Mixing With Headphones (Grab a FREE downloadable guide!)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Which headphones are you using to mix in right now? Let us know in the comments!

[@exploreadvance9449]

audio-technica ath-r70x

[@azj02]

Audio technica ath-M20x They are just to check on Reverb and Low End ... But I do the mix in the Eris 5 with Sonarworks ... Do you think the PreSonus 24c sound card is suitable for mixing?

[@RC-qc2nz]

With my sennheiser hd 660s and the focal clear professional

[@azj02]

@@RC-qc2nz 🙏

[@goggo9]

usually I do the first vol-balancing round on some "popular earbuds". Then it's mainly on HD650 and DT770 (occasionally), but always via the wonderful Benchmark DAC1

[@BraddersMusic]

HI Sara, I have been mixing via headphones since I commenced mixing when I purchased my Roland headphones 12 years ago. I researched the options out there today and decided on the Steven Slate Audio VSX headphone and included/invested in the VSX app which installs in the DAW and emulates several different listening studios, down to car and cell phone. VSX uses a technology called binaural psychoacoustics. It presents the same auditory cues to your ears that they would typically hear in a room with real speakers. They state!

[@sparkzmentalz2]

Came for headphones info, left with knowledge on sound frequencies. Great video.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@GILLISH]

i pretty much use everything i have from my open end to a few closed i also use a cell phone head set i have a few sets of monitors and a woofer for me i always end or do most my work with one of my closed end headsets which go down to 15hz i dont have any problem mixing with these and as i said i use everything i have and take my time

[@charleskapiotis1017]

Great video Sara. After much research the first set of studio headphones I purchased was the Sennheiser HD 600 open back. I think they are awesome. The frequency response is very good, they are comfortable and I can wear them for hours without too much audio fatigue. I'd recommend them to anyone. When they first came out I purchased a set of Neumann NDH 20's closed back headphones. To me they sound much more sterile and mechanical. Almost everyone I know who's tried them raves about the sound quality but I still prefer the Sennheiser's gentle touch.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for sharing Charles!

[@rome8180]

Sennheisers are amazing. I've always mixed in them. I've had the 555s, the 595s, and the 650s. Loved them all. The only thing you need to be careful of is the low end and high end relationship. The high end sounds so good in them, it's easy to overdo it. And they don't have a ton of low end. I have a pair of cheap headphones with boosted bass and harsh high end that I do a second pass of the mix on to make sure I got everything right. Seems to work so far. The midrange almost always comes out great on the Sennheisers alone, and midrange is the most important thing anyway.

[@rome8180]

I use Sennheisers. I've had the HD 555s, the HD 595s, and the HD 650s over the years. They're all open-backed. I've never had any issues with my mixes translating on them. I do have a trick though. After I finish my Sennheiser mix, I do a second pass on a pair of cheap Bluetooth headphones with extremely hyped bass. If your mix has too much low end or not enough high end, it will sound very muddy on them. The Sennheisers are for getting the midrange right. I personally think I can hear my low end far better using this method than I ever would be able to on monitors. Many monitors can't go very low either, especially not small ones. Also, most rooms are horrible for low end, even with room treatment. Sennheisers are comfortable. So even though I'm a glasses wearer they've never bothered me. I actually wear headphones most of the day even when I'm not mixing. Almost anything with audio -- music, TV, podcasts -- I prefer to listen to on headphones. Maybe it's because I've spent so many thousands of hours listening to my headphones that I don't have issues with translation? I'm not sitting here and claiming my music sounds great. But it rarely surprises me on a new system. It may suck, but it sucks in a very predictable way.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

This is great, thanks for sharing!

[@limbophonic1]

as for the waves abbey road studio, i don't do an entire mix using this plugin, i use it for checking my relative kik /snare/ bass and vocal levels

[@davemerkel368]

Hi, Sara. Sony MDR7506 is what I started with but have now become used in remote circumstances. I've ended up with KRK KNS8400s when using cans in the studio (with Sonarworks). I rather like them, but suspect I could get a more realistic response from something else. I've been toying with the idea of getting another pair -- but that also means learning how they sound. PS: I really need to get myself a lava lamp.

[@ADavis-pw3vx]

I've used Sony MDR7506 for decades. I may be waaaay to comfortable using them and unable to change if I had to!

[@markMelgeorge2845]

thank you for your knowledge Sara, I cannot afford much so I have a pair of Samson SR850's they may only be a cheap pair but for me, they have helped immensely with my mixing.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That’s all that counts!

[@fatmavis]

I only ever mix using Sennheiser HD650’s in conjunction with Sonarworks and Izotope’s Tonal Balance.

[@zwsh89]

Me too, lol. Only differences are that I use a variety of room simulators including waves nx head tracker (I can’t tell if it helps, but it doesn’t seem to hurt, so I keep using it-although since it changes my panning based on my necks angle, which is a pretty unnatural experience, it can make it harder to tell How my L/R balance is working. Otherwise, it’s great.) the other difference is that sennheiser replaced the HD650 with the HD660S, which I think just has one of the drivers swapped out with a slightly better one.

[@tredfxman]

@@zwsh89 Another HD 660S user here. Mixing in Bitwig Studio 4. Been trying demo version of Sonarworks, and while i belive u do get a more flat curve, the curve on these high level phones are still flat enough for most situations, so im not planning to put my money on any correction software so far. Next up will be the Eventide Split EQ for me & will probably get Mixroom to.

[@marcelbr815]

I have a pair of Audio Technica M20x and I pair them with Sonarworks, works great indeed. I also bought a small pair of Presonus monitors, so I bounce around. And go to the car and back.

[@Kris_jellybeard]

I use Realphones, pleased with it and always use visual spectrum analysers too while mixing.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Kris_jellybeard]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing If we often cannot rely 100% on our ears when mixing with headphones, several visual spectrum analysers are really helpful. Do you use any?

[@Spinum343]

I use Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro with Sonarworks 4 calibration for detailed work. Extremely comfortable that can be worn for long periods of time. Waves Abbey Roads Studio 3 is pretty good at emulating the listening environment of a studio control room with 3 different speaker systems.

[@Mexturovich]

I mix in Beyerdynanic dt770 with Toneboosters Morphit (frequency correction) and Goodhertz CanOpener (speakers simulation)

[@keithgilmore4101]

Hi Sara... Using 250ohm DT990 Pro's. They need a good pre amp to drive them but a re really comfy to wear for prolonged periods. But I check on a variety of buds and cheap headphones. I use a mixture of Sonarworks curve and NX Ocean waves studio from Waves... The NX does give a 'different' sound to the flattened curve through the Sonarworks insert.... Whether this is a 'true' rendition of the speakers in the actual studio... I haven't a clue... never been there to check...lol...

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for the info! I've been a fan of Beyer cans for years.

[@ikigai47]

DT 770 Pro 250ohm. Because they're comfortable and have a flat frequency response. Going to get the DT 1990 open backs too to round things out. Studio monitors are M-Audio BX8s.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I love the 770's

[@limbophonic1]

Hi Sara i have HD 600 and the blue Lola headphones, i also use sonarworks reference 4 for headphones and adam A7x monitors, oh and waves abbbey road studio plugin,

[@goggo9]

Would you also suggest to get a good DA converter (if necessary in your chain) and preamp, especially with high-end cans? Love your tuts tho, I wish everyone was as clear and straight to the point as you++++

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you! If you've got the budget for a good D to A then yes, why not. High end cans might need a dedicated preamp depending on their impedance and can make quite a difference especially if used for mastering.

[@Richard_P_James]

I currently use Beyerdynamic DT1990. They translate well when used in conjunction with actual monitors. There are pro and cons to the speakers and headphones, but a combined approach works well.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sounds about right. Nice cans!

[@ralphdick3509]

AKG Electrostatic K-340. Been using them since 1981.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Classics!

[@Gregorovitch144]

I got some Sennheiser HD600's about five years ago. I loved them but one channel eventually broke two years ago. I got some Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro's as a replacement. Of the two I rate the 1990's better overall. They are built like a tank, they show no signs of wear at all after two years (the HD600's definitely did), and somehow even though they are nothing like as soft, light and cuddly as the HB600's they are actually even more comfortable to wear for long periods I find. The sound is IMO better too. Both are great headphones but I'd say the DT 1990 Pro's edge it.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I haven't tried the 1990's, I'm sure they sound amazing!

[@MarcBecker_Music]

Great video, Sara. Thank you. I use Beyerdynamic DT990 when I mix on headphones, Shure SRH 840 to have an alternative listening source and my Pioneer SE-MJ553BT as a consumer level source. These ones are my personal NS-10's. If a mix sounds good on the Pioneers, it's a decent mix :-) By the way, I use Sonarworks Headphone Edition for mixing an headphones and it works like a charm for me.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Hi Marc, you've got all the bases (basses!) covered!

[@jfnklstrm]

Thanx for a great YT-channel - I need to do some mixing at home in the evening and it wouldn't work using monitors (children). So I've taken the Waves path using NX and Sennheiser 280 HD pro headphones. I couldn't do a complete mix on that gear, but I've found that I can get pretty close to a good mix due to the NX software. But the last finish and touch up is on monitors. You didn't mention it on the video, but it's hard to get the bass level on headphones, they let you get away with quite bad mixin decisions due to the roll off.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for watching! Regarding the bass roll off, I found the Sonarworks app helps there.

[@Packman_r97]

the final mix i use monitors yamaha hs7w. but for headphones, i use "Razer kraken 7.1" and heres why. iv been mixing for 16 years and now-days most ppl dont use studio headphones to listen to music, they used colored/sound normal headphones, so i got the Razer kraken 7.1, and its software to disable bass boot ( as beautiful low end as it is, ) and its Built-in EQ i made them to be as flat as i would like it to be, now they sound wonderful for playback/ Monitoring when recording and as they are 7.1 i can pre-mix with them, instead of me using 7 monitors in my recording studio, i dont use them to mix a song, but i can get to hear what its like in 7.1 and as the bass is good on them, its ok to do, the ear cups sits well with my glass's they dont hurt and i can use them for long amounts of time, i also listen to music on them and game with them too, so i have trained my ears to know what is bad/Good with them, i know if the bass is loud on them than its more flat on the monitors i am aware of it being colored, and the mic on them is really good, i have used Beyerdynanic in the past and didnt like the sound they give, ( i make soundtracks for games ) so Rock/Metal/electric elements is what i work with, also live recording guitars/drums/bass etc

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That's great to be able to turn off bass boosts on headphones, that's what Sonarworks cancels out rather than turns off. Glad you've found the headphones for you!

[@Packman_r97]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing is there a chance i could hear some of ur original music, i would Love it hear what you make :)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

@@Packman_r97 I don't make music these days, I mix other peoples on www.musicmixpro.co.uk

[@Packman_r97]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing alright right no worries, thanks for the fast reply

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi Sara. I use Sennheiser HD650 for years now and listened to hundreds of records with them. Now I also use them for re-checking when I mix. I calibrated my monitors with Sonarworx and that worked awesome. I didn´t send the HD650 to Sonarworx to let them do the calibration. For headphone I use the avarage HD650 EQ-curve profile which comes with Sonarworx. The odd thing is, if I turn Sonarworx headphones file off, the sound of the headphone is much closer to the calibrated monitors. Now I´m complete insecure what is better to use with headphone, SW on or off. The EQ-curve profile of SW (HD650) pulls down drastically the low frequencies. It sounds clearer with the profile on, but fuller if off. Maybe you have an idea :) Cheers

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That's interesting because I used to experience more low end when using SW on the HD650's. Maybe they changed the average curve since I last used it. Use which ever gets you the best, most consistent results. It might be useful to keep the headphones for your low end checks if your monitors aren't giving you that information.

[@nichttuntun3364]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing Thank you for sharing your time. I'll do some tests and compare with and without. One thing is for sure, with SW on, it sounds far more transparent, boxyness is gone and overall it sounds much better, as it should like having a good mix against a non optimized mix. My only concern is if I have a faithful representation of the low end. Have a nice day.

[@nichttuntun3364]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing Hi, I checked back. Everything is fine. Only the correction curve wasn´t shown in the graph :) The Bass boost from 100hz downwards is strong but it feels very natural. Funny how mind can be tricked, when focused on certain things. I´m very happy with the sound, speaker and HP wise. Sonarworx is so awesome to have for getting more confident and I think it sounds far better. It reduces also rumble and boxyness of my speakers and so everything can be heard far far better. I recommend for everybody, especially beginners. Thank you again for your help - have a great start for the week :)

[@user-nn1uh8km2k]

Hi Sara, I currently use the NX Nashville Oceanway Studios plugin, as a reference in my mixing with headphones. I think it sounds great too. Highly recommend it. I also mix a lot in Mono, what are your views on that?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for sharing! Mono is a great way to EQ your tracks and set balances and pans but I tend to work mostly in stereo and do occasional checks in mono tbh.

[@soniqsix]

Great video, I agree on all points :-) I use Beyerdinamic DT 880 Pro. In my opinion, they deliver a very clear and sharp picture of the mix, without the mid boost I found when testing other cans.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for sharing! I've not used those myself but I like the sound of Beyer headphones

[@desoconnor7445]

I like doing some of my mixing process on headphones interspaced with cross reference listening on monitors in my studio environment..in my car and on my Sonos . I think you are right about the low end factors and I find listening to a mix on head phones for me assists in getting specifically , my reverb right …even if it’s a subliminal effect result so generally more subdued when on monitors , I find it is a subtle benefit missed by not auditioning initially with head phones .. the process for me has value…I use closed AKG K92 ‘, s I like them. I find value in using headphones …because like most hobby composers my recoding environment has basic uncalibrated reflection controls. Generally working on head phones initially for me provides a better end product ..subject to fine tuning. 🙏🙏🏿🎩🦄

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Agreed. I find myself using headphones way more these days and finishing off on monitors. Des OConner… is that your real name? 😁

[@MortenAndersen-hjemmesider]

Hi Sara. I have the DT 770 pro as well. Are you using them to find resonance on the individual tracks. I'm asking because they are closed cans therefore not as good as open cans for mixing ... but for finding resonance I think it's okay ... or?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I have some open back cans that I use for that and mixing in general. The 770's I use for less critical work like video editing, or where I don't want spill being recorded by my mic when doing zoom calls or recording tutorials.

[@artguillermojr.7544]

The Shure SRH1540 are great for mixing. Comfortable, durable, and flat. With Reference 4, it barely does any correction. Just on the low end. But..... They are pricey.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I don't use Sonarworks on my Focal Clear Pro's for the same reason

[@Zhazha2009]

Hi Sara! Thank you very much for the video, I enjoy watching and learning. Huge greetings from Russia:)))

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@kurtz1993]

For me, I use the Sennheiser HD 560S along with the ATH-M50x by Audio Technica. For speakers, I use a pair of PreSonus Eris 5XT, and even tho I have those my room is not treated yet and still mixing on headphones but checking on the speakers as well :D

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sennheiser make great headphones as do Audio Technica. Be aware they all have a "house curve" so the speaker check is essential if you don't use Sonarworks on the cans.

[@kurtz1993]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixingthan you for the tip. I will continue checking on the speakers!

[@jorgstagge9547]

I use closed on for Monitor and Voice recording Beyerdynamic DT220Pro since 1989, for Mixing Beyerdynamic DT990Pro and the Focal Clear Professional. But mostly for a 2nd Control I like mix on Speakers

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

What do you make of the Focal Clear's? I really like mine and sold my HD650's. I don't use Sonarworks with them either

[@jorgstagge9547]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing I have Sonarworks full package use for my DT990 Pro and the main Monitors (B&W Matrix3 802) in a really well treated Room (RTS60 is 0.19sec). With the Focal (without Sonarworks)I listen for resolution, mostly when I like precisely design EQ and compression level for example between 2 different Instruments to clearly define their Workspace. The resolution of the Focal is unbeliveable. Not that the Main Monitor is bad for it, but you need near >80dB on them, with the Focal you can do it in really low level. The final Mixing for shure I do always on my B&W :=)

[@azj02]

Which do you think is better for mixing and mastering EDM , trap ? akg 371 or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm without sonarworks 🙏

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

It doesn't matter which one you choose so long as you learn how they sound and reference commercial mixes on them. I'd also recommend to always check your mixes on speakers of some sort

[@originart6828]

I probably know my Sony MDR7506 best and have been using a pair for nearly 3 decades. I sometimes track vocals with Audio Technica ATHM50x, Beyer DT770M, and Marantz MPH-2. I have several 7506 for recording groups but find the Beyers or Marantz have less bleed for when I'm working with sensitive microphones.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That's the secret! Know your headphones and what they do to music, regardless of the model. Thanks for commenting!

[@marcellob.8893]

Sennheiser HD650s and Audio Technica ATH-M50X

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I've had them both, great sets of cans although I prefer the 650's

[@by_antony]

Audio Technia ATH M50x

[@truvybzentertainment8201]

Really good

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@zwsh89]

Anyone else use the waves NX tracker? I have been, and it seems like the only thing it does is add some reverb and auto-pans my mix to counterbalance the movement of my head… I haven’t found that particularly helpful, or representative of how speakers sound, anyone else have a different experience?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That's interesting. I've not used it myself. I think it's just for added room realism, I don't think it helps mixing decisions in any way.

[@dilam72]

I mix in Beyerdynanic dt650 open back

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Nice. I like those cans a lot, great value.

[@Rio-uv1gs]

So i wasted me money getting the B990Pro..just bought them? Everyone talking about Sony 600 etc

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

It’s fine. Just listen to lots of music on them and learn how they sound.

[@entrancemusicofficial8550]

And thats another like from me :)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks!

[@daniel_english4u]

Been doing work with Audio Technica ATH M40X and ATH M70X with good results.

[@saracarter3518]

That's great! It's all about knowing your headphones. Thanks for commenting :)

[@Nethanieal]

Thanks , I did not even know such plugins existed !

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad to have enlightened you!

[@BillyPalmerMusic]

DT990s + sonarworks

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great choices!

[@ivannikolaev2293]

Sennheiser HD599 with Sonarworks Reference (average preset). Decent sound, comfortable wear. Not a high-end solution, maybe, but I like it. Waves has some nice plugins, but NX, unfortunately, is not a way to go. It really changes the sound, that makes it useless. A lot of discussions do happen across the internet on this particular topic.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Interesting! Thank you!

[@ehoeila]

Nice entry level advice, but what a boring Lava lamp..... ;-)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Haha! Like tubes, it needs to warm up a bit!

[@parsonsaudio4451]

Great video! Investing in my HD600's was the best investment I ever made for mixing in the box! ~Steve