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Looking for studio headphones (monitoring/mixing/mastering) ? Am I Wrong?

Every type of transducer (in this case, speaker, IEM, headphone, etc) will have its own advantages and caveats. Therefore I propose that you divide your budget to provide multiple monitoring setups, that fit into your lifestyle. You may not need to buy some of these things, if you already have them.

1. At least 1 IEM listening device, with good fitting ear tips. Probably as many as 2, cos they are not expensive in today's world, if we choose carefully.

2. At least 1 over the ear headphone.

3. One pair of studio speakers. This will be used from the location where you spend the most time. It is not intended to be a "portable speaker" system.

4. This is optional - only you can decide if you need this or not. A portable set of speakers.

5. When mixing on IEM's or headphones, I would suggest some kind of monitoring suite of software that may assist you with delivering an optimal "image" of the mix on headphones, to overcome some of the inherent issues with mixing on headphones.

TBC
4. PORTABLE (ACTIVE) SPEAKERS

I'll start with the possibly portable speakers, this category is optional. Here are a few possibilities, to choose from if you decide this is important to you.

1. IK- Multimedia - iLoud Micro Monitor Pro - two small speakers + measurement software + measurement microphone. They sell a bag that is an accessory for the two speakers, so you can carry them with you easily.

2. IK-Multimedia - ILoud Micro Monitor (pair) - two small speakers, these look like they are even smaller than item 1 above, and less expensive, but they do not come with any microphone. IT's possible to purchase the measurement microphone and software, as an add on - i.e the ARC 4 bundle (software and measurement microphone)

3. IK Multimedia - iLoud MTM MK 2. (pair) - two small speakers + measurement software + measurement microphone. this is the more expensive larger speaker - not exactly portable, in my opinion, but listed here for completeness.

4. Adam D3V.

5. Kali - IN-UNF - only you can decide if this is portable or not, for you.
 
Every type of transducer (in this case, speaker, IEM, headphone, etc) will have its own advantages and caveats. Therefore I propose that you divide your budget to provide multiple monitoring setups, that fit into your lifestyle. You may not need to buy some of these things, if you already have them.

1. At least 1 IEM listening device, with good fitting ear tips. Probably as many as 2, cos they are not expensive in today's world, if we choose carefully.

2. At least 1 over the ear headphone.

3. One pair of studio speakers. This will be used from the location where you spend the most time. It is not intended to be a "portable speaker" system.

4. This is optional - only you can decide if you need this or not. A portable set of speakers.

5. When mixing on IEM's or headphones, I would suggest some kind of monitoring suite of software that may assist you with delivering an optimal "image" of the mix on headphones, to overcome some of the inherent issues with mixing on headphones.

EDIT :

6. When mixing on speakers, some kind of speaker/room correction software, with a measurement microphone, may help improve the quality of what you hear.

TBC
STUDIO SPEAKERS

There is consensus, that a decent pair of nearfield speakers, i.e placed less than about 1.5 meters away, from the listener, are a good choice, for mixing, in rooms like yours. I would suggest, should you have speakers, to place them no more than about 1 meter away from your ears, in an equilateral triangle. or a slightly wider triangle. with the tweeters at ear height.

Unfortunately, these are not portable. Each of these are in pairs - Left and Right.

Options.

1. JBL LSR 305 MK2

2. JBL LSR 306 MK2

3. Kali Audio - LP6 2nd Wave.

4. Adam Audio - T5V

5. Adam Audio - T7V

These are about the most popular and highly regarded, from reputable manufacturers., and quite affordable. Not sure what they would cost in Canada or France, due to import duties, and Trump... in the new year.
 
4. I haven’t done any acoustic treatment to the room. The only "treatment" is on my mic, with the Aston Halo and a sheet behind me that I use occasionally.

In my experience, most bedrooms already have enough furnishing, including the mattress, and clothes, to assist in damping the reverberance. One trick is to open the doors of wardrobes, when working on audio, to allow the clothes to add additional absorption. For the kind of work you do, at this time with audio, suggest that you already have enough natural "acoustic treatment, from

5. I have the AirPods Pro 2, HD660s2, my MacBook Pro M2 speakers, and I’m planning on getting either the 7506 or Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 for tracking during recording (not for mixing).

Suggest that the HD660s should be good enough for mixing on headphones. I think for now, this should be more than enough. In my honest opinion, I do not think you need any other headphones, for the work you do now.

I had a very bad experience with the Zero 2's. which is well recorded on the main Zero 2 discussion thread on ASR., and it has been a struggle explaining to others, that maybe I am the only one, who has had a poor experience with these IEMs.

I'll think of possible inexpensive but good quality IEM's that I am sure will be good enough, and post them here, later.

Please go ahead and do purchase a Zero 2, its not more than $25 usually, so even if you do not like it, you have not lost much money. I do not regret buying it, It just did not work for me.

In my experience the budget IEM category and the budget DAC category, is a bit of a hit an miss, when we get to prices below $20. The quality control is not assured. Yes like a gamble, we all like to get something for very little money, but so far, with only one exception, it has proved to be a false economy. We usually get what we pay for. Please do not waste your money on budget items, unless you have researched them thoroughly, and opinions on the Internet are just that. The cheaper products have lots of people making comments about the, cos lots of people can afford to try them out.

Better to, over time, identify reviewers who are authentic, and truthful, who will tell you if a product is bad. Generally also on the internet, there is confirmation bias, those who bought a product want to justify and amplify their reason for buying it, and feel good. So they become like a club, of people all giving each other high fives, over what they bought, but rarely listen to any opposing voice, that says - hey this product is not that good. Cos they do not want to feel bad about what they bought, so they seek comfort in any one else who tells them - its a fantastic product. !! Careful who you listen to on the Internet. Lots of reviewers are paid, and you can't trust their reviews.

Yes for less than about $150, you should be able to purchase at least two decent IEM's, if that is what you want. My recommendations on IEM's , will be posted, in a few hours from now.
 
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In my experience, most bedrooms already have enough furnishing, including the mattress, and clothes, to assist in damping the reverberance. One trick is to open the doors of wardrobes, when working on audio, to allow the clothes to add additional absorption. For the kind of work you do, at this time with audio, suggest that you already have enough natural "acoustic treatment, from



Suggest that the HD660s should be good enough for mixing on headphones. I think for now, this should be more than enough. In my honest opinion, I do not think you need any other headphones, for the work you do now.

I had a very bad experience with the Zero 2's. which is well recorded on the main Zero 2 discussion thread on ASR., and it has been a struggle explaining to others, that maybe I am the only one, who has had a poor experience with these IEMs.

I'll think of possible inexpensive but good quality IEM's that I am sure will be good enough, and post them here, later.

Please go ahead and do purchase a Zero 2, its not more than $25 usually, so even if you do not like it, you have not lost much money. I do not regret buying it, It just did not work for me.

In my experience the budget IEM category and the budget DAC category, is a bit of a hit an miss, when we get to prices below $20. The quality control is not assured. Yes like a gamble, we all like to get something for very little money, but so far, with only one exception, it has proved to be a false economy. We usually get what we pay for. Please do not waste your money on budget items, unless you have researched them thoroughly, and opinions on the Internet are just that. The cheaper products have lots of people making comments about the, cos lots of people can afford to try them out.

Better to, over time, identify reviewers who are authentic, and truthful, who will tell you if a product is bad. Generally also on the internet, there is confirmation bias, those who bought a product want to justify and amplify their reason for buying it, and feel good. So they become like a club, of people all giving each other high fives, over what they bought, but rarely listen to any opposing voice, that says - hey this product is not that good. Cos they do not want to feel bad about what they bought, so they seek comfort in any one else who tells them - its a fantastic product. !! Careful who you listen to on the Internet. Lots of reviewers are paid, and you can't trust their reviews.

Yes for less than about $150, you should be able to purchase at least two decent IEM's, if that is what you want. My recommendations on IEM's , will be posted, in a few hours from now.
Yes I think one or two inexpensive (compared to your HD 660s2), IEMs can provide :

1. A very portable solution, they are so small. (but also so easy to lose - easy to lose parts of them such as the eartips, and connectors, etc, etc.). I lost part of an IEM, when trying to change eartips, sitting in a bus. There was a bump in the road, and I could not find the ear tip...!

2. Really good quality sound, if you choose wisely. I would highly recommend you buy the Letshouer S12 2024 Edition. This is a highly acclaimed IEM, based on planar magnetic drivers, and I have not heard one negative opinion on this IEM. It costs less than $200, and sounds fantastic, according to everyone who has heard it, and expressed their opinions. The important thing with IEM's is fit.

So be ready to spend another maybe $30 on a few third party sets of ear tips. Which you can try out - something known as tip rolling, to see which one gives you the best fit. Eartips also change the sound, based on several factors, their shape, and the materials they are made of, length, width, of the inside(aka the bore) and outside.

The S12 2024, comes with excellent sets of eartips, but spending an extra $30 on custom eartips, to explore alternatives, and find an even better fit, is pretty normal in the IEM world. I found that the Clarion TRI's - the large size, work best for my ears., and I now use them with all IEMs. Of course there are many other IEM eartip products.

Small shortlist of Eartips I keep in my database.

BrandProduct Name
BGVPWide bore
KBEAR07
ClarionTRI
DivinusVelvet Wide Bore
SpinfitW1
H 570
DUNUS&S
Azla Sednar Ear fitMax Standard
Azla Sednar Ear fitCrystal Standard
Azla Sednar Ear fitTWS
WhizzerEasy Tips SS20
WhizzerEasy Tips ET100
WhizzerEasy Tips ET100AB(Anti Bacterial)
TangzuTang Sancai
AnjiruiMemory Foam
HibyWG01
KBEARChord 6N
PentaconnPTM 01
PentaconnPTM 02
 
Hello everyone,

I've tried to read as much as I can but still don't know what to do.

I’ve been using the HD660S2 headphones for some time now, though not constantly. I really like them, but I struggle to achieve proper mixes with them (just to clarify, I didn’t buy them for this purpose, it was for chilling, listening and gaming). My mixes often turn out too bright, with poorly managed dynamics. What sounds good on these headphones ends up being terrible on other systems. I find myself resorting to my AirPods Pro 2, which yield much better results.

I have a budget of up to 1000€ (tax included) to get a pair specially for monitoring/mixing/mastering. What headphone for mixing and mastering would you recommend. Initially, I was leaning towards the Slate VSX, but I’m hesitant due to mixed reviews. I’m not a professional, it’s just a hobby
Smile smiley


If you recommend open-back headphones, I’ll need to allocate some of the budget for closed-back headphones just for tracking vocals, as I’m getting tired of the sound leakage from my HD660S2 during recordings. But that should not be a problem since monitoring headphone can be found for like 50ish bucks.

I talked with some people, and there’s a big disagreement, so it’s hard to decide. Some say mixing on headphones is really bad because there are too many variables, like positioning, bone structure, ear shape, etc. They recommended me getting iLoud Micro monitors instead (available for $185 USD or approximately €170 in second hand).

Do you have any advice please?

I’ve heard of the Audeze MM-500, OLLO X1, Sennheiser HD490 Pro, Slate VSX, Neumann NDH30, Sony MDR M1 / MDR 7506, Mega5-EST IEM etc.

(In case you are wondering, I have a Neumann MT48 audio interface which has an amazing headphone dac / amp).

Thanks in advance.

I am not convinced about products from Slate. They do not tend to last very long, i.e. design and manufacturing, and materials are poor quality. Please avoid.

Generally, you'll need two kinds of headphones. One closed back, for recording your vocals, and another open back for mixing and listening. Open backs are better for mixing. There is one exception most IEM's are also closed back, so you could use an IEM for monitoring your voice while singing, and even though IEM's are closed back you could also use them for mixing.

By and large you are better of with the major manufacturers, in terms of build quality, durability and any of the headphones you have listed should be good enough for monitoring or mixing, depending on whether they are closed back, or not.

I do not think you need any headphones, for mixing, if you already have the Senn HD 660s2. But if you think you need another open back headphone, take a look at the FiiO FT1 Pro, its less than $200, its a planar magnetic headphone with a balanced neutral leaning sound, according to reviewers.

I think I've shared enough and await your response, should you need any further help.

In conclusion, with you budget, you can have not just one solution, but a variety of options.

1. Fixed Studio Monitors, which you do not travel with. They stay in your living room/bedroom.

2. Portable Studio Monitors (if you can carry them all over the world with you)

3. Headphones

4. IEMs

It's up to you how many of these options you want, cos you can have all of them within your $1K budget. (at least almost all options)

I think the headphone output of the Apple notebooks are good enough for mixing with headphones. But if you want even better quality, when you are mobile, and not able to carry around your audio interface with you, you could get a small very portable DAC dongle, which has an inbuilt headphone amplifier.

A safe recommendation would be the Moondrop Dawn Pro, for about $50 or less, which should give you a truly wonderful audio reproduction. Another safe bet would be the TempoTec Sonata BHD, or the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro.

I'll put in a final comment on speaker emulation via software, for headphones. and IEM's
 
In about a 3 years or 4, I have reviewed about every single solution that is claimed to allow one to have the experience of listening to speakers, using headphones.

Sorry I have found none. That is convincing.

What I will say is - reserve about $100 or $150 for such software, should any come to market that is good.

This is also not an immediate decision, you need to take, and it is also not a vital decision, to take now. It can always be discussed later, as you gain more experience and as your needs/knowledge and skills increase.

Do let me know if you need any further assistance, glad to help, and glad to explain the reasoning, behind any of my suggestions.
 
Hi!

This is just a hobby for now, but I admit that if an opportunity arises one day, I wouldn’t say no.

To answer your questions:

  1. My room (which is also my bedroom) has dimensions of 2m x 4 m (and between 2m50 and 3m height depending on where). There is a mezzanine too on 1/3 of the room.

  2. There are ambient noises coming from the water heating system behind my door, but it has never been particularly disturbing so far (thanks to an Aston Halo on my mic and a sheet behind me).

  3. Occasionally, I hear planes or my neighbors using the metal stairs outside. Luckily, I don't hear cars, and I barely hear my housemates since I’m on the opposite side of them and the living room. I do hear them when they’re in the kitchen, but at that time, I’m usually with them, so I’m not recording or mixing.

  4. I haven’t done any acoustic treatment to the room. The only "treatment" is on my mic, with the Aston Halo and a sheet behind me that I use occasionally.

  5. I have the AirPods Pro 2, HD660s2, my MacBook Pro M2 speakers, and I’m planning on getting either the 7506 or Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 for tracking during recording (not for mixing).

  6. Yes, I’m aware of the risks of buying second-hand gear. I always make sure to purchase either brand-new sealed items (through auctions) or items with a manufacturer’s warranty. So far, I haven’t had any issues (knock on wood).

  7. Not a lot, since it’s just for my vocals right now. Honestly, I don’t really know.

  8. I’ll record my vocals in the same room, but that shouldn’t be an issue.

  9. Yes, I have a Neumann MT48, which should have plenty of power for any headphones or speakers. :)

  10. I use a MacBook Pro M2 MAX.

  11. Sometimes I use Logic Pro 11, and sometimes I use Studio One 7, depending on my mood, to be honest.


One important thing: I travel a lot between France and Canada, so the more portable, the better.

This looks like exactly what you need, and the price is incredible - $300. Furthermore, these connect via USB-C, so removes the need for an audio interface. Awesome. True nearfields. And in conjunction with headphones, or IEMs to check the bass, which is somewhat limited on these speakers, super combination.

 
Just discovered from this and other videos, the existence of the Kali Audio LP-UNF. $300, sound great for a possibly portable set. And used with headphones. Seem that the bass on this is better than the Adams.

 
If you’re looking for headphones for studio tasks like monitoring, mixing, or mastering, the Sony MDR-M1 might be worth your attention. Its balanced tuning and comfort make it a unique choice, especially for longer sessions.
 
Sony MDR-M1 is aimed primarily at those who like the longstanding simple, clean Sony design. In some markets the price of M1 is competitive against other available options. Due to considerations of cost performance, creators who have little to do with Sony would likely do well with ATH-M40x. As for long sessions, it would be advisable to take headphones off periodically rather than rely on the comfort of the headphone. As it's a new model there might not be any tunings available yet.
 
IMO What you should do is
1. EQ your current headphones to the Harman target
2. Install a room simulation. I use APL Virtuoso 2 which is best IMO, but Canopeners is a popular alternative.

Only then does it make sense to try a different headphone IMO.

The main take away is that headphones make it too easy to focus on individual sounds, making balance issues less obvious. A room simulation removes that disadvantage.

The HD660 does have an issue in the bass. The Ollo X1 would not disappoint (I have the S5X), but I think most the other alternative options you posted would work fine as well.

I produce and mix on headphones exclusively, while for mastering I also use mains. That is to take the physical bass pressure into account. Whether you should mix on headphones exclusively is something you should decide on preference.

Many professional mixers and even mastering engineers are working on headphones all or most of the time. Headphone mixing has only been viable recently, so the majority of experienced engineers will tell you that it can’t be done.
The only way to find out if it works for you is to just try it and see how good you can make your mixes.
+1 for APL Virtuoso. But I actually find the Harman curve to not translate as well as the JM1. But target response seems to vary depending upon how different people hear certain frequencies. The AutoEQ website/app allows for many different targets - I’d experiment with those before settling on the one that translates best for you. (It’s still possible that Harman could work best for you)
 
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