The camera gets a bit wobbly late in the video. I think the table in front of me got pushed into the tripod a bit. I'll make sure to avoid that in future videos.
Some of the newer Mac laptops, particularly the MacBook pros, have a much improved headphone amplifier. They can even power something like an HD650 at 300 ohms.
So the mid-forwardness and propensity for harshness in the 3k range makes sense considering it's a headphone designed for mixing. If you've ever used ATC studio monitors or NS-10's you'll find they are also quite harsh in that frequency range and for whatever reason this is beneficial for mixing songs that sound good on everything.
Tried for 2 weeks. Idk how anything like this can make sense. It's 500g. I dont know how one can wear this for long periods of time in a professional setting
Top notch review, Wave. I really like the fact that you don’t mince any words and say it the way you see it. I’m really enjoying your reviews, keep up the great work.
Hello Wave. The headphone requires amplification for sure just wonder what kind. In the beginning, when I first try it there was a track (Hello)by Adele when she starts ramping up her voice at the beginning of the (welcome to the other side) that I heard what you describe as the 3k peak. Otherwise, I think vocals are a strength not to be underestimated. Because of the clinical nature of the headphones, you can distinguish each singer's tonality. I`ve listened to tracks I`m familiar with and very surprised by how revealing they are
I currently own the LCD-XCs. I am curious about an upgrade. I am thinking 4z, MM-500, or MX4. Any advice would be really appreciated. I listen to music for enjoyment. I am not a professional in the music field.
Have you listened to ns10s, i think manny have mixed 90% on those trough his career, they are also very mid forward, maybe that's something he liked when designing them with audeze?
I listened to these in an audio store and didn't like them at all, the mids was too forward for my liking, and the clamping force was horrible, so not my cup of tea, but they look great, I give them that.
I have so many questions and Thank You for the honest take. This is in line with what I thought a mixing headphone would be. A sound signature that accentuates ear gain for mixing "clarity" on the go. The odd part to me is why is it open back ? Wouldn't someone mixing want to shut out outside noise ? Does this person have tinnitus ? I have noticed that people with tinnitus dislike closed back and IEMs because it exacerbates the condition. You are the 2nd reviewer in a row to say it is very mid-forward. Seems like a niche product with an altered timbre but maybe when mixing this exactly what is needed.
Open backs aren't rare. HD600 gets a fair amount of use by mixers. I don't think on the road here means on a bus or at coffee shop, etc. I think it's more in a hotel room or visiting a new studio.
Closed-back are for recording instruments and vocals. Open-back are best for mixing, judging compression/EQ/reverb settings and so on. Closed-back really mess with your perception of tonal balance and accuracy and they sound tight, whereas good open-backs give me the same kind of stereo field as a set of monitor speakers (especially with a HP amp that produces a phantom centre, or a plugin like CanOpener). If I wanted to, I can mix on a pair of high-grade open-backs that I know well and I'll get a mix that translates well to monitor speakers and speakers in general, but I couldn't do that with closed-backs with any confidence.
What do you think of these headphones to this day now? I own them since release and I absolutely love them. Own these and the Arya stealth and my 2 endgame headphones for many different reasons
I sent them on to their owner after the review so I haven't had an opportunity to change my opinion on them. They are excellent technical performers in their resolution, staging, and dynamics. That will be enough for many listeners so I certainly understand why you like them so much and you will get no grief from me about that. Their midrange tuning just doesn't work for me.
You didn’t like the Clear MG either and that is one of the headphones I use to make sure what I’m mixing in the midrange is working. Honky or shouty mids are key for mixing. The Yamaha NS10 monitors have been staples in studios because the midrange is so aggressive. Those speakers produce accurate translation to other systems, but don’t sound “good” to most people. I’m probably completely opposite from you in that I love forward midrange but I appreciate your takes.
I appreciate your feedback as well. Clearly there are different goals. I also remember running sound systems for years and always being pulled between groups that wanted more 1k or 3k energy so they could "understand what is being said" and when you please that group another group says "it sounds weird." I see my channel as being geared toward end users who just want to enjoy music, so that's my lens so to speak. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for another thorough review. I like that you are upfront re your preferences. I will be near a dealer next week and may get to hear one then if they have a demo opened.
beautiful self reflection on what fr you prefer. I heard the 650 is supposed to be similar to this fr wise and if that‘s true then i can understand where your problem is coming from. Looks like a great headphone overall tho.
I really was considering getting these until I got a really good deal on a 2nd hand pair of lcdx for about $775. A part of me still wonder if these would have been a better buy
Seems like a headphone perfectly designed for its intended purpose. A master mixer, but a mixed bag for musical enjoyment. Do I spy a Koa wood Atrium lurking in the background? 😮 Looking forward to that review!
Wave , I've purchased the lcdx a year ago per your review and now I'm interested in trying something different. Would you consider the mm-500 to be better then the lcdx or are they so similar that i would do better trying a completely different headphone altogether?
They will have similarities given theyre made by the same company and for the same purpose. I found the MM-500 to be much more mid-forward than the LCD-X 2021. That's the biggest difference. What kind of different are you after?
@Reviews By WaveTheory so sorry for the late reply. I didn't notice you responded to me 😅 I think I'm looking for something that compliments the lcdx at this point but gives a different experience. Something with a wider and deeper stage. I would also like a little more separation between instruments. Instead of listening critically, something that's a little more kick back and enjoy the music. After watching a ton of your reviews, I think I narrowed it down to either the he1000 v2 (OG) or the arya stealth magnet.
Maybe headphones aren’t for you. Not wanting to EQ tells me you’re not serious about bringing the best out of each headphone. Yes, I’ve tried this headphone and with EQ they’re right up there with the LCD-5 (w/EQ). Reach out to Resolve and he’ll help you out with quality EQing.
EQ isn't something that is even available in many use cases where the source isnt a PC. If you bothered to watch the video in it's entirety, you'd have known that he mentioned the MM-500 sounded good with EQ. The audio hobby is one full of many different choices, preferences and paths. If you feel that your own opinion about EQ is the only "correct" opinion, maybe the audio hobby isn't for you.
Sounds like you bought it. Maybe it's best for your not to read the reviews. Just enjoy your purchase.Otherwise, you might doubt why you bought it. EQ away and it will be perfect.
@@hazi5961 I love a good strawman reply. Where did I say "correct opinion?" I stated my opinion. I use all kinds of sources that utilize EQ. You must be new to the hobby. Welcome! Maybe start with asking questions instead of replying to comments with logical fallacies. Again, welcome to the audio hobby!
They can't be to great of headphone, the Audeze MX4, Lcd 5, and CRBN still exist as a true reference that will give you a better mix Im surre. You get what you pay for right? So that tells me these were created as a mid tier headphone at best. Marketing gimmicks. Either you get a $300 headphone or top of the line $3000 to 5k, something like the Hifiman He1000se, no in between.
The camera gets a bit wobbly late in the video. I think the table in front of me got pushed into the tripod a bit. I'll make sure to avoid that in future videos.
Some of the newer Mac laptops, particularly the MacBook pros, have a much improved headphone amplifier. They can even power something like an HD650 at 300 ohms.
So the mid-forwardness and propensity for harshness in the 3k range makes sense considering it's a headphone designed for mixing. If you've ever used ATC studio monitors or NS-10's you'll find they are also quite harsh in that frequency range and for whatever reason this is beneficial for mixing songs that sound good on everything.
Tried for 2 weeks. Idk how anything like this can make sense. It's 500g. I dont know how one can wear this for long periods of time in a professional setting
@@veritas7010 Neck gains for days.
Those rods make you look like you’re wearing Ant-Man’s helmet or something 🤣
Top notch review, Wave. I really like the fact that you don’t mince any words and say it the way you see it. I’m really enjoying your reviews, keep up the great work.
Hello Wave. The headphone requires amplification for sure just wonder what kind. In the beginning, when I first try it there was a track (Hello)by Adele when she starts ramping up her voice at the beginning of the (welcome to the other side) that I heard what you describe as the 3k peak. Otherwise, I think vocals are a strength not to be underestimated. Because of the clinical nature of the headphones, you can distinguish each singer's tonality. I`ve listened to tracks I`m familiar with and very surprised by how revealing they are
I currently own the LCD-XCs. I am curious about an upgrade. I am thinking 4z, MM-500, or MX4. Any advice would be really appreciated. I listen to music for enjoyment. I am not a professional in the music field.
Have you listened to ns10s, i think manny have mixed 90% on those trough his career, they are also very mid forward, maybe that's something he liked when designing them with audeze?
Great review. One of your best!
I listened to these in an audio store and didn't like them at all, the mids was too forward for my liking, and the clamping force was horrible, so not my cup of tea, but they look great, I give them that.
I prefer the tuning of the LCD X 2021, especially for mixing.
I also thought the X 2021 was well tuned. That made this tuning all the more puzzling to me.
MM is a Mixing Engineer. That means the sound should be more analytical than "nice" and hifi.
Best review on this headphone and my DeVa Pro .. thank you Wave 🌊 👍
I have so many questions and Thank You for the honest take. This is in line with what I thought a mixing headphone would be. A sound signature that accentuates ear gain for mixing "clarity" on the go. The odd part to me is why is it open back ? Wouldn't someone mixing want to shut out outside noise ? Does this person have tinnitus ? I have noticed that people with tinnitus dislike closed back and IEMs because it exacerbates the condition. You are the 2nd reviewer in a row to say it is very mid-forward. Seems like a niche product with an altered timbre but maybe when mixing this exactly what is needed.
Open backs aren't rare. HD600 gets a fair amount of use by mixers. I don't think on the road here means on a bus or at coffee shop, etc. I think it's more in a hotel room or visiting a new studio.
Closed-back are for recording instruments and vocals. Open-back are best for mixing, judging compression/EQ/reverb settings and so on. Closed-back really mess with your perception of tonal balance and accuracy and they sound tight, whereas good open-backs give me the same kind of stereo field as a set of monitor speakers (especially with a HP amp that produces a phantom centre, or a plugin like CanOpener). If I wanted to, I can mix on a pair of high-grade open-backs that I know well and I'll get a mix that translates well to monitor speakers and speakers in general, but I couldn't do that with closed-backs with any confidence.
@@joechapman8208 TY, makes sense.
What do you think of these headphones to this day now? I own them since release and I absolutely love them. Own these and the Arya stealth and my 2 endgame headphones for many different reasons
I sent them on to their owner after the review so I haven't had an opportunity to change my opinion on them. They are excellent technical performers in their resolution, staging, and dynamics. That will be enough for many listeners so I certainly understand why you like them so much and you will get no grief from me about that. Their midrange tuning just doesn't work for me.
You didn’t like the Clear MG either and that is one of the headphones I use to make sure what I’m mixing in the midrange is working. Honky or shouty mids are key for mixing. The Yamaha NS10 monitors have been staples in studios because the midrange is so aggressive. Those speakers produce accurate translation to other systems, but don’t sound “good” to most people. I’m probably completely opposite from you in that I love forward midrange but I appreciate your takes.
I appreciate your feedback as well. Clearly there are different goals. I also remember running sound systems for years and always being pulled between groups that wanted more 1k or 3k energy so they could "understand what is being said" and when you please that group another group says "it sounds weird." I see my channel as being geared toward end users who just want to enjoy music, so that's my lens so to speak. Thanks for watching!
26:40 Did you proper ‘burned’ them in or don’t you believe that’s a thing?
For me, the Hifiman Arya blows this one out of the water.
Interesting review.. Sound engineer here. Just bought a pair to see what's what. But thanks. Will let you know how it goes...
Well, at least they are improving the comfort of their headphones.
❤❤❤
“A professional audio PERSON”
What is that? He’s a mixing engineer. 😂
Do the ear cups gets hot over long use ? Leather seems not the best for temperature comfort over long use.
I just bought these and that glare you are describing at higher volumes is very accurate. Changing dacs helped some.
Did you keep or sell them
Thanks for another thorough review. I like that you are upfront re your preferences. I will be near a dealer next week and may get to hear one then if they have a demo opened.
“All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone, in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.”
beautiful self reflection on what fr you prefer.
I heard the 650 is supposed to be similar to this fr wise and if that‘s true then i can understand where your problem is coming from.
Looks like a great headphone overall tho.
Here's to hoping Audeze listen to you.
Thanks. I don't know how many subscribers it takes to get a manufacturer to listen to a reviewer, but I bet it's more than I have! 😆
I really was considering getting these until I got a really good deal on a 2nd hand pair of lcdx for about $775. A part of me still wonder if these would have been a better buy
Seems like a headphone perfectly designed for its intended purpose. A master mixer, but a mixed bag for musical enjoyment. Do I spy a Koa wood Atrium lurking in the background? 😮 Looking forward to that review!
No that's a Susvara
@@disco4535 I only see an HEKSE and an Atrium, no Susvara. Oh, and an MM-500 :D
Wave , I've purchased the lcdx a year ago per your review and now I'm interested in trying something different. Would you consider the mm-500 to be better then the lcdx or are they so similar that i would do better trying a completely different headphone altogether?
They will have similarities given theyre made by the same company and for the same purpose. I found the MM-500 to be much more mid-forward than the LCD-X 2021. That's the biggest difference. What kind of different are you after?
@Reviews By WaveTheory so sorry for the late reply. I didn't notice you responded to me 😅 I think I'm looking for something that compliments the lcdx at this point but gives a different experience. Something with a wider and deeper stage. I would also like a little more separation between instruments. Instead of listening critically, something that's a little more kick back and enjoy the music. After watching a ton of your reviews, I think I narrowed it down to either the he1000 v2 (OG) or the arya stealth magnet.
You're honest, and un these circles, "honesty is such a lonely word"....
New mic? Sounds great, friend.
Had this one awhile. New lights though. Maybe everything seems clearer now.
Can you teach us quantum mechanics pls
Materials for the first lab include a cat and a box...
Wave, is that an HEKSE hanging to your left?
🤫😜 Yes. I've copped to that already.
@@wavetheorysound
Most Excellent!!
Great Saiyaman vibes
thank you for the informative review. looking forward for more videos
Maybe headphones aren’t for you. Not wanting to EQ tells me you’re not serious about bringing the best out of each headphone. Yes, I’ve tried this headphone and with EQ they’re right up there with the LCD-5 (w/EQ). Reach out to Resolve and he’ll help you out with quality EQing.
EQ isn't something that is even available in many use cases where the source isnt a PC. If you bothered to watch the video in it's entirety, you'd have known that he mentioned the MM-500 sounded good with EQ.
The audio hobby is one full of many different choices, preferences and paths. If you feel that your own opinion about EQ is the only "correct" opinion, maybe the audio hobby isn't for you.
Sounds like you bought it. Maybe it's best for your not to read the reviews. Just enjoy your purchase.Otherwise, you might doubt why you bought it. EQ away and it will be perfect.
@@MrLuftmann I did not buy it. Your comment has nothing to do with my critique of his review.
@@hazi5961 I love a good strawman reply. Where did I say "correct opinion?" I stated my opinion. I use all kinds of sources that utilize EQ. You must be new to the hobby. Welcome! Maybe start with asking questions instead of replying to comments with logical fallacies. Again, welcome to the audio hobby!
@@hazi5961 I agree with you!
They can't be to great of headphone, the Audeze MX4, Lcd 5, and CRBN still exist as a true reference that will give you a better mix Im surre. You get what you pay for right? So that tells me these were created as a mid tier headphone at best. Marketing gimmicks. Either you get a $300 headphone or top of the line $3000 to 5k, something like the Hifiman He1000se, no in between.