THE BEST NEUMANN NDH 30 review

[@kingyasofficial]

Had my NDH 30s for two months now, definitely the best headphones I've listened to so far, Beyerdynamics is too harsh for me🤷🏾‍♂️

[@SanjayC]

Good to hear a happy user! Thanks, King Yas!

[@RocoV08]

How good/bad is the clamping force of these? I've been using the HD 660S and the clamping force is just killing me, can't wear them anymore even tho they sound great

[@kingyasofficial]

@@RocoV08 super comfortable, I forget i have them on sometimes

[@RocoV08]

@@kingyasofficial insane, might give these a try then, I'm looking for something I can wear for extended periods of time(6hrs+)

[@kingyasofficial]

@@RocoV08 ok yea these the ones man fr

[@margaretchristo6859]

Thrilled to see you today! Great comparison video, Sanjay C. We’re getting close to the 500k mark!

[@SanjayC]

Yes...getting to 500k....let's do 400k first! :-D

[@MasumAustralia]

I spent all day listening to studio headphones like Neumann NDH 20, Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro, 880,990, Sony MDR750B, Audio Technica M 50x, and M30x using a headphone amp in Sydney's one of the biggest audio gear shops. NDH 20 sounds flat and muddy with no precise sound separation, and bearly can hear the highs or treble. Mids sound ok but not superb and didn't impress me with the sound stage. However, the built quality is outstanding though I felt it's heavier over my head. The ultimate champion is Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro sounds bang for the buck with exceptional sound separation with superbly well-balanced low, mid and high. Eventually, I bought a DT770 32ohm and returned it due to a lack of comfort using the leather ear pads, making my ears hot after a couple of minutes. Otherwise, this is stunning gear even for listening regular music. If I have to choose something for mids, Sony MDR750B can come to the top of the list, but it doesn't appeal to me for an overall listening experience.

[@october65-h6e]

I LOVE my DT 880 Edition for listening to film music and classical music. They are analytical and have a great imaging, that´s important to me. And their comfort is on point.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@SKY11211213]

An expensive winner sold only in Japan and exported with some hurdles with a proxy shipping service is the Sony MDR M1ST with Yaxi pads also made by a Japanese company. This headphone can do balanced but the drivers can not reproduce the same frequencies for some reason but staying single ended and burning in the headphone for 30 hours under daily use makes these king of fun and audiophile listening. Wide soundstage, best timbre I have ever heard (1990 returned, HD598, HD25, Beyerd. Custom Studio sold, M50x sold, NDH20, Koss KPH30i and a few more since 2016). The detail is so nice and bass literally can be so neutral in colour so that the M1ST shine when unique songs play. Separation and dynamics are high (volume range in games and music, yet still low enough to do anything with these).

[@ivanj46]

Clarity and evenness is the most important factor for me in choosing headphones. I have Samson SR850's right now and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro's are in my wishlist not as an upgrade, but rather a side-grade. DT770's seems like the best of all worlds for me when it comes to headphones.

[@SanjayC]

Side-grade...that's nice...to have headphones that bring something different!

[@Enonymouse_]

DT990 and Dt770, I think they both share the same emitter components. So technically your getting the same sound for different prices.

[@djolexmusicc]

@@Enonymouse_ i wouldn't buy DT 990 even if they are 20$. They are so harsh ,it's unlistenable. Worst headphones in history

[@OneProdPlus]

Thanks. Still using NDH 20 for now ;)

[@SanjayC]

I think you can stick with that and still be happy. Were you waiting for the open backs?

[@Ziv0408]

Awesome video once again Sanjay! I was actually about to get the HD 650 to use as a mixing headphone. But would you say the Neumann NDH 30 is the closest you would get to a "speaker" referenced balanced sound? I always have used closed backs, but I tend to get ear fatigue sooner as I don't use speakers as I am always on the go. Now I am hesitating on which one to go for after seeing this perfectly timed video 🤣🤣

[@SanjayC]

I think the NDH 30 and NDH 20 are very close to a speaker reference. More than most other headphones.

[@Ziv0408]

@@SanjayC thanks Sanjay!

[@massivebeatzz]

NDH 20 for that Bass analysis...HD600 for surgical, more linear than HD650. Get both!

[@KillaHafiz89]

I'm probably keeping my Beyerdynamic Dt1990. They've been perfect since I've managed to tame the harsh highs using the foam inserts from the amiron!

[@michaelmurphy7241]

I have made many purchases because of you brother thank you for all your videos

[@SanjayC]

You're so welcome. Have you been happy with everything you've got for your studio?

[@michaelmurphy7241]

@@SanjayC yes i have prosonus studio one 5 program the focusrite 4i4 and the AkgP420 studio microphone i am stll in between in the mini keyboards they have so many to choose from and your video on those keyboards make me want either the Akai mini mpk 3 of the Arturia Minilab which one is the best. this is a sample of mu music kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqTGlZ6ZgK6Uqdk

[@danielgharmann]

I HAVE been waiting for this one! (Worth the wait.)

[@Only1Dharti]

❤️‍🔥Great video! Love the transitions and flow 👏🏽👏🏽! Also you look 👀🫠😍

[@SanjayC]

Awww...thank you!

[@thejacevekexperience]

Wider sound stage, and mid range clarity are my biggest needs. I ordered NDH 30's a few days ago, Im looking forward to hear how they can help me level up on mix/masters

[@rola8597]

How are these cans? I'm planning on getting these instead of studio monitors cause my room needs serious acoustic work done. I'm just a little worried cause I've read that it's lacking on high end and it's hard to to even hear reverb tails. But I've read that they translate really well to other systems

[@g.o.9513]

How are they?

[@millies1264]

Yo how have they been working out?

[@thejacevekexperience]

@@millies1264 how did they work out? Better question is how have I ever managed to work without them? No exaggeration. Once you get used to them, they are the gift that keeps on giving from mix to master .

[@thejacevekexperience]

@@millies1264 the bang for buck here is sensational

[@HarpiaProductions]

Today I just bought the Neumann NDHh30's. So far they sound really flat which is great. I will be using them to mix mostly. I have been using the Audio Technica's and they were very bright. Now I will have to remix all my music based on the accurate sound of the Neumanns.

[@kadiummusic]

I use the DT 1990's with Realphones on the the optimisation setting which sweetens them out a touch and they sound great. Along with my Kali In-5's I feel I have all bases covered when it comes to mixing. 😎

[@SanjayC]

Nice! You found a good pair of monitoring devices! Do you really like your Kali's?

[@freddianz]

yess thank you. I've been using them and yes for me too, they sound soo good and soo comfortable. well sound is somewhat subjective, but for those who also have Neumann studio monitors, these are prefect pair of headphones to have that consistent sound/tuning. well done review as always!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you. I think I watched someone compare these to the Neumann monitors and they said the same. Thanks for sharing!

[@J.M.81]

That’s the reason I pulled the trigger on the NDH30‘s yesterday since I use the 310s since 1.5 years now and the first listen today sounds familiar 😄

[@cameronpritchard626]

For me. Bass is more important with headphones. As “wide” as they can be they wont rival monitors. HOWEVER. In an untreated room, such as my own, it’s crucial to have good reference headphones and having a good bass is more important as “width” is kinda hard to loose with monitors, its really reliant on your placements etc. I mainly use my headphones for referencing and or producing at late/early hours. Or if I’m enjoying some synthesisers outside the studio!!

[@rainbowkittycat627]

I see what you mean, and I think good bass is important, but I think we have to define what we mean by good bass. For me, good bass is having a low subass, and having a clean tight bass response. For example, my grado sr80es are don’t have a lot of bass, but they have very crisp bass. Compared to something like the raycons, which have sooo much bass it’s overpowering, but none of it is good. And for me, having a good soundstage and detailing for headphones is as important if not more important than base, because headphones will generally always be more detailed then studio monitors. Studio monitors will always have less color in a sound treated room, which is why they are recommended in a studio environment, but they generally have less detail than a similar class of headphones. (Not to mention, headphones are just cheaper than speakers in general)

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Cameron!

[@MusicMakingEnglishMan]

I am in love with my 1990s, I can’t see any other open-backs in that price range swaying me, I love the sound stage, like you said, the clarity and width is just great.

[@ekcrisp1]

1990s had way too much high end for me, i returned them

[@MusicMakingEnglishMan]

@@ekcrisp1 you might like the Shures if you’re still shopping for a pair of headphones, they’re similar in sound and less harsh imo

[@Northpaal]

@@MusicMakingEnglishManif I enjoy the flatness of my hd650s, do you think I would enjoy the NDH30? I want something similar to 650, but with a wider soundstage and more comfort. I often feel claustrophobic in my 650s after a long day of mixing. I do post audio for tv. I also use SoundID for calibration.

[@TheMixClub]

I had the Neumann NDH 20. I sold them for Sennheiser HD 650's. I like working on the Sennheiser's better over all I guess i like open backs more than i thought i did. I loved the Neumann NDH 20's. The build quality is the best. The Build quality of the Sennheiser HD 650 is a joke but i still love the sound. I would love to Pick up the NDH 30 I bet they are what i was missing with the HD 20s. I just felt that the mids tired me out. I was like man if they only had a open back version this would be the best head phone ever. I can only bet the NDH 30 are what i was missing and more.

[@madalinabarligea8923]

Hi, did you try the ndh30 ?

[@TheMixClub]

No not yet about 700 bucks holding me back they are on the list. after i pay off my Mackie DLZ creator I might pick them up. @@madalinabarligea8923

[@sebapare]

Hi Sanjay! Thank you for considering my request so quickly, it is really much appreciated! I haven't clicked on the "Buy" button yet, but your objective and complete review definitely helps me to see more clearly! Now my answers to your questions: - What headphones am I using today? AKG K702 - How much are you willing to spend on high quality headphones? To be honest, I thought that the price of my AKG headphones was already the limit. However, as I unfortunately don't have access to an acoustically treated room for my productions, I can only work on headphones... sometimes for whole days of "fine-tuning". So I'm looking for headphones that can at best reproduce the conditions of working with a pair of speakers, offer a mix that translates very well, that help solve problems with ease and certainty, that are robust and have a maximum of comfort. If they check all boxes, then spending 600€ could be an option. This is a large amount of money for sure, but compared to a good pair of speakers and the price of a room acoustic treatment, it remains reasonable. - Why do you use headphones? Mostly mixing

[@SanjayC]

Hi Sébastien! Thank you so much for the Super Thanks! Truly appreciate you supporting my work here. The AKG K702s are great headphones. Nice choice. I don't think the Neumann's will give you a huge difference in sound when mixing compared with the K702. Especially if you have already "learned" the sound of the K702, you will be better off keeping them. That's my opinion. Thanks for sharing your experience and answering the questions!

[@sebapare]

​@@SanjayC You're welcome! These are helpful insights! I might then keep my AKGs. What made me actually feel like "upgrading" is that I read here and there that these headphones lack some definition in bass/sub bass frequencies. I have no idea how much this is true so it gives me a kind of unsure feeling while mixing bass instruments.

[@clickbaitpro]

@@sebapare You can buy another headphone that are good in bass like DT 700 Pro X

[@elijahmant2855]

Hey Sanjay. Thanks for your video, Man. Very good comparisons. I have the DT 990 Pro 250 holms. I ain't impressed by them. They kinda sound : Muddy and less focussed and not clear enough. So I am considering upgrading to the DT1990 Pro. Or may be the Neumann NDH30. I would be using mostly for mixing, critical listening, checking mixes for mastering.

[@Packogualandrisofficial]

I use mostly the DT-990 Pro for mixing/listening and the DT-770 Pro for recording :-) Nice video as always, thanks for that 🙂

[@SanjayC]

🙏🏼 thank you. Nice to have both closed and open Beyerdynamic, right?

[@Packogualandrisofficial]

@@SanjayC Yeah absolutely 🙂 Wish you a great day, see you at the next video ❤️🎵

[@asafmenjivar7936]

cool video Sanjay, love the info- I am just starting my home studio journey - love the product reviews saves me money and headaches! thanks again!!!

[@SanjayC]

Nice to hear that, Asaf! Good luck with your journey! Hope to see you here often!

[@Andy-G]

I use DT 1990 for mixing and I love them. Best headphones I ever had. I use the DT 770 for Recording. For me this is the best combination.

[@nickclube295]

I am currently using the DT880s for mixing but going to upgrade to DT1990s. Also use the DT770's for tracking - I'm a big fan of Beyers in the studio. sounds like you are too.

[@brianu9253]

Sanjay, I own the NDH30 and love them for their even tonal balance. Midrange is just right. I'd be fone with a bit more treble but I don't crave it. My problem is the assymetrical positioning of a relatively small driver. To get the sound i like I have to push the headphones all the way back so the front of my ear touches the front of the earpad. Do the 1990s have a tonality that is relatively balanced. In other words, I do not like recessed mids, boomy bass, exagerated lower midrange etc. Do the 1990s compare tonaly to the ndh30s?

[@starkid9736]

got my ndh 20s and boy sound they good. i trust them like my geithains, its so easy to make decissions everything sounds so balanced and "unbiased" its now a canvas u can paint on like on good monitors (but the room arrrr) distance is easy to measure due to the natural and precise highs most headphones are to present and blure the distance perception but this helps not at bad timing the ndh sound very precise and show u whats up like looking at ur painting canvas man i can c clearly now like mr Cliff

[@sagarkochar]

What audio interface do you use them with?

[@massivebeatzz]

Hey good to see you! Been using the NDH20's as a daily driver for a year... Really good (plus dSoniq Realphones), as well as the HD600. Really want to test the 30s, but not sure about test access... Doing the Audeze MM500 first though, - you will be in my video, inevitably - since you and Manny were hugging it out in every shot :)

[@SanjayC]

Yo!!!! MassiveBeatzz!! What's up! LOL @ Manny and Sanjay C love! i can't wait to see that vid

[@KangolTilt77]

Sanjay.. awesome review. Are you using a headphone amp? Or from your audio interface?

[@anemoia980]

I waited for this sooo much!

[@SanjayC]

Hey Marco! What do you think of them?

[@eyemsoreel]

bass is slightly more important to me but soundstage is still closely important to me, but I like to hear and feel the bass without things getting muddy like some consumer listening devices

[@united100]

I bought these headphones and within two days returned them, they enhance the mid range frequencies to the point of disturbing the overall balance, mixing tracks with a wide spectrum of sounds is virtually impossible, at least for me, while editing vocals or individual tracks can be successful, The NDH 30 tends to hide the high frequencies in dynamic tracks, which causes imbalance, focusing and emphasizing the mids, unless you push the headphones a little back on your head, which causes the lows to fade out ,I am very disappointed

[@g.o.9513]

Then, what headphones do you prefer?

[@united100]

@@g.o.9513 I have been collecting headphones for years I own 12 pairs, starting with LCD-X, HD 800S, HD 650, DT 1990 etc. I tried to mix many times on each of them and I never succeeded, there was always a lot missing for the Mix to be perfect , Recently I bought 2 new pairs for my collection, NDH 30 and Focal clear MG professional, and a miracle happened, mixing with headphones is possible, and Focal gives you that opportunity, After years of trying, the only headphones I can mix properly on are FOCAL, .........NDH 30 is very underdeveloped and I personally don't believe that anyone can handle mixing on them

[@nickclube295]

Thanks for a really helpful, balanced review. I love Neumann mics but am a solid Beyerdynamic headphone user in the studio, and I have been struggling to know whether to upgrade from Beyer's DT880s to their DT1990 pro or the Neuman NDH30, the latter being significantly more expensive. Your section on why a viewer uses headphones in a studio is very useful indeed. It sounds to me from what you say that the Beyers are more analytical for mixing and that sounds like me. I also worry about the Sennheiser link to Neumann, irrespective of how well built people say the NDH 30s are. Sennheiser in my experience just are not built to take the rigours of a studio as are teh Beyers (again in my own personal experience) and require spares sooner rather than later. If only there were places one could audition headphones these days before buying!

[@SanjayC]

The Neumann's will give you that build quality that will stand the test of "studio" time! But sound wise...the Sennheisers are excellent - on par.

[@carterpochynok4874]

L

[@SamTRajkumar]

Nice to see another video Sanjay 😊

[@SanjayC]

Hi Sam...thanks for always coming by to say hello. What headphones are you using now?

[@SamTRajkumar]

@@SanjayC I have been using Audio technica M40x and it's a really good pair of headphones.... Goes well with my audient interface

[@SanjayC]

I've heard lots of good things about the M40x

[@SamTRajkumar]

@@SanjayC oh ya it's bang for the buck... Considering the price and it's even a little bit more balanced sounding than the m50x which comes with a little extra bass 😊

[@waiisoserious]

I have an Audio Technica M40X looking forward to buying DT 1990 soon.. and my first pair of actual monitors! Finally!!

[@Mr.A_LDN]

Definitely interested in checking these out. I've tried out a fair few headphones for mixing and tracking over the years and my favourites are actually some of the less expensive ones. For tracking I love the old classics..Sony MDR 7506 and for mixing AKG K701. Both are super comfortable to wear for long sessions and what I love about the AKG's is that not only are they lightweight and inexpensive but they're really flat and don't colour the sound. I've found that if I mix on them it translates really well to the sound I hear on my speakers. As always, it's down to personal choice but that's what works for me.

[@Gabbanadj]

Im using HD560s for mixing & mastering , i chose this after a long search for flat headphones & they beat headphones 5× higher in price , right now im looking for the perfect closed back headphones, i was really looking into the ndh20's , but their bassy character threw me off , the new open backs are a welcome addition but i think ill keep searching

[@Day11film]

so cool how far youve come! MENTIONing the 4,500 dollar headphones you reviewed recently

[@lisan_al-ghaib]

IDK Sanjay, those DT1990s have a +10db peak at 9KHz. That's no joke. No one would want to lose high end details as they age. I'd say protect your hearing especially if music is your passion.

[@SanjayC]

If you use them sparingly...like I do...I think you'll be fine....but thanks for looking out for our community!

[@lisan_al-ghaib]

@@SanjayC you can eq that if you use windows there'd this program called equalizer APO. runs in the background as is system-wide. idk the counterpart for macs though. also, great video! Folia Soundstudio also made a showdown video featuring these. A good watch too.

[@photosinferno6870]

Ndh20’s - love them , do all my mixing via them and find they a very representative of a finished real world mix.

[@sagarkochar]

What audio interface do you use them with?

[@photosinferno6870]

@@sagarkochar I have an SSL Big Six desk - it has a built in audio interface.

[@sagarkochar]

@@photosinferno6870 ahh ok that's kool, I'm just look for a portable interface for myself, I guess audient ID24 should be good, I checked it seems very good for headset above 80 omh impedance

[@jyotichristo7720]

Excellent video on the perks of high end headphones!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much!

[@guitar8617]

Use Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered custom IEM's since I mix a lot of live broadcast in the same room as well so I need the isolation. Love them and haven't turned back when it comes to headphones. In the studio, do all the heavy eq and critical mixing work on my IEM's and use my studio monitors to do final check of the stereo field. Owned the NDH 20's for a while before I got those and I really enjoyed my experience with those too.

[@g.o.9513]

Are the IEMs better than the NDH20s?

[@guitar8617]

@@g.o.9513 For most things, yes. Especially in situations where I need isolation from my environment, go for the IEM's. Use the NDH20'S mainly for tracking with other people now.

[@AceeSoul]

Great review! When I buy another pair of headphones 🎧 I think I may go with the 1990's. The NDH-30's seems great though.

[@SanjayC]

I think I'm going to have to buy us lunch at this point! Thank you, Acee Soul! I love my 1990s...I think you will too

[@pranjalshekhar7832]

I've been using beyerdynamics DT 990 pro for a year now and I totally love them .

[@SanjayC]

Great headphones for sure

[@lostreverb9806]

Gonna buy new cans soon and this video helps 💯

[@SanjayC]

Let me know what you end up buying

[@studio_person]

*Man check Beyerdynamic DT250 someday. Very underrated but my favourite by far for years*

[@SanjayC]

I need to try those!

[@markis2375]

Hello, Sanjay C two weeks ago I searched the best headphones for me and I choose the beyerdynamic dt770. In your last video i asked you about what mic should i buy and i thi nk about three of them shure mv7 or rode nt1a or akg p120. Oh, and when you will do a Q&A live? Thanks!

[@SanjayC]

Hey Mark. If your budget allows, go for the Rode mic. I think you’ll be happy with it in the long run.

[@markis2375]

@@SanjayC Thanks, I like your videos very creative and interesting to watch! What for the saturday news!

[@SanjayC]

You're welcome!

[@michaelheath1194]

I currently use the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and I absolutely love it but I want to get the Neumann NDH 30 and or NDH 20 in the future. They look stunning!

[@SanjayC]

Not only do they look good, I think they will give you a different sound compared to the 1990s. Its always good to have a different reference

[@AwakenedZion]

I love these reviews and feel so grateful to find your KZbin platform. Keep up the Great Work 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@shrednut]

Thanks so much for the review Sanjay! I bought the NDH-20 on your recommendation from your old headphone videos. I like them a lot! but when the NDH-30s came out I wondered if I should get them as well … or instead. Tbh I think I’ll keep the 20s as a do-all headphone and add a different brand open back headphone (such as a Beyer) for mix comparison in the future. The 20s don’t boom but that frequency response goes low!! So low you could check your low end without a sub 😵‍💫

[@SanjayC]

I think you would like the NDH 30s as a replacement for the 20s. But if you can afford to keep both...that's good too

[@samphelps856]

I use DT1990s ... Tinnitus is real! More so from these than any other.

[@g.o.9513]

Hope you recover. Thinking about getting the NDH-30.

[@positivereacts8571]

I love Sanjays video I wait for them just to get a freebie

[@SanjayC]

Is it freebie time already? Haha! :-D

[@Andy-Kach]

*Updated after long use. Regardless of the first impression about the DT 1990 sound and build quality (because it is written that it is made in Germany), these are BAD headphones. After spending more time with them, you realize that they are not so reliable, and you have to repair them after 2 years. The plastic clip on the headband bracket (where the model name is written) has just broken, and the other one started to break. Yes, they have bass, but all the details in the sound turned out to be just a big, unnatural peak in high frequencies.

[@djolexmusicc]

you probably have tinnitus and that is alright. for us who don't have ,we appreciate much more audiophile and pleasant sound. I wouldn't use DT 1990 Pro even if you give me for free

[@Andy-Kach]

@@djolexmusicc Strangely enough, I agree with you. Sold my DT 1990 a long time ago. They really have nasty peaks in the upper frequencies and the build quality is not as great as they say on KZbin. I replaced them with much better headphones a long time ago.

[@DarkPa1adin]

Focal Clear is still my endgame

[@EarthDroneMedia]

Thanks Sanjay, for the thorough review. I've been using Sennheiser HD600's which I love, but they seem to lack a little high end, especially when compared to my Yamaha HS8 monitors. I did try the Beyer DT 1990's and was taken aback by the harsh high end. Do the Neumann NDH 30's sound any crisper on the high end to you? I'm looking for something that has a bit more clarity without being too harsh.

[@LBJedi]

I’ve been trying to decide between these and the DT1990s for quite a while ( in the process of saving up👍). I can’t treat my current room, so I figure a really great pair of open back headphones would be a more useful investment than monitors right now. Did you happen to try the Neumann with something like Sonarworks? I’d be interested to hear how the NDH30s and DT1990s compare when their respective frequencies are flattened. Thanks for all the fantastic videos!

[@SanjayC]

I felt that Sonarworks flattens the Beyers but that gets rid of their competitive edge. I like the super clarity in high frequencies when I’m picking out problems. I prefer to use and learn headphones the way they were intended to sound. But that’s just me. Have you had a good experience with Sonarworks for other headphones?

[@LBJedi]

@@SanjayC I definitely have, but I think it’s because headphones are my only option right now. I found when I used Sonarworks with my DT770 Pros, my mixes were far more balanced. Without it, they were coming out much too dark. However, I frequently turn off Sonarworks throughout my process to check various things.

[@hitmarkler]

@@SanjayC Maybe better wording would be "how the manufacturer managed to make them sound" 🤔 Ideal frequency balance is basicly impossible to achieve mechanically. I prefer great dynamics, accurate imaging and "realistic" soundstage over frequency balance out of the box. Corrective equalization can be done so easily and for free if you use AutoEQ precalculated results for example 😊

[@static-san]

I'm like you - I usually use my studio monitors rather than headphones. But I do don them for checking the mastering. My headphones of choice are Sony MDR-1AM2 headphones, which I usually use to just listen to music. Which actually makes them useful for mastering because it represents my own normal listening environment. But now I'm considering if I should have some studio headphones, too...

[@SanjayC]

you can't replace the experience you have from using the same headphones for a while

[@JaeBTundra1]

I'm happy with my Neumann 20s lol. I know the 30s got to be good.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, no complaints from me either.

[@nodirbeksaidov]

Hello, Sanjay C I need your advice Did you work on the Dsoniq Realphone program? if your answer yes i have question If I take Neumann NDH 20 in ATX m50x and make a flat frequency response will they both sound the same or will there still be a big difference in sound? because I don’t know which one to buy, I’m thinking of buying 2 headphones at once NDH 30 and ATX m50x or 1 NDH 20 headphone Because I have a program that corrects the frequency response of Dsonic Realphone but I don’t have headphones yet, I’m just going to buy some for me (since ATX m50x is cheaper, I’m wondering if the m50x and NDX 20 will sound the same if I make a flat frequency response through Dsoniq Realphone ) Thanks!

[@bornaetemadi]

thanks for great review as always. but I have a question can I consider NDH 30 as an upgrade to my Sennheiser HD 560 s for mixing and mastering? does NDH 30 sound more accurate and detailed than HD 560 S ?

[@SanjayC]

You may like them more for mixing as they sound more realistic to speakers than other headphones. They also have that premium build...so definitely an upgrade

[@vewilli]

Yes, see and hear you on Saturday. 👍🏻 Right now I use the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 Ohms) for vocal recording and the DT 880 Pro (250 Ohms) for Mixing (I also use the DT 990 Pro, 250 Ohms, the „Mackie Big Knob+“ is really good for the 250 Ohm models, loud enough with volume up a quarter, much too loud already at half open volume knob). I‘m not going to buy headphones in the near future.

[@SanjayC]

Wow...nice headphones you got there! Thanks for sharing, GAD!

[@agondistortion]

The real question is what about the depth , cause that is the most important thing when it comes to tracking and mixing if they give you depth than you know exactly where to place sound in a 3d space

[@ДжонСнежный]

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro all the way

[@danielhipwell3607]

8:32 waiting for a pair of Neumann NDH 20’s to ship to my house. Decided on closed backs because the Neumann’s apparently are transparent for mixing which is unconventional for closed back headphones and with amazing isolation!

[@kostis6]

My god… it’s like watching the "Truman show" whenever he makes an intro for his ads during the video Lol….

[@RodneyD]

Got the 1990’s and I love them

[@SanjayC]

Yeah...hard to use anything else after those

[@Akarsh116]

Yes the Beyerdynamic open back range sound excellent the only issue i found in using them is the reliability. The closed back 770 is still good. However the 990s and the 1990s tend to have blown drivers within 5-6 months of use. The frequent trips to a service centre is tedious,expensive and problematic especially when they are your primary headphones. The Neumans maybe a little bit lacking but as you said the build quality is immaculate so the little lack can be compensated by getting used to the headphones itself.

[@ДжонСнежный]

I hear about blown drivers first time. Where you read this? 😂

[@DerekPower]

I have the Sony MDR-756 that I use for initial tracking and rough mixing and the Beyerdynamic DT990 (OG, 250Ω) for final mixing and mastering. I do not have monitors nor do I have a treated room for that setup. However, I use the car test and have a couple of tools to help me “fill in the gaps” as far as listening goes. So far, everything has served me well. To answer the question: I favour soundstage more than bass and, speaking of bass, I like to be as neutral as I can … knowing that headphones have their own definitions of neutrality 😁

[@SanjayC]

Sony headphones are a mainstay in my studio!

[@TBD3.0]

I personally prefer the SENNHEISER HE-1 or the HiFiMan Shangri-La Senior of course. Needless to say for those that run in these circles and that are in the "know", know that these headphones are not your typical every day average run of the mill headphones for the common folks. You'll have to shell out 50k plus for these beauties, but as they saying goes if "money is no object" I definitely recommend them 👍 TBD Approved. Nice video.

[@vaibhavbansurimusic]

I use DT 990 Pro . Thanks for details

[@SanjayC]

Nice choice!! How have you liked them?

[@vaibhavbansurimusic]

Ya sir. I have purchased them long ago by observing your video...

[@JRMartell1992]

i dont know what to choose 1990s or neuman ndh 30 for vocal mix please help

[@jameswallace5967]

My Neumann NDH 30 arrive this week!

[@jasoncatanzarite6049]

Daily use headphones are Shure SRH-1840 open back’s. Before sending anything out of my studio I check them on my Sennheiser HD650’s as those are my “critical listening” headphones.

[@SanjayC]

Love the Shure 1840! Excellent sound!

[@frequency_sequencer]

I thought the Audeze LCDX were nice but the sound was too laid-back

[@jurekolenc6157]

Would you say NDH would deliver better mix results than Beyerdynamics on the overall mix? I had DT 1990 and some say they might be too analytical for overall mix. But for spotting things they excell.

[@fontaj]

Great review Sanjay! Have you heard about the Superlux D421? It's very similar to the Shure SM7B and some say it's almost identical especially in terms of sound. In addition to that, it's almost 3 times cheaper than the 7B. I would really love and appreciate seeing you make a review/comparison on it. Keep up the great work!

[@SanjayC]

I really need to run a test with Superlux

[@_mickmccarthy]

DT770 Pros here, may eventually pair them with some DT990 Pros but in no rush to add to my headphone collection at the moment!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for sharing

[@IsHekiel]

here we go again ma boy Sanjay clean wit

[@SanjayC]

haha! Hope you enjoyed the vid

[@IsHekiel]

@@SanjayC was interesting to watch

[@iustingalea1547]

Hi, I'm planning to buy the NDH30, coming from DT 770 Pro. My question is how loud is the sound that is getting out, I have a quiet environment, but I'm curious if there are really loud, with may be inconvenient. Thx( I'm thinking of keeping the Beyerdynamic for tracking and the Neumann for mixing and mastering, thas it sound like a good idea ?)

[@g.o.9513]

In the same situation. Did you buy the NDH-30? If so, how do they compare?

[@iustingalea1547]

@@g.o.9513 I did, never looking back, and I'm planning to buy also the 20 for tracking.

[@Aditya_Paliwal_9]

​@@iustingalea1547Hi! May I know how comfortable ndh 20 and ndh 30 are ?? I recently sold my Audio Technica ATH-M50x just because of the ear fatigue caused due to it after using it for an hour. I am seriously considering 20 and 30 for my Neumann MT48 audio interface.

[@djfenixforever]

Got My answer at 5:27 Thanks Sanjay !🙂

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I have the Sennheiser HD600 and thought about these, but it does not seem like a big upgrade or at least necessary. The price tag sort of moves me away from it, especially for a tool that only accounts for up to 20 of my workflow.

[@SanjayC]

You'll probably be happy with the 600s for a long time. Great headphones

[@DICARLOPRODUCTIONS]

I´m lucky to have a pair of Sennheiser HD-580´s, which have won major awards, which they don´t make anymore. They were the predecessor to the HD-600´s, and pretty much sound the same. They are probably the most linear headphones on the market. Great for mixing, and mastering, which I do for a living. My other headphones are my Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro´s, which are also good, but have a bit more highs, which I noticed immediately. Since I got Sonorworks, I use them more often, but still use the HD-580´s for final checks. Of course you always have to use your monitors to check the bass, and how the mixes translate. I´m using Focal Shape Twins, Genelec 1029A´s, and Presonus Eris 8 (for more of a consumer sound). Keep your HD-600´s, after 20 plus years they are still up there with the best. I´m thinking of buying a pair to give my HD-580´s a rest. :) By the way, Sennheiser owns Neumann, so I´m sure the Neumann´s are also good. But, as far as I can tell, the Sennheiser HD-800´s are supposed to be the best. But, they´re in a whole different price range.

[@rainbowkittycat627]

I’m a budget-conscious queen, so I use the Sennheiser hd 560s (150-200$) for mixing and mastering and the sennheiser Hd 569 (100$) for recording, or the iems, my etymotic er2se (100$). I highly recommend hd 560s for those on a budget, and the er2se are some of the best iems period, and they both have really good frequency response graphs for music production. I was so in love with my hd 560s that I got the hd 569s, and they are good, but there might be better options in that price bracket, although I really love them.

[@meldmagic]

🤠 560s are so good that Senn based their HD400 Pro on them. I've avoided the 600 & 650 as they use those two-pronged forks which have been problematic in my experience (intermittent connection).

[@SanjayC]

Hey Rainbox KittyCat! Thanks for sharing your experience. I gotta try the 569s!

[@rainbowkittycat627]

@@meldmagic makes sense. The 560s use the standard 2.5 mm plug, which is nice because it is very universal.

[@ianconklinmusic]

I’ve got cheap $40 dollar headphones from OneAudio (I think) and I’m good with those since I’m still new in production.

[@SanjayC]

I totally get that. "LEARN" your headphones well and test in other environments...and you may not ever need expensive headphones.

[@cubexBeats]

Recently bought used DT 1990 pro and gave away my DT 770 pro and I am really happy with my choice. (Payed 250$ for them). :)

[@SanjayC]

Wow...you got a good deal! Used market is great for studio gear!

[@clickbaitpro]

Are they twice as better than 770 Pro?

[@cubexBeats]

@@clickbaitpro I think thats not the way to think and also not logical. But let me answer your question first. In my opinion they're not twice as better than the 770 pro. Not only in the Audio world, but let me give you an example: you can buy Yamaha HS5 for around 300$ a pair, or you can buy different speakers about 600$. The more you're paying (often) the better things you can get - can. But if i would exaggerate that. Are then 1200$ speaker even four times as good and 2400$ eight times as good? Maybe you realize, that this is not that logical. Your investing more, to get better headphones at maybe like 5-15%. But also i've to add - i like the different cables you get with the 1990 Pro, you can change them an the have a mini xlr on the Headphones itself, so it sits really good. Also the build quality is better. :) Hopefully this could help you.

[@vicsardou9654]

I use Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros and they are great.

[@SanjayC]

Used those for years and still love them

[@mixanyar2742]

i actually prefer the 1990 pros they are insane specially when i'm producing... i always choose the best sounds and control it in the best way with them when you produce like this... the mixing and mastering procces get a lot more easier because you've done a perfect job from the beginning

[@SanjayC]

Yeah I love the 1990s too. Nice to hear you like them too. Do you have closed back headphones?

[@rivenlikemakar]

@@SanjayC Hey Sanjay, great video as always! I currently use the 770s for mixing and recording, but I'm wondering if the 1990s would do me better for mixing because sometimes the bass in my mixes turns out to be louder then how it sounds in my headphones so im just curious, any thoughts? Thanks!

[@clickbaitpro]

@@rivenlikemakar Test your mixes in different headphones and speakers. That's how I balance my mixes. One device is just not enough despite how good it is

[@iamthe1234567890]

Some users have commented there is a valley in the 700-3000hz midrange but others say it is very depending on headphone position, if it slips or you move it on your head, the sound changes drastically. Have you found that? Thanks

[@temperamento7716]

Hey brother , so I’m a well known artist and I have my Spotify and Apple Music account through distrokid but noticed someone else made a separate account a while back of me and some of the music I’m featured on is going to that page instead of mine. How can I fix this? I didn’t give anyone permission to make another account of me.

[@SanjayC]

The only way I found to fix this is contacting support through the DistroKid "fix" an issue page.

[@juanvillicana856]

You recomend for listen music on cell phone, or the 120 ohms is a problem on cell phone? Or maybe for this, is better option the beyerdynamic dt 770 pro x.. ?

[@rivenlikemakar]

Been mixing and engineering my vocals on 770s for awhile now. I have a low register voice and im finding it really hard to mix my vocals properly with the 770s because the lack of bass plus the really harsh higher frequencies. Does anyone know if the NDH 30s would be a huge difference versus the 770s for my situation? I feel like my first mistake was not realizing that its better to MIX with open back, up until now ive been recording and mixing on the 770s, but if I get the NDH 30s it'd be mixing on those and only recording on the 770s. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[@irishkappa5382]

To me the flat frequency response and clarity is very inportant,I mainly use headphones for producing music since in my rooom there's no space for big speakers. I use Audio Technica ATH-R70X & Audio Technica ATH-M50X,R70X for producing and mixing,M50X for recording and detail checking(especially sub bass checking) I'm considering getting a Bayerdynamic headphone,what's the defference between DT 900 X and DT 1990 Pro?

[@SanjayC]

The 1990s are a hyper version of the 900s. They are just better all around - especially in build quality. They are also a little nicer for casual listening.

[@madalinabarligea8923]

​@@SanjayC 1990 are not bright ????

[@cyrilbosch5272]

The headphone flatness is important for me. I use my jbl 305s just like a home speaker because I have no treatment at home. The dt 770 has worked like a charm all the time.

[@SanjayC]

Good to hear that!

[@GTSongwriter]

I just need an upgrade from my Sony MDR 7506. I'm thinking the Neumann 20s will probably do?

[@gerraldsamraj]

The DT1990 high frequency response spike made it fatiguing for long listening sessions. Especially mixing for binaural audio

[@martinlarrivee5081]

I'm actually interested in knowing, if you have a bit more budget, if it's worth stepping up in price from the Neumann NDH 30 for mixing and mastering? Are they good enough? Or do you get do you get a noticeable difference going up to let's say, Audeez LCD?

[@SanjayC]

I will share my thoughts on the LCD's later this month...look out for that video

[@DarkPa1adin]

@@SanjayC MM 500 too please

[@ST-fl5fy]

How do you compare the NDH 30's to the MM 500's using some EQ correction? A a HD600 user using Sound ID would I gain anything?

[@proFscarfmaNhaT]

I’ve been a very long time user of M50’s by Audio Technica. They’re ok for recording, but for mixing they’re unpleasant. I have Neumann KH120 monitors. These are excellent. Tempted by the NDH30’s to compliment them BUT, if the shape isn’t as comfortable as the HD 600’s then perhaps not a good choice? 1990’s was my original plan, but when super high end headphones are out there costing over £1000, it’s now become a nightmare to know which ones to consider… Haven’t physically tested any of the open backed H-phones in this video or elsewhere so have no actual idea what will work for me.

[@hummarstraful]

"The bass is great" should never be said about mixing headphones. Making the music sound great is not their function.

[@Northpaal]

I currently own the hd650 and I really want some more comfortable ones with 1 cable and wider soundstage, but I really like the flatness of them. Are these kind of the same as the 650s? I’m also using SoundID to calibrate my headphones. Would I enjoy these?

[@darkcharmrecords]

They are heavier than my HD600s but they are very comfortable indeed. Absolutely nothing to complain about

[@veritas7010]

Bass or soundstage? How about flatness

[@husbm]

Hello Sanjay, here is a completely unrelated question that i am hoping you could share an opinion on, what do you think about the use of Acoustic foams in studios, useful or nah?

[@SanjayC]

Good question. I think acoustic foam helps....but its hard to get it perfect unless you cover every wall with high quality thick foam. But placed right...it does make a difference. I'll cover this in a future video