🔫Closed Back Shootout: MDR-7506 vs. M50x vs. HD280 Pro!

[@JimmyFontanez]

My 7506 stopped working after having it for 3 years. The 40x are still alive and kicking. I do miss the Sony though.

[@popcycles]

The HD280 pro changed the eq curve in the newer ones. You can tell the difference on the body. Luckily I have an older pair before they changed the curve. The ones at 1:23 are the older ones, compared to the revised model, I think the older ones sound cleaner and clearer, when I had both versions to A&B side by side.

[@mateocarrion7776]

So, are the 7506 useful for music production and mixing ?

[@nonenothing4412]

2nd revision of the hd280 is the current one, and it is a totally different headphone in terms of sound quality and soundstage.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Oh yeah? Any graphs of both? I'd like to take a gander. Def not purchasing another 280 though.

[@nonenothing4412]

@@HomeStudioBasics i don't personally have graphs. Just keep it in mind, Maybe later you can borrow it and compare.

[@ChrisBessy]

@@HomeStudioBasics I have sonarworks on my pc and the frequency response of the old and the new hd280 are not the same.

[@Mrollllf]

Just tried the sonys recently at my friends (my headphones are 58x + he4xx) and I was really impressed, it sounded great and much more comfortable than I expected and the price is much lower than I expected, definitely top tier value.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man yeah! 7506 is still relevant imo.

[@oskah1102]

I know I’m 2 years late but my 58x broke would I feel like I’m downgrading getting the 7506s?

[@Mrollllf]

@@oskah1102 vocals might sound a tad bit less intimate but no, I don't think you'll be disappointed

[@oskah1102]

@@Mrollllf wow Ty for the response! I hate to ask so much but seeing as it’s been 2 years since your original comment do you have any recommendations for headphones under 100 usd? or is old still gold when it comes to headphones?

[@Mrollllf]

I haven't really been paying attention to whats been good recently as I'm happy with what I have but as far as I know the old stuff that was regarded as good is still good. Another reccomendation I can give are OneOdio Pro50's if you want more portable cheap headphones, I bought them as ones to use on holidays that were portible and I wouldnt mind if they got lost or whatever, but they were suprisingly good, really comfy and great punchy bass and very easy to run with handy detachable 3.5 or 6.35mm cable.@@oskah1102

[@NVRLOSTT]

Which ones would you pick to mix and master on to translate well on other systems?

[@phillip4095]

I purchased the M50x-BT headphones a while back for my daily driver/everyday listening. They’re my go to headphones for workouts. They seem to be best suited for hard rock, metal. I’ll definitely be looking into the 7506. Thanks for the recommendation and another informative vid!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man, you're welcome! I actually want to get an M50x BT for the gym as that type of sound is really perfect for the pumped up meat head environment. 😂 I tend to get really wild when I'm lifting lmao.

[@jerseyltd]

The guy at guitar center said the hd 280 is better than the sony. Whats the dif besides comfort?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

280 is terrible imo. Sucked out mid range and the sound is just hollowed out and bad.

[@jerseyltd]

@@HomeStudioBasics ah thanks !

[@GaganRoxX]

What should i buy brother for mixing and mastering purpose 280pro or M50x 😄

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man just finished a really good post on that. Check it out: homestudiobasics.com/the-best-studio-headphones-for-mixing/

[@patrickcarbonell627]

I have the MDR 7506 and the M50XBT. It seems like the 7506 has a warmer sound and a bit emphasized in the mid bass region which actually makes it a fun set of cans to listen to no matter what music genre it would be. The ATH M50x is a lot bright sounding with emphasis on the treble and vocals despite the fact that I find it also leaning towards the warm side. I actually love the sound signature of both for listening to music overall compared to any other headphones I have, though the ATH M50x BT is my daily driver due to its portability being a bluetooth device (Thank God it has no ANC). If only the MDR 7506 also has a bluetooth counterpart, I might be carrying it with me more than my M50xs just because I find its sound signature more relaxing especially in the treble region. I don't know if the sheepskin leather earcups I replaced to both my headphones affected the sound though. Great review!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thanks man! I was thinking of getting a 50xBT myself.

[@brandyyn]

does the bluetooth have any delay or any worries about it?

[@TheUnderscore_]

@@brandyyn Ha I'm a year late, but the new M50xBT2 has a wired connector that according to other users makes it sound exactly the same as the original M50x. Bluetooth latency is unavoidable though.

[@kirillpavlenko7317]

Great as always! I have an idea for a video: comparison of hi res streaming services with explanation of different formats - flac, dsd, mqa, bits, kHz, unicorns, elves and all other magical creatures.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yes yes! Thank you! I have written on these topics a lot, but what a great idea. I was planning on doing a DSD video, but your suggestion would actually be better to include more formats so thank you man! Check out the DSD article I just wrote: homestudiobasics.com/what-is-dsd-in-audio/

[@antoinep9733]

The Magical Creature formats are all proprietary. Companies refuse to pay the licensing fees so they’ll never be mainstream.

[@Elazarko]

I'm between the akg k371 and dt770 for a closed back and between the dt990 and sennheiser HD?!? for open back. (As my first quility headphones tbh). I think it's smart if I buy one pair first and then another later for understanding what it is I'm looking for in a headphone. Which do you recommend I buy first to understand what sound I'm really looking for?

[@Elazarko]

FWIW - I've borrowed a pair of mx50s from a friend in the past and while it was one the first quility sound experience I've had. After a day or two of listening I've came to the understanding that the mx50s are missing something in it's sound. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something was missing for me to make a decision amd buy one.

[@OrchestraEclipse]

Your videos have been really helpful in maintaining my channel. Thank you for all that you do!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man thanks a lot! What kinds of things are you into?

[@OrchestraEclipse]

@@HomeStudioBasics Mainly orchestral music. Best way is to watch my videos

[@Farpun]

Great video and perfect timing, I was just looking into the 280 pro. I would love a comparison to the DT770 aswell

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man thank you! DT770 is similar to a 50x in terms of the V-shaped sound, but I'd go with a 770 all day over it. Better comfort, velour pads, etc. 770 is probably the bass head can to get if you want that type of sound. 280 is strictly a tracking headphone because of its very good isolation. Not good for mixing or even casual music listening due to it's hollowed out mids and weirdly "not bright but sort of acting like it sounds okay" treble. And the bass is funky as well, but not really in a good way. It's just a strange headphone all around.

[@aliardasozen6100]

What about 770 pro I heard it's a very good headphone for price

[@metal571]

It is?

[@neinehmnein5701]

@@metal571 The actual question is: what about K371/361?

[@Tripokaridos22]

770pro doesnt block noise at all. Also they are bright with wide soundstage formclose back. Personally i didnt like em.

[@Tripokaridos22]

@@neinehmnein5701 it depends by the signature that u like. HD569 are warmer smoother with better build quality. K371 are close to harman and they follow this trend.

[@Tripokaridos22]

@@filipesouzajardim for passive noise yeah hd280 are better but a little bit uncomfortable.

[@Snail.Farmer]

what closed backs are good for monitoring vocals

[@bigstevedzn2353]

This is way too late, but the audio technica's are the best I've tried and I've tried them all. There's a reason most artists use these. They don't amplify the bass of your voice through your head like I've found the hd280's to do. But the 280's have a deeper range in terms of subfrequencies. Not sure if that point is pseudo, but it may be because the headphones hug your ears so tightly. I love my 280's too, but their frequency response is so odd. A huge boost in the 400-500hz range, and a general lack of high-end. I trust my ears. But like I said, this all may be pseudo.

[@Snail.Farmer]

i just copied russ. i feel like audio technicha u see all the time cuz of marketing tbh haha@@bigstevedzn2353

[@Tripokaridos22]

People must understand that a Headphone that follows Harman target doesnt mean that is perfect for everyone. Everyone has different taste some prefer warmer or colder headphones .

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Absolutely, man!

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

The M50X are nice but smooth over vocal mistakes. The 7506 won't mislead you. I always thought the 280 were a bit off myself. Muddy low mid or high bass? Not sure.

[@priestlygarments4004]

I recently purchased a new headset (ATH-M50xBT) and noticed that it has a p65 (Proposition 65 Cancer and Reproductive harm) warning on the back of the box. I looked at several other Audio Technica headsets and many of them seemed to carry this warning. Is anyone familiar with this warning or why it would be listed on so many of the AT products? Should I send mine back? I got it at B&H. This warning label is located in the back of the box. Also did your box come with a plastic cover for the headphone box? Mine didn’t! Just a box

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah man I generally try and stay away from that type of thing, but I had no idea the M50x carries that. I had a desktop stand once with that warning and sold it. Also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5TFm6ShaqiCj5I xD No seriously though, I'm wondering how many products have this now.

[@FroL_Onn]

Thinking about buying 7506 to compare with my current 280. Thanks for the video!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! You're welcome! I think a 7506 is a great investment :)

[@rbmanb]

Any updates here? I'm considering either one of those. I have a relatively small head, so I was suggested the 280... After trying the m40x which fell off my ears and gave me a migraine (pressure on one spot on top of my head). I don't know if the 7506 is an option for me, but I just might give it a try and worst case return those too as I did with the M40x.

[@FroL_Onn]

@@rbmanb I’ve listened to mx40,50, 7506 and I’m super happy I’ve got 280! Mx40/50 are too boomy for me. Can’t stand their way of pushing bass to your face. 7506 were much less comfortable than 280, not so soft and hugging in turns if sit. And sound-wise didn’t find a reason to switch to 7506 instead of 280. So I have finally decided for myself and very happy with my choice. I go with 280 and recommend them to my friends) though that could be a duck-effect if I have fallen in love with my first pair and became biased towards it. Not sure.

[@rbmanb]

@@FroL_Onn thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately I'm not going to use any headphones any time soon. After reading some other reviews few days ago I decided to try the HD 280 for a day, my sensitive ears couldn't stand it (even in lower volumes), and now I'm left with ringing ears (Tinnitus) that would hopefully be resolved soon and won't stick. Enjoy your headphones and stay healthy.

[@AKBAAR_]

I LOVE YOU!!! you brought headphones best for budget and enjoyment !!! luv it now to give this video to my friends who are looking for them good headphones !! I LOVE YOU TRULY made my life easier ....

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Aw thanks, man! Glad it helped you out. I've had a lot of experience with these so I figured why not do a video?

[@Submerge1]

Thumbs up for correctly pronouncing the word Bass!

[@samefacebutadifferentperson]

put some velour pads on the m50's and they get a hell of a lot nicer to use, it opens up the stage too and you don't get sweaty

[@JimmyFontanez]

My 7506 crapped out after 2 years thus throwing them into the incinerator. M30's still work. I'm considering the M50X

[@HomeStudioBasics]

M50x is a good headphone no matter what anyone says. Great resolution for the price, good bass. The bass shelf is 5 or so dB across 20-200 Hz, and while not the MOST ideal bass response, it's still handled light years better than the majority of consumer garbage around these days.

[@Clout_chasing_boy]

K371/k361 imo are benchmarks for closed backs under 200 dollars.

[@Tripokaridos22]

Why ? Because thats what the youtubers say ? Or because the Harman target is the new trend ? Some people juat prefer different sound signature.

[@Clout_chasing_boy]

@@Tripokaridos22 no because i have heard them. Also heard m50x and dt 770. M50x are dead imo. Dt 770 is a different beast altogether. Its bassy and can get sibilant. K371 is very pleasing fatigue free listening experience . sub bass that doesnt smear into mids. Clean midrange and excellent treble without being sharp. So yes these pairs are definitely benchmarks for their respective price ranges. Detail retrieval and soundstage are nothing special on the k361 and k371 but what they have is excellent tonality.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey bass head. A couple of thangs: 1) I was having a bad hair day so LAY OFF ME!! And Prabin, I don't wanna hear it! 🤣😂 The funniest part about it is that when I was recording the video I'm like "Wow this is gonna be so sexy." Like I legitimately thought my hair looked fabulous. But then in post, I was like "Oh. my word." LMAO. I seriously almost re-recorded the entire thing, but then I'm like "I can just cover the entire video with B-Roll" HAHA! For GQ go here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qycp9maK1oqck 2) I'm also experimenting with the Ring Light. Here it was to my right but I think I'm going to record at night from now on with it. I still like the natural lighting for the day, but the camera/video setup will be getting a complete overhaul soon. Stay tuned and GET PUMPED!!

[@jdxjoxi]

k361? k371? cal???

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man demoing the K371 right now actually but haven't heard the 361. 371 has that bass shelf but otherwise it's pretty neutral and relaxed sounding. Treble is def more tame on it than the 7506 and 50x. I guess it would be more inline with the 280's treble but the overall sound is much better.

[@MegaFabioRocks]

Yo Stu! Had the m50x and 7506. Liked the m50x, It has just some annoying upper midrange peak (not really bad) The 7506 was more problematic to me. I liked the overall sound a lot, the bass was tight and punchy and the midrange very detailed and balanced. No matter how I tried to fit there was a lot of sibilance on mine 7506 so I returned them. Overall, I like the dt770 80 ohm the best. Very confortable with good sound.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! 50x is a great v-shaped bass head can no matter what the haters say. 40x sounds inferior and pedestrian by contrast. It doesn't really know what it's trying to be. 7506 is bright, yes. I think people over-exaggerate that though because there are so many bright headphones on the market that I literally never hear ANYONE complaining about. Of course, when it's under $100 and has been an industry standard for 30 years, people have to complain. When is the last time you heard someone complain about a DT880? They don't. It just never happens as far as what I've read. The 7506 is bright for a reason. It's a studio headphone meant for mixing and reference. It does its job very well. I do enjoy it for casual, but yeah, I may EQ 10k down a couple dB regardless, as mentioned in the vid. This is exactly the point I'm trying to make: www.rtings.com/headphones/1-4/graph#386/3992 vs. www.rtings.com/headphones/1-4/graph#440/3992 You found the 7506 sibilant and returned them, but you don't find the 770 sibilant? The 7506 actually looks to be a dB less. I may have to do a 7506 vs. DT770 for the crown. Also found this: crinacle.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DT770-Pro-80%CE%A9.jpg. Still about an 8dB peak but doesn't look quite as bad as the other graph. Eh. Whatever. Doesn't really matter. Glad you're happy! I do like analyzing these things though if you couldn't tell XD

[@MegaFabioRocks]

@@HomeStudioBasics Hi Stu! I find the dt770 32 ohm too edgy and fatiguing. The 80 ohm is really different and sounds good to me. For the 7506, maybe I got a bad seal with stock pads, this can explain the shrill high frequency. I was expecting a somewhat bright and monitor like sound, but it was really sibilant, at least on my pair!

[@rgt1911]

MDR 7506 is good sound and pitch perfect movie inspired but i go to Ath M50x since 2015 not so much bass for rap music but you can clearly hear what the artist herd during recording

[@ahuman9864]

Gotta love a KZbinr who does a review with donut dust on the lip. No fucks given

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah pretty much lol. xD

[@Sugleknug]

Mid "bas"?

[@cubasbeatproducer2374]

This video was so spot on, I found a pair of hd280pros at a pawn shop for about 12 bucks 😂. I thought I was getting a great deal until I heard them, they were awful!!!. Luckily I still had my 7506s That kind of remind me of the of a headphone version of Yamaha hs50s but the highs do tend to be a little bit harsh so I just keep that in mind when mixing. I got the v6s that are very similar as the video explained. And just like you I gave away the hd280s. I got the M50xs and they're cool but ... I had to change the ear pads on them and now they sound a lot more like the 7506s which is a very good thing

[@HomeStudioBasics]

I'm still flabbergasted at how many reviews online praise the HD280 as if it were the second coming of Jesus. They are horrible headphones lol. Glad someone else has functioning ears. Unless you like a completely scooped-out mid-range these are some of the worst cans for mixing. I have no idea what people are smoking. M50x's have a 5dB or so shelf from 20-200Hz and it's not bad at all. So much better than all the trash that's been coming out in the last few years. Companies have no idea how to tune bass correctly or they just don't care because their customers keep buying it. The 50x isn't the most ideal response, but it's not bad by any means.

[@L0nkero]

AKG K371 are also quite legit. Probably much flatter sounding compared to these but I believe they would work with both music and mixing/mastering. I think they are better than V6/7506 in some regards. Even MetalSnob666 liked them and didn't even use EQ on them(!!!!!!).

[@metal571]

I'm the snobbiest snob of all

[@metal571]

Also just about everyone by now knows I strongly dislike the Sonys

[@L0nkero]

@@metal571 😂😂😂No offense!!!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@metal571 Heh. And that's why I love you. You're a friendly snob. Most snobs are mean and rude. For instance, my snobbiness is kind of brash and in your face (Hence smelling my own fake farts for effect).

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah been meaning to get to the K361/371.

[@DannerPlace]

Why do you pronounce the word "bass' like the name of fresh water fish?

[@robertcain3426]

The 7506 is like the NS10 for monitors.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

My mom's husband has a pair of NS10's and they are much flatter no?

[@clarkscott8532]

Hate when the fish are rolled off.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

HEHEHEHE

[@antoinep9733]

4:10 Sonny 👏

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Haha I knew you would be the one to catch that. #graphicdesignhumour

[@chefsteve8381]

If your fair dinkum about mixing and mastering just buy Austrian Audio Hi-X55

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thanks, Chef!

[@mbahmarijan789]

before continue to watch, I would pick mdr as my choice

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Good choice, friend!

[@mbahmarijan789]

@@HomeStudioBasics please do a round up for movie watching headphones... greetings from indo, friend!!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Low key you kinda look like John Mayers second cousin “Fred Mayer”. But John always little bros you when it’s the holidays and calls you “lil Freddy”

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lol I've been compared to John Mayer before but I was having a terrible hair day and look awful in this video lmao. Here's a better representation of the sexy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qycp9maK1oqck I was wondering when someone was finally going to comment on how terrible I looked in this video. Thanks! 😂

[@himanshutiwari90]

Wow you look like Jared Leto from his new movie the " little things" , you should check it out .

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Oh no that doesn't sound like a good sign LMAO. I've been compared to Leto in the past, and he certainly is sexy, but he's known to really mess around with his appearance a lot, and I was having a terrible hair day. XD I will add that one to the list though. Here are a bunch that people have compared me to on the channel: docs.google.com/document/d/1Vy1sLgbfwj8oa5IhDPQ7b0MIK8arExKqg5n3MUg5RxY/edit?usp=sharing

[@Alex-underground]

Hey man, I totally agree with you. The point is, the companies make a mess of it. I learned the companies are the problem. You have to be very careful with companies the more time flies. You can get good mixing headphones, but the companies just say to you : Okay musician, you want to mix you have to pay for it. The companies do not care if you want a decent car, tv or bike all companies are the same. They just want your money, they are only interested in your money.. They are not actually interested in delivering quality, if they did, they sell less. Companies want money money money and good stuff well think unfortunately you have to think about at least AKG K 872 1000 dollars. If you want a decent car, your problem pay us 100.000 dollars. That is the way this corrupt dirty world works. Also keep in mind never trust the big companies, they just sell trash. You have to buy your stuff from the smaller companies. When you buy your stuff from the multinationals they are all under control of the elite who just want to control humanity. 2021 is not exactly the time of buying quality , almost all companies just sell trash. All products, from a sigaret lighter to a car it is all cheap plastic with trash electronic broken within just a few months to a few years. This world can not be trusted anymore when you talk about quality. Amen. So mote it be. Greetings from the netherlands Stu

[@Deletedguy]

ATH-Pro5ms is a 7506 ;)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

oh

[@maximianocoelho4496]

Suddenly I decided that I need to have closed back Headphones

[@HomeStudioBasics]

YOU BUY 'EM ALL!!!! 😂

[@maximianocoelho4496]

@@HomeStudioBasics Gotta get them all! I am starting to feel unsatisfied with just one.

[@johncole4882]

My Sennheisers are flat and not even as loud and my apple earbuds. such a fuckin disappointment.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Great way to describe those headphones actually. An utter disappointment lol. Need a rec?

[@johncole4882]

@@HomeStudioBasics sure. I bought these for drumming because I need noise cancelling. But I like headphones that have a well rounded sound and can be loud. Max price about 165

[@johncole4882]

@@HomeStudioBasics I'm thinking about the dt770 pros

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah man, the 770 may be good but I wouldn't call it well rounded. It's more of a bass head type of sound. 7506 would be great for your purposes. Treble is a bit hot but man it's such a great headphone and very loud. Great for tracking, drums, piano, etc. Very good isolation. I think you'll love it. It's one of those, "can't go wrong" type of things. Check this out: homestudiobasics.com/the-sony-mdr-7506-will-change-your-life/

[@johncole4882]

@@HomeStudioBasics well fuck if Mike Tyson wears them...

[@T1Man11]

The real answer is Sennheiser HD 25 and you know it ;)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Haha yup!

[@mhxxd4]

Bass🐟

[@HomeStudioBasics]

AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!!

[@scottkorber]

Is he ironically pronouncing bass like the fish, or is he being serious?

[@roybatty2232]

"bass"

[@HomeStudioBasics]

?

[@heretic4521]

@@HomeStudioBasics Learn to say it properly...

[@ElbowFalls]

Pffft dt770 4 lyfe bruh

[@JefferyQuinoa]

it looks comfy asf I might have to get it for movie watching

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lol hey man! I was just comparing a few closed backs here. DT770 is a headphone I've heard but haven't had as much experience with as the others. Will be in a future vid!

[@ElbowFalls]

@@HomeStudioBasicshaha ... just feeding the youtube algorithm for ya....all the cans you listed to were great. Can't wait for you to join the wagon with dt770s.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@ElbowFalls My man! Yeah, when you mentioned it I was like darn I could have thrown that comparison in there too haha. I think 770/880/990 will be fun to finally put to bed.

[@crnitzsche]

My dude calls it bass 🐠

[@HomeStudioBasics]

It pisses some people off if you can believe it xD

[@heddshot87]

What's with the pronunciation of 'bass'? 😖

[@HomeStudioBasics]

It's fun and also makes people big mad for no reason xD

[@telltalesigns]

🐟 and mid - 🐟

[@HomeStudioBasics]

You're DARNED TOOTIN'! XD

[@bruhdamartinasty3636]

Please stop sayin "me love you long time." For obvious reasons. Thanks.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

no

[@KevinR3i]

I like the 7506 and HD600. M50 is overrated and weird. I like music to be as realistic as it is, as a music graduate myself, prefer the 7506 even after many years of new released headphones

[@AlexCornier]

Bäss

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Bass