AKG K240 headphones for recording ?

[Inconnu]

Even though they are semi-closed, would those headphones work for recording a miked upright bass or acoustic guitar, mandolin, etc.
Would I risk some bleeding using those headphones while recording?

 

[winston]

I've used a set of AKG K240 Studios for over 15 years. I've heard bleed through from click/percussion/rhythm guitar when recording with sensitive condenser mics, in those cases I've used Audio-Technica closed back headphones instead. I A/B'd the AKGs against other pro brands over the years (Sony, Sennheiser, Grado) and to me they still have something special in terms of good midrange and an accurate sound that will reveal flaws in the recording, esp. compared to junky (but not cheap!) Beats and Bose "lifestyle" headphones that were hyped and "flattering".

 

[Inconnu]

I've used a set of AKG K240 Studios for over 15 years. I've heard bleed through from click/percussion/rhythm guitar when recording with sensitive condenser mics, in those cases I've used Audio-Technica closed back headphones instead. I A/B'd the AKGs against other pro brands over the years (Sony, Sennheiser, Grado) and to me they still have something special in terms of good midrange and an accurate sound that will reveal flaws in the recording, esp. compared to junky (but not cheap!) Beats and Bose "lifestyle" headphones that were hyped and "flattering".

Ok, so let’s say I use them while recording an upright bass or an acoustic guitar with an SM57, I’m risking some bleed through or I should be fine?

What model of Audio Technica are you using? How do they compare to the AKG?

 

[Tosh]

With bass instruments, the sound emanating from the AKG 240's cannot be heard by a mic such as the SM57 unless the mic was right up against the headphone driver. In the case of a singer playing guitar, with a large diaphragm condenser mic at head height, AND the headphone volume up loud enough, you can hear the guitar coming from the headphones.

To solve this issue, I have the singer dub the vocal part without playing the guitar.

When it comes to drums, I don't recommend the 240's. My drummer prefers to use the Vic Firth cans, though he says they are very uncomfortable after about an hour or so.

For myself, I use the 240's almost all the time.

 

[Aloe]

your best bet for recording anything through mic is closed headphones. they might not be so fancy sounding, but there's a reason Sony MDR-7506 is still around.

 

[DirkP]

I wouldn’t overthink it. They’re semi-closed. If a vocalist is a few inches away from a LDC and monitors with a high volume, it’s an issue, but if you’re using a cardioid to record the instrument and don’t monitor at enormous volume, I don’t see a problem. A tiny amount of bleed can even add something.
There are many platinum records made, where the vocalist lifts one of the membranes to hear his voice directly and directs it to the mic in front of his mouth

 

[Killing Floor]

2 things I’d consider.

First, K240s are the go-to in almost every professional studio I’ve worked with.

Second, you don’t know anyone with reference audio systems in their car or workplace and only one or 2 in their homes. And AirPods and Beats headphones darn sure aren’t reference grade. The K240s just sound like a slightly cleaner version of the best case scenario for anyone’s gear who will hesr your recording.

Use uppity monitors to get the mix finished and edit.

 

[Joe Basso]

As a bass player and recording engineer, I find the 240s a little mid-forward and light on the low end... not bad for upright tracking in terms of getting your intonation spot on, but hard to "feel" the instrument in the track. I love the beyerdynamic 770s and if you can find them a set of Sony mdrv-600s for tracking bass.

 

[JRA]

the k240s are exquisitely useful as reference phones (as posted above) and exquisitely cheap! hard to beat for most recording situations.

 

[Deleted member 394512]

AKG 240's are great for studio headphones. Used them pretty much exclusively forever. Had sessions with a room full of users with a dozen or more Gefell MT71's and a few U47's and 87's up without bleed issues. Don't crank them too loud.

Used them doing ADR recording with a shotgun mic, U87, and a Sanken Lavalier on the actor without bleed. That's a lot of microphone.

The AKG's are very serviceable too and can last a lifetime.

 

[David OnTheMoon]

I think 240s are great. You do have to watch the volume of a click track if you are close to a mic, like singing or tracking acoustic guitar. Bass players should be fine.