The Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering (ALL Models Compared)
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- Опубліковано 8 сер 2023
- Justin Colletti reviews the top pro level headphones for mixing and mastering, focusing on open back models from brands like Audeze, Neumann, Focal, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Sony, Focal, Steven Slate, Shure, Audio Technica and more.
Article Version: sonicscoop.com/best-headphone...
Headphone Links:
Audeze MM-500: bhpho.to/3QyekR5
Focal Clear Pro: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/7...
Beyerdynamic DT Series: www.sweetwater.com/store/sear...
Neumann NDH 30: www.sweetwater.com/store/sear...
Sony MDR MV1: www.sweetwater.com/store/sear...
Austrian Audio Hi-X: www.sweetwater.com/store/sear...
Slate VSX: www.sweetwater.com/store/sear...
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#headphones #musicmixing #mixingengineer #proheadphones #mixingheadphones #podcast #justincolletti #audioengineer #musicproducer #listenable #mixingengineer #sonicscoop #interview #Audeze #Neumann #Focal #Beyerdynamic #Sennheiser #Sony #Focal #StevenSlate #Shure #AudioTechnica
Article Version: sonicscoop.com/best-headphones-for-mixing-and-mastering-the-ultimate-buyers-guide-2023/
Headphone Links Below. (Affiliates Links, Click to Support the Channel at No Cost 🙂)
Audeze MM-500: bhpho.to/3QyekR5
Focal Clear Pro: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Focal%20Clear%20MG%20Professional
Beyerdynamic DT Series: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Beyerdynamic+DT&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1qaSIN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact
Neumann NDH 30: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Neumann+NDH+30&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q8zsN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact
Sony MDR MV1: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Sony+MDR+MV1&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q8wIN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact
Austrian Audio Hi-X: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Austrian+Audio+Hi-X&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q83EN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact
Slate VSX: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=slate+vsx+1990&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1MxwsN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact
@SonicScoop what do you think about the BEYERDYNAMIC DT Pro x 900s??
Hello, I just want to use one earphone and don't want to be tired of switching devices all the time depending on the type of music. I listen to 80% classical and 20% jazz and pop. I have also seen the mm500 so far, and I think the instrument part is quite good, and the vocals are in the front, so the female voice sounds good. Do you recommend other headphones at this level? I think the sound field of the mm500 is okay. For classical music, the instrument tone is not too modified. , the low-frequency dive is enough for jazz. I don’t know if I understand this right?
Thank you for the great review, actually explaining the frequency responses on the models is very helpful. I've been mixing on Focal studio monitors in combination with the Auratone 5c active speakers and looking at upgrading my current AKG studio headphones. I read a pretty bad review on the Neumann NDH30 but it all makes sense now, the listener probably expected a hyped-up exciting sound. Your explanation of working harder on those before you get a good sound probably means that this will then also improve a mix once the sound does get better. Definitely going to check those out!
You literally covered every model I've been interested in, such a great and thorough video! Thanks for putting this all together.
Amazing information, thank you very much Justin!
Thank you for this comparison. I myself own the DT 1770 and love the HD650 because of its great low mids, mix mostly with Genelec 8040s in a threated room and am currently saving money on the Audeze MM-500. All the best and much success. God bless you
Wonderful review. I use Focal Clears ( not MG Pro) . They have been on sale for a while at about $900. But I always use them in mixing with Sonarworks Sound ID to get them fairly flat. This is a great choice.
Great video. I appreciate you going into the detail you do. Thank you kind sir!
Thank Justin. THis is a great video. When I mix, I'll mix on the speakers to get a vibe but once I get to my headphones, certain things need to be tamed or brought up.
My husband told me about your article/blog and I read it. Then I hopped on UA-cam and your video popped up. I watched the entire video and I'm glad I did. I originally bought the first edition of the Slate VSX as soon as they were available which worked well, but my model broke after about two months of gentle use. They kindly sent me a new pair, but I've yet to use it again because of that issue. I've heard they've strengthened the band with the newer models and fixed that issue. Good for them, I'm sure they're better now. After that incident I purchased the Focal Clear MG Pro and then a few months later, the Neumann NDH-30 (since I own Neumann monitors).
I agree with everything you've said (about the models I own). I use the Focals mostly for music production & when I need a little excitement (during quiet hours) due to the great bass response and overall 3-D sound. Feels like I'm wearing monitors on my head. I got the NDH-30s for mixing at night/quiet hours and so I could check them against the KH120 monitors since they're the same company. The Neumanns are not particularly "fun" or "exciting" but I knew that going in lol. That headphone/monitor combo seems to translate very well, which is what drew me to that brand.
Even so, I'm considering getting the Audeze MM-500 because I hear they are great "overall" and I think they could be good for both me and my husband to use/reference our own projects and client work, but may only be a "hair" of an improvement over the models owned vs the additional cost. Since you have and referenced all of them, do you think the MM500s would be a good addition considering the headphone models I already have? (FYI my husband loves and uses the Sennheiser HD650s and 280 Pro).
Thats good. Would you like just give away one of your headphones. Because am using 50 bucks headphone and sound horrible. Anyway I got used to learn it and am doing my mix for my songs using this. Cheers
Thanks so much for this video! I just bought a pair of Audeze MM-500 based on your review. Got brand new for $1500. I use Focal Twin 6 ST6 monitors, and came very close to buying the Focal Clears. I went with the Audeze MM-500 to provide more perspective. Thanks again!
How you liking them?
Good conditions. Very helpful. Thanks Justin!
Informative review covering plenty of the available options. Unbiased too, great stuff.
I settled on BDs. Open & closed for mixing & recording. Verry happy with them. I do have other headphones but the BDs are the go to. My favourite cheaper headphones have always been Sennheisers.I'm not a pro.
Good video. Well done. Organized, articulate, good perspectives.
I have twelve high quality headphones, including Focal, BD, Neumann, Audeze, Sennheiser etc. The best for mixing and mastering (checking mixes) are Neuman NDH 30's and 20's. None of the others can touch them,
Looking at NDH 30 black edition to replace my old ass AKG K702.
“ headphone bias”. I love that. I’m not a mastering engineer, but I absolutely learn so much from your channel! Thanks so much.
So glad to be useful!
-Justin
When starting out it is definitely overwhelming to pick a room with VSX, but I went with the NS10 environment and the Archon room midfield monitor (forget which speakers they’re emulating). I typically head into VSX after getting a fader balance on speakers, basically when it’s time to zero in on the midrange. I don’t really use the Archon room to mix, but it’s nice to flip into periodically to refresh or make sure I’m not hyper-fixating on something.
Like any audio production tool, the amount of time invested is directly linked to the utility you’ll gain. Even between the different car emulations they have there are big differences in how the low end is represented. All of these nuances are useless if you aren’t mixing a lot of different projects through them, but overall I think VSX deserves the amount of hype they get online especially when you factor in the price point.
This was incredibly insightful. Thank you so much ❤
So awesome to hear. Thanks for checking it out!
-Justin
Great video! I’ve mixed with a wide variety of headphones and finally settled on the Sennheiser HD800S EQ’d to the Harman curve and with the CanOpener plugin. Very speaker-like presentation with incredible instrument separation and clarity.
Those are great qualities! I'd love to hear the 800S in person. They are one of the only Sennheiser models I am not directly familiar with. Would love to have a listen!
-Justin
@@SonicScoop Like most headphones they need EQ for mixing/mastering, but are wonderful once the frequency response is corrected.
Is harman curve like sonarworks ?? I'm also producing and mixing with hd800s
@@user-zd4qy5zl7i The Sonarworks target is quite similar to Harman but the bass shelf starts approximately one octave lower. If you’re already using Sonarworks there’s really no reason to switch to using Harman with an EQ plugin.
Worth checking out are Verum Audio headphones. There are a more than a few reviews from pro users comparing them favorably with Audeze models. Especially for the price. Cheers
best video about headphones out there, thank you so much!
Awesome to hear! Thanks so much for tuning in.
-Justin
I've these models: Focal Clear MG Pro, Neumann NDH30, Hifiman Ananda, Sennheiser HD660s, Beyerdinamic DT770, Audio-Technica MX-50 and Sennheiser HD-25.
Every headphone has a "tone". But my choice is the Clear's and the Neumann's.
Good review!
Awesome to hear! Those would be my choices out if those too.
-Justin
Try newest Arya Organic, supposedly better than Focals.
I get really great results with the Slate VSX system. I have nicer audiophile headphones, but having the information from the room modeling helps me dial in ambience and make better choices when i’m using width enchantment plugins….i find using the audiophile stuff works better for mastering because you can hear distortion from limiting much easier.
Me too, but the stereo image is actually the one thing I don’t trust with VSX (at least with the room models, the headphone models are ok). Great for balance checks though.
Amazing video! The best I've watched on the headphone for the mixing. Can you please recommend the best headphone for an aspiring voice actor? My primary usage is to monitor my own voice recording or other voice actors' recordings. What I most care is about hearing the micro accents and nuances on each spoken words.
My favorite headphones (or head speakers) are the Raal Requisite SR1A. Probably not the best for mixing/ mastering but for general listening they beat the Neumann's and the Audeze's I have. Super natural sounding.
Thanks for the review.
great vid. Ever consider checking out the AKG K812? They have been my favs for awhile...
absolutely stellar and super useful review! just recently got a pair of Neumann NDH 30 and I'm loving them! I totally agree with you they do not offer a 'pleasant' sound and they make you work harder to get your mixes right! I am coming from a pair of Audeze LCD-X 2021 and Sennheiser HD600; I will still be using those 2 pairs as I think they bring something more and help me as additional reference for my mixes. The only thing am still learning with the Neumanns is the treble response. I find it a bit dull and my mixes are a bit bright when only mixed on the Neumanns. Would you agree the treble response is perhaps a bit dull? one final cherry on the cake would be for you to comment on Headphone amplifiers for all these headphones. I am currently using a Rupert Neve Precision Headphone Amplifier I love (have tried many others but always go back to the Rupert). What suggestions would you have for headphone amplifiers for mixing and mastering? Again, thanks soooo much!
Those are some great options to have! Yes I suppose "dull" is a potential word to use for the Neumanns compared to other options, though I avoid using it because it has a negative connotation. They definitely don't hype up the top end or scoop out the midrange like a lot of headphones do.
They NDH 30 will encourage you to add additional bottom and top to your mixes, which is their potential benefit, if you need a push in that direction. However, if you're already doing enough (or too much) of that, then a more hyped up or "Hi Fi" kind of headphone may suit you better.
This is why monitoring is a such a personal choice, and you really have to try things!
Headphone amplifiers are a whole separate topic! Any of the headphones here are low enough impedance and high enough efficiency that any old headphone amp of good quality should probably be fine. But the NDH 30 are more power hungry than most on the list. Something like the super high end LCD-5 probably need even more power, and may not be suitable for all consumer style portable headphone amps.
There can also be subtle differences in tone between amplifiers, but those differences are nothing compared to the differences between models here! That is a deep topic of its own, but one with relatively smaller rewards than this one, as it is a more niche subject and the differences are nowhere near as dramatic.
Very best,
-Justin
Hey! thanks so much for your detailed response. really appreciate it!
@@SonicScoop hi !
How are the treble on the ndh30 compared to the Focals?
Thank you
Such a complete guide that's dope !
I've had the Beyer 770's and 990's for years but I've recently bought a pair of their DT 1990 Pros and they sound wonderful especially for mastering. But I do run them through Realphones which just fine tunes them on the high end smoothing them out a touch. They really are very good. 😎
I love mine. They remind me of my NS10s.
Yeah well just to say thanks for this post. Gave me a real lot to think about. Been looking for some good headphones for mixing but have to be chordless. Really don't know where to start always just stuck with my KRK's but they have a lead to deal with and dropped them a few times when I got up from sitting and had a calamity when the lead pulled them off my noggie. Chordless is driving my search but latency is the new obstucle as much as anything.
Thanks for a super helpful video
Hello,
Thanks for the video! I'm setting up my home studio and after your video I was very excited to buy the Steven Slate Audio VSX Modeling Headphones, as they are more affordable for me and seem to give as good a result as the others, as you said.
I'm about to buy an interface. I was thinking of buying the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen). Do you think it offers what this headphone needs for me to be able to do a professional mix? If not, which one would you also recommend with a more affordable price?
Thanks in advance.
Great video. Thank you.
I have pair of the DT 770 pros 250 ohm, and what I like about them is the detail, you can pick out every instrument clearly, I have been listening to music for almost 60 years and with the DT-770's I hear things I have never heard in songs before.
i also tried the Audeze's b2b at the NAMM booth. The LCD 5 for me also had about a 5-8% increase in clarity and soundstage but I ended up with the mm500. The truth is that I just have a lot of other gear to acquire.
good Information...thank you...what do you think about the AKG K812 ?
I bought a pair of Sennheiser HD660S's as i wanted around 150ohm which they are exactly, balanced cables with 4.4mm Pentacomm balanced jack plug & output as well as plain stereo cables & a 6.3mm stereo plug,open backed for music listening & music & video editing...i luv them,lots of bass but being a bass player i can put up with a lift in the bass region...amazing when used with balanced headphone outputs..even my cheap Zen DAC V2 sounds amazing in balanced mode with the 660S's....🎧👍
660 is pretty rad. I sold it off as I prefer my HD650's sound.
Used Beyerdynamic 770, 990 and then 1990. I am very satisfied with the last one with analytical earpads. Great transient response and detail. But, as mentioned in the video, SoundID from Sonarworks is a good idea to use with. Not saying that the 1990s sound bad (although the analytical earpads don't have that much subs), but I prefer as neutral sound as possible, and that's what SoundID helps me achieve. When I mixed things on my speakers (bedroom speakers, Yamaha HS7+HS8S), there was always some issue in my mixes, also based on feedback from my colleagues. Because let's face it, bedroom is not a studio and it never will be. But whatever I mixed primarily on these 1990s has always been met with great feedback from colleagues who have much better listening conditions than me. So to sum it up, I can't tell you BD 1990s are best, or better than this or that, but I can tell you they are very good and my work results have been noticably better. Also they are quite comfy. I can work with them on the whole day, unless it's 30°C outside and 28+ inside, obviously. Cheers.
Hello budy, how are you? Help me with a question, using the DT990, did you like your mixes? I also use a Yamaha HS7 in a room, and my mixes don't sound good (I feel like I don't hear anything as it really is)
@@beatsbyfrancotrapboy Mixing on speakers is very dependent on your room. I find the overall response better in calibrated headphones. But headphones might be biased too and they don't show everything the same way as speakers too. Learn to work on either of those and check with the other system and try to balance the result so it sounds good on both.
@@JK_EU I have DT 1990 and I am one of the people who consider them little too bright it the 8k regions so I made a little correction with SoundID. I set them at 30% dry/wet with EQ only between 7.2k and 9.2k. That's like -2.5db @ ~8k.
Thanks for the great video! In the price range up to 700 bucks, wich headphones would you prefer (for producing electronic music/techno)? I am thinking about the Audeze mm-100 or Neumann´s NDH-30...
Excellent broad and deep review. I know it’s out of this price range, would you compare Heddphone 1 & 2 (that you already reviewed)?😊
I use AKG712, these cans are great, zero fatigue after many hours... I use closed back Sennheiser HD25s for artist/tracking ...
Best combo
Great review!! Guys what would be your advise to be mixing in Dobly Atmos. I heard that the sound stage on on LCD X is amazing. Any advise please? Thanks
Thanks for the video! Do I need a headphone amp for using the Audeze MM500 or the Neumann NDH 30?
If yes, then which one would you recommend? Or will it work just as fine straight in the computer?
I have the Neumann NDH 20 headphones, and I trust them more than my monitors for mixing and mastering. For context, I have older, lower range monitors with limited room treatment, although I do have a bigger space to mix in relative to other bedroom studios.
Hands down the most useful review of various headphones on UA-cam.
Thank you for this tutorial!
As far as the Slate VSX - You can use software like Waves NX with any headphone to simulate rooms. So I would think Neumann headphones with the Waves software would be a more revealing choice at about the same price.
Great video...as always.
So true. Finding the balance between being able to hear well and not underemphasizing that frequency range in a mix is an issue. That's why swapping headphones you are familiar with from time to time to get extra perspective is your best option.
Or better yet, EQ your headphone. Flatten it out, but turn off that specific corrective EQ instance before exporting the mixdown.
I check my mixes on the Focal Clear Pro. No complaints.
Very cool presentation! At the moment I‘m thinking about purchasing the Steven Slate VSX system. Well, I know it‘s a system and you need to use them with the VSX-sw, but after having seen your opinion about them, I‘m not sure anymore. I wanted them because of the possibility to check for cars, iPhones, etc., because I always hear that the mixing can sound great in the studio, but the opposite in the car, boomboxes, etc. . My Homestudio is not acoustically treated.
I’ve been using vsx for about 2 years now and it’s amazing
This video (and article) has probably sold me on MM-500 more than others. Holy hell am I torn between MM-500, LCD-5 (rip wallet) and LCD-X, even Focal Clear MG to a point.
I produce a pretty wide range of styles, but I lean toward mixing bass a lot. MM-500 sound great, I like headphones that are more in your face in the soundstage, but I'm worried they may sound too thin and clinical on the bottom end for general listening. Perhaps some subtle EQ may help, but I have no idea. This is why I may lean toward LCD-X considering I am very much part of the electronic music and even metal production arena.
What do you think?
EDIT: Went ahead and ordered a pair of LCD-X in the end. Excited to try them out once they arrive, I think I can expect a whole another world of mixing after using DT-990's for years.
😱xrtullor⁉️used 990s⁉️let him cook using lcd x🔥🔥🔥🗣️!!!
@@rtrtrtrt4790 How do people keep recognizing me at the most random places remains beyond me
I no longer have room for monitors- i ran Adam audio T7’s- so i go between my audio technica ATH M-40 closed backs and R70 open backs. Then, if i feel like hearing them in different rooms, i have a couple of room emulations- abbey road and realphones
They aren’t the same as monitors, but, like you said- i know these headphones, and make adjustments accordingly. Finally, it’s off to the car.
magnificent podcast!! one of the best comparisons I've ever seen.
BUT, .... what about Heddphones?? Are they as good as they say?
Regards from Spain!!
Thanks! I hope to get my hands on the new versions soon. The new ones weren’t announced and the old ones weren’t available when I did this.
-Justin
Great video! Any experience with Hifiman Arya Stealth?
Really informative and helpful video! I’d love to know your thoughts on the Hifiman Edition XS: a planar magnetic headphone around 500 euro that’s popular amongst audiophiles. Would these be a good option for mixing and mastering?
I hadn’t heard of hifiman before doing this video. Would like to hear them!
-Justin
I have nothing to say about quality of headphones, but have to mention that picture of sound in headphones and speakers is different. Speakers give you more precise detailed about panorama. Using headphones you can hear sound from right or left ear separately. But in real we listen by both ears, even if sound source is located at one of sides. So, I would think it better to combine both methods of mastering- phones and speakers.
After watching this video ( several times!) I bought the Neumann NDH 30's.
Absolutely love these phones for my studio.
Awesome! Glad they are pricing useful!
-Justin
Thanks Justin for these amazing and informative videos.
Hey Justin, amazing review! Really appreciate the time and effort!
I have DT990 pros 250 ohms and use them with sonarworks of course (without sonarworks their highs are ear-piercing and they sound too scooped). I was thinking of getting the NDH30s (i use KH310 monitors). There is no way I can listen/test them before I buy.
Can you tell how much of a step up should I expect?
That is comparing the DT990 pros + sonarworks vs NDH30s +sonarworks. Is it worth shelling out the extra 650$ if sonarworks corrects the sound of the unbalanced dt990s to the point where its as "flat" as the NDH30s with sonarworks?
It would be great if you've had a chance to listen to the dt990s with sonarworks, I would really value your opinion.
Thanks once again, all the best! @SonicScoop
Nice video! Have you listened to Sennheiser's 560S headphones? Cheap in terms of price and "quality impression", but you can hear low frequencies in them much better than in 650. Still, the sound is a very characteristic Sennheiser sound - midrange/top end.
I’m not familiar with the model. I would love to hear them!
-Justin
I have the nuemann 20’s because they are closest to my daily headphones I use during the work week. Which is the Sony wh 1000 xm2’s . I use them for comfort and noise cancellation and adjustable eq. The xm3’s and xm4’s are muddy so I’ve stuck with the xm2’s.. The nuemann is better of course. But very similar to what eq curve I apply to my Sonys . I Mix on both. I find I over clean things with the nuemann headphones. Don’t clean enough on the Sonys. Using both has been beneficial. Along with my hs8’s in a heavily treated room.
Great video. Personally own the MV-1's. The translation of bass frequencies to monitors (genelec 8040's in my case) is pretty solid, I noticed when I mix on the sony's I tend to bump up vocal levels by 1dB as compared to what I prefer on the monitors. Top end translation is pretty epic, it's great for surgical removal of any high end harshness and de-essing.
I use the Blue Sadie when traveling - pretty impressed with these. The Ella's are even better
I am quite curious about the Slate VSX models and might give one of them a try sometime. For me, the Beyerdynamic 1990 are also quite intersting, because I used to use the DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm for years for my mixing and mastering, and they did a really good job, especially considering the price. I wonder if the 350 price jump to the 1990s is worth it. It might be, as supposedly, the lowend is more precise and the Beyer Peak less pronounced, but I haven't yet tried them myself. For someone on a really, really tight budget, the DT990 Pro would still be something worth looking at in my opinion.
I just got them after being on the fence for a while, and after a couple days of using them I kick myself in the arse for not doing it sooner.
@Ferrous_Bueller nice! I really want them too. Not sure if the pro and pro x versions are worth the extra money? Did you consider these too?
@@jasonm9825 as far as I know, they only come in two versions now, the Essential and the Platinum. Only difference between the two is the latter gives you more rooms. But Steven’s has coupons to upgrade to the Platinum at certain times of the year doe $100, so I went with the essential and I’ll upgrade whenever they have a coupon
I prefer the LCD X 2021s over the MM500. They have more bass and I like the pinna gain/upper mids better as well. The MM’s are a bit forward in the upper mids and that hampers it’s mixing ability. They LCD X cost less too (and come in the same cool pelican case)
Very instructive video, Justin. I’m a techno producer, and I also mix and master my own tracks. For years, I’ve struggled to find great cans. I tried most of the headphones you listed except Audeze, Sony, and the ones at the end. But Austrian Audio Hi-X65 are stunning! The amount of instrument separation and detail I get from them (and I run all my headphones through Sonarworks) is even better than NDH30. I’m surprised so very few audio pros use software to calibrate headphones because very few cans sound good out of the box, at least for my ears. :) Try the X65s and other ones with Sonarworks. You’ll be surprised how much more detailed they are for the price. I actually think they’re even better than NDH30 even when both are used with Sonarworks. Not sure how practical is the emulating software you mentioned. Because in the end, it still adds color (of a room or whatever). The key is to remove color, and Sonarworks, in my experience, does it best. No gimmicks, just a flat freq curve to bring out the best from a pair of cans. :) I even did a YT review of the Hi-X65s myself. They’re just great. And I think all genders sound incredible in them.
Great to hear! I do like the brand too. And yes, headphone calibration can be a very useful thing.
-Justin
I like my Austrian audio hi x65, take sometime to get use to it, kinds of like fuller range of ns10s, mix sounds good on them, sounds also good on my mains. I think they are winner of last namm?
The Drop version of Beyer Dynamics DT1770 is DT177X. It corrects problems associated with the original. I also have Focal Elex's which are quite unreliable in low mids and bass. I highly recommend the DT177X. I do most of my mixes on them in combination with Adam A8X monitors and it's an excellent combination. There is very little difference in adjustment of a mix when switching between the 2.
What kind of music do you mix?
@@DIRTYLITTLEPRESET Mostly Latin flavored funk-jazz. I used to do a lot of rock and pop, not so much any more. In the meantime I sold my Focal Elex cans and Adam A8X monitors. Upgraded to Adam A8H monitors and added a HiFiMan Arya Organic pair of cans. I use the Aryas only with Sound ID Reference software by Sonarworks. Otherwise they are very midrange-scooped. Adam A8H monitors have a much more accurate mids campared to the old A8X model. I have a treated room and no need for software correction.
I own a pair of the Audeze LCD-X 2021 headphones so, what is your opinion regarding the Audeze LCD-X 2021 ranking?
I have the Shure, definitely great sounding, but also fits the best, and not too heavy, I forget I’m using them!
They are great I use them as well
My personal favorites, that I have tried, are the Avantone Planar and Avantone MP1 mixphones. Both amazing for the price. The mixphones are definitely not flat but they just seem to work for mixing and have great low end, I often find I feel the music so much I take them off to make sure the speakers are not on lol.. My mixes on them translate very well and they are cheap. BUT they, like the blue shed the black off the ear cups over the years. I have never heard the Blue but the way you describe them makes them sound the way I would describe the MP1's. The Avantone Planar II I just got a few months ago and they are very flat sounding and very detailed with a nice open yet strong sound. My only issue with them is they are a little less bright than I would like so my first mixes on them were too bright. Sonarworks doesn't have a setting for them so I made my own and now I love them for mixing. Very curious how the Avantone Planar stacks up against the Audeze MM-100 and 500. Thanks for a great review.
I have the opposite problem. My room is treated with GIK Acoustics Impressions panels and I’m running the Yamaha HS8s with the HS8S sub (I still miss the NS10s). I decided to forego bass traps since I use my studio for both recording and mixing, but also casual listening. Because of the way I treated it and having the sub (properly calibrated), my room sound is tight, deep, clear, and as accurate as I’d like it to be for my use case.
When I switch to headphones, which I do love to mix in, I lose a lot of that low end body and texture. I have a fairly diverse headphone collection. Audeze LCD-X; DT 1990, 990, and 770s; Sennheiser HD600 and 650; MDR-7506 (I’m an Andrew Schep fan); Meze 109 Pros; and some Audeze MM-100s on the way. I have spent thousands trying to find a headphone that gets close enough to my room. I know there is a huge limitation there and I’m not looking to match soundstage and imaging, so much as the same sonic profile. Admittedly it may be a throw money at it scenario and I need to take the leap to the LCD-5s.
I end up using the HD600s for almost everything. They are an absolute workhorse. And I have a fairly robust collection of IEMs that I can sometimes reference for dialing in low-end. But I would love to find that perfect headphone that I can rely on, when my SO is working in the office next door and I’m not running my monitors.
Great video! Just found the channel, surprisingly. Definitely going to sub.
How do you like your MM-100 headphones? I was thinking about those or the HD 650.
@@DruDilly Definitely prefer the MM-100 for critical listening and mixing work. Love the HD650, but they are darker and more veiled, with less bass extension than the MM-100.
The 100s are probably the best value on the market as an entry level planar set. You’d need to move up to the LCD-2 or LCD-X for a marked improvement in performance. The FiiO FT5 is also very solid and a bit more “fun” in the tuning department.
I've used the LCD-X for a few years now and really like them. Very comfortable even though the pretty hefty weight. I've read many people say they are bright and I just can't understand how sensitive their ears must be because they are certainly not bright. To my ears they have too much mid range. But if you spend some time adding a eq curve (I'm doing on the master bus and also in the Universal Audio mixer setup) you'll have a really good pair of headphones giving you (yet again to my ears) very clear but solid bass and really good separation.
What you will not get with these are a really good stereo image. It's really tricky to set panning with the LCD-X because just the slightest move makes the pan overshoot. Making you be way too conservative with the panning setting.
But I've used quite a lot of headphones, including the Focal Clear Pro, DT1990, Sennheiser HD660, Sennheiser HD800, AKG K812 and a few others, and the LCD-X is the best so far. (But the HD800 has been the most comfortable of all.)
The LCD-X are excellent. Yeah, I don’t understand that, I wouldn’t called them bright at all. If anything they are in the smoother darker side, emphasizing midrange, just as you said.
The MM-500 are a little more “Hi-Fi” and pleasant sounding. That doesn’t mean that they are “better” though. Just closer to the kinds of mastering speakers I am accustomed to.
For mixing, the LCD-X can be an absolutely great choice.
-Justin
@@SonicScoop True that, smooth, really smooth. Almost as they are a bit too forgiving and let you drive them a bit too much. But at the moment they are the best for me to get good translation between my Genelec 8351B and 8341. But the eq compensation is a must though : )
Dan Clark Stealth tested & sounded great per ASR but $$$$. Waiting on mm100 reviews. The Waves room modeling plugins are fantastic.
In VSX you must use the hdlinear setting, as the headphone itself is only a blank canvas for modeling, not meant to mix without the software, ever.
My focal trio6 are sonically on par to Steven Midfield in VSX.
Functionally the best way to learn VSX is this: find a room first that gels with your references. Then, the best way to learn a room is to reference WHILE you mix!!!
When you inevitably switch to another room, put your reference in it first!! Even 10-20 seconds, then switch to your mix. Then you’ll begin to understand what sticks out and why what monitor set will help you and when. You trust the reference and if switching to it by moving from Zuma to a car sounds less wow, then once you move to your mix you’ll have the context of comparison being between your reference and you mix rather than that AND the fact that you just changed the room. Then all of the above teaches you what to listen for in a room or monitor set when you no longer depend on the reference.
Yes, I think I mention this in the video. The Linear setting is IMHO the best feature of the VSX!
I kind of wish they just sounded like that without the software :-) I don't necessarily need all the other bells and whistles, and if they could make headphones that just sound that way at $300, they'd be a great buy. But all those other features are fun to have for sure! Maybe useful too?
A lot of people using the VSX really seem to love them though and swear by the results they are getting. We have one member of the channel who has been mixing on them and his work sounds GREAT. So they are totally a viable solution.
-Justin
Very nice video!
Recently baught the Beyer 700 Pro X. Had some old AKG that cost about the same back in the 90's but where starting to falling apart. And pretty impressed with the 700 Pro X. Their bass responce is amazing and I hear details in songs that I know well, which I have never spotted before. Great phones. Been wondering if its worth parring it with Sonar works, especially if its worth the trouble sending in your headphones to get a custom measurement instead of the general settings for your model.
Hows the circle shape fitting your ear? Wore the classic style in store and they fit fully over my ear despite being round, but these pads look fatter and more square cornered
@@ASSman864 They are great as long as you get the size adjustet optimal for your head size. I get a little wear fattige over time due to using glasses
Also, get sonar works and it's software can flatten your headphones for you. I am impressed what it did with my ATHm50x's
it's not flattening *literally* but it targets towards their SR curve.
It can definitely be helpful on a lot of headphones!
-Justin
@@Lychegsye-nc6td yes thanks :)
This is one of the most professional and easy-to-understand explanation on how to pick your right headphones. Great, highly beneficial video I can recommend to any serious creator.
Awesome to hear! Thanks for tuning in.
-Justin
Thanks for the informative video. I would like to buy the BeyerDynamic DT1990 Pro but at this point I would like to invest my money in something effective for my mixing work...
What mic is that you are using? It looks so cool.
Hi Justine, I still use my S-Logic Ultrasone headphones, they are not cheap but works for me, plus an HD25+ for reference. But the S-Logic's headphones, the cushions also deteriorate, but it is about 20 years old. And I had to modify them, because I have a small head, with foam strips for racks from 1cm, and now the position is perfect. The HD25+ are also used in my radio studio, they are lightweight and going very hard in db's but lacking detail. But I'm watching for a new one for mixing specially, S-Logic is out of my league about prizes. Maybe these will be open, instead than closed, important if you work in warm environments.
Replacement earpads exist, you know? Pads must be replaced periodically like bed pillows and car tires.
I have the AKG K702 and im very happy with them, actually i was recomended by stimming from diynamic to buy them
Using K702 for many years now, need to replace ear pads. Looking now at NDH 30 to replace K702.
Using AIAIAI over in my studio but that is just for playing instruments not mastering. AKG K702 for writing quietly (open back) when being focused. Sennheiser, Sony and others around here. The Slate have so many issues with breaking the plastic headbands. I'd say avoid those until manufacturing fixes their problems-- unless you like breaking and returning often. Mastering is a different situation.
How do you feel about the LCD XC, they seem like theyde be a great set to work with if for no other reason but the ease of driveability
And at least the graph looks fairly similar to the other audeze products
VSX for me is a game changer, and probably the only tool that I will buy again in the audio world without any doubt. Ive stepped up my mixing game A LOT and that also impacted in the amount of work I get. This is sounding like and ad but I swear its not lol It takes time and listening to get used to it, but once you have your "setup" is a bless. I was tired of double-triple-checking all mixes I was doing, both in my treated room (that still has flaws even with heavy treatment) and my other headphones. Now I use a combination of Archon Studio (mid-field) and linear mode and I have to guess a lot less (Zuma sounds soooo nice too). I suppose its getting used to how a headphones sounds, but the ability to "know" more than one room and check in various references for me is amazing.
How is the build for the VSX? Ive seen some reviews in the past saying they tend to break from light bending. is that really true?
@@Itz_Gomi Build quality as far as I know was a problem with first releases, but is solved now. Have mine for a year now and 0 problems.
@salieto9597 Thanks for the reply. I'm definitely gonna look into getting em soon.
@@Itz_Gomi for me they are a extremely well thought tool. I think you have a really long trial period if you order through them (dont remember it correctly) so you dont loose nothing trying
I just started to use 64 audio A18s for mixing/mastering after ditching Sennheiser HD600 (individually calibrated by Sonarworks) cuz IEM don’t ruin my hair lol. I definitely feel some overhype in 8k area but I believe through learning and experience I’ll be able to overcome that. I guess I’m a weirdo haha
I would give a try to Sennheiser HD 660 S2. They have the nice miss of the 650 but now they added low end extension
dear @SonicScoop I have a parhos impol amplifier and a pathos converto mk2 headphone amplifier. I'm thinking between hifiman jade 2, or audeze lcd-2 classic one. What matters to me is a warm sound with as much air as possible and that they are comfortable. which should i buy
I have them for 2 weeks now and love it. I'm also just a audio enthousiast but the 109 sounds great for me. Drive them on a Mojo 2 and did a test against the lcd2 and 660s2. Every time I put on the 109 there is so much more information. Maybe it's the tuning but I think this headphone is for music lovers and not for audiophiles. The only negative I have is that you can hear the lower bitrates on Tidal... Omg, I have become audiophile!!
I’ve been looking at the NDH20’s for a while. Do you think they can used as main headphones for mixing or is the 30’s a stronger competitor? I also want to record vocals and produce with them
Honestly I'd just get a cheap pair of closed backs for recording as well as a good pair of open backs for production.
adding chapters to the video would help navigate the long run time for all the headphones listed.
Hi Sonic Scoop! thanks for all of your valuble insights in this video, its the best I've seen on the subject. If you have the ability, would it be possible to give some suggestions for the best headphones for tracking? Sound quality, isolation, build ect... I haven't been able to come to any satisfactory conclusion on that subject. Many thanks!
Well as a result of watching your video I bit the bullet and ordered a pair of the NEUMANN NDH 30 Open Back Headphones. About $100 more than what you said at $713 including tax. They should improve my mixes. My studio is in a room with a lot of hard surfaces and my current headphones are the Sony MDR-7506. I'd soundproof my room except I'm getting ready to sell my house, so these headphones should really help out. Thanks for the review!
Awesome to hear! Let us know how they turn out for you. I definitely think that the NDH 30 should help lead you in a better direction than the 7506.
They don’t sound “pretty” themselves, but that helps make your mixes sound prettier instead :-)
-Justin
Having just invested 500€ in the Beyerdynamic dt 900/700 pro x headphones im very interested in your opinion on those cans.
Manny Marroquin MM500 plus dSoniq Realphones for low end extension, and crossfeed, plus high quality headphone amp... under 2500 in total, beats almost everything, and most speaker setups. MM mixed latest Kendrick Lamar album on them. They're heavy and thick...but dang that's the combo. Did a review on my channel.
i have used many headphones 🎧for mixing and mastering
every time i hear 👂 my music and other people music on Neumann ndh 30 I don’t like it at all
but man when mix with it it sounds great on every other systems and monitors
Have you tried pairing the Audeze’s with the Reveal+ plugin? What are your thoughts, is it worth the extra 199$ for mixing purposes?
What about the Denon AH-D2000 and their family range? I use them and hear much more detail than I used to when listened to my 770s.
I found this video really helpful. I have decided to go for the Audeze headphones. My question is, can someone please recommend a usb audio interface that will work well with the headphones. My monitors are presonus sceptre 8. Im a person that relies on ear for sound, rather than understanding the khz terminology. I just pretty much want to have fun without hurting other peoples ears if they decide to enjoy my final finish. Im struggling to find a review on an interface that isnt refering me to focusrite. Just an interface that allows the headphones to corralate as accurately as possible with the monitor speakers. Thankyou in advance to whoever decides to answer my question.
Thanks for your Video! did you also take a look on Hifiman Sundara and expecially Hifiman Ananda Nano? - in my testing phase, they were a lot in front of Beyer 1770 or 1990 or even Neumanns open back ... would like to get your opinion on these Hifiman. All the best fro Austria
Apologies, but I've never heard of the brand before doing this video. Would love to have a listen!
-Justin
@@SonicScoop as far as i know Paul Third is an expert and doing a lot of his mixes on the Hifiman. he did also a dedicated video. I would be really wondering, what your opinion is about them! all the best
Apologies but I haven’t heard of Paul Third until just now either! 🤗I’ll have to look him up.
What mixes has he done? I couldn’t find any credits for him in Allmusic or Discogs. I guess I’ll have to do more looking!
-Justin
@@SonicScoop Hi! here is a video from Paul concerning or dedicated to those Hifiman phones :) : ua-cam.com/video/Rgno6hl29o0/v-deo.html