Open vs. closed vs. studio monitors during recording or editing

[marigolden]

This is for voiceover. I was given advice that while recording it's just as well not to use any headphones whilst recording. True?
And for editing/processing/mastering studio monitors are best but if without those, use open-back headphones instead. And that semi-open won't do. Do you all agree?

 

[sergeauckland]

If you are recording yourself, then wearing headphones isn't necessary, unless you need them to hear audible cues or other speakers. It may also make you speak unnaturally as you'll be hearing yourself differently to normal. This last however, can be overcome with practice.

For editing and mixing, except the simplest that doesn't involve stereo, EQ or dynamic processing, I find doesn't work at all on headphone. Stereo positioning in a mix especially, can't be done on headphones with any success, and with EQ, I end up equalising for the specific headphones, not the recording, making the recording sound wrong on loudspeakers.

As to open or closed, for recording, they have to be closed, as any sound spillage from open headphones will be picked up by the microphone recording your voice, and will impart a 'hollow' coloration to the voice. If the headphones are also playing in cues or other speakers/musicians then again, sound spillage from the headphones must be avoided.

S

 

[bluefuzz]

Do you all agree?

No. As categorical statements correct in every situation? No. As possible solutions to certain recording situations? Yes, certainly.

Use what is appropriate to the situation. There is no right or wrong.

 

[marigolden]

No. As categorical statements correct in every situation? No. As possible solutions to certain recording situations? Yes, certainly.

Use what is appropriate to the situation. There is no right or wrong.

The situation is voiceover

 

[ZolaIII]

The situation is voiceover

You use as straight headaphones that you can & that you know good. Every design has it's fort and short comings as long you know them you can overcome it keeping master as it should stay even make them temporarily EQ-ed to hear it as full as possible. Some things as panning and stereo placement are much better to do with headphones anyway.