Headphone suggestion

[alex1fly]

I'm building up a home studio, and I need a solid set of headphones. With so many options, it is difficult to know what to look for.

I do want to minimize coloration - some headphones I've tried make the music sound *great*, but I want the music to sound *accurate*.

What are some suggestions for headphones that fit my desires? Are there certain specifications I should look for while shopping for a set of accurate studio headphones?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Headphone suggestion

I don't know since I haven't bought a pair in years and years but M-Audio was selling a pair that they claimed you could mix on. I doubt i would ever trust a pair of phones for mixing but maybe they are very flat and accurate.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Headphone suggestion

^^ yes my sentiments too. also check out this guys take on headphone mixing:

http://www.bluebearsound.com/articles/headphones.htm

I read it whenever I think about mixing on headphones and my apartment neighbors and mixing at low volumes etc

 

[Markk]

Re: Headphone suggestion

You could always get a few headphones and mix using all them. Not at the same time, but listen to the mix in question through each one and see how it sounds.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Headphone suggestion

seinheiser

or however you spell that.

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Headphone suggestion

The AKG 240 is a great choice. I don't think they make the version I have anymore...mine are over ten years old. They have a very neutral sound and are very comfortable to wear. They are tough too. I used them as a radio news announcer for some five years so I'm talking heavy daily use. If I was looking for a new set I'd audition the current model in a second.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Headphone suggestion

That was an interesting read about not using headphones for mixing. Nonetheless, I am also in the market for some headphones just so I can do some recording a night without disturbing my family and/or the neighbors.

I have no way to audition these, but based on price and specifications I am considering Audio-Technica ATH-M40. They may not be professional grade but look decent for $59.

Has anyone had any experience with Audio-Technica line of products? They also have mics that compare favorably to Shure and other brands price and specifcation wise.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Headphone suggestion

you should go to an audiophile forum, and type in "headphones recording" or dial in your fav brand/make/model

there are tons of headphones out there for various applications, Id prolly get Audio-Technica brand

 

[Tor]

Re: Headphone suggestion

That was an interesting read about not using headphones for mixing. Nonetheless, I am also in the market for some headphones just so I can do some recording a night without disturbing my family and/or the neighbors.

I have no way to audition these, but based on price and specifications I am considering Audio-Technica ATH-M40. They may not be professional grade but look decent for $59.

Has anyone had any experience with Audio-Technica line of products? They also have mics that compare favorably to Shure and other brands price and specifcation wise.

I have the Audio Technica M-50 as reviews told me it was worth to have that one over the M-40, but the latter should be all right too, especially with the price. I haven't had the time to really test out the M-50s yet, but they have given me a good first impression.

As for mixing with cans, it's a compromise I'm willing to check out for the time being. I don't have the budget for decent monitors right now. So I will do the main stuff with cans, and finally balance and fine-tune with my normal desktop speakers (which are of the better stuff)..

 

[uOpt]

Re: Headphone suggestion

The most accurate set I have are my AKG K240 Monitor. Not too expensive either. The mid-resolution (to fiddle with voices in particular) is just way above my other sets. And I have the same set (including out-of-home use) since the mid-1980ties, the mechanical quality isn't too shabby.

Be warned that they aren't much "fun", though, and that's one reason why mine last so long. I only use them for recording and mixing, not for pleasure or non-audio work.

I recently had a few days with my brother's Denon AH-D7000. Not 100% perfect but the best balance of everything I have heard. I do not know whether the lesser priced Denons have the same balanced quality.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Headphone suggestion

Direct Sound have very innovative, affordable, and accurate headphones.

http://www.extremeheadphones.com/

 

[ginormous]

Re: Headphone suggestion

Headphones are good for checking the stereo 'spread' and for picking out fine details, but I usually switch between those and nearfield monitors to get a better perspective. I'll save the big guns for checking bass response.

Having said that, I kinda like the Sennheiser HD-280 Pro (around $100 US).