What are the best headphones for mixing?

[DorothyWallace]

When I first set up my home studio, I bought cheap stereo headphones. The mix never sounds the same when I listen back on my Ipod. I have an Apogee Duet and I'm using Logic 9 to record. Does anyone have recommendations on what headphones I should buy? I'm willing to spend about $200.

Thanks!

Dorothy

[markjsmith]

The best headphones for mixing are generally the ones that do not cup the ears. They tend to have more bleed,which don't make them the best choice for tracking with open mics. The earbuds are pretty worthless for either.
I use cheap Audio-Technicas but I would check an audiofile stereo magazine or website to see what the current headphone du jour is and if they are high end see if the salesman will give you a demo period.

[eeoo]

I love my Audio Technica ath-m50's. I hear good things about some of the new Shures. AKG is another industry standard. eo.

[rnrmachine]

Hi Dorothy,

The Beyerdynamic DT series (770, 990 the 880s are $300+ though) headphones can be used for mixing. Like Mark said, open back is supposed to be best but then they are no good for tracking since they bleed. They are right in your price range. I read they made them a certain way, so the bass responds in a way, that you can use them to mix with. They have open back and closed versions. They also come in different ohms.. 80 and 250 so you can match them better to suit your needs.


Friendly reminder; Remember to check for phase issues in normal speakers when mixing in cans.

Rob

[mojobone]

I love my Audio Technica ath-m50's.

+1

[DorothyWallace]

Great - I just bought them!

Thanks everyone!

[hazineju]

looks like we're gear twins i have an apogee duet, use logic 9, and also use the audio technica ath-m50s for playback. can't record vocals with them though, i like to hear a little more of myself outside the headphones than what i can hear with these guys, that is probably just me though. great sound for listening back though, i love them!

[Russell Landwehr]

I gotta say that a headphone mix doesn't usually translate well to speakers, and speakers is how most people listen to music... in the car, on the TV, in the movie theatre, drinking beer on the back porch playing darts...

However, headphones are REALLY good at finding little things that you need to fix... like NOISE you didn't want in THAT place in the tune.

Go to a local pro-audio shop like Guitar Center, or Sweetwater (those are localish for me,) and try a few out. Take some CD's of music you know WELL and they will let you test drive some cans. Listen for clarity and a good bass response.

rl

p.s. I use the Sony MDR-7506 Professional. They seemed to be the best bang-for-buck.

[jeffgreenleaf]

Gotta push my Ultrasone Pro 650s here. Can't get enough of em.

[ckbarlow]

Jeff, would that be these:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-PRO-650 ... B000Y556DW

The prices range quite widely, with the above link the least expensive - that's why I'm checking...