• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Headphones!

slapmachine

slapmachine

Oct 4, 2010
451
12
PV, Kansas
#1
I currently have Amazon.com: Philips SHN9500 Active Noise-Canceling Headphone: Electronics a solid Phillips set of headphones, but I'm thinking about upgrading. I would like a switchable noise-canceling. 1/8th inch jack so I can use for recreational use with the quality and ability to be used in a studio setting. And most importantly I want the sound to be pristine and amazing.

A range of options would be great, I haven't necessarily decided a budget yet. If there is one that's just really solid that's in the middle region of a price spectrum than let me know about that!

Best regards,

Brooks
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#2
My all-time favorites for mixing and production - the Sony MDR-7506 studio pro headphones.

Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Electronics

Comes with a 1/4" stereo plug that unscrews to reveal a stereo 1/8" plug. 40 MM drivers, frequency response 10 Hz-20 kHz. These are closed-ear phones that fit around the ear so they're comfortable and isolate you acoustically.

HIGHLY recommended. 404 Amazon customer reviews, 4.5 stars. I've used them for 30 years.
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#3
Pilgrim said:
My all-time favorites for mixing and production - the Sony MDR-7506 studio pro headphones.

Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Electronics

Comes with a 1/4" stereo plug that unscrews to reveal a stereo 1/8" plug. 40 MM drivers, frequency response 10 Hz-20 kHz. These are closed-ear phones that fit around the ear so they're comfortable and isolate you acoustically.

HIGHLY recommended. 404 Amazon customer reviews, 4.5 stars. I've used them for 30 years.
Click to expand...

For the acoustic isolation that it provides, is it controllable? The reason why I like the switchable noise-canceling on my headphones is when I go some place public and noisy like the airport or even just walking around town, it blocks a substantial amount of noise out.

Best regards,

Brooks
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#5
slapmachine said:
Anyone have an opinion on the HD 280 Pro headphones by Sennheiser? They're well-reviewed too.

Best regards,

Brooks
Click to expand...

Personally, while I find the sound reproduction to be excellent, they fit rather snug on my head... not the most comfortable headphones in the world. Although if you're needing to be acoustically isolated from the other players they do a good job of that. I find the Sony's to be more comfortable, but they don't isolate as well... if that's important.
 
#7
Pilgrim said:
My all-time favorites for mixing and production - the Sony MDR-7506 studio pro headphones.

Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Electronics

Comes with a 1/4" stereo plug that unscrews to reveal a stereo 1/8" plug. 40 MM drivers, frequency response 10 Hz-20 kHz. These are closed-ear phones that fit around the ear so they're comfortable and isolate you acoustically.

HIGHLY recommended. 404 Amazon customer reviews, 4.5 stars. I've used them for 30 years.
Click to expand...

I really love these too but for other reasons. They would not be my first choice for mixing. Actually I prefer not to mix using headphones since I trust my room. I do like to use these for reference. My drummers prefer them for tracking. They are well constructed and comfortable. The bass response is excellent too - great for jamming on bass. Overall they are an excellent value.

edit: I also like the way they fold up - they travel well.
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#10
Pilgrim said:
My all-time favorites for mixing and production - the Sony MDR-7506 studio pro headphones.

Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Electronics

Comes with a 1/4" stereo plug that unscrews to reveal a stereo 1/8" plug. 40 MM drivers, frequency response 10 Hz-20 kHz. These are closed-ear phones that fit around the ear so they're comfortable and isolate you acoustically.

HIGHLY recommended. 404 Amazon customer reviews, 4.5 stars. I've used them for 30 years.
Click to expand...

I have 2 pairs of these that I have been using for 5+ years. I find them very good for tracking, and enjoyable for causal listening. Mixing, however, not so much. I get much better results from my monitors.
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#12
phangtonpower said:
If you want decent headphones, don't get noise cancelling.
Click to expand...

+1

I would avoid trying to dual purpose headphones. Noise canceling phones are going to be useless when it comes to mixing well. Most phones that have "awesome" sound from a consumer point of view will color the sound too much to be useful in a studio application.

Stick with studio headphones for the studio, and leave them there when you leave the studio.
 
#14
phangtonpower said:
If you want decent headphones, don't get noise cancelling.
Click to expand...

Agreed. One benefit of noise cancelling cans is they don't need a headphone amp to be properly driven by low signals from iPods and computers. My favorite headphones for many uses, especially practicing bass and mixing stuff, are these:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The Alessandro Grado MS-1 are the best cans under $100 in my opinion. And don't do headphone research without checking out the reviews from the folks at HeadRoom:

HeadRoom: Stereo Headphones, Amps & DACs, Wireless, Noise Canceling, Ear Canal, Earbud, Audio Cables & Accessories

They make good stuff, too. The Total BitHead is the best thing I've done for my ears in the past 10 years. Excellent research and information about all kinds of headphones.

Personally, I don't like using headphones too often. I prefer to practice through an amp, and I prefer listening to music through speakers. But we all know that it's necessary (I just joined a new cover band and I am learning several songs a night down in the basement as the family sleeps).

Check out those Grados from Working Dog. They're fantastic.

--Steve
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back