Can these really replace a $10,000 speaker setup??
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
- Get yours here from Thomann:- hoppole.co/thomann
Today we're talking about the Slate VSX 2.0 virtual headphone system. Is it any good, what are the updates, and 6 months on from my initial buy, was it worth the purchase?
What gear to buy? We recommend interfaces, microphones, monitors and more at our Thomas (Europe) and Sweetwater (USA) links below
www.thomann.de/gb/thlpg_loh2r...
🍻 BUY US A BEER WITH PATREON!🍻
/ hoppolestudios
Thanks to our Patrons who made this possible - your names are at the end of the video. You make a huge difference!
📱 FOLLOW US HERE 📱
Facebook: / adamsteelproducer
Instagram: / adamsteelproducer
All links are affiliate links
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Paid Promo?
01:15 - Cost
02:10 - Cheap Cable
03:15 - Visual Condition
10:20 - New Features
17:10 - Closing Thoughts
#slateVSX #mixing #virtualheadphones
Exactly what I’m looking for as I have no way to access a sonically treated room
It's not perfect by no means, and does not replace a real set of monitors. But it does sound really good
@@SeabornProductions anything that will inch me closer to a better sound is valuable in my situation
@@danson1992 oh yeah for sure, it's exactly why I just bought them haha
Just bought them too. Waited a bit for them to be out a few years so the quality of the headphones got better and there were more long term reviews. I work just everywhere I can so these are perfect for planes, hotel rooms....
@@Kris_jellybeardbeen considering getting these so what did you think of them after you got them?
Great review of v2 -- thank you for taking the time to do this follow-up!
I've been using them the same amount of time - around 6 months. I've always wanted Barefoot MM27'S as an upgrade to my K&H0300s and this update to version 2.0 is unbelievable. Stevens Mix room with the Auratone and Barefoot it's unbelievable. Best mix I've ever done in a really short amount of time.
Indispensible.
Please help, just got my VSX headphones but everything seems to be heard normal like a normal headphone, or even muffled n worse, what am i doing wrong here, was so excited to get them, put it on the master channel last in the chain, even the depth knob does not work no 3 d room effect like everyone says, the bypass button only increases the volume but no change in the sound, dunno what im doing wrong please help.
@@garfieldoliveira1458 are you sure this is your master output insert slot?
Why ask here and not support?
What daw?
Do you know what you're listening for? Are you sure it's completely wrong? I mean, it should sound like you're in a room at least!
Depth knob is VERY subtle. I can barely tell myself
Thanks for both reviews!
If you right click under ear profile you can also select between 3 resonant peak (I think) mid frequencies to hone the profiles a little more.
Hi Adam - was dubious re these headphones but after watching your vid have purchased a used pair - thanks for your honest and helpful vids- Ian
Very informative, thanks 🙏
Thanks for the review.
Great video. It was the plastic clip around the metal I think - that is what happened to my pair. However Slate sent me a new pair (from US to UK) within 5 days so can't fault it really.
This a cool video. I ordered these a couple days ago.
Best review yet! I subbed.
Yesss finally, thank you!
Just bought these out of curiosity. First impression is that yes the build quality isn't great and I see them easily deteriorating or can be easily damanged if you're note careful BUT they do sound great and surprisingly offer good sense of depth, dynamics and image. Ultimately I do prefer to mix with my studio monitors and open back Audeze headphones as I'm more familiar with their sound yet these are great for an "extra reference" to pin point issues in your mix referencing different rooms and comparing them to your reference tracks.
Composing and mixing/mastering my first movie score. I have a easy setup mobile Studio when I’m traveling (where I do a majority of my producing). This sounds like what I need for my situation.
I literally just mixed an album in a van traveling Europe. Game changer for traveling people!
I compensate the lowend with tools like a SubPac (some people use Woojer, which I cant tell you how this performs). But the subpac is the thing which gives you the impression of be in front of 10 pieces of 19" subs (if you decide to drive them like this). It helps me a lot. because I can't raise my subs in my flat.
Cheers Adam. Weird. Saw you yesterday in a Warren Huart video ( He's a top bloke ) , and then got an email telling me VSX was available, so I came looking for reviews as I'm maybe 90% sold on investing in a pair but needed that extra push, and you coincidentally came up in the search results, so whatever you're doing, youtube's algorithim likes it.
It's tough to make a decision on these as they aren't something you can demo, and it's a bit of a leap in the dark. At least with a vst you could get a trial and if you don't like it, you haven't lost anything, but your review was very thorough. I maybe should've got these before I got 2 pairs of AiAiAi TMA-2's and acoustically treated my room. Thanks !!
I’m just a newbie, fiddling around in my bedroom. I certainly don’t have the same needs as a pro, but I would like to be able to get good results. I could drop $300-$400 on some monitors, but no more, and there’s no way I could ever make my room sound good. These really seem like a good bet.
The number of other composers I know that have these, but snap is insane. Daniel James got 5 pairs, all of them broken , even once they are "fixed". (see his review).
Can you explain in detail the process of using monitoring fx? How you set it up?
I'm listening to this using my VSX and this sounds great. You can also right click on the profiles and see more options
I've had mine since July... no problems
They look good. I would think that the better you are as an engineer, the more you will get from them.
Fair - but you could really say that about anything!
A short, easy answer to the topic question: Yes, because not as many people can spend $10G on studio monitors and still have enough budget to treat and design the room they're in to get the most out of them. VSX are @ $500...
I've also found that VSX can improve the mixing chops of beginners and pros alike. VSX and other headphone mixing plug-ins like it are leveling the playing field for mixers.
Are you able to screw on the adapter for interfaces to the end of the cable like other headphones?
Because I work with such a wide variety of music styles, (everything from Rock and Pop to Metal to R&B to Classical and Orchestral) I’d like to ask you how you would rate the various speakers/rooms in VSX for their ability to accurately reproduce certain sonic details that are more nuanced and “esoteric” in nature?
An example of this would be wonderfully recorded acoustic instruments - something like James Taylor’s acoustic guitar, which always has such beautiful details and nuance…
Or, perhaps a cello or violin, (a real one) or, a real jazz drum kit, where the drummer is playing with brushes?
If so (and with the understanding that I’m referring to instruments that have been professionally recorded and sound great to begin with), is there a particular speaker/room in VSX that you feel would best represent these esoteric, finely detailed examples that I’ve mentioned above?
I’m just curious to know what you think about VSX regarding this.
Good video, BTW.
I’ve subscribed and liked.
😊🙏
I've only spent time learning NRG and Archon studios, but for rock/metal I always use Archon midfields. For RnB or Jazz I definitely prefer the NRG studio.
NRG has more natural ambiance as it's a larger room whereas the Archon is smaller and tighter sounding - also the Archon midfields are probably the flattest, most neutral sounding speakers but NRG has the best nearfields IMO
For orchestral pieces I've used both but generally lean towards NRG
Well I’ve been searching for a review on these headphones, and I’m 8 minutes in and have yet to hear anything of a review. I will keep looking !
Yeah, it's an advert and these comments are by shills, yawn. Either that or they really are that stupid.
I know this is purely subjective. but what are some reference tracks to get a solid feel from these headphones?
i use VSX since came out and really my mixes are just you say... my best mixes... and from 3 mix i send to my client only ONE need revision and was for up the guitars nothing more.... to me was the best invest in the last 10 years MIX SOLUTION
I love my VSX so much. A total revolution in mixing technology. Also creating the best mixes of my life especially judging low end
The update is incredible especially Steven's mono Auratone and the Sonora nearfields which have an incredible mid and high detail great for composing
From what I heard the metal han't snapped. Rather, it was plastic (before they made a change to how they are manufactured).
I'm still on the fence. I have Blue Sadie headphones, which are nice, but of course they lack room and monitor emulation.
Grabbing my popcorn
Hey Adam. Do you put VSX on your master bus or the Monitor FX section in Reaper?
Monitor FX section. That way I don’t have to load it into every project
It's the software that makes the headphones as you can replicate different rooms and environments.
great review you just sold them to me.
I'd like to see someone mix the same song on these and also on studio monitors in a treated room.
Here's the deal. I am a beta tester for these headphones. What I immediately noticed was my mixes were approved faster. I was able to get more bass out of my mixes. Version 2.0 is crazy good...especially Steven's room. This puts a great monitoring solution in the hands of many. I was going to purchase Genelecs and Audezes before I was made a part of the testing team. I would not even consider those options anymore
it has to be a "well" treated room, there are plenty "treated" rooms but well treated, very rare.
because, thats actual rocket science
It's so easy to hear the problems of a mix with these headphones that makes you save so much time... Literally days of working on a mix... I can't go back to not having this tool.
Hi the Thomann link doesn't come up with any Slate VSX, they don't appear to stock them?
No-one is stocking them right now. As soon as Thomann have a pre-order I’ll update it
can u track with the software on? any latency issues? ive not heard any info on latency.
Zero latency, so it’s entirely down to your system
I don't have acces to trated room and I was eyeing these for some time not. So this video is very helpful. Thank you!
One question. Would you choose this over, let's say, HD650 with Sonarworks?
Yes every time. I used to use that exact setup before this and it’s not even close
@@adamsteelproducer Thank you!
@@adamsteelproducer hmm, that's interesting. I can't imagine having headphones better than the hd650's and SW. I'm not saying it's not possible, I've just never used anything better so I can't imagine what that vex setup would sound like. So you recommend it still?
I’ve gone back since. VSX was good but the modelling, whilst really useful, made me doubt myself after years of using one setup
@@adamsteelproducer fair enough! Thanks for the response Adam, I'll give these a miss!
Is it only for mixing or can you master with it too?
You can do anything you want- but best advice is always to send your work to a mastering engineer, at the very least for a second professional opinion and constructive feedback
do you use sonarworks at the same time? or just VSX?
Just one at a time, vsx with its own system and sonarworks if I’m using monitors or my hd650s
I have a hard time wearing 'cans' for an extended length of time. Is there an in-ear set out there that are equivalent in quality?
What kind of latency does the software put on the master bus?
This is answered below, you can track with them and the software is zero latency.
Would be wild if they did a model of Dr Dre's studio lol
Glad to see the baggie, cable, and stickers held up. 😂 skip to 5:00
Hey Adam! Do you still 100% with vsx only?
Hey! I do when I’m at home in studio B, got a replacement set recently and I’m back to using those for mixing. The experience is so efficient with being able to switch that it’s really good for my workflow
@@adamsteelproducer ok great I am currently using Hd650s with sonarworks because ai trust them more than my room. Debating on getting them.
Have you tried Sienna from Acustica?
Yeah. It was ok but the same issues as the waves offerings. VSX is a closed system so there’s nothing to be fighting like headphones with slightly off-spec frequency curves
@@adamsteelproducer I think Acustica did a profile for the Vsx headphones, which I thought was a bit cheeky, but thought it would be an interesting comparison....cheers for the vids btw.
Please help, just got my VSX headphones but everything seems to be heard normal like a normal headphone, or even muffled n worse, what am i doing wrong here, was so excited to get them, put it on the master channel last in the chain, even the depth knob does not work no 3 d room effect like everyone says, the bypass button only increases the volume but no change in the sound, dunno what im doing wrong please help.
It’s your listening profile you have to put it on a setting 1-3 that works for you. When you put the headphones on move them up and down and you’ll start to hear it’s the way you position them. Also, play a reference track in them first to train your ear. Hope this helps you
Thanks brother, working great now
Are you close pals with White Sea Studio?
Don’t know him. I know who he is
How would these headphones go as a pure listening device for entertainment?
They’re ok, but definitely not the best in that environment as they’re designed to be really flat and neutral for use with the software
short answer, yes. long answer, yes they can.
Lame that they couldn't have a higher grade cable with the money your spending.... cutting those corners.
Alternatives? Cheaper alternatives?
Sonarworks or can opener software with any headphones on their profile list.
Is nothing like this. I came from HD650s with sonarworks and this is distinctly different
@@adamsteelproducer he just asked for alternatives. I use VSX and wouldn't change it for anything.
When Slate Digital asks you not to show MKii headphones until they officially announce, and ya do a video… 🤷🏻♂️
These aren’t mark 2s…
Also this videos 2 months old…
Gotcha. Your frame grab shows MKii 😉
Can someone lend me some $$ please? (lol)
I strongly disliked these.
Something about my ears just can't cope with any headphones and these weren't a solution :(
I'm glad so many people have gotten value out of them though.
Man that sucks- but I guess there’s no one product that works for everyone! If there was the market would be a lot smaller…
I will say that it took me a while to really tune into them, but I’ve seen a few reports of them just not working at all
"I didn't pay for this promotion" ... That's the newest promotion gimmick. ... Just that makes me not want to buy them, and I have no clue how good/bad they are since I never used them. ... Overly popularized and overhyped. Of course I'm wrong cuz everyone loves them, except the pros it seems. Wheres the old school guys opinions? Surely not the magic wand everyone is looking for to solve the difficulties of mixing/mastering ...
How can staying “I was not paid” be a promotion gimmick?
I bought these myself. No sponsors, no promotion. If I say otherwise that would be an outright lie.
And if you don’t like something just because it’s popular? Well good luck with your life. I hear oxygen is popular.
@@adamsteelproducer You bought them because they are popular. Needed to shout out to the world that your purchase was worth your money, cuz the mass thought it was the sh*t. You just did exactly what SS wanted you to do. Welcome to the newest " promotional gimmick" ... As time passes you will know what I'm talking about. SS is a genius at this and you will learn this in time.
Just buy the best headphones you can and get on with it. You don't need these, they're overpriced, the profit margins on them are huge, that's why Slate market them so aggressively and make such wild claims about them. Notice you've never heard a truly famous engineer/producer saying that they're amazing and that they can't live without them etc etc. It's always someone you've never heard of and there's a reason for that.
Like Mike Dean? :(
@@noway2652 Referee?
@@RainGodRecordsInc it’s not an answer man. This man has significantly influenced the industry, fact. I'm not defending the position that this proves the quality of the product, but your statement already sounds less convincing
@@noway2652 Just buy 'em mate, I don't care. It's your money.
@@RainGodRecordsInc You're not following the topic of conversation at all :) Have a good one!
if it comes with such a shitty cable I highly doubt that the rest is of better quality. I‘m out.
Simple answer: no. Complicated answer: no.
Username checks out.
@@adamsteelproducer Oh no, your cancel culture won't work...DOH!
Seems you’re the one attempting the cancelling, yet here we are...
@@adamsteelproducer Simple opinion, but your first step was to check my channel so you could bag on me or thumb down stuff you never heard. You are the problem, and you know it. I suppose if you knew any professional engineers you could just ask them...as opposed to listening to kids bloviate...ignorantly..on youtube, but I felt no need to tell you that, until now, as you have become abusive and typically youtube.
k
Stupid question. If you don’t use the software and solely use the headphones as is, would you say they can still benefit someone with a bad environment? I have awesome gear! But untreated room. And a super old version of protools that I just refused to upgrade. That’s why I know I can’t run the software. I know that’s probably the whole point of them. To use the software. That’s why I called it a stupid question. But I’d still love to hear your answer if you didn’t mind! Thanks a lot!
I bought mine a year and a half ago, and they were the second batch after they ran out and supposedly improved them. I’ve been using them, and I think the software is good, but with light used in just my home studio, (only me) the metal headband snapped. I taped that up and about a week later the other snapped. I have been treating them like they were made of solid gold because I read about all the complaints and they broke anyway. The bad part is the incredibly suck support from Stephen slate. No answer whatsoever to two phone calls and three emails. Nada.
A company that has got to be just loaded and can’t afford to take care of its customers over such an obvious defect. This is absolutely shameful. Don’t buy this crap product unless you want to throw away 400 bucks.