The Best Headphones for Mixing and Mastering (ALL Models Compared)

[@SonicScoop]

Article Version: sonicscoop.com/best-headphones-for-mixing-and-mastering-the-ultimate-buyers-guide-2023/ Headphone Links Below. (Affiliates Links, Click to Support the Channel at No Cost 🙂) Audeze MM-500: bhpho.to/3QyekR5 Focal Clear Pro: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Focal%20Clear%20MG%20Professional Beyerdynamic DT Series: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Beyerdynamic+DT&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1qaSIN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact Neumann NDH 30: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Neumann+NDH+30&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q8zsN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact Sony MDR MV1: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Sony+MDR+MV1&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q8wIN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact Austrian Audio Hi-X: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=Austrian+Audio+Hi-X&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1q83EN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact Slate VSX: www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=slate+vsx+1990&irclickid=UiKUjiwdAxyNRaZ0i2WejQ8cUkF1MxwsN2%3AHS40&irgwc=1&utm+medium=SonicScoop&utm+source=Impact

[@CarlRobinsonCKR23]

@SonicScoop what do you think about the BEYERDYNAMIC DT Pro x 900s??

[@minatoaqutansaiko]

Hello, I just want to use one earphone and don't want to be tired of switching devices all the time depending on the type of music. I listen to 80% classical and 20% jazz and pop. I have also seen the mm500 so far, and I think the instrument part is quite good, and the vocals are in the front, so the female voice sounds good. Do you recommend other headphones at this level? I think the sound field of the mm500 is okay. For classical music, the instrument tone is not too modified. , the low-frequency dive is enough for jazz. I don’t know if I understand this right?

[@StudioEquipmentReviews-tp7mv]

CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Why Mix on Headphones 02:48 - Criteria for Best Headphones for Mixing 06:16 - Best Overall Headphones for Mixing 10:47 - Focal Clear Pro MG 14:21 - Beyerdynamic DT 1990 17:13 - How Your Headphones Affect Your Mixes 18:53 - Neumann NDH 20 25:45 - Sony MDR-MV1 30:24 - Austrian Audio Hi-X65 & Hi-X60 34:24 - Slate VSX 43:18 - Blue Mix-Fi 44:07 - Sennheiser HD 650 45:18 - Shure SRH 1840 46:28 - Ollo S4X 48:08 - Check Out The Courses 48:51 - Sign Up for the Membership 49:47 - Goodbye

[@SeawellStudios]

You literally covered every model I've been interested in, such a great and thorough video! Thanks for putting this all together.

[@javierquilis]

I've these models: Focal Clear MG Pro, Neumann NDH30, Hifiman Ananda, Sennheiser HD660s, Beyerdinamic DT770, Audio-Technica MX-50 and Sennheiser HD-25. Every headphone has a "tone". But my choice is the Clear's and the Neumann's. Good review!

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear! Those would be my choices out if those too. -Justin

[@aeonikus1]

Try newest Arya Organic, supposedly better than Focals.

[@Cp48533]

Arya organics are next level

[@Lishkabro]

​@Cp48533 Would you fellas suggest Arya Organics or the HE1000 Stealths , taking into consideration the latter is a only a couple bills more than former?

[@bernieburnalot]

“ headphone bias”. I love that. I’m not a mastering engineer, but I absolutely learn so much from your channel! Thanks so much.

[@SonicScoop]

So glad to be useful! -Justin

[@francissreckofabian01]

I settled on BDs. Open & closed for mixing & recording. Verry happy with them. I do have other headphones but the BDs are the go to. My favourite cheaper headphones have always been Sennheisers.I'm not a pro.

[@themastroiannis]

Thanks!

[@SonicScoop]

Thanks for the tip! :-)

[@Rick-or2kq]

I have pair of the DT 770 pros 250 ohm, and what I like about them is the detail, you can pick out every instrument clearly, I have been listening to music for almost 60 years and with the DT-770's I hear things I have never heard in songs before.

[@MsInstrumentalBeatz]

My husband told me about your article/blog and I read it. Then I hopped on KZbin and your video popped up. I watched the entire video and I'm glad I did. I originally bought the first edition of the Slate VSX as soon as they were available which worked well, but my model broke after about two months of gentle use. They kindly sent me a new pair, but I've yet to use it again because of that issue. I've heard they've strengthened the band with the newer models and fixed that issue. Good for them, I'm sure they're better now. After that incident I purchased the Focal Clear MG Pro and then a few months later, the Neumann NDH-30 (since I own Neumann monitors). I agree with everything you've said (about the models I own). I use the Focals mostly for music production & when I need a little excitement (during quiet hours) due to the great bass response and overall 3-D sound. Feels like I'm wearing monitors on my head. I got the NDH-30s for mixing at night/quiet hours and so I could check them against the KH120 monitors since they're the same company. The Neumanns are not particularly "fun" or "exciting" but I knew that going in lol. That headphone/monitor combo seems to translate very well, which is what drew me to that brand. Even so, I'm considering getting the Audeze MM-500 because I hear they are great "overall" and I think they could be good for both me and my husband to use/reference our own projects and client work, but may only be a "hair" of an improvement over the models owned vs the additional cost. Since you have and referenced all of them, do you think the MM500s would be a good addition considering the headphone models I already have? (FYI my husband loves and uses the Sennheiser HD650s and 280 Pro).

[@LoaiHaleem]

Thats good. Would you like just give away one of your headphones. Because am using 50 bucks headphone and sound horrible. Anyway I got used to learn it and am doing my mix for my songs using this. Cheers

[@TheirIAre]

Also, get sonar works and it's software can flatten your headphones for you. I am impressed what it did with my ATHm50x's

[@Lychegsye-nc6td]

it's not flattening *literally* but it targets towards their SR curve.

[@SonicScoop]

It can definitely be helpful on a lot of headphones! -Justin

[@TheirIAre]

@@Lychegsye-nc6td yes thanks :)

[@xtrullor]

This video (and article) has probably sold me on MM-500 more than others. Holy hell am I torn between MM-500, LCD-5 (rip wallet) and LCD-X, even Focal Clear MG to a point. I produce a pretty wide range of styles, but I lean toward mixing bass a lot. MM-500 sound great, I like headphones that are more in your face in the soundstage, but I'm worried they may sound too thin and clinical on the bottom end for general listening. Perhaps some subtle EQ may help, but I have no idea. This is why I may lean toward LCD-X considering I am very much part of the electronic music and even metal production arena. What do you think? EDIT: Went ahead and ordered a pair of LCD-X in the end. Excited to try them out once they arrive, I think I can expect a whole another world of mixing after using DT-990's for years. EDIT (after 9 months): Wow, man. It's nuts how good these headphones are, they have served me super well. It really sounds like you are in a room when you listen to these ones. Incredible detail, super deep reaching bass. The caveat is that these in my experience have to be EQd in a way to approach the harman curve. There's weird dips and some other oddities otherwise. After that, absolutely the best sounding headphones I've ever heard. I'll be using these for many years to come for sure.

[@rtrtrtrt4790]

😱xrtullor⁉️used 990s⁉️let him cook using lcd x🔥🔥🔥🗣️!!!

[@xtrullor]

@@rtrtrtrt4790 How do people keep recognizing me at the most random places remains beyond me

[@officialdiomer]

How do you like them for mixing?

[@xtrullor]

@@officialdiomer After many months of use... I've got to say they are phenomenal for mixing. Before saying anything else, I must mention I have done EQ correction to these headphones. You kinda have to due to the severe, bizarre dip around 3-5kHz. I've used oratory1990's EQ profile, using APO Equalizer + Peace addon. But once you get used to this correction, mixes start translating really well across systems. I think the biggest points with these headphones are the sense of stereo image and the bass range. It feels like listening to an actual room. It's like I've been listening to flat 2D walls of sound before, and now I finally have a 3D room to work with. I don't think I can go back after this. The bass is really, really deep and defined. Considering I make bass music, they work very well for mixing subbass area, there's definition to it. Very good performance here, it was what I was looking for. There's just this sense of crispiness to perceiving everything that is going on in the whole spectrum. You really hear so much more if you have experienced ears to back it up. Overall it performs amazingly for mixing. It has its quirks with the frequency response, but you'll learn to live with correction. I just sometimes forget to turn correction back on after listening through speakers, and end up ruining my mixes lol

[@teashea1]

Good video. Well done. Organized, articulate, good perspectives. I have twelve high quality headphones, including Focal, BD, Neumann, Audeze, Sennheiser etc. The best for mixing and mastering (checking mixes) are Neuman NDH 30's and 20's. None of the others can touch them,

[@directed6924]

Looking at NDH 30 black edition to replace my old ass AKG K702.

[@PJ....]

I use AKG712, these cans are great, zero fatigue after many hours... I use closed back Sennheiser HD25s for artist/tracking ...

[@Jason75913]

Best combo

[@necrodh]

I have the K712 a Lehmanm amp and a oldschool Philips DAC, for my personal listening I enjoy thay combo more than expensive "high end" setups

[@laynehoward2870]

I check my mixes on the Focal Clear Pro. No complaints.

[@kadiummusic]

I've had the Beyer 770's and 990's for years but I've recently bought a pair of their DT 1990 Pros and they sound wonderful especially for mastering. But I do run them through Realphones which just fine tunes them on the high end smoothing them out a touch. They really are very good. 😎

[@billsmith2815]

I love mine. They remind me of my NS10s.

[@deplaag.techno]

I got the 1770 pro I can hear the sub better

[@TheirIAre]

I love my Neumann Ndh30's! So flat and distortion free! I've seen a few people mention they preferred them over any other headphones for mixing and they have used Audeze and Focals etc. They really are great especially for the $650 price.

[@Lucassnydermusic]

yep I own them too and they are amazing.

[@billcw1834]

Are the ndh30 sounds like they're 310s?

[@machineagevoodoo2106]

Yup same here, and especially use them for mixing - work well together with their KH monitors

[@ericlee5935]

Yes, I love them.

[@ChangoFrett]

Mine made me retire my Sennheisers. These things translate mixes almost perfectly. I absolutely adore them. The *SNAP* they put on a good snare blew me away the first time I listened to them.

[@allendean9807]

I no longer have room for monitors- i ran Adam audio T7’s- so i go between my audio technica ATH M-40 closed backs and R70 open backs. Then, if i feel like hearing them in different rooms, i have a couple of room emulations- abbey road and realphones They aren’t the same as monitors, but, like you said- i know these headphones, and make adjustments accordingly. Finally, it’s off to the car.

[@jorykevinberger7047]

In VSX you must use the hdlinear setting, as the headphone itself is only a blank canvas for modeling, not meant to mix without the software, ever. My focal trio6 are sonically on par to Steven Midfield in VSX. Functionally the best way to learn VSX is this: find a room first that gels with your references. Then, the best way to learn a room is to reference WHILE you mix!!! When you inevitably switch to another room, put your reference in it first!! Even 10-20 seconds, then switch to your mix. Then you’ll begin to understand what sticks out and why what monitor set will help you and when. You trust the reference and if switching to it by moving from Zuma to a car sounds less wow, then once you move to your mix you’ll have the context of comparison being between your reference and you mix rather than that AND the fact that you just changed the room. Then all of the above teaches you what to listen for in a room or monitor set when you no longer depend on the reference.

[@SonicScoop]

Yes, I think I mention this in the video. The Linear setting is IMHO the best feature of the VSX! I kind of wish they just sounded like that without the software :-) I don't necessarily need all the other bells and whistles, and if they could make headphones that just sound that way at $300, they'd be a great buy. But all those other features are fun to have for sure! Maybe useful too? A lot of people using the VSX really seem to love them though and swear by the results they are getting. We have one member of the channel who has been mixing on them and his work sounds GREAT. So they are totally a viable solution. -Justin

[@vmarkband]

I have nothing to say about quality of headphones, but have to mention that picture of sound in headphones and speakers is different. Speakers give you more precise detailed about panorama. Using headphones you can hear sound from right or left ear separately. But in real we listen by both ears, even if sound source is located at one of sides. So, I would think it better to combine both methods of mastering- phones and speakers.

[@wilkinsonmd1959]

Wonderful review. I use Focal Clears ( not MG Pro) . They have been on sale for a while at about $900. But I always use them in mixing with Sonarworks Sound ID to get them fairly flat. This is a great choice.

[@marvsowell684]

Thanks so much for this video! I just bought a pair of Audeze MM-500 based on your review. Got brand new for $1500. I use Focal Twin 6 ST6 monitors, and came very close to buying the Focal Clears. I went with the Audeze MM-500 to provide more perspective. Thanks again!

[@TheirIAre]

How you liking them?

[@hi1mham]

Have Focal Trios, went Focal Clears myself

[@christopherstorrier5560]

I bought a pair of Sennheiser HD660S's as i wanted around 150ohm which they are exactly, balanced cables with 4.4mm Pentacomm balanced jack plug & output as well as plain stereo cables & a 6.3mm stereo plug,open backed for music listening & music & video editing...i luv them,lots of bass but being a bass player i can put up with a lift in the bass region...amazing when used with balanced headphone outputs..even my cheap Zen DAC V2 sounds amazing in balanced mode with the 660S's....🎧👍

[@Jason75913]

660 is pretty rad. I sold it off as I prefer my HD650's sound.

[@MuseFrescoProduction]

This is one of the most professional and easy-to-understand explanation on how to pick your right headphones. Great, highly beneficial video I can recommend to any serious creator.

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear! Thanks for tuning in. -Justin

[@MONOMAK3R]

Thank you for this comparison. I myself own the DT 1770 and love the HD650 because of its great low mids, mix mostly with Genelec 8040s in a threated room and am currently saving money on the Audeze MM-500. All the best and much success. God bless you

[@MaxFung]

I have the Neumann NDH 20 headphones, and I trust them more than my monitors for mixing and mastering. For context, I have older, lower range monitors with limited room treatment, although I do have a bigger space to mix in relative to other bedroom studios.

[@jamescave7102]

Great video. Thank you.

[@pocket1684]

Thank Justin. THis is a great video. When I mix, I'll mix on the speakers to get a vibe but once I get to my headphones, certain things need to be tamed or brought up.

[@zorantodorovic6713]

The Drop version of Beyer Dynamics DT1770 is DT177X. It corrects problems associated with the original. I also have Focal Elex's which are quite unreliable in low mids and bass. I highly recommend the DT177X. I do most of my mixes on them in combination with Adam A8X monitors and it's an excellent combination. There is very little difference in adjustment of a mix when switching between the 2.

[@zorantodorovic6713]

@DIRTYLITTLEPRESET Mostly Latin flavored funk-jazz. I used to do a lot of rock and pop, not so much any more. In the meantime I sold my Focal Elex cans and Adam A8X monitors. Upgraded to Adam A8H monitors and added a HiFiMan Arya Organic pair of cans. I use the Aryas only with Sound ID Reference software by Sonarworks. Otherwise they are very midrange-scooped. Adam A8H monitors have a much more accurate mids campared to the old A8X model. I have a treated room and no need for software correction.

[@tiffanyflanagan1892]

I get really great results with the Slate VSX system. I have nicer audiophile headphones, but having the information from the room modeling helps me dial in ambience and make better choices when i’m using width enchantment plugins….i find using the audiophile stuff works better for mastering because you can hear distortion from limiting much easier.

[@psybursonic]

Me too, but the stereo image is actually the one thing I don’t trust with VSX (at least with the room models, the headphone models are ok). Great for balance checks though.

[@hermanvisser4034]

Hands down the most useful review of various headphones on KZbin.

[@jameswallace5967]

After watching this video ( several times!) I bought the Neumann NDH 30's. Absolutely love these phones for my studio.

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome! Glad they are pricing useful! -Justin

[@jameswallace5967]

Thanks Justin for these amazing and informative videos.

[@Martbass64]

Informative review covering plenty of the available options. Unbiased too, great stuff.

[@fredfunf3456]

I really like the look of those Blue Mix Fi's. Great vid, very helpful. Thanks.

[@SonicScoop]

If you can’t find the Mix-Fi, also look for the Mo-Fi or Lola. All three are practically identical

[@fredfunf3456]

​@SonicScoop Will do, thanks for the tip.

[@ZensōMusic]

Great video! I’ve mixed with a wide variety of headphones and finally settled on the Sennheiser HD800S EQ’d to the Harman curve and with the CanOpener plugin. Very speaker-like presentation with incredible instrument separation and clarity.

[@SonicScoop]

Those are great qualities! I'd love to hear the 800S in person. They are one of the only Sennheiser models I am not directly familiar with. Would love to have a listen! -Justin

[@ZensōMusic]

@@SonicScoop Like most headphones they need EQ for mixing/mastering, but are wonderful once the frequency response is corrected.

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

Is harman curve like sonarworks ?? I'm also producing and mixing with hd800s

[@ZensōMusic]

@@user-zd4qy5zl7i The Sonarworks target is quite similar to Harman but the bass shelf starts approximately one octave lower. If you’re already using Sonarworks there’s really no reason to switch to using Harman with an EQ plugin.

[@VST2323]

whats the best headphone mixing that are flat as possible?

[@coldacre]

Neumann NDH30.

[@JOJOSSTAR1]

So true. Finding the balance between being able to hear well and not underemphasizing that frequency range in a mix is an issue. That's why swapping headphones you are familiar with from time to time to get extra perspective is your best option.

[@Jason75913]

Or better yet, EQ your headphone. Flatten it out, but turn off that specific corrective EQ instance before exporting the mixdown.

[@NicolasHernanCastello]

Amazing information, thank you very much Justin!

[@themastroiannis]

absolutely stellar and super useful review! just recently got a pair of Neumann NDH 30 and I'm loving them! I totally agree with you they do not offer a 'pleasant' sound and they make you work harder to get your mixes right! I am coming from a pair of Audeze LCD-X 2021 and Sennheiser HD600; I will still be using those 2 pairs as I think they bring something more and help me as additional reference for my mixes. The only thing am still learning with the Neumanns is the treble response. I find it a bit dull and my mixes are a bit bright when only mixed on the Neumanns. Would you agree the treble response is perhaps a bit dull? one final cherry on the cake would be for you to comment on Headphone amplifiers for all these headphones. I am currently using a Rupert Neve Precision Headphone Amplifier I love (have tried many others but always go back to the Rupert). What suggestions would you have for headphone amplifiers for mixing and mastering? Again, thanks soooo much!

[@SonicScoop]

Those are some great options to have! Yes I suppose "dull" is a potential word to use for the Neumanns compared to other options, though I avoid using it because it has a negative connotation. They definitely don't hype up the top end or scoop out the midrange like a lot of headphones do. They NDH 30 will encourage you to add additional bottom and top to your mixes, which is their potential benefit, if you need a push in that direction. However, if you're already doing enough (or too much) of that, then a more hyped up or "Hi Fi" kind of headphone may suit you better. This is why monitoring is a such a personal choice, and you really have to try things! Headphone amplifiers are a whole separate topic! Any of the headphones here are low enough impedance and high enough efficiency that any old headphone amp of good quality should probably be fine. But the NDH 30 are more power hungry than most on the list. Something like the super high end LCD-5 probably need even more power, and may not be suitable for all consumer style portable headphone amps. There can also be subtle differences in tone between amplifiers, but those differences are nothing compared to the differences between models here! That is a deep topic of its own, but one with relatively smaller rewards than this one, as it is a more niche subject and the differences are nowhere near as dramatic. Very best, -Justin

[@themastroiannis]

Hey! thanks so much for your detailed response. really appreciate it!

[@ChrisKeyman]

​@@SonicScoop hi ! How are the treble on the ndh30 compared to the Focals? Thank you

[@CamariMusic]

VSX is not a gimmic I've been using them since the inception. They deserve a technical Grammy award. It's amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@olajideparis]

It’s a $9 headphone with great software.

[@javilongg801]

best video about headphones out there, thank you so much!

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear! Thanks so much for tuning in. -Justin

[@klaymoon1]

Thanks for great review!!

[@SonicScoop]

A pleasure!

[@LeeeroyMusic]

Such a complete guide that's dope !

[@klaymoon1]

Amazing video! The best I've watched on the headphone for the mixing. Can you please recommend the best headphone for an aspiring voice actor? My primary usage is to monitor my own voice recording or other voice actors' recordings. What I most care is about hearing the micro accents and nuances on each spoken words.

[@kencoleman5686]

As far as the Slate VSX - You can use software like Waves NX with any headphone to simulate rooms. So I would think Neumann headphones with the Waves software would be a more revealing choice at about the same price.

[@simmermusic3894]

Thank you for the great review, actually explaining the frequency responses on the models is very helpful. I've been mixing on Focal studio monitors in combination with the Auratone 5c active speakers and looking at upgrading my current AKG studio headphones. I read a pretty bad review on the Neumann NDH30 but it all makes sense now, the listener probably expected a hyped-up exciting sound. Your explanation of working harder on those before you get a good sound probably means that this will then also improve a mix once the sound does get better. Definitely going to check those out!

[@deoazben]

Very instructive video, Justin. I’m a techno producer, and I also mix and master my own tracks. For years, I’ve struggled to find great cans. I tried most of the headphones you listed except Audeze, Sony, and the ones at the end. But Austrian Audio Hi-X65 are stunning! The amount of instrument separation and detail I get from them (and I run all my headphones through Sonarworks) is even better than NDH30. I’m surprised so very few audio pros use software to calibrate headphones because very few cans sound good out of the box, at least for my ears. :) Try the X65s and other ones with Sonarworks. You’ll be surprised how much more detailed they are for the price. I actually think they’re even better than NDH30 even when both are used with Sonarworks. Not sure how practical is the emulating software you mentioned. Because in the end, it still adds color (of a room or whatever). The key is to remove color, and Sonarworks, in my experience, does it best. No gimmicks, just a flat freq curve to bring out the best from a pair of cans. :) I even did a YT review of the Hi-X65s myself. They’re just great. And I think all genders sound incredible in them.

[@SonicScoop]

Great to hear! I do like the brand too. And yes, headphone calibration can be a very useful thing. -Justin

[@frozenmoment63]

I have them for 2 weeks now and love it. I'm also just a audio enthousiast but the 109 sounds great for me. Drive them on a Mojo 2 and did a test against the lcd2 and 660s2. Every time I put on the 109 there is so much more information. Maybe it's the tuning but I think this headphone is for music lovers and not for audiophiles. The only negative I have is that you can hear the lower bitrates on Tidal... Omg, I have become audiophile!!

[@how_ard_kao]

Really curious about how mm100 compares to ndh30, strictly for mixing and mastering

[@eddynaim6082]

Hello Justin, awesome information, thank you! You have covered the majority of the headphones i ve been researching. I wish you had offered a bit more info on sound staging and localization. Thank you again!

[@DerekES]

What about the use of a good DAC/Headphone amp?

[@Jason75913]

That's kind of important. Just don't rely on internal soundcards in computers, mostly. A neutral and analytical hi-fi amp/DAC like the Audio-gd R28 can help, but most pros make do with less.

[@redstrom_edm]

Well as a result of watching your video I bit the bullet and ordered a pair of the NEUMANN NDH 30 Open Back Headphones. About $100 more than what you said at $713 including tax. They should improve my mixes. My studio is in a room with a lot of hard surfaces and my current headphones are the Sony MDR-7506. I'd soundproof my room except I'm getting ready to sell my house, so these headphones should really help out. Thanks for the review!

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear! Let us know how they turn out for you. I definitely think that the NDH 30 should help lead you in a better direction than the 7506. They don’t sound “pretty” themselves, but that helps make your mixes sound prettier instead :-) -Justin

[@officialdiomer]

How do you like them?

[@gbsrecords]

Worth checking out are Verum Audio headphones. There are a more than a few reviews from pro users comparing them favorably with Audeze models. Especially for the price. Cheers

[@keithdunwoody1302]

Good conditions. Very helpful. Thanks Justin!

[@ScottGlasgowMusic]

Using AIAIAI over in my studio but that is just for playing instruments not mastering. AKG K702 for writing quietly (open back) when being focused. Sennheiser, Sony and others around here. The Slate have so many issues with breaking the plastic headbands. I'd say avoid those until manufacturing fixes their problems-- unless you like breaking and returning often. Mastering is a different situation.

[@johnjhonny646]

yes. I love my MM-500. no joke. Invest in good headphones if you can't get a great room

[@starkid9736]

headphones beat room by miles easy smash 2k and u "have it all"

[@johnjhonny646]

@@starkid9736 2K is not the frequency I pay attention to. The 2k is easily audible even on cheap speakers. What I notice about these headphones is the wonderfully flat low mids and bottom end. Usually, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars to implement it into room acoustics.

[@adampeters9684]

When starting out it is definitely overwhelming to pick a room with VSX, but I went with the NS10 environment and the Archon room midfield monitor (forget which speakers they’re emulating). I typically head into VSX after getting a fader balance on speakers, basically when it’s time to zero in on the midrange. I don’t really use the Archon room to mix, but it’s nice to flip into periodically to refresh or make sure I’m not hyper-fixating on something. Like any audio production tool, the amount of time invested is directly linked to the utility you’ll gain. Even between the different car emulations they have there are big differences in how the low end is represented. All of these nuances are useless if you aren’t mixing a lot of different projects through them, but overall I think VSX deserves the amount of hype they get online especially when you factor in the price point.

[@scarfypedia]

you should try some hifiman! especially the HE400se!!! they're really balanced and have really tight low end

[@gtmg22b2]

non stealth or stealth??

[@scarfypedia]

@@gtmg22b2 the stealth I believe! they updated the magnet shapes for more stable frequency response at the extremes if I remember correctly

[@SonicScoop]

Apologies, I have never heard of hifiman until reading the comments on this video. Would love to listen to them! -Justin

[@nickwallette6201]

@@SonicScoop The HiFiMan Ananda are the best headphones I've personally heard so far. (Though I've never had the chance to try the Focal or Audeze here.)

[@scarfypedia]

​@@gtmg22b2 the "se" indicates the stealth magnent models, so yeah the stealth ones

[@stevenberk5037]

I own a pair of the Audeze LCD-X 2021 headphones so, what is your opinion regarding the Audeze LCD-X 2021 ranking?

[@compucorder64]

There's been a couple of new models out in the past few months. The Sennheiser HD490, which go a long way toward addressing that weakness in the sub-bass you pointed out. With the producer pads, they are actually pretty deep and warm sounding. And with the mix/master pads, closer to neutral but definitely fuller bass than the HD600/650. Then, for an alternative to the Focal Clear MG, on a budget, there's the new Focal Hadenys. Again, quite deep bass for an open-back. And really quite a good headphone, getting up there toward the Clear, but at half the price. It's nice to see the market filling out the bass on the open-backs, and also filling in that price bracket above the HD600s, but below the Focal Clear / HD800. Because, the MM-500s, and Clear are awesome, but not everyone has that budget. And the MM-100s had some decent qualities but aren't nearly as good as the MM-500s.

[@Alex-no9er]

magnificent podcast!! one of the best comparisons I've ever seen. BUT, .... what about Heddphones?? Are they as good as they say? Regards from Spain!!

[@SonicScoop]

Thanks! I hope to get my hands on the new versions soon. The new ones weren’t announced and the old ones weren’t available when I did this. -Justin

[@shorerocks]

To me, Beyerdynamic all the way. Also keep in mind the option to have corrective EQ (I use Morphit from toneboosters) which you can mix in to further optimize the listening experience. Like Justin says - once you know your headphone sound, you are ready to go.

[@lewchootrain]

Which would you say are best for low end accuracy? That’s my biggest problem with working in headphones and I have to for my environment

[@SonicScoop]

Absolutely, that's one of the biggest things great headphones can potentially help with. I wish I stressed that even more at the beginning. The first two pairs I mention in this video are my top picks for bottom end: The: Audeze, followed by Focal Clear. Some of the others are very good in the bottom too. But those top of the line models are top of the line for good reason. The low end on the Audezes especially are in a league of their own, with the Focals being a close second. The best low end I've found for $300 or less are still the Blues, but they have more competition these days. The $300 VSX can do surprisingly well in the bottom. All of my other top picks have good bottom, but those are the standouts for me. -Justin

[@sebomusic]

Have you tried pairing the Audeze’s with the Reveal+ plugin? What are your thoughts, is it worth the extra 199$ for mixing purposes?

[@strangeworldpainted]

I am a user of Neumann NDH 20 an i love it but i looking for Audeze now :D

[@SonicScoop]

The NDH 20 are GREAT closed backs. But if you are mixing, I generally recommend open backs-with few exceptions. I think that either the Audezes or the NDH30s could translate better for you. But if you want a good pair of closed backs, its hard to beat the NDH20! -Justin

[@starkid9736]

get ARYA eq them boom 1k $ used

[@maorixp8812]

The AKG K712 Pro is missing here . I use them for many years now and didn`t found better ones in this price range in sound and comfort

[@Jason75913]

The step up from them is likely the Audeze MM-500. And steer clear of Focal. They have a reputation for poor quality control as well as headbands that break easily.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

The mids aren't that flat on them, for me and I end up with more lies with my mixes, although I think there great for tracking when recording guitar & vocals.

[@rajakhan2668]

Which headphone amp do you use?

[@atsilverine]

Nice video! Have you listened to Sennheiser's 560S headphones? Cheap in terms of price and "quality impression", but you can hear low frequencies in them much better than in 650. Still, the sound is a very characteristic Sennheiser sound - midrange/top end.

[@SonicScoop]

I’m not familiar with the model. I would love to hear them! -Justin

[@cresshead]

adding chapters to the video would help navigate the long run time for all the headphones listed.

[@pedroboschibrasil]

I have the Shure, definitely great sounding, but also fits the best, and not too heavy, I forget I’m using them!

[@blizzzmusic996]

They are great I use them as well

[@Pickles-s5k]

Great video. I appreciate you going into the detail you do. Thank you kind sir!

[@christopherkiyui8071]

What mic is that you are using? It looks so cool.

[@thetempleofsound]

My personal favorites, that I have tried, are the Avantone Planar and Avantone MP1 mixphones. Both amazing for the price. The mixphones are definitely not flat but they just seem to work for mixing and have great low end, I often find I feel the music so much I take them off to make sure the speakers are not on lol.. My mixes on them translate very well and they are cheap. BUT they, like the blue shed the black off the ear cups over the years. I have never heard the Blue but the way you describe them makes them sound the way I would describe the MP1's. The Avantone Planar II I just got a few months ago and they are very flat sounding and very detailed with a nice open yet strong sound. My only issue with them is they are a little less bright than I would like so my first mixes on them were too bright. Sonarworks doesn't have a setting for them so I made my own and now I love them for mixing. Very curious how the Avantone Planar stacks up against the Audeze MM-100 and 500. Thanks for a great review.

[@TheMa5terMau5]

I have the AKG K702 and im very happy with them, actually i was recomended by stimming from diynamic to buy them

[@directed6924]

Using K702 for many years now, need to replace ear pads. Looking now at NDH 30 to replace K702.

[@salieto9597]

VSX for me is a game changer, and probably the only tool that I will buy again in the audio world without any doubt. Ive stepped up my mixing game A LOT and that also impacted in the amount of work I get. This is sounding like and ad but I swear its not lol It takes time and listening to get used to it, but once you have your "setup" is a bless. I was tired of double-triple-checking all mixes I was doing, both in my treated room (that still has flaws even with heavy treatment) and my other headphones. Now I use a combination of Archon Studio (mid-field) and linear mode and I have to guess a lot less (Zuma sounds soooo nice too). I suppose its getting used to how a headphones sounds, but the ability to "know" more than one room and check in various references for me is amazing.

[@Itz_Gomi]

How is the build for the VSX? Ive seen some reviews in the past saying they tend to break from light bending. is that really true?

[@salieto9597]

@@Itz_Gomi Build quality as far as I know was a problem with first releases, but is solved now. Have mine for a year now and 0 problems.

[@Itz_Gomi]

@salieto9597 Thanks for the reply. I'm definitely gonna look into getting em soon.

[@salieto9597]

@@Itz_Gomi for me they are a extremely well thought tool. I think you have a really long trial period if you order through them (dont remember it correctly) so you dont loose nothing trying

[@DHOBSESSIONS]

Thanks for a super helpful video

[@Moshington]

i also tried the Audeze's b2b at the NAMM booth. The LCD 5 for me also had about a 5-8% increase in clarity and soundstage but I ended up with the mm500. The truth is that I just have a lot of other gear to acquire.

[@frankenheimer1]

good Information...thank you...what do you think about the AKG K812 ?

[@martingroenne]

Great video! Any experience with Hifiman Arya Stealth?

[@moonsofjupiter]

I prefer the LCD X 2021s over the MM500. They have more bass and I like the pinna gain/upper mids better as well. The MM’s are a bit forward in the upper mids and that hampers it’s mixing ability. They LCD X cost less too (and come in the same cool pelican case)

[@cowabungaw9958]

I use the Blue Sadie when traveling - pretty impressed with these. The Ella's are even better

[@vojtechvigh2447]

I bought an audio-technica ATH-M70X. Do you think they are good headphones for listening to music or not? Have you tried them, how do they sound?

[@MrBikboi]

Honestly I've been using Sony MDR 7506's for a long time with SoundID software. Been thinking I'd like to try something else/better don't have a massive budget so I don't know if buying a set of Beyer dt770's is worthwhile or if I should spend a bit more to get something a little better for an upgrade, like the Beyer 700 you mentioned. (Canadian prices suck)

[@user-eu6wp6ws7c]

Time stamps would be nice.

[@johncoxe6329]

What are your thoughts as having a pair of State VSX with a choice selected environment or 2 in their plug-in as a confirmation reference after mixing with a more consistently used pair - like checking with studio monitors after a headphone mastering? Adding a pair to the Audeze is in the range of the excellent Barefoot Footprint03 monitors before the trouble and expense of room treatment. Apples and oranges, I know, but working to the same end and probably more suitable to the home studio environment to produce a pro audio output.

[@DelargeBeatss]

Problem with the MM-500 is the huge jack that you can't plug to your audio interface, it is the reason why I won't get them unless they provide the right cable

[@SonicScoop]

I’m surprised to hear that. Where do you live? Here in the US 1/4” jacks are THE standard headphones jacks on all pro audio interfaces, even the cheapest ones. That said, there are easily purchased and very inexpensive 1/4” to 1/8” connectors. (Or as you might call them, “3.8mm” or something :-) I wouldn’t be surprised if Audeze even includes one, but I can’t remember.

[@Tacitade]

Which you choice vsx vs hd490?

[@thejacevekexperience]

Ive been using The Neumann Ndh 30s for 6 months now. Theyve turned out to be very very reliable. Coupled with sonarworks.... The best way I would describe them? They dont lie.

[@SonicScoop]

That’s what’s great about them! -Justin

[@edenekendahl1791]

Thanks for the video! Do I need a headphone amp for using the Audeze MM500 or the Neumann NDH 30? If yes, then which one would you recommend? Or will it work just as fine straight in the computer?

[@va941]

Having just invested 500€ in the Beyerdynamic dt 900/700 pro x headphones im very interested in your opinion on those cans.

[@mrdali67]

Recently baught the Beyer 700 Pro X. Had some old AKG that cost about the same back in the 90's but where starting to falling apart. And pretty impressed with the 700 Pro X. Their bass responce is amazing and I hear details in songs that I know well, which I have never spotted before. Great phones. Been wondering if its worth parring it with Sonar works, especially if its worth the trouble sending in your headphones to get a custom measurement instead of the general settings for your model.

[@ASSman864]

Hows the circle shape fitting your ear? Wore the classic style in store and they fit fully over my ear despite being round, but these pads look fatter and more square cornered

[@mrdali67]

@@ASSman864 They are great as long as you get the size adjustet optimal for your head size. I get a little wear fattige over time due to using glasses

[@FLXN.09]

What do you recommend for EDM ? House techno etc

[@dionysis_]

A question if you happen to see this: I am looking for headphones to do all my mixing and mastering since I have no space or monitors suitable. I would love the Neumann ‘s NDH 30s and can afford them but I am wondering if the VSX ones will be better for my use case. I especially would love to have a good way to monitor bass which I hear works quite well with the VSX. Thanks!

[@SonicScoop]

They are both very good headphones. If you want something that doesn’t require a software that has very neutral frequency response, and doesn’t hype things up, the NDH 30 are great. If you want something that has even deeper low end for half the price, the VSX are great for that. They are also potentially more versatile. But that versatility could potentially be confusing or overwhelming to some, and also requires specialized software to run. Hope that helps!

[@dionysis_]

@@SonicScoop thank you for getting back to me 🙂

[@SoundsGur]

What about the Denon AH-D2000 and their family range? I use them and hear much more detail than I used to when listened to my 770s.

[@adrenalineproductionbeats]

I have a pair of ATH-M40x headphones that I love. They cost under $200. For me they're just perfect. I can hear and cut out the distortion when mixing. I use Fl studio to create music.

[@Jason75913]

M40x rocks. M70x is the next step up. 😉

[@keithdunwoody1302]

I love my M40x. Wish they were a bit sturdier. Also own HD600. I go back and forth to check mixes. It's all about getting used to what you got.

[@jimboblivesforever]

I am quite curious about the Slate VSX models and might give one of them a try sometime. For me, the Beyerdynamic 1990 are also quite intersting, because I used to use the DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm for years for my mixing and mastering, and they did a really good job, especially considering the price. I wonder if the 350 price jump to the 1990s is worth it. It might be, as supposedly, the lowend is more precise and the Beyer Peak less pronounced, but I haven't yet tried them myself. For someone on a really, really tight budget, the DT990 Pro would still be something worth looking at in my opinion.

[@Ferrous_Bueller]

I just got them after being on the fence for a while, and after a couple days of using them I kick myself in the arse for not doing it sooner.

[@jasonm9825]

​@Ferrous_Bueller nice! I really want them too. Not sure if the pro and pro x versions are worth the extra money? Did you consider these too?

[@Ferrous_Bueller]

@@jasonm9825 as far as I know, they only come in two versions now, the Essential and the Platinum. Only difference between the two is the latter gives you more rooms. But Steven’s has coupons to upgrade to the Platinum at certain times of the year doe $100, so I went with the essential and I’ll upgrade whenever they have a coupon

[@zttrrtjjrrjzrujrtjtrtjrjrt6243]

Hey Mr Coletti, If you could only pick one for mixing and mastering, which one would you pick? DT Pro 1990 Steven Slate VSX NDH-30 Thank you for your time!

[@SonicScoop]

That’s really hard. My personal favorites aren’t on that list. For comfort and being fun to listen to it’s the Beyers. For unflattering neutrality that will make you work to make the mix sound good, it’s the Neumanns. For the ingenuity of the concept and the price to performance it’s the VSX. Out of the three, for my personal tastes and needs, I might pick the Neumanns. But I wouldn’t “enjoy” them as much as the Beyerdynamics. My personal top picks are the Audeze and the Focals, but I get that the price makes them not a great choice for everyone. -Justin

[@paullennox2404]

Would you need a high end headphone amp with DAC to get the best out of those higher end headphones, or they work just as well plugged into an interface such as a UAD interface? I'm considering options for mastering. Thanks for the comprehensive review!

[@SonicScoop]

Glad you enjoyed it! It depends on the model. A lot of nice headphones these days have impedances well under 100 ohms and can be powered by just about anything, including portable devices like phones and tablets and laptops. A small number of high end headphones will have super high impedances of more like 300-600 ohms, and may need higher powered headphone amps. This was common in the past, but is happening much less frequently today. And even then, the power amps built into even pretty basic contemporary audio interfaces will usually be more than sufficient to drive them. A specialized headphone amp may offer a marginal improvement compared to what’s built into most modern interfaces, but generally speaking, the headphones make a much bigger difference than the amp. I hope that helps! -Justin

[@sonidojamon]

Audio Technica's R70X are sleepers. So few mentions or reviews, but they're AMAZING!!

[@SonicScoop]

I do mention them in the article version of this. Very good headphones, and I prefer them to the Sennheisers in the sand category, even though they are less expensive. Very lightweight and easy to wear, too. Very best, Justin

[@iFaFo_0]

Would love to know where the Modhouse Tungsten would end up on a list like this.

[@janbartel5286]

Thanks for the great video! In the price range up to 700 bucks, wich headphones would you prefer (for producing electronic music/techno)? I am thinking about the Audeze mm-100 or Neumann´s NDH-30...