why does it sound the same

[Nick The Man]

normally i have the output of my computer go to a home reciver and to some speakers with all that like bass boost shit on em and i get the mix to sound good coming out of those and then when i unplug the reciever and plug my stereo head phones directly into the back it sounds the same will it be the same with monitors (straight out of the computer is the true sound right? no enhancers?)

 

[vintagetobes]

If you are using real headphones (over ear) then the mix will be very similar to a "bass boosted" hifi. Headphones are generally bassy. Monitors will most likely have an effect on the sound. Monitors are nearfield so they will sound good close up but pretty bad far away. From what it sounds like, you run a fairly basic setup? If this is the case then you are probably not looking to sell your music. Therefore, mixing through monitors is not really neccessary. Loose the bass boost on you hifi and any enhancers.(other people won't want to have to do this when they listen to your music).

 

[johnnymegabyte]

A year and a half ago, I auditioned about 30 pairs of headphones, and each had their own characteristics. Some were more bassy, some no bass, some bright, etc. Well, I ended up picking up a pair of AKG K-66, for $45 Cdn. I had a $100 budget, and they were decent for clear sound and bottom end, without too much bass pound.

I have my PC connected to a 4-track ( as a 6 input mixer only ) then to my stereo. The 4 track also goes back to the PC

I end up working with headphones ( right out of 4 track ) 95% of the time.
I find it gives me a better stereo image, etc. and more privacy.

If you like a lot of bass, try the K-55 model
If you've got bit more to spend, try the K-141. I had them, and they're great, minus the connections breaking and needing re-soldering. But I got 5 years, before they were beyond repair. This is the downside of headphones. Limited range to move around. I highly recommend using a headphone extension that coils. It comes in handy if you move around a lot, especially if your a guitar player.

 

[ggunn]

If you are using real headphones (over ear) then the mix will be very similar to a "bass boosted" hifi. Headphones are generally bassy. Monitors will most likely have an effect on the sound. Monitors are nearfield so they will sound good close up but pretty bad far away. From what it sounds like, you run a fairly basic setup? If this is the case then you are probably not looking to sell your music. Therefore, mixing through monitors is not really neccessary. ...

I disagree; IMO mixing through nearfield monitors will almost always give you a better result than mixing under headphones or over hi-fi speakers.