Your suggestions for best OVER EAR headphones

[krfoss]

I'm looking for a good set of over-ear headphones that can be used well for general mixing/ monitoring, but also has a good bass response so I can use them with silent practicing.

What are your recommendations!

 

[sburkart]

For $100 the Sennheiser HD280 Pro are hard to beat.

For nostalgic laughs I bought the latest Koss Pro4AAA for under $70, great isolation as on the originals but the cushion/pads are not the same, therefore they are only good for sending on to a brother whos' skull MAY withstand the crush factor.

 

[ahbass2500]

I have used ATHM50 for years for this exact purpose. I also own cheaper headphones in the ATHM## line and they are all really good. The cheaper ones just lose some of the flat response and high end of the M50. That said if the M50 is not in budget, the 20, 30, or 40 do a great job for their respective prices.

 

[JKos]

There are several existing threads exploring over-the-ears headphone options.

Since you bolded "over-the-ear" and that's by far the most recommended type of headphones in the previous numerous threads, did you happen to mean on-the-ear?

It is rather helpful to mention your desired price range or at least maximum price. There's a big difference between looking for $100 headphones and $500 headphones.

An example list of the most commonly recommended seems to be:
AKG K240 - $49
Sony MDR7506 - $90
Sennheiser HD280PRO - $100
Audio Technica ATH-M50x - $150
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm- $160

 

[matti777]

I like the Sennheiser HD280

 

[marchone]

I have the Sennheiser 280 Pro and Sennheiser HD 650. After hearing the difference I put the 280s in a drawer.

 

[krfoss]

There are several existing threads exploring over-the-ears headphone options.

Since you bolded "over-the-ear" and that's by far the most recommended type of headphones in the previous numerous threads, did you happen to mean on-the-ear?

It is rather helpful to mention your desired price range or at least maximum price. There's a big difference between looking for $100 headphones and $500 headphones.

An example list of the most commonly recommended seems to be:
AKG K240 - $49
Sony MDR7506 - $90
Sennheiser HD280PRO - $100
Audio Technica ATH-M50x - $150
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm- $160

I like keeping things adequately vague. Cheaper is great, but if there was an overwhelming consensus that a more expensive model was the hands down, look no further set, then I'd do what I can to make it happen.

Yes, I do know threads exist, and I searched, but it seemed to only produce in-ear headphones suggestions. I could have dug deeper to avoid pissing people off, but it's late, and I'm lazy.

There seems to be a growing movement for the hd280 set, so I'll check them out. I appreciate your help!

 

[matti777]

I have the Sennheiser 280 Pro and Sennheiser HD 650. After hearing the difference I put the 280s in a drawer.

I would think so. They are 4x more expensive

 

[marchone]

Just sayin’.

 

[krfoss]

Just sayin’.

Next thing you'll be saying a fodera sounds better than a squire. That'll be the day, amiright

 

[JKos]

if there was an overwhelming consensus that a more expensive model was the hands down, look no further set

Unfortunately, headphones are much like many other things (such as basses) for which there is simply no "best." People prefer different headphones for various reasons.

For example, you'll read about and see ATH-50Mx recommended on TB a lot. However, to me, they have somewhat hyped bass which I don't like. I find the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm to have a much more enjoyable neutral bass response (heft and depth without hype, I say). Some people like the AKG K240s, but I find them bass shy. I have all three in my house.

 

[krfoss]

Unfortunately, headphones are much like many other things (such as basses) for which there is simply no "best." People prefer different headphones for various reasons.

For example, you'll read about and see ATH-50Mx recommended on TB a lot. However, to me, they have somewhat hyped bass which I don't like. I find the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm to have a much more enjoyable neutral bass response (heft and depth without hype, I say). Some people like the AKG K240s, but I find them bass shy. I have all three in my house.

Wishful thinking, I suppose.

 

[LBS-bass]

Unfortunately, headphones are much like many other things (such as basses) for which there is simply no "best." People prefer different headphones for various reasons.

For example, you'll read about and see ATH-50Mx recommended on TB a lot. However, to me, they have somewhat hyped bass which I don't like. I find the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm to have a much more enjoyable neutral bass response (heft and depth without hype, I say). Some people like the AKG K240s, but I find them bass shy.

Pretty much agree with this, though there is a more expensive model of the K240 which has better bass response to my ear.

Bass response is tricky. We like to hear bass when we listen to music, and as bassists we need to hear it well. But many headphone manufacturers do punch up the bass because that big bass sound sells headphones.

The problem is that, for mixing, you want something that isn't hyped, because hyped does not equal accurate, and accuracy is critical for mixing and monitoring. So the real question is whether or not you can get one set of phones that's going to meet all your requirements. I'd say mixing/monitoring and what most people perceive as good bass response* are mutually exclusive, unless by "good" you mean "accurate."

If accuracy is the goal then my personal preferences are the AKG240 Mk II or the Beyerdynamic DT770 80 ohm. I own them both and either one will work for you. AKG is semi open, the Beyerdynamic is more isolating so if you'll be tracking anything with open mics while wearing them the Beyerdynamic is your better choice.

*Please note the qualifiers and let's not argue about good vs. accurate vs. what most people want. I've sold hundreds of pairs of headphones.

 

[bassbrad]

Sony MDR-7506 for critical listening and mixing. I have been a long time fan of Koss headphones since my Pop bought my first pair of K6 in '70. Probably to keep domestic tranquility from my record listening but still it opened up the sonic realm to me. I use UR20 for my day to day and also bass work for their extended lows and comfort. I recently gifted myself a pair of Santana Noche bluetooth headphones that are stellar.

 

[Ryno1330]

I'm looking for a good set of over-ear headphones that can be used well for general mixing/ monitoring, but also has a good bass response so I can use them with silent practicing.

What are your recommendations!

Sennheiser HD650s or Audeze LCD-X.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

If you want true isolation headphones, try a set of drummer's headphones. Vic Firth is a pretty good set. That is what I use in the studio. And they are reasonably priced, and isolate well. SIH2 model.

 

[Dean N]

I have the Sennheiser 280 Pro and Sennheiser HD 650. After hearing the difference I put the 280s in a drawer.

I'm a Sennheiser fan, and my 650s blow the doors off everything else I've listened through. They do need solid amplification. When you're spending that kind of money on headphones though, most of the great brands are just different flavors of excellent (I also dig Grado).

I have no experience or clue about studio and/or mixing cans (and therefore no opinion).

Some day, I hope to seriously audition some Stax gear.

 

[Wasnex]

Sony MD7506 has been fairly standard with audio techs for decades.

 

[Ryno1330]

Pretty much agree with this, though there is a more expensive model of the K240 which has better bass response to my ear.

Bass response is tricky. We like to hear bass when we listen to music, and as bassists we need to hear it well. But many headphone manufacturers do punch up the bass because that big bass sound sells headphones.

The problem is that, for mixing, you want something that isn't hyped, because hyped does not equal accurate, and accuracy is critical for mixing and monitoring. So the real question is whether or not you can get one set of phones that's going to meet all your requirements. I'd say mixing/monitoring and what most people perceive as good bass response* are mutually exclusive, unless by "good" you mean "accurate."

If accuracy is the goal then my personal preferences are the AKG240 Mk II or the Beyerdynamic DT770 80 ohm. I own them both and either one will work for you. AKG is semi open, the Beyerdynamic is more isolating so if you'll be tracking anything with open mics while wearing them the Beyerdynamic is your better choice.

*Please note the qualifiers and let's not argue about good vs. accurate vs. what most people want. I've sold hundreds of pairs of headphones.

I completely disagree on the DT770s and they would never be used for mixing or monitoring. They are nowhere in the vicinity of accurate as they are mid-bass heavy and muddy. Others have mentioned Sony mdr7506s which will have significantly better accurate bass response (although a bright top end but are infinitely better for mixing and mastering).

I mentioned some high quality options with much better (accurate) bass response but they are both significantly more expensive than 7506s which are great if you aren't treble sensitive. And even at over 1k the Audeze have a slight recession in the upper mids as well as the Senns but both are stellar for mixing and have incredibly detailed and accurate bass response.

OP - headphones are extremely dependent on each person's individual hearing and ability to decipher a flat response. Telling us what you like or bothers you about other cans will help significantly but if you want a good overall set to do everything for not a lot of money there's a reason there's more 7506s in studios than any other headphone.

 

[KJMO]

Don't forget the AKG K-371. It's really well reviewed. I've had a set, and they just do the job. Fairly neutral with just a touch of extra bass. Very pleasant sounding, which is important to me because due to tinnitus, my ears can be a little sensitive.