In-ear Headphones for general studio use

[onechickentim]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking at headphones recently, mainly to be used for tracking guitars (electric & steel strung), vocals, and a bit of monitoring (when it's late at night!).

We already have a pair of Beyer Dynamic DT 770 (for tracking) and a pair of Sennheiser HD580s for mixing with when we need, but I need a pair personally for myself and I don't have hundreds of dollars.

What do people think of using a pair of M-Audio IE-10s or some Sure SCL2s for general studio use? I like the idea of having good sound isolation (esp when I'm tracking loud guitars), but am a bit worried about their general fidelity and transparency - the reality is that I spend quite a bit of time mixing down rough tracks in my headphones. Perhaps the final thing I should mention is that I really dislike the sound of most closed back cans - I find them boxy and unnatural when I'm using them to record, especially with acoustic guitars & vocals.

I'd really appreciate any input people might have?

Many Thanks,

Tim

[Harvey Gerst]

A friend of mine has some inexpensive earbuds and shooter cans that she sells very cheap. I've given her some space on my website. Here's a link:

gwendy's earbuds

[onechickentim]

thanks, but i'm pretty clear about what my options are if I decide to go for in ear phones, what I was wondering was whether anybody had any experience using them as general purpose studio cans?

[bogushippie]

I have a pair of IE-10's, and they sat around awhile, until one day I got sick of the closed back phones and the loud volumes for tracking. It was always easier reaching for the big phones. Then I decided to use the 10's, and I really enjoy tracking with them now. It makes it much easier. The volume level is way lower, but the isolation and overall mix are right there.
These are not top of the line, but they do a pretty damn good job. I wouldn't mix with them, but then again, I wouldn't mix with any phones.
I like them, and I believe I paid about 85 bucks for them. I suggest you try them and see what you think. As for me, it is a more comfortable experience using the 10's. Good luck.

[rayc]

Three months ago I bought a couple of pairs of MOREME. They have excellent isolation (won't bleed into the mic: obviously closed jobbies) are quite robust, selectable mono & stereo and, given the quality, astoundingly cheap. Oh & excellent warranty.
I wouldn't use them for close monitoring/mixing though as I use speakers &/or headphones I'm VERY used to and at the asking price it's no financial burden to have some for tracking and my usual for other tasks.
Use your search engine to find the distributor - you'll also find them close by on the forum...

[onechickentim]

Originally Posted by bogushippie

I have a pair of IE-10's, and they sat around awhile, until one day I got sick of the closed back phones and the loud volumes for tracking. It was always easier reaching for the big phones. Then I decided to use the 10's, and I really enjoy tracking with them now. It makes it much easier. The volume level is way lower, but the isolation and overall mix are right there.
These are not top of the line, but they do a pretty damn good job. I wouldn't mix with them, but then again, I wouldn't mix with any phones.
I like them, and I believe I paid about 85 bucks for them. I suggest you try them and see what you think. As for me, it is a more comfortable experience using the 10's. Good luck.

Thanks for that - really helpful - think I';ll take the plunge and see what I think. Will repost with my experiences.

[bogushippie]

Try them, I think you'll like them. They are about the same price as a decent set of phones, but I found I can track much easier with them. Peace.

[pointfive]

Originally Posted by Harvey Gerst

A friend of mine has some inexpensive earbuds and shooter cans that she sells very cheap. I've given her some space on my website. Here's a link:

gwendy's earbuds

These look good. Just ordered a few. Thanks Harvey.