The Headphone That Mix & Mastering Engineers DON'T Want YOU To Know About! (Hifiman Ananda Nano)

[@PaulThird]

HIFIMAN ANANDA Nano thmn.to/thoprod/570129?offid=1&affid=1686 If you are interested in Nano and are looking at buying then consider buying from this link as it helps out the channel and keeps the channel away from paid sponsored content 🤜🤛 Also MIXING ON HEADPHONES PLAYLIST kzbin.info/aero/PLmcBOB8VmXMJWLjteAkum3HBZWpwh5hY4

[@valium-fm7236]

Hi Paul. Is there much difference between the ananda and the ananda Nano? I’ve been eyeing both up recently. So this video has helped answer a lot of questions I’ve had about them. So It’s much appreciated. Fanx For Askin

[@fftunes]

You've talked a lot about EQ'ing your monitoring system, but - if you only had these headphones - how would you make up for the "lack of soundstage"? Would you say simply slapping on a stereo widener while monitoring could work? I'm curious.

[@PaulThird]

Emrah tried the whole ananda line and never liked it. There were a few issues with the ananda line before nano. Nano are different from standard ananda

[@PaulThird]

@fftunes I would just get another pair of headphones. Any forced manipulation to the stereo field will impact your translation even more. You just accept the limitation of what you have

[@fftunes]

@@PaulThird I'd probably still try if i were to get these headphones. Especially the almost over-pronounced transients you mentioned sounds very attractive to me, it's something i'm missing from every studio monitor system i had so far. Thanks for the reply anyway. 🙂

[@EdThorne]

Solid review. Killer headphones. I start all mastering sessions with these to dial in the low-end. Incredibly accurate.

[@alchemistprojectstudiovlog3599]

I've had the Anand Nano for about half a year connected to the Rupert Neve RNHP and I find the combination ideal. They are the most cost-effective studio headphones on the market today.

[@PaulThird]

There is a very high probability that RNHP is colouring your sound. It doesn't work well with low ohm headphones. Starts to distort with as little as 3mW of power. I would suggest getting a topping at some point to compare.

[@alchemistprojectstudiovlog3599]

@@PaulThird I bought Rupert for a different purpose because I use it mainly as an analog effect, it works great on the vocal bus ;) but for me Ananda Nano is too digital when I listen through RME ADI so I also passed it through Rupert, I also used an adapter for a balanced cable and now I can mix longer ;)

[@mjamiep12]

For someone quick to point out flaws and BS in the audio & mixing world (a good thing). It really is saying something that you have such a positive review of these.

[@PaulThird]

Tbh I really should do more reviews of things that I use on the daily as that will help others more

[@chriscutress1702]

I'm a recording engineer and when at the CBC ( for 36 years) I learned to mix on Grado headphones. Sound good and allow me to reliably record classical music and voice recordings. Great headphones without breaking the bank. When mixing I always compared them with my studio speakers and found the happy medium between the headphones and the studio speakers. Stax electrostatic also worked well but were perhaps a little too good and anything could sound good on them.

[@happyshadow]

Ah Grandos, they're more like speakers for everyone else in the room 😂

[@MrWunterslausch]

I have Grado sr325 and Audeze LCD-X. Both got them secondhand dirt cheap. The grado's are a complete opposite profile to the LCD's but they are so detailed, which is really nice for production, saturation, compression etc. But I never made a good mix with them.

[@peterorany]

Which model?

[@chriscutress1702]

@@peterorany SR-80

[@LiamRaitorComposer]

Hi Paul! I just got the Hifiman Ananda Nano and the Topping A90-Discrete Amp-absolutely loving them! Huge thanks to you for the recommendation. I’ve been using the EqualizerAPO GraphicEq profile I found on AutoEQ, and it adjusts pretty much perfectly to the Harman curve. But since it uses a lot of little band adjustments, do you think that might be an issue? I’d love to hear your thoughts and, if possible, the EQ settings you use for the Nano.

[@PaulThird]

use parametric with the least bands possible. The harman eq I was using is on my patreon but you have to sign up. Just do parametric eq on auto eq and try and get it close with the least amount of bands

[@LiamRaitorComposer]

@@PaulThird Ah, I hadn’t thought about checking your Patreon-but that’s not the case anymore, haha! I downloaded your EQ curve, and it’s working so much better. Thanks a ton!

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Great recommendation! The Ananda Nano is currently the best headphone in the world for under $500. It punches way above its weight class. If you want soundstage check out the Aryas. The Arya V2 which is 4+ years old now has one of the biggest and most holographic sound stages of any headphone I have heard. It’s nowhere as detailed as the new Ananda Nano, but it does give you killer soundstage. I haven’t heard the Arya Nano or Stealth or Organic or the newest Arya unveiled, and the newer models may be even better. But the Arya V2 has a special place in my heart because it has a super power - it gives you a holographic soundstage where you can hear one instrument clearly defined playing BEHIND another instrument in space and you can visualize the space (depth) between the foreground instrument and the one behind it. The only other headphone that can do that is the Shangri La Sr. It’s not of this Earth, and it beats everything else by a mile and is easily the greatest headphone in the world by a wide margin.

[@Lamarro]

Hey Paul! Love your Videos man! Youre def my savezone when im looking to improve my headphone listening experience. I have a Question tho ... i would like to get the Ananda coupled with a presonus hd 2 Interface... Do you still think i would need a headphone amp in that combo ? ^^

[@PaulThird]

All my personal advice on headphone mixing is now on my discord server which is available for Patrons and YT channel members. If you want advice and to chat on various headphone threads I advise you check it out

[@bassinblue]

I purchased these because of you...and WOW. Just WOW, honestly. Detected issues in my mixes IMMEDIATELY. Compared them to pro mixes and found why pro mixes are pro mixes haha. Luckily I was on the right track, so just have to make little adjustments. But honestly, I'm not having the issue of the panning, as I can detect even the smallest adjustments with the pan. It'll take me a while to climatise to these headphones, but I'm loving them already. Cheers man!

[@PaulThird]

The issue with the panning is more in regards to translation. It's easy to overdo your side signal with these. If a mix sounds really wide and the image is pretty well balanced the mix isn't right. That's why it's vital to check other systems when mixing on them solely. A good mix on the nanos should slam with a more centre focused image. Reverbs and fx shouldn't be as prominent

[@bassinblue]

@@PaulThird Hey man, came back to discuss something urgent with you and need your help. My Ananda Nano's have been great, but was hearing lots of rattling at higher volumes/heavy bass orientated tracks. Is this normal? Heard others facing similar issues of QC. Does your pair rattle, or is this normal?

[@PaulThird]

Shouldn't be rattling. Ed's and emrahs don't either. What loudness are you listening at?

[@bassinblue]

@@PaulThird I crank the volume up (focusrite 2i2) not for too long, but just test how it does with loudness. Even when I'm at 50% volume and I play bass DI...there's rattling and it forced me to pull back on compression. If rattling isn't normal, then I'll order a new pair. But I assumed the rattling was the headphones being transparent even to the levels of revealing artifacts/distortion/clipping etc. Not sure.

[@PaulThird]

@bassinblue 2i2 doesn't have the gain to adequately power the nanos. Seriously one of the worst hp amps in an interface. Distorts after only a couple of 1mW and has very little power. Before you do anything else, try it with a better amp to ensure it's the headphone. Most likely the focusrite as it's so underpowered and but I may be wrong but I'm very sure somebody emailed me last year to say that the same thing happened with a focusrite scarlett

[@davidallanmusic]

I just purchased a factory refurbished Neumann NDH 20 for tracking. These refurbished models might just be the best bang for the buck that I've come across. I know that Big Z uses the open back version for mixing and mastering his songs and he gets pretty good results.

[@DanBires]

Took me a long time but I love the Sen hd 650's paired with a Monotor headphone amp.

[@rman4539]

I was looking for a good pair of headphones to replace my old Beyer.I'll have a try. Thx for the review

[@john8451]

You even took them to London? 😮 Now that really is a test of durability! 😉

[@PaulThird]

They go in my bag everywhere now

[@AndreasRavizzoniSongsForYou]

Hi Paul! I’m not able to try them on because I’m living in Brazil at the moment. From the amount of reviews it’s always safe to go for Audeze. And the MM-100 is on the same price range. It’s reaaaally hard to find comparisons. As you mentioned you’ve tried many Audeze pairs. It would be great to hear your take on which planar headphones can be more helpful for which situation. In my case I’m looking for mixing and mastering in the indie, singer songwriter/rock genre. One thing that scares me a lot is that the not eq nanos would hurt my ears when trying to have some volume. I tried correcting my current Sony MDR-1R pair with the Harman curve and I had to remove any adjustments after 3K. Otherwise it would hurt my ears when it’s “supposed” to sound right. This new journey looking for better systems is exciting but also confusing when I don’t have many headphones to try and compare by myself. What I know is that the curves from the MM’s get closer to what I’m used to. So I thought it could be a safe choice because of that. But when you EQ the planars, both Nano and MM’s maybe that’s totally enough for great mixes. Sorry, I’m super confused. Hoping to hear more info from own experiences that you’ve had.

[@PaulThird]

No headphone should hurt your ears unless you listen at too loud an SPL. You may find a headphone that is too bright stock but it's not going to damage your ears unless you listen loud for long periods of time. Our ears can be more or less sensitive in certain areas so you tailor your eq to that but just be careful that you don't over compensate with that. Last thing you want is for you to get the headphones sounding the way you want them but the translation is off. It's all about finding a balance and maybe tuning your ears.

[@PaulThird]

Plus the Sonys you are using are very dull so it's not a wonder harman is bright to you. Harman is normally doing the opposite and bringing down the top end and upper mids Maybe the harman lift needed for sony's is compounding distortion issues that are already in the headphones

[@AndreasRavizzoniSongsForYou]

@@PaulThird I usually enjoy boosting the volume with the Sony. It feels I can listen to louder music without any headache or bothering. I found out that I’m mixing on my monitors at 105db. So it’s pretty obvious I’m busting my ears a bit for the sake of enjoyability. And at these levels a lower treble would help. But I’m planning to mix at around 85db like you mentioned.

[@AndreasRavizzoniSongsForYou]

@@PaulThird maybe when calibrating the Sony’s it’s actually a distortion in the high frequency range, like you said, that becomes super annoying. The hearing is unbearable for the Billie Jean hihats in the song samples from the site. Just super thin and squeaky, distracting. I think when I have better pairs I’m going to start understanding better the Harman curves and EQ corrections.

[@PaulThird]

Maybe that's why the sony's are specifically tuned that way to avoid distortion due to poor driver design

[@lxndrbe]

Seem very good! Would you also recommend them for producing? Specially Electronic Music and Techno with lots of Low-End, where the producing and MixDown process mainly happens parallel in the same project? Or are these Mixing and Mastering ONLY

[@PaulThird]

Reccomend them for everything

[@lxndrbe]

@@PaulThird Thank you a lot 🥰 Harman, here I come 😁

[@lilgbolahan]

Thanks Paul. Got the hifiman edition xs instead, and the sound stage is awesome. Might add the Ananda Nano later this year

[@PaulThird]

👍

[@gosnote]

Hello @lilgbolahan How are you liking the Edition XS so far? Are you using them for mixing/mastering? I have been looking at the Sundaras as my first planar magnetic headphones for mixing/mastering (using Sennheiser HD650 now), but can get the Edition XS close to the same price now. I haven't read alot on these headphones for this application. Cheers.

[@alex.nadiradze]

what about Ananda Nano distortion in low end that we see on measurements?

[@PaulThird]

Amir has an issue with measuring egg shaped cups. He doesn't get a good fit on his dummy head which compromises the measurements. He admitted this himself that couldn't get a good seal. Nobody else measures the nanos with such high distortion in the low end. Use your ears and you'll hear that the measurements are incorrect. Nanos are the clearest in the low end of any headphone I've heard

[@alex.nadiradze]

@@PaulThird thank you for reply, I am choosing between Nano and HD 490 pro for mixing/producing ( bass heavy electronic music mainly), and unfortunately can not test Nanos at local shops. I am little treble sensitive, I have dt 770 pro x for only low end checking and they are too piercing/harsh for me, can it be the same in case of Nanos or they are much smoother? Nanos have 10db more 12khz and 6db more 8khz compared to my HD 6XX that I love all about except bass response.

[@PaulThird]

Nanos take eq like a champ. Eq them to harman and you'll have all the low end clarity without the stock hifi brightness

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Nobody should be taking Amir seriously! lol Avoid audiosciencereview at all costs. 😂

[@LuchoFerro]

Hi Paul, thanks for all your recommendations. Getting my Ananda Nano soon. You are mostly right about China killing it, I also have a Topping DAC and headphone amp but America is still in the battle with Presonus. I recently purchased the Quantum HD 2 and my god what a great interface. Everything on it kick ass except the drivers, I guess I'm spoiled with RME. I'll upgrade to the HD8 so I can connect it via adat to my Digiface. Everything on it is amazing, AD/DA, preamps, headphone amp, build quality, etc. More functionality than UA new interface at 3 times less the price with not much less in terms of quality IMHO.

[@PaulThird]

I'd need to listen to it's DAC conversion quality and view the headphone outs specs but it is good to see presonus update the quantum line as their previous releases (not quantum) were very average

[@scarfypedia]

If you haven't tried the Hifiman HE400se please get a pair, and if so, how do you think they hold up in comparison? I've been using them consistently for a couple years now with good results (though I have switched the stock grills out for something with better airflow), and I'm using the Fiio Q1 mk1 with its gentle bass boost to get me closer to harman. I originally chose the HE400se due to its very low distortion levels, fast impulse response, and relatively stable frequency, but if the Ananda Nanos are actually a significant upgrade over the XS or comparable Hifiman flagship i'm curious.

[@PaulThird]

From what emrah has told me the nanos are the fastest of all hifiman he's tried including he400se. I'm gonna be honest though. At £50 on Ali express there is no way they are going to compare to sundara, nano etc Hifiman aren't daft. They wouldn't kill the rest of their brand at £50. From my experience. Audeze mx4, LCD-X, LCD closed, susvara, he1000se, sundara, Arya Organic, sennheiser, Austrian audio, Sony, Dan clark, Heddphones, you name it.. None of them are as fast as nano. Nano slam like no other. LCD closed gives them a run for their money in the slam category but still not as fast with as detailed bass retrieval. They are super aggressive but in a clean way. If it slams on nanos and the low end sounds correct on them, you got yourself a stellar mix

[@ShepNicholls]

Hi, Paul. Just got me a pair of hifiman he400se and a fiio k11 dac/amp. What are your thoughts on this combo and in particular, the he400se 👍🏻 it's certainly a big step up from my old presonus audiobox i2 and dt990s 🤣

[@WillyJunior]

Hey Paul, could you clarify what you meant around 3:34 about the punchy-ness of these headphones? Are you saying things sound very punchy on these headphones, compared to monitors and compared to the Focal headphones? I have an issue with my mixes often being too punchy with overly aggressive drum transients because I mix at a low volume due to not annoying neighbours etc, so these could be perfect for me. Thanks!

[@PaulThird]

They are very fast. A good mix on these should slam.

[@Anders01]

Interesting headphones! I wonder about the upgraded version of ANANDA-BT how they compare to the Ananda Nano.

[@PaulThird]

Standard abanada and nano are very different

[@alessandroronzoni9304]

Great video! Can you share the correction you apply when you mix with ananda? Thanks

[@PaulThird]

It's on my patreon but you would have to sign up. It's either that or do it yourself for free via auto eq

[@ajayrajkumar3505]

Mine are in the post.... shall I eq them to the Harman curve?

[@PaulThird]

Yes. Just don't use crossfeed with them. They don't need it

[@martinvojtisek99]

@@PaulThird Can I please ask why these headphones specifically do not need crossfeed?

[@PaulThird]

I've found that headphones that have a very good open soundstage or are quite center focused don't really benefit from crossfeed. Crossfeed intentionally narrows the image which focuses the center image. Nanos already have a focused center image which when given crossfeed basically makes the nanos sound mono. I discovered that's why I was struggling to make soundstage decisions with them. I lose way too much side information due to the crossfeed. Crossfeed is for headphones that has too much of a pronounced left and right feel. If you feel like the sound is "in your head" or you can tell that you are listening to 2 seperate drivers going directly into each ear with a weak phantom center (like ollo S5X) then you use crossfeed. If a headphone image sounds unnaturally wide you can also use crossfeed to narrow it. I've found the hifimans with egg shaped cups don't need it as their soundstage is pretty much setup out the box to sound amazing

[@martinvojtisek99]

@@PaulThird Thank you so much!

[@icysasakimusic]

So best for mixing and mastering is he 1000 and mx 4?

[@PaulThird]

Still to be decided

[@emexldj]

I have had a set of sundaras for a couple of years now and I love them but recently they suffered some damage. When I reached out to Hifiman they offered me a (slightly when shipping from the US was taken into account) discounted brand new pair but I told them only needed one driver. I’m torn. I love the headphones and would even love to upgrade to the nanos but the customer service has been terrible. Never heard of a company being so obtuse. Not offering to fix them and refusing to send a a replacement part. Not sure what to do tbh.

[@MuzdokOfficial]

I will put those on my list thank you!

[@PaulThird]

👍

[@akaerik1]

Will these work with the Apollo duo headphone output

[@PaulThird]

Yes but I would advise a headphone amp anyway as the apollo dac and amp isn't great

[@shubertmusic]

Hey Paul, I've watched your other videos on headphone mixing. But for these headphone in particular, do you have a preference on a crossfeed plugin? Would CanOpener be your go-to for these?

[@PaulThird]

Yes

[@MikeFromDownUnder]

Thanks for sharing this❗🙏

[@PaulThird]

🙏

[@peterheinen6110]

Like the hifiman for the incredible transient repro, but use the AKG 702 for sound stage and stereo image

[@PaulThird]

👍

[@homebrewinstrumentals7700]

Any recommendations on a custom cable for these yet?

[@PaulThird]

I don't believe in custom cables. Cable that comes with it is good enough

[@homebrewinstrumentals7700]

@@PaulThird thanks mate, for all of your help. Love my ananda nano and topping E2x2. Going to get the Sundara closed backs to replace my DT770's soon 🙏👍🙏👍

[@anatol1204]

Whats your take on the new Arya unveiled version is it equal to Nano for the bass mixing but better also in the stage department or not ?

[@PaulThird]

I would need to hear it first

[@anatol1204]

@PaulThird will you ? 👀

[@PaulThird]

Probably not as I am not the most careful person in the world. Having the magnet exposed isn't really the best thing for someone with dyspraxia

[@anatol1204]

@@PaulThird If someone buys the new Arya (basically the known Arya line) do you think that the need for Ananda for the bass is essential or Arya can do the job too ? 👀 The only head I have now is NDH 30..👀

[@johnosam4681]

Im planning to buy this HP but Im torn between Hifiman EF500 or EF600, Im thinking buying the EF600 because of its form factor, but not sure if that will make a difference on anando nano comapring it to EF500

[@PaulThird]

Don't buy the hifiman dac amp. Buy topping. Spend an extra hundred more and you'll find a dx7 pro+ which is still one of the best DAC amps on the market. better value for money. Better performance. Hifiman are proven for making quality headphones. Topping are proven for making the best dacs & amps. Don't buy their dac amp just because it's the same brand as the headphones. Very powerful amp but very average DAC. To put it into perspective, audient Evo 16 DAC has less THD+N than it

[@musicproductionme]

Very interesting ! I want to buy the "hifiman he1000se" because i saw your video about it, but now i see this video about "HIFIMAN ANANDA-NANO" witch one is better for mixing in general?

[@PaulThird]

Nanos are more translatable to the average system

[@mortennissov7891]

Have you checked the Arya Stealth/Organic? Wonder if they are as fast as the Nano? Wonder if those would be even better.

[@PaulThird]

Organic are coming soon

[@mortennissov7891]

@@PaulThird any teaser? Debating whether to return Nano and get Organic. Or maybe Organic is not fast enough to do what the Nano can do?

[@officalrjhall6177]

What do you think of these VSx platinum edition hype or any good ??

[@PaulThird]

Never tried VSX

[@officalrjhall6177]

@PaulThird but what is your initial thoughts you must have seen the adverts they are every fucking where lol

[@PaulThird]

No point me giving an opinion on something I've not tried

[@DESYNC3D_Music]

Have you heard the Arya Stealth Paul?

[@PaulThird]

Nope just arya organic

[@PanoOpticum]

The Ananda Nano are fantastic for mixing and mastering! Without knowing that these headphones even existed, I was able to compare them with some much more expensive models a couple of weeks ago. Compared them to Audeeze LCD-X and MM-500 (very disappointing), Focal Clear MG, Sundara, Beyerdynamic 990 Pro, and a few more, the Ananda Nano clearly won. With them, it's easy to recognize the balance in the mix. The lows are punchy but balanced and the distinction between kick and bass is easy. The mids and highs are very clear and not too sharp, with a fantastic Soundstage. I was prepared to spend a lot more money - luckily my hearing can cope (very well) with cheaper headphones :)

[@PaulThird]

🤘

[@user-dt8jz4hr1n]

what dissapointed you with the mm-500?

[@j-station]

MM-500 are definitely legit. There’s no question. Are they the most fun or impactful headphones to listen to? No. But are they fantastic for actual balance of frequencies? Yes. Listen to them enough and enough amazing tracks and you will start to get it. It does take a while to understand them though.

[@PanoOpticum]

@@user-dt8jz4hr1n In short: they weren't balanced to me. The MM-500s are too mid-range only and not even pleasant there... I had perfectly mixed tracks in top file quality and it sounded like on cheap headphones. Not wide and clear, but unbalanced and musty, as if through a curtain... and I went there especially for these headphones, was prepared to spend almost 2000, hence the big disappointment... but yes, I only had them on my head for 5-10 minutes

[@PanoOpticum]

@@j-station then I didn't take enough time. I realize that such expensive headphones have to be good, otherwise so many people wouldn't swear by them. But they're not for me...

[@ArtardiDebernuro]

Whats the differene with audeze lcdx?

[@PaulThird]

Transients and low end detail

[@ArtardiDebernuro]

Thanks! ❤ U r the best! ✌️

[@22ABA22]

Hello! I am using a k5 pro ess dac/amp for mixing, would that be sufficient? Also would appreciate your thoughts on nanos vs lcd-x, currently looking for a pair of mixing headphones. Thanks!

[@rick_amsterdam]

@paulthird if you had to chose only one, he1000se or nano? I just bought he1000se but 1900 aint cheap and if nano slams that good, I could use the remaining savings on a good amp/dac.

[@PaulThird]

Probably nano just because it nails the low end and transients. HE1000SE is remarkable but you could still mix the soundstage easy with a lot of other headphones where I couldn't really say that with what nano does

[@happyshadow]

Have you ever gotten up to walk around or even walk out of the room with the mix still playing and suddenly notice all the things the mix is missing? The more detail you hear the more rabbit holes you head down at the expense of broad stroke vibe/energy focus.

[@PaulThird]

I always walk around the room with the phones on near the end of the mix. For whatever reason gives my brain a different perspective. Just psychoacoustics

[@tehillimmusic]

Hey Paul! Love your videos and your contribution to the community on mixing on headphones. I was just wondering if you have any experience with the verum audio headphones, in particular the verum 2, and the Audeze MM-500s?

[@PaulThird]

Emrah tried verum and his conclusion was that they are on par with Sundara but with slightly narrow soundstage. Lacks the bass that LCD-X has Never tried MM-500 but been told that they are essentially LCD-X to Mannys preferred tuning. Most don't like the tuning so end up eq'ing them which makes them overpriced considering LCD-X is £600 cheaper

[@tehillimmusic]

@@PaulThird ​ Thanks for the reply! :) Emrah from your mentions of him in other videos and podcasts sounds to be very creditable person in the field. Just wondering do you know if the verums he tried were the verum 1s? if so mk 1 or 2? Currently the newest one is Verum 2. Verum 1 mk1 and mk2 being the older versions... Maybe I should have mentioned in the previous comment but I own the ananda nanos (purchased only 3 months ago) and a pair of focal clear og which has been my workhorse open backs for a while now. I love the focal clears for the punch and the tonal balance, but jumped onto the ananda nanos to get the benefits of the planars. Here is a little bit of my personal experience in this in case it is helpful for anyone in the comment section. Of course it takes time to learn new headphones but after my first few projects with the ananda nanos I personally found it actually more difficult to dial in my settings than with the clears.. or many other monitoring systems I have worked with in the past for that matter. FYI, I like to go between the harman curve on and off using audio hijack to cross check because while I believe in the power of the harman curve, for me the appreciation of the original intention and design of the monitoring device of my choice is part of the deciding factor for me when making such purchase, and A/Bing between harman and the originally intended presentation of the music sort of helps me engage with the music and the mix more. Although, for me Audio Hijack has been a little bit buggy lately so…. Paul, I am curious as to how you personally apply the harman curve. Is it in your master bus? Or a system-wide eq tool like the audio hijack? If so with what plugin? Anyways for whatever reason, it just seems like i tend to over-do some of my mixing decisions when relying sorely/mostly on the nanos.... I should take more time learning the headphones yes, but learning a new monitoring system has never been too difficult for me. Hence why I wondered if you had any experience with the two planars that I am interested in - the verum 2s and the audeze mm-500s. Yes, because I think I might buy another pair and depending on if the nanos are worth keeping for maybe a secondary check after getting a new planar, I may or may not sell them. For me having tested some other planars the MM-500s is the dream pair, the only thing drawing me back is the price tag. Well worth it in my opinion but at the same time there are too many headphones out there that are also great with lower price tag, hence wanting to take more time to make sure it’s a solid decision. The Verum 2 is kind of the cheap pair that some reviewers are comparing to the LCD-Xs, coming in at very low price - so more of a "could this be a cheaper solution to what I am after?" kind of thing. - sad that I can't test the verums before purchasing… I can never know unless I order them and wait for months to get them… The main reason why I say the MM-500s are the dream pair for me is because from my experience, where MM-500s stand out is in the dynamic details and information I get from them... Even when comparing the LCD-Xs against the MM-500s, they are not just different in tonal balance, but they tell different dynamic information. I have never owned either of them but tested them both quite a few times. i.e. I have never mixed with them, but have critically listened to my choice of monitor reference tracks over multiple visits to different headphone stores (some stores had hifimans that I could compare them to, some had focal clear that I have that I could compare them to etc, hence multiple visits). The MM-500 was the most informative monitoring system I have ever tried when it comes to hearing things like the compression settings and types, as well as reverb settings and types. Especially when playing some of Manny's own mixes. A good example is “Sunflower” by Post Malone, mixed by Manny M. The snare compression is just handed to you on the mm-500, the vocal reverbs too. To be quite honest this song is not my favourite mix he has done, nor is it how I think I personally would have mixed it. But I certainly appreciate SUCH BOLD compression and reverb settings he chose, and I think the ability to hear the exact settings with the MM-500s really shines in this mix because you can recognise those mixing decisions. And if I was ever making those sort of bold compression and reverb decisions, I want to make them in monitoring devices like the MM-500s. Ananda Nanos on the other hand, I struggled with the mixes tending to sound more over-processed than how I thought I had set the settings.. Could be the “Too much precision” caution that you mentioned in the video Paul - in which case, take into account that I still question myself and ask - “is it that I should learn these headphones more?” Even though I feel like it’s been long enough and I’ve had enough usage to know… I’ve never second guessed how well I know my monitoring device after 3 months of usage prior to the nanos.. So I wonder if these are not for me personally. Again but the MM-500s I felt like I could hear exactly what kind of compression settings or types he had used, more than I could hear with other headphones and monitoring systems I have tried, more than I could with the LCD-Xs or the cheaper MM-100s too. Little side note, I could hear more of it on the MM-100s than the LCD-Xs. Which is interesting, for me, other aspects aside, I felt in the dynamics department the MM series was very reliable and impressive. I liked the tonal balance of the LCD-Xs a little bit better, but something about the MM-500s just put a spotlight on the compression on the snare like none other. Unfortunately I hadn't compared the MM-500s against the ananda nanos side by side, so my experience with them came with different DAC/AMP set ups… so it may be unfair to compare the nanos paired with my cheaper (although still excellent) SMSL DO400 (and my UA apollos just for comparison) with what was obviously a VERY expensive audiophile DAC/AMP they hooked the headphones for me at the shops I tried them at. But at least I know the MM-500s had more dynamic information than the LCD-Xs through the same DAC/AMP. When playing through my focals and the nanos, I dont get the same sort of a-ha moment. I love the sound of my focal clears and my ananda nanos for different reasons, but like I said the mm-500s just puts me in quite a special mindset, on a critical mixing engineer mode, letting me hear the compression settings with so much precision, and letting me be creatively engaging with the mixing tools. That is why even though I could easily EQ the ananda nanos to “sound like” the mm-500s or just be happy with the nanos knowing that at the end of the day, both headphones will be best performed when matching the harman curve in terms of frequency response, given the dissatisfaction I have with the results i get with the nanos, I am looking at the MM-500s while making sure I look at other options too for better decision making… hence wanting for a creditable person’s opinion on the Verum 2s if they have tried them! :) BUT I will definitely keep using the nanos for now to try and learn them better, always be a student, complaining about what you have is not really a good way to be in music production this day and age where flashy new things are tickling your interest every day, and at the end of the day, these are just tools and frankly all great tools. We have much better tools than anyone did decades ago. Thanks for reading this long comment haha I agree with Paul that the Ananda Nanos are great, I don’t want to discredit the opinions shared here and especially for the price tag that the nanos live in, I think they are incredible especially in the transient department, the clarity and bass etc. But like many gears in the music and audio, its the results that YOU get out of the gear that matters, and while I enjoy listening to great mixes on them, it hasn’t been the tools to “get me there” for me personally and that is okay. It seems it has been the right tool for Paul among many others in the comment section which is also great.

[@SebasRom3G]

How do you compare them to the Sundaras? I remember Emrah mentioned something about the Sundaras/VSX were he said that focusing on the bigger picture was more important that caring too much about the details as the Ananda Nano's can let you focus too much into that. Even tho the bigger picture is a construction of all those details. It makes me wonder.

[@PanoOpticum]

No comparison. The Ananda Nano does everything better. Above all, the sound stage is much larger and the depth gradation is clearer. I heard the Sundara first and was impressed by the sound for the price, but compared to the Nano, no chance.

[@PaulThird]

Sundara does give me a better overall average picture of the mix compared to nanos but once you've heard that low end detail and accuracy of the transient response in the nano, it's very hard to unhear what you are missing in sundara but Emrah does occasionally go back to sundara as he mixed successfully on them for years. Sundara are very pleasant and I believe they show you what you really need to hear on average ie bigger picture but as Emrah will tell you, as will I.. If it sounds right on Nano's you know it's right

[@kpopbutlofi]

For someone that produces while travelling without access to monitors, would you recommend LCD-X or the Hifiman Nano, I can get the LCD-X for $700, thank you!

[@PaulThird]

Nano

[@kpopbutlofi]

@ thank you! i am using it with a Apogee duet 3, what preamp are you suggesting to travel? Basically this would be my whole set up, from composing to mixing/pre master, thanks!

[@PaulThird]

Topping DX1, topping E2x2 or Chord mojo 2

[@krexilinmixiling]

Would be cool if you did a video like this but talking about mics, and overated mics

[@PaulThird]

It's coming as I've amounted a collection but it's very hard to get hold of super expensive mics. I have more modern mics like lauten, JZ, austrian audio, lewitt etc

[@davidperez909]

One day, Paul! I started with the humble HE-400s, but at least I am in the planar game!

[@PaulThird]

👍

[@shinerhymes]

Paul have u tried the Mums8 or 10 speakers? What are ur thoughts about them?

[@PaulThird]

They are very detailed in the mids. Arguably the smoothest top end and crossovers I've heard in a speaker. I'm just not a fan of the low end. Too tight. Definitely needs a sub in my opinion for what I look for

[@DanieleCattaneo-i2x]

I really am searching for a new set of headphone. Im currently on the dt990 250 ohm and i think its time for an upgrade. Will u consider this the best headphone for mixing under lets say 800 euros?

[@PaulThird]

Yes

[@DanieleCattaneo-i2x]

@ do you considering these even better than arya stealth? Considering im working primarly on hip hop rap r&b material

[@DanieleCattaneo-i2x]

Update: my nanos arrived today and… wow. The clarity the detail without losing strong and long bass extension is beautiful. Coming from a dt990 the stereo image and trasient response is on a whole other level 🔥🔥

[@PaulThird]

Yup 🤓

[@MegatdanMeor]

i decide to buy this nano and mm-100. i want to compare it

[@PaulThird]

👍

[@xD3C3PTICONx]

So i just bought these.. i have an apollo 8xp 1st gen. I made the purchase before watching someone of your other videos and now im thinking i might need a headphone amp to justify the planar headphones. But i dont really have any idea how to nerd out on this part.. im more than willing to go with topping but im unsure which way to go as far as output from the apollo as far as adat or rca and which topping product would work best? Like i need so much help and i think a reply would be great but im thinking even a video showing the physical routing and connection walk through would be very helpful to a lot of people out there!

[@PaulThird]

Connectivity is not difficult. You are just over thinking it. Think logically. It's no different to connecting anything else in audio

[@xD3C3PTICONx]

@ good form, i guess the main crux of my question is if it even matters at all between RCA and adat? my instinct is to try to find something with adat so i can have a bunch of outs for multiple people in case i ever rehearse with people or try love tracking. Is there a good topping product that would facilitate that?

[@PaulThird]

Optical is digital. Rca is analog. If you can always choose the digital option. Topping DACs multiple digital inputs but always analog outs. Normally XLR and RCA

[@xD3C3PTICONx]

@@PaulThird ok thank you so much for your replies. I got the nanos for mixing and a few of the subdara closed backs for tracking. Should be a nice little upgrade.

[@solo943]

Hey Paul I apreciate all your good content you are puting out there and i wana say thank you . I have been watching some mesurements for ananda nano at audioscience review and the absolute distortion lvl is very bad what do u think about those kinde of mesurments do they matter ?

[@PaulThird]

He admitted he didn't get a good fit to his dummy head. Measurements can't be trusted without a good seal. Every egg shaped hifiman he measures shows the same thing, where hifiman sundara (a lot cheaper) and susvara measure super low distortion at 94db. Nano has a better design than sundara and is the better headphone. You just need to hear the low end of nano to understand how these measurements are innacurate as nanos beat EVERYTHING in the low end. Also listen to reviews and you'll never hear about complaints about low end distortion You have to also take these distortion measurements with a pinch of salt especially as nobody listens as loud as 94db. I listen more around 80-85db spl which if you put 94db into consideration that's 10db louder than the reccomended level for mixing which is 10db more gain pushed into the headphone. Anything will reach its limit if you push it enough but you can definitely push nano hard Amir should do an 85db measurement. Strange how he doesn't this but wouldn't matter anyway without a good seal to his measurement rig

[@solo943]

@@PaulThird thnx bud, i agree with that .

[@LaidbackSounds]

@@PaulThird Amir is not in our audio business like kraus is not either... many sound engineer do not agree with those measurements being applicable in real studio environments. Neve has a sound and distort a bit too they would kill those preamps on their reviews but they are studio classic ( 1073 ) , those guys only audio snobs they do not use the tools like sound egineers.

[@thecliqueshallsetyoufree8745]

Hey Paul, didn't hear you mention the ollo s5x in the comparisons . How do these compare to the s5x??

[@PaulThird]

S5X are for mixing atmos and using with room sims. Different use case

[@thecliqueshallsetyoufree8745]

@@PaulThird interesting? but in terms of speed and transient response...

[@jorvten360]

Hi Paul, I recently tested some new headphones for mixing and I have to make very important note here. If the headphone does not reproduce as close as the real recording File ( recorded Headphone signal) it womt translate on other systems. The new Sony MDR M1 blew me away, they just came out and these are almost reproducing 1:1 the source recording. Sony developed these new dynamic drivers they go from 5 hz to 80.000 hz and they are very fast, the bass accuracy and feel of the bass is incredible, they have an incredible accuracy of Imaging and stage, they are closed but they have no claustrophobic feel, my prediction, they will be the golden standard for mix and mastering Headphones all around the globe, since they cost just 250 euros, weight 215 grams, light weight. Sony has a real big thing with these going on. You have to check them out :) cheers mate

[@MadelnMachines]

Have you seen any test results of them?

[@UncleBenjs]

What did you compare them to, tho? Which high end headphones have you heard?

[@PaulThird]

I have the Sony MDR-MV1 which is the more expensive open back variation and they can't hold a candle to planars in regards to speed and low end detail. They are the lightest headphones I have used and have amazing soundstage but I'm yet to find a dynamic driver that can compete with a well designed planar. Emrah bought the MDR-MV1 after hearing me rave about how good it was for sony 360 and atmos on headphones but couldn't make it work for stereo. Even with EQ he had translation issues. I told him before hand that they were more of a specific use headphone due to their sound signature but due to the weight of them he really wanted to give them a bash I am very skeptical about the M1 reproducing the source recording 1:1 as you can't possibly know what's truly on a recording until you've heard super fast ultra low distortion headphones with a ton of transient detail. That's what gets people about the nanos as it shows them the transient detail that's actually in the recording

[@jorvten360]

Hi Paul, the MV 1 are rubbish. I have both here, there is no comparison between both. I’m sending the MV 1 back. Mark my words the M1 will be the golden standard for monitoring, mixing and mastering headphones. Don’t sleep on these :)

[@jorvten360]

I have the mdr m1 here in my studio they are incredible

[@elimor2569]

Hi Paul, I have an Audient ID14 MKII, connected via USB 3.0 (not USB-C). Do you think I need a Headphone Amp for those headphones?

[@PaulThird]

Yes

[@figityfunk5073]

Paul any idea what the dials on the left of autoeq for e.g. bass boost? I presume you'd select "harman" and it's all good no further tweaking

[@PaulThird]

Yeah that's specially for the target curve. You can go to the advanced section and check if it's definitely harman 2018 that's the target curve. Also ensure that if there are options for who measured the headphones always go for oratory if he's available. We all trust his measurements the most

[@gosnote]

@PaulThird thanks for the great video! Do you or others have a feeling for the difference between Sundara and Edition XS - which ones would you recommend for mixing / mastering?

[@krexilinmixiling]

What mic you are using in your videos to record your voice?

[@PaulThird]

Jz bh2

[@somedood6621]

I have the Hifiman ananda stealths… am I missing out? Also did you hear that topping just released an IEM? 😮

[@PaulThird]

I would try the nanos

[@tiadiad]

These are great headphones. Although I don't have the nanos, but the "regular" Ananda. You mentioned LCD-X, and I LOVE those, but I trust Ananda for mixing more, although LCD-X is still superior in my opinion.

[@PanoOpticum]

I also found the LCD-X better for listening to music, but not for mixing and mastering in the studio.

[@PaulThird]

Nanos are very different from standard ananda. Should try them

[@joechapman8208]

@@PanoOpticum LCD-X can be very off-putting straight out of the box, but they're awesome with Harman curve applied. My personal audio conspiracy theory of which I will not let go (we're all allowed one) is that Audeze intentionally set a tuning on the LCD-X that doesn't get the best out of them, in order to make LCD 4 and 5 more attractive and maintain their price point.

[@mazy-beats]

I ordered a pair of Nanos and a topping interface today. Bye Bye my old Beyerdynamics, welcome Hifiman.

[@PaulThird]

🤘

[@EdThorne]

Killer combination!

[@homebrewinstrumentals7700]

I did the exact same a few months ago. These still astonish me now 👌

[@MadelnMachines]

Yeah i've head the build is poor on Hifiman which is the one thing that puts me off - lost of faults developing etc. I guess Thomann gives 3 years warranty. I'd rather pay more and have a set that's going to last 10 years plus though.

[@PaulThird]

Emrah still has the sundara. What are we talking.. 5-6 years or something

[@MuzdokOfficial]

They are not that expensive also its cool!

[@BojanBojovic]

This is a nice hardware, but the execution is not that good, not only they are far from the Harman curve, but it has some nasty problems in the high frequencies. With the EQ they are good, but again measuring and correcting headphones is extremely difficult.

[@PaulThird]

It's an easy EQ fix for harman. Plus the "problems" in the high frequencies are more of a visual thing, not an issue from an audible point. If you are referring to the audio science review measurements, bare in mind that Amir admitted that he couldn't get a good fit to the dummy head. Take his measurements with egg shaped cups with a big grain of salt. Plus any distortion above 1k at 94db SPL is absolutely irrelevant. Nobody will be able to tolerate any music where 1k and above is at 94db. Low end would be like 115-120db. A realistic test would be 1k and above measured much much lower in dB SPL Ananda nano is very accurate in the top end at normal listening levels

[@BojanBojovic]

@@PaulThird Thanks Paul. Yes I read the ASR review, however I tested them together with the R70X, although AT was still warmer at around 200hz the complete frequency response was closer to what I would call "flat". Sure there is much more low frequency distortion on R70X and the hardware on paper is not as good, but overall not a big difference, especially if used with the EQ, which is a must for every serious work.

[@TigroGumi]

It is mad how all these companies that have no mind for studio use are doing a far better job of studio centric headphones. Audazee M-100’s just make everything sound warm and lush and are unbelievably forgiving, the flipping complete opposite of what you want. On the website it says “take your studio anywhere” but then says “hear things as the artist intended with all the emotion”… well, that’s not want you want, you want to take the song to that place. Otherwise but these and send all the projects right back without doing anything to it. I thought a good use would be to preview songs you’re working on to others so they better hear its potential. The Heddphones 2 kinda have the same problem. In comparison to the HE1000se’s they are far more forgiving and warm… again… WTF!? Not what you want in a studio. Studio headphones for years have been used only when absolutely necessary in the studio and they have been built like an afterthought like that. Never with the same mind given to speakers. We’ve always thought that headphones are pointless because all the ones we knew about are pointless. I actually started to listen to reviews from audiophiles to figure out which ones were actually good. Here’s the important factor of audiophile reviews… speakers, very dodgy subject from them… why? Because they are either being listened to in a completely untreated room or with the tiniest amount of acoustics. But headphones, the headphone design itself is the acoustics. And studio headphones often do not take the design as seriously as the drivers. When it’s just as important. Audiophile headphones do and then an audiophile reviewing that will be far more accurate and because they are an audiophile they will be critical listening for micro details. Fortunately these days most review all headphones including studio headphones and when a studio headphone often gets compared to another not designed for the studio it’s often eye opening. What you hear from them you’re like “that would be way better for the studio” you try it and boom… actual game changer… something that actually works. Something that can get so much closer to translating well that the teaching that you can’t mix on headphones only exists because we are being given shit headphones. The Ananda Nano’s are probably the perfect starter budget headphones along side the topping interfaces or the DAC and amps… or even the Hifimann DAC/amps… or SMSL and so forth. If you have a bit more of a budget I’d suggest the Black Lion 6X6 for an interface. Closed-back headphones for recording don’t mater too much, but still, better sound often helps with performance so cheap Closed-back Sundara’s would be good. There are other brands that are good also but these are probably the best if you only had one set of each on a budget setup. Paul, something I’d suggest for you to check out if you ever get a chance is the SJY Horizon headphones, both the open and the closed. The closed are especially revealing of bad mixes. Again, a company that had no intention of being studio headphones. The Verum 1 headphones were pretty good for the price at the time but the Verum 2’s are looking really good. I think that guy has learned his lesson with being a knob to people who reviewed the 1’s badly and so I’m willing to give him another chance with the 2’s. They are another great on for a budget. I’d probably put the Nano’s in front of them, but they have a chance to be close and maybe even be better, not convinced yet. I do think if these companies started to add mindfulness to the studio world in their build they could bring us complete alternatives to speakers. Although, I do think they will take some steps backwards first. Here’s why I think studio headphone companies fail. I bet they achieve a completely flat driver then try to keep the casing to remain flat rather than use the casing to tune the drivers properly. Plus as well, flat is a starting point in a studio, you still need to tune your speakers to your liking once you have the timing and response flat… headphones on the other hand are the acoustically treated room and actually part of the tuning and studio headphone companies kind of miss this fact or go too far in the opposite direction either way it. Kinda like the M-100’s do. I kinda want those as an audiophile headphone, then the audiophile ones I will keep for the studio lol. There are audiophile headphones that are no good for the studio. The ones I thought all audiophile headphones were, headphones that make everything sound good. Meze are such a company. But it seems also that audiophiles have involved to want to know how a song actually sounds, not just everything sound like butter.

[@PaulThird]

That's why i decided to make this series as Im viewing headphones purely for mixing and translation. Just like you would a speaker but as you said everyone can basically hear and achieve the same results so makes a lot more sense to review headphones for mixing. Speaker reviews are kinda pointless. I've learned that after doing my own

[@TigroGumi]

@@PaulThird they are completely different in even different well treated rooms. There’s people that will do headphone mods and completely change the character of a headphone by making modifications to the housing and nothing else… and a room is beyond different from one room to the next. Then of course there’s what works specifically for us… after that’s added on top of that you really can’t not tell and the option to test multiple speakers in your room yourself is the only way to make wise decision on a business stand point. You still have to do this with headphones, but speakers are like being in the tropics and people saying “we haven’t seen any sharks today” as you enter the water… headphones is a hotel with it’s own swimming pool… still there’s going to be changes in what you thought was preference via what other people said but it’s not such a complete mystery. You might even have two rooms yourself and prefer certain speakers over others differently in the two

[@urbanman1516]

I'm assuming here, but usually when a headphones is overly detailed, it's overly bright.

[@PaulThird]

Stock I find the nanos to be pretty bright but harman sorts that

[@heddshot87]

How do they stack up against Sundara open backs? Especially the result when mixing.

[@PaulThird]

Sundaras are a very good average. They show the whole picture but they dont excel at anything. They are just good at everything in my opinion. I sold sundara after getting nano so there's my opinion there

[@niklassilen4313]

This just highlights how differently we hear headphones. I personally didn't like the Ananda Nano at all. To me they were quite horrible to be frank. I suspect there is a HUGE difference due to how our head/ear/ear-canal shape changes the overall response. Headphones are much less forgiving in terms of how they fit and how the near field proximity response affects the overall imaging and frequency response.

[@PaulThird]

Did you eq them?

[@niklassilen4313]

@@PaulThird Yes. I always do. But had to resort to quite drastic EQ settings to get them into acceptable range. It's of course possibly they were a dud but due to the fit not being all that optimal I just returned them. Like you, I've had a myriad of headphones here. LCD-X, HD650, VSX, DT1900, DT990, AKG701 (original Austrian), HM Sundara etc. I've come to the conclusion that fit and personal "ear/head shape" plays a vastly bigger role than people realize. Currently I'm daily driving HD 560s and HD650. For mixing I mainly use VSX but unfortunately the headphones are a bit uncomfortable so I can't use them for extended periods of time. Same issue with the LCD X. They are simply not comfortable enough to use for extended periods of time. I'm still on the lookout for the "ultimate solution" but at least in terms of comfort, right now the simple affordable HD560S seems to be ok.. though I fear that the cushions are wearing quite rapidly (getting softer and pressed into pancakes!)

[@huberttorzewski]

I didn't like them at all at first also, incredibly bright headphones. After eqing them to Harman I needed additional 5dB broad shelf dip in the highs and now they sound great. But without that drastic eq they're unacceptable - very fatiguing and super bright with a hole in the mids. After eq they're like a totally different set of headphones

[@TigroGumi]

Arya Organics are a bit of an upgrade from these… good for the studio? Not sure

[@PaulThird]

Emrah uses these as they are the best average for him. Not the speed and low end detail of nano. Not the wide expansive resolution of HE1000SE but a very good average. Can offer more than these 2 but doesn't excel at a particular thing like these do

[@mageprometheus]

Before this, I was watching a Japanese Scare Prank video. I went from irrational fear to financial fear 😀

[@PaulThird]

😅😅

[@dalizoom]

Paul, I am a little confused -- between your review and what Amir said/measured on AudioScienceReviews. Thank you for your great content, big new fan here. On the ASR forum, Amir (and seemingly everyone else in the thread) completely shat on the Ananda Nanos. Apparently some od the worst measurements (distortion) ever, compared to Hifiman's much cheaper and older models, and to other manufacturers. Could you clarify how that actually translates to your (and Emrah's) experience? How would you go about interpreting those reviews as an actual user? How do you compare the Ananda Nanos to Sundaras? (the Sundaras seem to measure very well according to Amir's review, and got very positive feedback there in general, while the Ananda Nanos got completely wrecked). No idea what I should buy in this case... Thanks a lot in advance!

[@Styrant]

I was wondering as well and i think 1. asr notes the resonances/THD was worst on the high end, while paul seems to value the low end representation in specific, also the measured THD was measured at 94db, 104 and 114db which may be higher than a typical listening volume. So assuming he mixes below 100db and also applies his harman correction eq the nanos may perform much better than ASR may indicate

[@PaulThird]

What's important to understand is that amir admitted egg shaped cups don't fit correctly on his test setup. His measurements are skewed with egg shaped cups All you have to do is listen to nanos to know that the rest readings are innacurate

[@dalizoom]

@@PaulThird Thanks for replying! I was hoping that to be the case. I was worried as several people in that thread claimed to hear audible distortion, or otherwise saw the test graphs as confirmation of their sub-par experience with the Ananda Nanos.

[@musicproduction-me3ci]

Early morning I was trying to level out 909 kick against house bass and I had such a hard time with Bayerdynamic DT1990 PRO, It just feels like I'm not hearing what I'm doing and I'm using Harman curve and Realphones 2. Just total confusion. Thank you for the video Paul, I think I'm getting these.

[@PaulThird]

Yeah beyers have absolutely no low end detail. Just colored mush down there. No eq can fix that

[@mikerichardsonuk]

@@PaulThird This really helps, I have the DT 880 Pro and DT 1770 and I really struggle with getting the lowend under control.

[@WorkingAudioTools]

🤘

[@PaulThird]

Remember to check out my audio podcast with Ed Thorne if you want to learn more about mine and others mixing/audio journeys.

[@karolkedzierski5824]

These after small EQ adjustments in the 8k region (-6dB or something) are getting you near end game performance for music listening. They are incredible and as precise as high end iems.

[@PaulThird]

👍

[@kpopbutlofi]

If you need to adjust a headphones it is probably because it is not right for you. You should go with the manufacturer settings, I worked in big studio in LA, nobody had headphones EQ'd

[@PaulThird]

No. Headphones need eq'd because they come stock with a hifi curve. 99% of headphone are tuned for consumers, not audio engineers.

[@kpopbutlofi]

@@PaulThird This is actually a very valid point, thank you for that :)

[@thisscottishaspie5961]

🤓🤓

[@PaulThird]

Remember to check out my autism channel if you want to learn more about my life 🤓

[@robshrock-shirakbari1862]

Make sure to mix on Harman... what? Jeez, that accent. 😂 I'm trying Harman 2018.

[@PaulThird]

"Make sure to mix on harman... For god sake" haha 2018. Most recent revision

[@ayoubmisbah2190]

The ananda nano lack soundstage but is have soundstage biger than audeze lcd x hhhhhhh

[@PaulThird]

👀

[@Mikulover69]

What dac and amp are you currently using or used for tasting them?

[@PaulThird]

Was testing them on Topping DX7 pro+ and now on Topping D90 iii discrete & A90 discrete

[@MrFolliero]

Where can I listen to your mix/master done with those cans? @PaulThird

[@PaulThird]

On my website. Link should be in the description

[@dial_up_romance]

i own the LCD-X, how would you compare the two? my secret other pair of headphones, and magnitude cheaper than my LCD-X, to dial in low end, are the sony mdr 5270. arguably less detailed, and closed-back, but in some way so much quicker to dial in (especially) the low end mixes than any other pair. it almost feels like this cannot be the case given the price point.. i wish i'd bought more pairs as they're very hard to get hold of now.