Headphone Recommendations

[BAG]

Hi All,

I'm new to digital recording and am in need of a semi-decent pair of headphones. What would you recommend for decent sound on a budget??

 

[ofajen]

Hi All,

I'm new to digital recording and am in need of a semi-decent pair of headphones. What would you recommend for decent sound on a budget??

What is your budget?

Otto

 

[BAG]

That's the problem Otto. I really don't know what price range I should be looking at. I currently have a very good pair of Sennheiser open style headphones I have had since the early 90's. They have excellent sound and are great for listening but being open style are no good for overdubbing as you can hear the bleed of sound into the mic. Recording acoustic guitar with a metronome in the 'phones you can hear the metronome through the mics even though the mics are a good 2-3 foot away.

To sum up, something that's decent but being quite new to home recording I don't need top studio quality and cost.

 

[old spice]

Sony MDR 7506 $100

 

[gotfunk21]

I tend to like Semi-Open headphones for mixing, like the Beyerdynamic DT880's. I also tend to record a lot using Westone UM Pro30 IEM's. Using Semi-Open headphones isn't an issue for overdubs if you're just playing bass obviously.

But if you're singing, or recording acoustic guitar like you mentioned, you'll definitely want some closed headphones. The Sony MDR's like Old Spice mentioned are typically considered a "standard" and are probably a safe bet.

 

[BAG]

Thanks folks. The Sony's appear to be good value.

 

[seamonkey]

Get the Sony's but also get some even cheaper, and some ear buds. "All" the mixes are important so listen on expensive, cheap, cars, home stereos, everything you can find so you know what the mix will sound like in general and not on just good headphones.

 

[Dave Curran]

+1

I took my old 6x8 whizzer cone speakers from my truck and put them in small rectangular cubes and use them as one of my sources when mastering. I also use Samson SR850 headphones(semi open), bose all weather 5 3/4"(?), behringer B208's w/b1200 sub, and some cheap $10 walmart ear buds(skull candy maybe? they come in different colors and have a radiation symbol the each bud. Sounds surprisingly good and clear.)

 

[JustForSport]

Sony MDR V6 Studio Monitors- clean, real, un-colored, full spectrum sound. Similar to the Sony MDR 7506 suggested above, but I like the reproduction in the lower end better. These have been a reference for a long time. About the same price, but beware of knock-offs. It's better to get a used set in good condition if you want to save a few $$, can be had for around $65, and replace the earpads, as they are so soft and conforming that they only last a few years. The good news is new pads are only about $8/set.
I also agree with @seamonkey above, that's it's a good idea to also have a couple/few sets of lesser phones, as well, because not everyone listening to the music will be wearing good Studio Monitors, so you need to know what they'll be hearing.

 

[ofajen]

I use beyerdynamic DT 770 M for tracking and Sennheiser HD 600 for listening and mixing. Not the cheapest choices, though.

Otto

 

[MatronMother]

Sony 7506's or Shure SRH 440's. Which ever is cheapest at your local store. Cannot go wrong with either.

 

[Frenchy-Lefty]

I use Sony MDR 7520 which can be used for tracking and mixing. They are amazing but pricey!

 

[ashbory]

Sony MDR 7506 $100

Love mine. Had them for about 15 years, still working great.