This might seem like a dumb question but bear with me...
I still prefer tracking guitars and bass wearing headphones, it's just easier for me especially when double tracking a panned take.
However all my sets of headphones are closed back... and it is annoying readjusting every couple of seconds to listen to what my bandmate is saying to me after a take when he's operating the DAW. He's a mumbler too which helps nobody especially when he's facing away from me.
So... is this a good excuse to pick up some open back headphones or is it really not that much of a difference (when no music is playing). FWIW I've been using Beyerdynamic DT770s as they're really comfy to wear for long periods. I also have a pair of Audio Technica M50X which I prefer the sound of but they're less comfy.
Comfort is a major factor for me. I've got a moderately big head and biggish ears, ideally I don't want the pads to be touching my ears if possible so would prefer they go around my ear. I'd also like a set that is subjectively pretty flat.
Been looking at the standard stuff...
- AKG K702 (cheapest)
- Beyerdynamic DT 880
- Sennheiser HD600
Any thoughts?
Comments
I got a great deal at Inta audio, the only difference between the pro and regular models is the impedance so don't worry if the price for the non-pro seems too low.
http://www.inta-audio.com/monitoring-c109/headphones-c110/studio-headphones-c111/beyerdynamic-dt880-edition-semi-open-back-headphones-250ohm-p7979/
That sounds ideal. Are they comfy and which ohm model did you purchase? I'm hoping they have the same pads as the 770s, looks that way on photos.
I'm recording all guitar/bass DI anyway, the headphones are just my own preference, I find I play tighter with them on.
When it comes to vocals the singer will have a mic he can talk in to because he can apparently only project in a musical context. Sometimes I can't even hear him over the road noise if he's in the back of a car on a shared journey when I'm driving.
Careful though if you're anywhere near a mic, they do bleed and you can get fizzy background sound. Depends on use, but for mixing and mastering I've found them exceptional.
Hmm just looked and they do seem to have gone up quite a bit in price since I bought them though.
The Sennheisers have the closest to a 'flat' response if that's what you are after. The AKGs and the Audio-Technica R70x are somewhat 'scooped' and hype the sound a little. I like the Shure SRH1840 but they are a bit more pricey.
If you ever get a chance to hear the open-back version of the Audeze LCD-X, be prepared to want them very much indeed!
The Shure 1440s seem like they'll be great but they're £100 more than I can get DT880s for.
I remember from years ago when I got them that there are some mods for some HDs that are supposed to upgrade them, here's the first one I found today, do some research and see what you think:
https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/49633-sennheiser-hd600-modification-for-people-looking-at-the-hd650s/
Also I can get a ridiculous discount on the Shures.
Open back headphones
Closed back
It looks like the Beyers are going to be most relaxed in that area which will probably translate to them being the least fatiguing over longer sessions, for me anyway. The forward high end doesn't bother me too much, I don't find the 770s too harsh as long as the music itself isn't too harsh.
@sporky looking at the second graph those 1540s look like they should be a nice headphone to listen to. Not cheap though!
Not surprised at the difference between the 770s and M50x as the treble is vastly different. I don't mind the brightness of the Beyers but it is quite different to my monitors (which are Focals). In some ways it is very useful as it shows up mistakes in comping/editing a bit more easily, any clicks or pops etc.
I found scan.co.uk are selling the DT880 Pros for £159 so have put in an order. I decided to go for the 880 Pros as the headband looks the same as on the DT770 Pros, the Premiums are different. Apparently the Pros have a tighter clamp than the Premiums, and as far as I'm concerned the comfort on the 770 Pros is excellent and they stay in place great.
Also the 880 Pros have a coily cable, which is quite nice when you're naturally a bit clumsy and tend to stand on things.
Significantly different sounding low end to closed headphones I'm used to. Not bad - it's nice and punchy but less weighty, if that makes any sense. Like where the attack of the bass and kick drum are seem easier to pick out, but there's not the same pleasing rumble going on.
Bandcamp
Spotify, Apple et al