I need open back headphones, have DT 770 Pro (hate 3m long cable) and IE 600 IEMs (perfect for listening but not for music production or mixing, too bassy). I’ve never had open back headphones, now thinking of buying either DT 900 Pro X or NDH 30. Idk but seems I’ll go for good old beyers, spare parts and shorter cables are way cheaper.
I hated focal heads too, but love their monitors!
I’d recommend focussing on the transient response rather than how flat they are.
No headphones or monitors are flat.
But you can EQ for that on cans fairly effectively.
A quick (enough) transient response will let you hear compression and sound design decisions more clearly.
You can always rent a decent studio for an hour or two to do the final mix in terms of freq response etc.
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As someone who owns a load of headphones as well as interfaces spread over XLR, 1/4" and 1/8", I’m really hoping this is good:
This looks similar to Hart Audio’s approach. Maybe worth checking out:
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Grado SR60 0r 80
I have Dekoni earpads for my AKGs…and I just love them.
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Wouldn’t the insanely weird response on the grades make them kinda wack for anything synth? Also I hate their non detachable weirdly kinking cable
Have AudioTechnica R70x open backs, and understand they are similar to HD600s. Used to own 650s which sadly broke, well still have them but don’t have guts to throw them out.
Def preferred the comfort of the 650s but the R70x are perhaps less hyped.
Would beyers or neumann NDH30s be a step up?
Well, let me tell ya, if you’re lookin’ for a killer pair of studio headphones, the Audio Technica m50x is where it’s at. These bad boys don’t just sound good, they sound gnarly! Once you get familiar with how they groove, you can get a great mix. Now, I know the open-back crowd might disagree. Sure, they’re fancy, but they’re just not my jam.
Now, don’t get me started on the Apple AirPods Max. They might not be studio-grade, but man, they’re a blast! They sync up with my Apple gadgets immediately. I pop ‘em on while I’m reading or takin’ my scenic walk down by the creek. Pure joy! Give them a whirl—you’ll thank me later!
I use Hifiman Sundaras and use Sonarworks Reference to EQ them.
no in fact they sound neutral so perfect for mixing - if your mix sound crap you hear crap
they are not good for tracking though
I just got a pair of DT770 Pro X and I can highly recommend them- 48Ohm so easy to drive (works non gadgets like tracker+) but also perfectly fine for mixing duties, you cant go wrong with these.
For open back mixing I use Sennheiser HD 660S2- cots twice as much as the 770’s but a lovely open sound with good soundstage, driven with a good DAC it makes a good audiophile listening set up[ as well.
You mean DT700 Pro X?
(Edit: just saw there’s a 770 Pro X that came out…)
Ive got the DT 700 and 900 Pro X’s; gives a great transfer consistency between closed and open back depending on the task. They sound great, easy to drive, can get loud, and are really comfortable to wear.
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I’ve been using the SE535 for about 15 years (still sound great), and lately (5 years or so) the DT1770 that, ignoring the form factor, I’d put into the same league as the SE535…
The K872 however did split my world of listening experience into before and after - most likely the endgame pair for me (might still check out their K812 open-back counterpart when I get a chance)
Definitely worth checking out. They are huge and must be tried before buying as comfort is subjective.
Does anyone else have experience with AKG K872/812 headphones? What’s your impression?..
in my experience these are really good headphones for mixing and mastering, I don’t care for cheap stuff as with audio you get what you pay for, as somebody said buy smart or buy twice.
Here’s my list starting with least expensive to pricey but superb:
1- Sennheiser ( HD490, HD600, HD650, HD660S2)
2- Neumann (NDH20/NDH30)
3- Audeze LCD X, MM500
5- (For Mastering ) - Hedd Heddphone V1 and V2, Audeze LCD5
I’m curious - how would you describe the difference between MM500, HEDD and the LCD5?..
Is the LCD5 price justified?
if money was not an issue at all then I’d get the LCD5.
The Heddphone is incredibly revealing, excellent for mastering but I just didn’t prefer it for mixing.
Headphones preference are such a personal and subjective matter, especially in the very high end of things when a very small percentage accuracy will cost you thousands extra, in which case its a personal preference if its worth it for you.
I don’t know, I haven’t tried or bought them yet. I will buy the 900 Pro X, they are twice as cheap as the NDH30. Best to try both if you can and then decide for yourself.
What do you all use for practicing on your hardware box ? I like my MM-500 but it’s heavy on my ears after long use. I am looking for something lighter with a good bass response. I am using the RME ADI 2/4 Pro SE for headphone monitoring and as an amp.
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