Decent headphones for mix checking and for tracking

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brassplyer

brassplyer

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What I'm looking for are phones that are in the "you'd have to spend a lot more to get better" category for headphone checking a mix and for tracking. If there are different models you'd recommend for each that's okay.

Thanks.
 
ibleedburgundy said:
Sennheiser HD280. $100. They're pretty good IMO.
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Yep.

I've had mine for a few years and recently upgraded to Focal Spirit Pro headphones and was amazed at how good the HD280s hold up against them. So much so that I was almost disappointed with purchasing the Focals :p
 
Another hd280 user here.
I don't have experience with other brands, but I know I'm happy with my Sennys, for what it's worth.
 
Have the 280's (and the old sony 7506 and a few others) for closed'/tracking, but always go to the AKG 240's for my listining/mixing. Traking too when having an open phone with some leakage -that's the live sound leakage in and/or comfort and bleed to the mic isn't a problem.

Never tried the 271's. How do they compare with the 240's?
 
The monoprice 8323 got a stellar review in Tape Op. He stated that "My best headphones are my closed-back Ultrasone PRO 650 ($299 retail, discontinued). I had to go back and forth three times before deciding the Ultrasone were a little more open and real-sounding than my $23 Monoprice." Now, I've not used them (they were out of stock when I needed to get my cans) But, you may try them out. Just a thought for you.
 
The 271's seem to have a similar overall sound compared to the 240's
I have he Focals (Spirit Pro) and they are great but they are uncomfortable to wear for long periods (need softer earpads)
 
ido1957 said:
The 271's seem to have a similar overall sound compared to the 240's
I have he Focals (Spirit Pro) and they are great but they are uncomfortable to wear for long periods (need softer earpads)
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Thanks ido'. Might have to give them a try.

I did mean to add a small note re the 240's. To my ear they are a bit lite in the low end (20-80 maybe?) compared to ome others. But then I think a lot of them seem hyped down there so.. ['FWIW tag here]
mixsit said:
Have the 280's (and the old sony 7506 and a few others) for closed'/tracking, but always go to the AKG 240's for my listining/mixing. Traking too when having an open phone with some leakage -that's the live sound leakage in and/or comfort and bleed to the mic isn't a problem. ..
Click to expand...
 
brassplyer said:
What I'm looking for are phones that are in the "you'd have to spend a lot more to get better" category for headphone checking a mix and for tracking. If there are different models you'd recommend for each that's okay.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Well, mixing & tracking require 2 different types of headphones. Headphones used for Mixing (although not the best way to mix) are open or semi-open back while tracking you want closed back. I use Beyerdynamic dt 880 when mixing (albeit I mainly use monitors as my main listening source) and they actually translate very well.
 
I have the AKG K240 MK II semi-open headphones and like them for checking mixes or late night editing/comping and such. Very comfortable (they actually go AROUND your ear versus this cheap S#!% that sits ON the ear :spank:), better low end extension due to semi-open back design and good overall balance. No harshness, very smooth all around.

Although they took some burn-in time, they are light years better than the AKG K-55's closed backs I had for years! Although those are good because the highs are really harsh and will totally let you know when you've gone overboard for your high end (2k and up) if your monitors for some reason aren't telling you that.

I always have people track with Vic Firth Drummer's Isolation headphones. They sound like complete rat piss, but I have yet to find something with as good of isolation (to eliminate bleeding into the mic) for the price. Just fine for tracking as most talent when you throw them a set of cans to wear rarely will notice the sound quality. They just hear the music they need to play along to and they hear themselves - whether it be lower fi than $10,000 headphones or not, they don't seem to care and neither do I when i track!

I also have some vintage Realistic pilot style around the ear headphones. Those are rad for isolation too (like the Vic's) but one of the speakers in the Right can has gone loose and has a crackly connection which i am too chicken shit to try and fix. ah well.
 
had my 280s for almost a decade now, you can still buy the replacement pads which is amazing compared to most companies, I got them re-padded so I'm all padded up and they are like brand new again
 
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