is great for listening to any genre.
  • Realistic sound.
  • Smooth treble is never fatiguing to listen to.
  • High-quality African Mahogany ear cups looks stunning.
  • Comfortable leather ear pads and headband.
  • Removable cables.
  • Amazing value.
Cons
  • Bass heads and treble heads need to look elsewhere.
  • Low sensitivity and high impedance rating. You might need a decent amplifier to get the most out of these headphones.
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