Ableton Forum

Hi all,
I'm looking at getting some headphones to use in my home studio for electo type tracks and to use when recording vocals. I have about $300 Aus dollars to spend. Any suggestions?? I've looked at the AKG k701 so far...

I'd imagine you'd want a sound as neutral as possible (using headphones isn't the best but I'm forced to use them due to the kids!). So with that in mind and your budget I can highly recommend Sennheiser's HD25 Mk II's. They isolate noise well and provide a very good neutral sound ideal for home recording.

Haven't tried the AKG's but have heard good things about them.

Hey,

When recording vocals, you're probably better off with a pair of closed headphones. The AKG K 701 are open-type and while they are better suited for reference listening due to this, you'll have more crosstalk when recording.

For recording, I've personally used the AKG K 271 for a few years now and I'm very happy with them - they're closed, have a reasonably flat response and they automatically turn off when you don't have them on your head.

The Sennheiser HD-25 are classics - tough and reliable. I haven't used them that often though because they sit a bit tight on my ears.

Be sure to check Beyerdynamics too, the DT-880 are half-closed and may be a reasonable compromise. They also have a closed model, DT-770. Bass response on both models is very good.

But every head and every ear is a bit different and your choice also somewhat depends on the music you produce and listen to, so pick out a few models and take some time to test them in a store - bring a reference CD of tracks you know by heart sound-wise and wear each model on your head for a while to check how comfortable it sits.

Hope that helped!

Cheers,
Moritz

J0n35y wrote:using headphones isn't the best but I'm forced to use them due to the kids!

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MPGK wrote:Hey,

When recording vocals, you're probably better off with a pair of closed headphones. The AKG K 701 are open-type and while they are better suited for reference listening due to this, you'll have more crosstalk when recording.

For recording, I've personally used the AKG K 271 for a few years now and I'm very happy with them - they're closed, have a reasonably flat response and they automatically turn off when you don't have them on your head.

The Sennheiser HD-25 are classics - tough and reliable. I haven't used them that often though because they sit a bit tight on my ears.

Be sure to check Beyerdynamics too, the DT-880 are half-closed and may be a reasonable compromise. They also have a closed model, DT-770. Bass response on both models is very good.

But every head and every ear is a bit different and your choice also somewhat depends on the music you produce and listen to, so pick out a few models and take some time to test them in a store - bring a reference CD of tracks you know by heart sound-wise and wear each model on your head for a while to check how comfortable it sits.

Hope that helped!

Cheers,
Moritz

Hey Moritz,
Great advice re: the closed style for recording vocals.. Thanks for that. I will check out the models you have suggested

I've had my AKGs for years - obviously VERY big so you look like a REAL studio nob.

Sound great and good isolation.

Not as light as the Sennhesisers but they don't give enough sound insulation for me.

So AKG every time.

HD 25's are great dj headphones. Tough, good size to carry round, great sound.

But god damn, they're tight. I wouldn't want to wear them for 4 hours in the studio.

My dish is gigantic, always has been, always will and I can honestly say the HD25's do not get soar after marathon sessions! I have a set of wireless Sennheiser's which are painful after an hour or so but very happy with the HD25-ii's.

MPGK wrote:Be sure to check Beyerdynamics too, the DT-880 are half-closed and may be a reasonable compromise. They also have a closed model, DT-770. Bass response on both models is very good.

agreed on these. i have used both, but own a set of DT-770. in addition to good sounding they are also VERY comfortable. they enclose your ear completely and the padding is not pleather its a velveteen like cloth, very soft, very good for long sessions.

as comfortable as those are... i primarily use AT-M50 by Audio Technica. i think they sound just a bit better... but they fit tighter... which could make the difference.

Used HD 25 for 2 decades. Good for tracking and DJing but most definitely for nothing else. HD 600/650 or AKG 701/702 are great, bought 600 some years back so I am used to them, know the sound, AKG are as good or perhaps better. The Quincy Jones model could be better choice for your kind of music (bass)
Recently got Aiaiai TMA-1 for casual listening but I like them so much that after 20 years am retiring HD25 and will use TMA for DJing and tracking. When I compared the two, 25 seemed better for analytical listening but the upper range is just harsh. That is exactly the benefit of Aiaiai cooperating with bunch of highly pro DJs, lots of DJs I know mention that the no.1 difference after switching from HD 25 to TMA is absence of ringing in the ears morning after gig.
There is new Aiaiai model meant for studio, both models are worth consideration.

MPGK wrote: For recording, I've personally used the AKG K 271 for a few years now and I'm very happy with them - they're closed, have a reasonably flat response and they automatically turn off when you don't have them on your head.

+1

Hi,

I'm using the Ultrasone Pro 900 mostly for mixing and I'm more than happy with them. So maybe take also a look to the ultrasone.

I use KRK KNS-8400s.

great to get so many comments.. Now ill go demo a few pairs and see how I go.. Thanks to all!