Mixing on Headphones

[Theo Void]

Whats up everyone?
I have some pretty decent monitors and get good results using them. MAudio bx5a'a.
That said, I live in an apt and I work 8am-4pm, so my music making time falls in the evening meaning I can't rock out how I'd like to in my apt. w/o neighbors beating down my door and calling the cops!
I've read that it's not a good idea to mix in headphones but I really don't have a choice ATM. I have some Seinheiser HD 201's which aren't too great.
Can anyone recommend some good quality studio headphones for mixing? Does anyone have experience w/ this. If so, I'd probably spend $2-300 on some, if it was definitely worth it.

I will still, of course, be checking my mixes on the monitors, but until I move, I'll be mixing in the cans!

Also, any tips on working this way?

Thanx in advance

[Da hand]

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php? ... headphones

[timothyallan]

Don't do it often would be my tip.

[3dot...]

good for frequency matching...
but you can't finish a mix imo..without high volume speakers..
and low volume speakers..
(in an acoustically treated room)

[EnjoyRC]

This would be a great solution for you.

Focusrite's VRM box. http://www.focusrite.com/products/vrm/vrm_box

[timothyallan]

[EnjoyRC]

[timothyallan]

[3dot...]

AGREED!!!

[savyurrecords]

Unicorns!! so full of win!!
I agree you can't cheat physics.

[Warrior Bob]

Quick, somebody recommend a MOTU product

[Theo Void]

Hmm. Very nice! I like the VRM thing. Maybe have to check that out. Also, the unicorns! I've never never tried mixing on unicorns, but I've heard good things!

[Neon Breath]

112db Monitor

http://www.112db.com/redline/monitor/

[Dr. Fluffenstein]

If you're going to use headphones I wouldn't recommend using them for long durations (half an hour max at low volume), I started noticing a bit of tinnitus after doing so myself. It's a good thing I noticed it early and stopped. With that said I really like the AKG K240 MKII's. I have absolutely no fatigue after using them for long sessions and my ears don't ring after (as long as I keep the volume reasonably low). They're semi-open though so background noise might throw your mix off, if you can hear computer/laptop fan or AC noise through them I wouldn't recommend them. Hihats also sound quiet with them, but I think that's why they're fatigue free. They can also sound a little muddy at 100-200 Hz at times (or warm if you're the optimistic type ). I'm very happy with their low-end detail and presence. I'm thinking of buying the K271's, which are the closed version of 240's. That might help with hearing more detail and blocking out noise.

My other pair of phones are Shure SRH440's, they're really revealing (to the point where drums sound choppy if you don't have any reverb applied). Unfortunately they sound really bright when powered by a laptop, and you might have to turn them up to hear the bass clearly (but then the highs will be painfully loud). I suspect they would be more balanced with an amp.

Best thing to do is try them out yourself and return them if they aren't working out, you should buy them at a place that has a hassle-free return policy with enough time to give them a proper test run.

[Theo Void]

WOW! Thanks for all the replies guys!
I knew Live Forums would come thru!

I really dont have a choice. If I want to make music.(And I rally do!) I gotta figure out something!