Headphones (probably a stupid question)

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Redkid53

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Just wondering: I record all of my music through a computer. I do not have enough money to buy studio monitors, which supposedly play back exactly what is recorded. I was previously pluging the computer into a stereo system, but have found that the sound coming from that was a big difference from when I actually burned the songs to a CD, probably due to the EQ and Bass Boost on the stereo. I currently use heaphones, I think they're called Audio Technica Studio Monitors. Is this an accurate representation of what the music "actually" sounds like, or would they give the same effect as the stereo did.
 
Unfortunately, they are just about as bad. Headphones aren't designed to accurately represent music, just to reproduce it in a pleasing way.

If you can't save up the $300 for a pair of M Audio Studiophiles (powered) or something like them, I would look into the Roland MA-8 monitors. These are by no means accurate, but years ahead of what you are using now. You can find them new and self powered for $80 just about anywhere. Do a search for Roland and MA (there are other models--7,8,12)

The most important thing is to learn what you have or get. You can compare the differences between what you hear and what is burned to disc, and make the adjustments. Find a CD that you really like the mix on and try to mimic it's EQ. Takes time, but when you learn your monitors, you will always know where to EQ and to make adjustments.

Pete
 
Thereis of course the rule of thumb that you use normal speakers for output monitors so you get the same sound that the listener will hear on his stereo.

I use this method only because I can't afford some decent monitors yet. :D
 
Hey jonobacon,

That is very true. And if you know your equipment well, you will be able to mix anything on your speakers.

Pete
 
Redkid53 said:
I currently use heaphones, I think they're called Audio Technica Studio Monitors.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but "studio monitor" headphones are just more optimized for listening to while tracking? A pair I have doesn't have a flat eq by anymeans, but seals off the outside sounds quite well, and can take a SERIOUS amount of abuse if you crank the things. A studio we went to once was using the exact headphones, and when the drummer hit the bass drum, the headphones were literally jumping off my ears.
 
Headphones are made to make music sound good.

They are not made to give you the real deal. Plus, they misrepresent a lot of things.
 
I reference my music using different formats.

I listen to them on my....

reference monitors

consumer speakers

car speakers

headphones

and...

at 4 of the different clubs that I DJ.

:D
 
I'm in the same boat. When I do get monitors, I'll be running passives through a Pioneer stereo receiver on the 'B' speaker path. Will the receiver color the sound when compared to a power amp or active monitors?
 
Magpie99 said:
I'm in the same boat. When I do get monitors, I'll be running passives through a Pioneer stereo receiver on the 'B' speaker path. Will the receiver color the sound when compared to a power amp or active monitors?
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It's not the amp that will color the sound, it's the home stereo speakers that will.

It is something you will have to learn to work around when mixing, if you choose to use home speakers.

Bruce
 
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