I have Beyerdynamic DT250 which I love. My Mackie HR624s are decent speakers but I've just moved into a new apartment and this room sounds seriously wrong, so I've been mixing in my headphones a lot, and was thinking about upgrading. This video came at the perfect time, thanks! 2 questions please Dom - what is that funky music in the background of this video? I like it! And, if you could only choose 1 pair of headphones purely for mixing/mastering dance music (mostly breakbeat or D&B) which would you go for? Let's rule out the Audeze because of the price, but any of the others.
I love the statement, "I use different headphones for different things". (I also don't use a hammer for a wrench, lol). You simply cannot have open backs for live tracking, especially in large diaphragm, or tube mics. (AKG-C414, or on the low end Octavia). I won't even use them near instrument mics. Thank you for explaining the reverb on the send channel. I did not know that as an effect it lowers the volume of the raw track. As always, thank you for all your help, and ABSOLUTELY love your videos.
I am a Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80 Ohm believer since I got my first pair a couple years ago. Now I have also a DT-880 and a DT-990, just for different needs, but my main used ones are the DT-770, of which I got two units, just in case ;-)
I decided a few years ago I'd get into Sennheiser headphones. I've got like 5 pairs now! My favourite are these retro open back HD 480. The foam has long since gone so I got my Mum to knit some headphone covers for them! I use my Mackie monitors for mixing mostly. I get too immersed in the mix with headphones.
I'm using *Focal clear mg pro* for everything, recording (the bleeding is not a problem in my case), mixing, mastering, without any profile correction.They seems to be good too for Atmos and binaural. They seems to be the best for less than 2kEUR (got them at 1kEUR) for sure and even more: few suggested it was better than the Focal Utopia (suggested as GOAT headphones, at 3.3kEUR and 4.2kEUR for the new version), which may be too analytical. You definitely must try them ! In a nutshell they are super flat, very sensitive, and the presence of the sound and the stage wideness are incredible. Unlike the LCDx, they likely won't need EQ/profile correction. You won't like the 3.5 jack length cable, but the 6.3 jack cable is 5 meters.
Dom, Thanks a lot for this comparative analysis of headphones. You helped me find what I call a "sonic microscope", the headphones that I was searching for for quite some time to use them at the end of a mix and later at the end of mastering to find last details requiring correction before my scores go public. Those are Yamaha HPH-MT7. And let me repeat what you said: these phones are for studio works, not listening to Abba.
I'd say the bottom line is understand to speakers/headphones your listening with, so you mix has a better chance of sounding good whatever your end users listen on. Go into mastering studios and a lot of the engineers have older monitors because they know and understand the monitors. They understand the their target systems they are mastering for and how the two relate. So really good high end montors are great if you have the budget, but if you don't then really study what you are using, make mixes and take them to other places and listen to on other speakers or monitor and compare the sound. It's part of the learning experience learning the sound of your gear to get the most out of it.
Great video, Dom! Being a non-professional on a limited budget, I recently popped for the Audeze LCD-1 headphones. A bit lean on the low end, but they seem perfectly trustworthy on the mids and highs. Thanks again!
This is honest review! yeah i got my dt 770 pro but i struggle mixing lowmid and mid but this headphones has a nice detail top end :) now i am looking another headphones.
Thank you for your great advice. I was going to purchase a pair of DT 770's but after listening to your advise, i may reconsider getting the Yamaha's. What i want is a accurate representation of what my true sound is and i believe the Yamaha's will give me that. I have a pair of Hs7's but they are in Singapore and i am in Los Angeles. I remember though how great they translated my mix to other systems . No hype or anything like that. It was professional sounding. I remember listening to the DT 770' many years ago. The soundstage was so wide i couldn't find my center. And it made me dizzy. It felt like i was lost in a Canyon. He he... .But they're very impressive. I will hopefully be able to listen again to the both of them as my ears have developed over the years and are more finely tuned . Once again thanks for giving your experience. ❤.Blessings to you.
After watching your video, I invested in a pair of Yamaha MT8. As you said, brutally honest, but I am good with that. You can't fix deficiencies that you don't know exist. My mixes translate far better now across multiple devices. I have not had an opportunity (or the financial means) to do a comparative of all the mentioned headphones, but I feel I really lucked out when I opted for the MT8s. These work well for me.
of course this vid counts as teaching :- ) ...thanks a lot for sharing your experience, Dom. ...thanks also for not only talking about the headphones themselves but also bringing everything in perspective (pro and con for expensive headphones vs speakers vs other equipment) - I think, you just saved me from investing into some new speakers (not high end, but at the upper end of my budget), which would most likely achieve small improvement vs. my bit oldish Adam Audio speakers in a smallish room, packed with stuff and difficult to treat. I will instead try a little room treatment and rather buy some good to very good open back headphones, I don't have, yet (instead of hunting some fancy new speakers ...but some day will buy some nice Neumanns or Genelecs, anyway :) ...but not now!) ...watching this vid. in Apr. 2023, and still so helpful . Cheers. :-)👍
Thanks so much, Dom. I have a caravan for a studio and will need headphones for mixing until I can afford to treat the room. I have decided to purchase the HD650’s AND the Yamaha’s as I will use both and will have most bases covered. Would really appreciate your thoughts on this. Love the vids you produce. Thanks so much!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Tip: I have been putting on a hoodie and even a towel over my head with open back headphones for tracking. Works great, even with click track cranking..
I might have to stop watching your videos....last week I ended up buying a pair of Yamaha headphones (which so far I think are the best mixing tool I've ever bought) and the Black Box plugin!! But from watching your vids........I've also learnt (after 15 years of daily Cubase use) how to use Control Room, reference using cue mixes, keyboard shortcuts to quick link channels.....etc etc etc.....so maybe having to purchase the odd bit of gear is small price to pay!! Just trying to resist ordering a CC121 now........Thank you....brilliant channel!
Thank you, Dom for explaining the pros and differences of these headphones. I will need your help to figure out a suitable pair of headphones for me according to my "ear issue".
This is the first video of yours I've come across and I've gotta tell you, your delivery is unmatched. I knew within the first two minutes of the video that you're the real deal. True professional. Can't wait to get into the meat of this video and will be watching more. Subbed.
I use Beyer DT990 Pro headphones. They aren't really that expensive, but do offere a lot of quality for the investment. With most headphones, you can compensate for any shortcomings by listening to the same track on multiple audio sources. You will hear the differences and similarities between the audio sources. This will tell you how to compensate for them :) Over all, the DT990 Pro headphones are not for tracking, but offer a much more detailed sound than my awful speakers in an awful room ;)
Can a standard interface push them? I was thinking of grabbing the 900s because of the low ohms but they cost double. But I also didn't want to buy an amp to push the 990s.
BeyerDynamic DT770 pro is a phenomenal head phone monitor set..(in my experince) If you haven't any monitors on hand or even if you do have monitors on hand,,,..BD DT 770 are the next best thing to my dedicated monitors..
@@JohnJohnCrusher lol,,we all are always experiencing as well as learning,,,..cool John..or should I say,,Dave Pensado?...He is .The real deal...The DT770 still serves me well dude,,whenever I chose to do a demo mix...Besides,,this post was over a year ago... pre covid ,,I think...but still dig the 770s... What do you use,.man,,? I'd really like tthe experience of istening to your tracks/songs.. What genres do you mix..? Check out my Production and mix for artist RandyMAN! " songs S.S.F (She So Fire) and "You Know It (So Good)....Peace cool John...The mix game is no joke as I'm sure you know...These days we all are forced to be a jack of all ,,sometimes against our will...lol
As always Dom...thank you so very much for always taking the time to teach us soooo much...yes...you are already a teacher, and a great one! very much appreciate your lessons and your perspectives...so happy i found you!...great work and i would really love to see you teaching Nuendo ...i know im pushing it LOL.....i must say...i think you are the best Cubase teacher out there and they should have you making all the videos LOL
Thanks again, Dom! My speakers are Adam A7X with a matched Sub10mk2, which is beautifully detailed and un-hyped in my room, which has good quality absorption, but is basically rectangular, so I still use headphones as a double check. I often use Bose Quietcomfort 15's, which are really intended more as noise-reduction phones on an airplane, but the low end is solid and un-hyped. I've been thinking of some better ones, so this video is timely for me. As always, thanks for your perspectives!
Mann listen - I bought the LCD X after watching your video... You’ve hit the nail with your description. These headphones r ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I previously own the Senn HD 800S/600 but returned them due to the lack or quality of bass. I currently own Audeze LCD 3, Klipsch HP 3 and now the LCD X ... The X’s r Overall The Best All-Rounder! I can’t imagine anything sounding better … Thx 4 da video!
Welcome to the club my man! I am glad you enjoy them as much as I do. Yes, they are pricey and not for everyone but they are worth every penny in my opinion. You also have a very nice collection over there!
@@salut9658 All those choices r Excellent for mixing and mastering. The LCD X 2021 are more neutral than the previous X version. Meaning, it's lighter in the bass than the previous X but not as flat as the mm500 or HD600 etc..
@@salut9658 Funny because now I have the Audeze LCD X 2021 and the Meze Elites. But after three years, I still love the X's and I tried out many headphones.
Hey Dom - I am definitely going to check out that Steinberg kit for my niece (on a budget in college) My personal favorites are the Beyer Dynamic DT-770s are the best and the headphones I swear by. One thing I really like about them is they are very repairable. I had a flood where a LOT of my gear got wrecked - these headphones actually have parts available - I was able to get new drivers, wiring, and fabric covers... Restored for about half the cost and about 30 minutes of soldering :) - I would def try out the Yamahas though (can't say anything on those because I haven't tried them).
I've studied this video I've watched it that many times and have interest in both the Audeze and the Yamaha mt7. My quest is the mt8 are now available and wanted to know your opinion of which you prefer for mixing and mastering between the mt7 and mt8? Currently I own Beyerdynamic 770dt 80ohm, and Sennheiser HD 600. I'm looking for another closed back option. Thanks in advance for your help 😊
Hello Dom, I would like to see a video on how to transfer settings , templates, preferences, etc. from your laptop mac to your desktop PC or the other way around. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!.
Thank you thank you so so so so much dom!! For including my question! But I would really really love it if you start making some tutorials on film scoring as I'm trying to get into that career..
Thanks Dom! I was using the Focal Spirit Pro headphones until they started to crack. I also have Focal monitors. I got some really great mixes so I just ordered the new FOCAL LISTEN PRO CLOSED-BACK THANKS.
Every studio I worked in from Boston to N.Y. to L.A. had Sony MDR 7506s. So I bought a set. Was hoping they would be mentioned in this video. What's your take on their accuracy for mixing and mastering? They sure do sound fantastic, perhaps too good. Maybe that's why all the studios use them so you'll think the studio has a great sound?
Great video - again :) So thx for that! I just bought a pair of Beyerdynamic cans (DT 1990 Pro), which are amazing. What I would like to hear is your opinion or a recommendation on Plugins promising to enable the user to do Mastering and mixing with headphones only. I am pretty close to buying CanOpener from Goodhertz, but i am unsure if the manipulation of the original signal really helps producing decent Mixes (if someone must use cans only). Do you have any recommendation?
Hi, thanks to you I bought the CC121 controller, loads more expensive than the Behringer controller, nowhere near as flashy, BUT it works flawlessly with Cubase. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (The Behringer went back!)
Hey Dom, thanks a bunch for you advice, your vids resonate with me a lot! One question about the monitors: for a 20sqm untreaded livingroom, would you rather go with the hs7 or hs8? I'd actually like to hear sub frequencies more, but I guess a subwoofer is pointless in my context?
Thanks for this highly informative video Dom! I'm stuck between Audeze LCD-X and LCD-MX4. I found that there's a dip in upper mids of the LCD-X, doesn't that effect your mix master decisions? How much of this problem is solved by the reveal+ DSP plugin? And how do these Audeze headphones compare to the Adam S2V's you have? Thanks again.. Hoping to get your help!
Great video Dom. As always, I learn good things from you. My favorites are AKG K240. I have major sensitivity and can't deal with anything resembling tight fitting. They are super comfortable and I love the flat tone. I have some Yamaha monitors and an Avantone Mix cube, but end up having to do everything on headphones...
Arguably more important than the headphones is an excellent DAC and headphone Amplifier. Now that I think about it, this video is over 4 years old and may pre-date the "mixing exclusively on headphones" Renaissance.
Hello Dom Thanks for the professional effort you spread. Do any of these headphones require an amplifier? And when we should use an amplifier for a headphone?
Great video! I’m still on a few old K240s from when I had a commercial studio, but I never mix on them. What do you think of the Slate VSX? People rave about them.
Really great info, thank you! I know this video is a bit older because Neumann didn't release their NDH30 open back headphones yet (at the time when you did this review). My question is, have you tried those and if you have, how do they compare against the Audeze LCD-X? Would love to know, thank you!
The Audeze LCD-X are great headphones. How are you driving yours? My signal chain is HDSP 9632 AES into a Black Lion Audio Red Sparrow DAC into a Neve RNHP amp. Ive had this setup for over a year and I've been very happy. I also put dearVR MONITOR and Sonarworks on in control room. It sounds like I'm on a very good room in a very good studio. with the LCDXs I recommend shortening the strap. I punch a couple extra holes in mine, it helps.
I just use Sony mdr 7506 .. affordable..great quality imo.. I don't use daws though I'm old-school .. I use multitrack hardware in my home studio..I'm a hardware over apps daws plug in type of guy... When I mix I listen repeatedly.. so let's say I'm EQing first I listen through my monitors ..then I playback again through my headphones..then I have stereo out line running into an old 90s era boombox and listen through that.. then I have cheap 10$ air buds plugged into the boombox and I listen through that.. if it sounds good and right through each I'm satisfied
Hey Dom, your video is good medicine for the buyers remorse I feel for having bought the Audeze LCD-X headphones. I just have one question though - Do you use the Reveal+ plugin with them? TIA
Hi Dom, I'm trying to decide between the HD600 and the HD650 for mixing and mastering in an untreated room. I was able to test the HD650 and liked their sound, but I felt that in hard rock songs the main vocal was a little bit on the back, while in pop songs everything was fine. What do you think? I read that the HD600 is more flat and has more treble, but has a narrow soundstage - which I'm not sure if it'll be better for me or not. Also, do you suggest listening with Sonarworks, or just to get to know the headphones as they are? Thank you!
I'm using the Beyerdynamics DT770pro also and also the80ohm version. Really comfortable (can use them for hours without blisters on my ears) and a real great sound. One downside: I'm allways in war with the cable, driving my chair over it.....most of the time......bit too long in my opinion......
Wow, great info. So, where do you feed the signal to the headphones from? straight from the interface? do you use a headphone amplifier/splitter? I am seriously considering the Audeze LCD-X, own a Fireface 400 and a Presonus HP4 but I wonder if feeding the signal from the HP4 will defeat the purpose of having such high end headphones... do you use a dedicated amplifier? what's your signal chain? Thx man.
Hi Dom, great video. I own a pair of Sennheiser hd650, and my room has it's issues although is treated. I'm interested in the audeze lcd x. The problem is there's no where to hear & test them. My question to you is the audeze lcd x a truly a big step up or even a game changer form the 650 Sennheiser or it's more on conservative side, it's an upgrade but not that big one?
What would you recommend me? I'm currently working on Sony wh-1000xm2 (not a studio headphones I know), want to get some studio, thinking about 80 ohm version of dt770 or maybe the yamahas one but idk, will I need audio interface? I don't record or anything and I'm moving from place to place a lot. Also does sonarwork help it a lot?
Hello Dom! Do you still recommend the HPH - MT7 headphones for mixing or do you think there are better options for the same price when it comes to flat sound response nowadays?
Excellent video, Dom. I am currently looking to buy the LCD-X’s and I would like to know something else, are they comfortable to wear for long hours or do you feel that they start to feel heavy? Thanks.
They are quite comfortable for their size and weight. I would probably not wear them for more than 4 hours without a break but they don’t squeeze your head to the point that other headphones do that cause you headaches. The one annoying thing I have with them is that my hair always gets tangled in their screws so I always pull a hair or two when I remove them quickly. It’s so annoying but I guess not a problem if you don’t have long hair hahaha
@@DomSigalas Thanks, Dom. Something that I wanted to hear. I do not have a room that is perfectly treated at the moment, so having a very solid reference with these headphones will help me get the most out of my mixes. And I do not have long hair, so I guess I will not have that problem, haha. Again, thanks and thank you for giving all these tips related to Cubase and the equipment involving production. Keep it going!
I have a question, dear Dom: What is your opinion, judgement, about dedicated special Headhone Amplifiers? Do you use these? Your fan from Holland, Adri Verschoor!
Hi Andri, I love them but for practical reasons I try to use audio interfaces that have really good headphone amps. For example the Hilo that I have behind me has exceptional headphone amps. I don’t use it as an interface but as a converter.
Hi Dom. Awesome video. Wondering if you have any experience A/Bing the HD650 vs HD600. I'd sure love to go w. the 650s, but I've seen more than a handful of threads stating the 600s are a tad more neutral / honest. Would really appreciate any thoughts. Thanks so much for your awesome channel.
Paul. I started with HD650 but a friend was selling the HD600 at a great price so I thought they would be a good spare. I found they translated even better so they became my preferred choice. They are SO comfortable too. Wouldn't mix/master without them now :-) PS I also use Sonarworks Studio Reference 4
Thanks so much for the reply! I wonder if you could describe the difference you experienced a bit more. Ive been enjoying my 650s, but they gosh... seem a bit dark. It hasn’t particularly bothered me, as it likely causes less ear fatigue. But whenever I remove my phones and listen on the studio monitors (or anywhere else), things brighten up considerably. Again, strangely, this has worked for me. But I’m definitely still open to alternatives! Thanks again.
@@Paulcvids I found the 600's to be a little more neutral but the difference is very subtle if you find the 650 dark compared to your monitors my experience suggests your speakers/room are possibly too bright. Do you have acoustic treatment and do you use reference tracks? Both will help but I would trust the headphones if you have doubts.
I have various acoustic treatments in my room, yes. But my experience of the 650s is that they seem darker than EVERYTHING else - car, earbuds, monitors, stereo, other studio phones, etc. And not bassier, just darker on top. I seem to remember the 650s were actually supposed to be a tad brighter than the 600s?
Paul I haven't used my 650's for quite a while since swapping to the 600s so I just did an A/B. Yes the sound is a little darker and I find the 600's more aligned with my monitors (B&W 601s) which I know my masters translate well with. HTH?
Hi Dom I'm a little confused about something. If you're gonna listen to a track on one pair of headphones, and make mix decisions.. and you say go try the mix on another pair.. but then you'd make decisions based off that pair of headphones, doesn't that negate the first pair of headphones? I'm referring to what you said at 14:40.
Yes of course why would I not be? Just because there’s another model doesn’t make the older models less good :) I haven’t heard the MM500 yet though so not sure how much better they are :)
Hi Dom,great informative and enjoyable video as always )) i have a question if u do practice and use it.i see lately some music videos that are mixed in some sort of surround audio for regular stereo headphones. are this ambisonic or surround that were converted somehow for "stereo" headphones ? is it possible to do it in cubase pro ? i see some ambisonic tools and some surround converters to stereo plugins in cubase pro but i don't get what they do and how to use them really :)) ( just to add, i don't have surround system in my setup ,only stereo,so i really can't use the surround tools in cubase as they should be used in real surround setup)
Cubase can do surround very well. Actually, did you know that the Revelation reverb is capable of surround ? :) Nuendo has even more capabilities for these sort of things but the issue is that you will always need a surround system to check your creations in true surround. Do you have an example to share so I can have a look?
@@DomSigalas the first thing i heard is this demonstration but its a different thing (i think its a dummy head with mics) th-cam.com/video/IUDTlvagjJA/w-d-xo.html the other method is called 24D (just noticed now the term name) which i listen to it th-cam.com/video/2jTRHBzGX7k/w-d-xo.html now when listening again its not that impressive and surround as i thought. it's more kind of phasing and panning frequencies or some kind of psychoacoustics ?!(i didn't really research just my thoughts)
Advise please: Dear my teacher, I am from Ethiopia. Currently I am living in Dubai. But after 5 month i will go back home for good. Now I have cubase 10.5. M audio- oxygen 61, 8 channel interface, bx5 speakers. And my laptop is win.10. 4gb ram. I need to setup professional studio( best studio) in my country. Plaese tell me what items I should buy. My budget is 2000$. I need advise from someone like you. Please. It took me years to come to this point. Please advice.
Did you go back home already? I want to build a studio in Africa but I haven't picked a country yet but I'm going to check the eastern countries first. But I have to see the land of His Majesty. One love.
hi dom! i'm wondering if it's really important to choose headphones that are as flat as possible. the sony mdr 7506 has been the industry standard for like eternity, it's extremely flat. and i really don't know if i should choose the dt770 pro over the mdr 7506, i'm just worried that it won't let me hear all the flaws in my mix, but the mdr 7506 just lacks soundstage, and i don't plan on buying another headphone until about 1 or 2 more years. thanks so much for your help and love your videos!
O.K. so If I want one closed back set of headphones that if a mix sounds good on them, it will sound good on most other systems, which one should I get?
Im using for recording the bayerdynamic I m working at Home in a Room where I can’t use speakers I making HipHop Beats using a lot 808 Do you think the Sennheiser hd 650 is the right one or should I try a other pair better ? Your last pair is to expensive to me
![ทุกครั้งที่หลับตา (Lucid Dream) - AYLA's [ Official MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4i1OBAQyv58/mqdefault.jpg)
This was the dominant question I've been receiving from you guys :) Let me know which headphones YOU use for production/mixing/mastering :)
Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro 250 Ohm
I have Beyerdynamic DT250 which I love. My Mackie HR624s are decent speakers but I've just moved into a new apartment and this room sounds seriously wrong, so I've been mixing in my headphones a lot, and was thinking about upgrading. This video came at the perfect time, thanks!
2 questions please Dom - what is that funky music in the background of this video? I like it! And, if you could only choose 1 pair of headphones purely for mixing/mastering dance music (mostly breakbeat or D&B) which would you go for? Let's rule out the Audeze because of the price, but any of the others.
Shure SRH1840. Pure class!
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 32 Ohm
1. HD600 2. Superflux HD681 (got those from Aliexpress for like ˜$35) Been considering Audeze, you review of them has been helpful, thanks.
I love the statement, "I use different headphones for different things". (I also don't use a hammer for a wrench, lol). You simply cannot have open backs for live tracking, especially in large diaphragm, or tube mics. (AKG-C414, or on the low end Octavia). I won't even use them near instrument mics.
Thank you for explaining the reverb on the send channel. I did not know that as an effect it lowers the volume of the raw track.
As always, thank you for all your help, and ABSOLUTELY love your videos.
Oh my, I've liked the video before even clicking the start button first 🤣 I already know how helpful and reliable your video will be!
I am a Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80 Ohm believer since I got my first pair a couple years ago. Now I have also a DT-880 and a DT-990, just for different needs, but my main used ones are the DT-770, of which I got two units, just in case ;-)
The 770’s are a workhorse. I love them. They always give a smile to my face ;)
Thank you so much for answering my question! You are extremely knowledgeable and fiercely talented. I appreciate your time. 🙏💜😁
I decided a few years ago I'd get into Sennheiser headphones. I've got like 5 pairs now! My favourite are these retro open back HD 480. The foam has long since gone so I got my Mum to knit some headphone covers for them! I use my Mackie monitors for mixing mostly. I get too immersed in the mix with headphones.
I'm using *Focal clear mg pro* for everything, recording (the bleeding is not a problem in my case), mixing, mastering, without any profile correction.They seems to be good too for Atmos and binaural. They seems to be the best for less than 2kEUR (got them at 1kEUR) for sure and even more: few suggested it was better than the Focal Utopia (suggested as GOAT headphones, at 3.3kEUR and 4.2kEUR for the new version), which may be too analytical. You definitely must try them !
In a nutshell they are super flat, very sensitive, and the presence of the sound and the stage wideness are incredible. Unlike the LCDx, they likely won't need EQ/profile correction. You won't like the 3.5 jack length cable, but the 6.3 jack cable is 5 meters.
@@salut9658 Just try them, you will hear immediately. I think you will hesitate between clear mg pro and LCDX maybe, all the rest is not on par.
Dom,
Thanks a lot for this comparative analysis of headphones. You helped me find what I call a "sonic microscope", the headphones that I was searching for for quite some time to use them at the end of a mix and later at the end of mastering to find last details requiring correction before my scores go public. Those are Yamaha HPH-MT7. And let me repeat what you said: these phones are for studio works, not listening to Abba.
I'd say the bottom line is understand to speakers/headphones your listening with, so you mix has a better chance of sounding good whatever your end users listen on. Go into mastering studios and a lot of the engineers have older monitors because they know and understand the monitors. They understand the their target systems they are mastering for and how the two relate. So really good high end montors are great if you have the budget, but if you don't then really study what you are using, make mixes and take them to other places and listen to on other speakers or monitor and compare the sound. It's part of the learning experience learning the sound of your gear to get the most out of it.
Teaching! This is why we watch you, Dom!
I just upgraded to the DT770 Pro set from a KNS-8400 set. A lot more detail and separation. Much more comfortable. As you said. A good workhorse!
Great video, Dom! Being a non-professional on a limited budget, I recently popped for the Audeze LCD-1 headphones. A bit lean on the low end, but they seem perfectly trustworthy on the mids and highs. Thanks again!
Thank you Dom for responding for our comments and doing this video❤
This is honest review! yeah i got my dt 770 pro but i struggle mixing lowmid and mid but this headphones has a nice detail top end :) now i am looking another headphones.
Thank you for your great advice. I was going to purchase a pair of DT 770's but after listening to your advise, i may reconsider getting the Yamaha's. What i want is a accurate representation of what my true sound is and i believe the Yamaha's will give me that. I have a pair of Hs7's but they are in Singapore and i am in Los Angeles. I remember though how great they translated my mix to other systems . No hype or anything like that. It was professional sounding. I remember listening to the DT 770' many years ago. The soundstage was so wide i couldn't find my center. And it made me dizzy. It felt like i was lost in a Canyon. He he... .But they're very impressive. I will hopefully be able to listen again to the both of them as my ears have developed over the years and are more finely tuned . Once again thanks for giving your experience. ❤.Blessings to you.
After watching your video, I invested in a pair of Yamaha MT8. As you said, brutally honest, but I am good with that. You can't fix deficiencies that you don't know exist. My mixes translate far better now across multiple devices. I have not had an opportunity (or the financial means) to do a comparative of all the mentioned headphones, but I feel I really lucked out when I opted for the MT8s. These work well for me.
Thanks, Dom. I've decided to invest in a pair of the HPH-MT8.
I use Audeze LCD 3 with class A amplifier, they are incredible!!
of course this vid counts as teaching :- ) ...thanks a lot for sharing your experience, Dom. ...thanks also for not only talking about the headphones themselves but also bringing everything in perspective (pro and con for expensive headphones vs speakers vs other equipment) - I think, you just saved me from investing into some new speakers (not high end, but at the upper end of my budget), which would most likely achieve small improvement vs. my bit oldish Adam Audio speakers in a smallish room, packed with stuff and difficult to treat. I will instead try a little room treatment and rather buy some good to very good open back headphones, I don't have, yet (instead of hunting some fancy new speakers ...but some day will buy some nice Neumanns or Genelecs, anyway :) ...but not now!) ...watching this vid. in Apr. 2023, and still so helpful . Cheers. :-)👍
Thanks so much, Dom. I have a caravan for a studio and will need headphones for mixing until I can afford to treat the room. I have decided to purchase the HD650’s AND the Yamaha’s as I will use both and will have most bases covered. Would really appreciate your thoughts on this. Love the vids you produce. Thanks so much!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Tip: I have been putting on a hoodie and even a towel over my head with open back headphones for tracking.
Works great, even with click track cranking..
I might have to stop watching your videos....last week I ended up buying a pair of Yamaha headphones (which so far I think are the best mixing tool I've ever bought) and the Black Box plugin!! But from watching your vids........I've also learnt (after 15 years of daily Cubase use) how to use Control Room, reference using cue mixes, keyboard shortcuts to quick link channels.....etc etc etc.....so maybe having to purchase the odd bit of gear is small price to pay!! Just trying to resist ordering a CC121 now........Thank you....brilliant channel!
Thank you, Dom for explaining the pros and differences of these headphones. I will need your help to figure out a suitable pair of headphones for me according to my "ear issue".
Wow Dom!!! This is a very gréat vid, cause i am a headphone freak. Véry interesting!!! Thank you só much!!!
This is the first video of yours I've come across and I've gotta tell you, your delivery is unmatched. I knew within the first two minutes of the video that you're the real deal. True professional. Can't wait to get into the meat of this video and will be watching more. Subbed.
I use Beyer DT990 Pro headphones. They aren't really that expensive, but do offere a lot of quality for the investment. With most headphones, you can compensate for any shortcomings by listening to the same track on multiple audio sources. You will hear the differences and similarities between the audio sources. This will tell you how to compensate for them :)
Over all, the DT990 Pro headphones are not for tracking, but offer a much more detailed sound than my awful speakers in an awful room ;)
Can a standard interface push them? I was thinking of grabbing the 900s because of the low ohms but they cost double. But I also didn't want to buy an amp to push the 990s.
I hate the 990 they are too boxy for me my mixes don’t translate with them ,
BeyerDynamic DT770 pro is a phenomenal head phone monitor set..(in my experince)
If you haven't any monitors on hand or even if you do have monitors on hand,,,..BD DT 770 are the next best thing to my dedicated monitors..
no...just no...
@@b.z9940 then what is the best? 🤔
Not. In your experience, sure, but you need more experience imo
@@JohnJohnCrusher lol,,we all are always experiencing as well as learning,,,..cool John..or should I say,,Dave Pensado?...He is .The real deal...The DT770 still serves me well dude,,whenever I chose to do a demo mix...Besides,,this post was over a year ago... pre covid ,,I think...but still dig the 770s...
What do you use,.man,,? I'd really like tthe experience of istening to your tracks/songs.. What genres do you mix..? Check out my Production and mix for artist RandyMAN! " songs S.S.F (She So Fire) and "You Know It (So Good)....Peace cool John...The mix game is no joke as I'm sure you know...These days we all are forced to be a jack of all ,,sometimes against our will...lol
@@fatmoefatmoe2645 ok. Moe.....I should have said next best thing to "My dedicated monitors "..,,,peace, dude
Thank you Dom ... I bought the Yamaha set due to this video.. hope they will be here tomorrow 🤗
Hi. What do you think about them? Do you recommend mt7 for mixing and mastering?
Thanks in advance.
As always Dom...thank you so very much for always taking the time to teach us soooo much...yes...you are already a teacher, and a great one! very much appreciate your lessons and your perspectives...so happy i found you!...great work and i would really love to see you teaching Nuendo ...i know im pushing it LOL.....i must say...i think you are the best Cubase teacher out there and they should have you making all the videos LOL
Thanks again, Dom! My speakers are Adam A7X with a matched Sub10mk2, which is beautifully detailed and un-hyped in my room, which has good quality absorption, but is basically rectangular, so I still use headphones as a double check. I often use Bose Quietcomfort 15's, which are really intended more as noise-reduction phones on an airplane, but the low end is solid and un-hyped. I've been thinking of some better ones, so this video is timely for me. As always, thanks for your perspectives!
Can you please do a video breaking down a project and mix and master it??? Hope will be highly useful
Mann listen - I bought the LCD X after watching your video... You’ve hit the nail with your description. These headphones r ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I previously own the Senn HD 800S/600 but returned them due to the lack or quality of bass. I currently own Audeze LCD 3, Klipsch HP 3 and now the LCD X ... The X’s r Overall The Best All-Rounder! I can’t imagine anything sounding better … Thx 4 da video!
Sauna Mart - It depends on what you mean lol. He didn’t sell them to me, but he def had me sold on these!
Welcome to the club my man! I am glad you enjoy them as much as I do. Yes, they are pricey and not for everyone but they are worth every penny in my opinion. You also have a very nice collection over there!
@@BrJD-ii4iv hello, how is the sub bass between the lcd-x and the lcd-3 ?
@@salut9658 All those choices r Excellent for mixing and mastering. The LCD X 2021 are more neutral than the previous X version. Meaning, it's lighter in the bass than the previous X but not as flat as the mm500 or HD600 etc..
@@salut9658 Funny because now I have the Audeze LCD X 2021 and the Meze Elites. But after three years, I still love the X's and I tried out many headphones.
Thanks a lot Dom, I always feel more confident after watching your video, your explanation is largely clear and accurate.🙂👍
Thank you... I needed that! saved me hundreds!!!
Hi Dom. Great collection of videos, thanks. I invested in the sure SRH1840s for mixing and they are awesome.
Hey Dom - I am definitely going to check out that Steinberg kit for my niece (on a budget in college) My personal favorites are the Beyer Dynamic DT-770s are the best and the headphones I swear by. One thing I really like about them is they are very repairable. I had a flood where a LOT of my gear got wrecked - these headphones actually have parts available - I was able to get new drivers, wiring, and fabric covers... Restored for about half the cost and about 30 minutes of soldering :) - I would def try out the Yamahas though (can't say anything on those because I haven't tried them).
I got the Audeze LCD-X, but the DT 1990 headphones are incredible!
I've studied this video I've watched it that many times and have interest in both the Audeze and the Yamaha mt7. My quest is the mt8 are now available and wanted to know your opinion of which you prefer for mixing and mastering between the mt7 and mt8? Currently I own Beyerdynamic 770dt 80ohm, and Sennheiser HD 600. I'm looking for another closed back option. Thanks in advance for your help 😊
Hello Dom, I would like to see a video on how to transfer settings , templates, preferences, etc. from your laptop mac to your desktop PC or the other way around. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!.
Thank you thank you so so so so much dom!! For including my question! But I would really really love it if you start making some tutorials on film scoring as I'm trying to get into that career..
My pleasure Sadhana, I have many things planned, film scoring is one of the main things that I do so I have plans for this for sure ;)
Thanks Dom! I was using the Focal Spirit Pro headphones until they started to crack. I also have Focal monitors. I got some really great mixes so I just ordered the new FOCAL LISTEN PRO CLOSED-BACK THANKS.
+Billy Mack glad it helped Billy !
Every studio I worked in from Boston to N.Y. to L.A. had Sony MDR 7506s. So I bought a set. Was hoping they would be mentioned in this video. What's your take on their accuracy for mixing and mastering? They sure do sound fantastic, perhaps too good. Maybe that's why all the studios use them so you'll think the studio has a great sound?
Great video - again :) So thx for that! I just bought a pair of Beyerdynamic cans (DT 1990 Pro), which are amazing. What I would like to hear is your opinion or a recommendation on Plugins promising to enable the user to do Mastering and mixing with headphones only. I am pretty close to buying CanOpener from Goodhertz, but i am unsure if the manipulation of the original signal really helps producing decent Mixes (if someone must use cans only).
Do you have any recommendation?
Thank you for all your great information Dom
Hi Dom! I love to hear about the desktop PC advantages. I need to upgrade my old macpro. Thanks
Hi, thanks to you I bought the CC121 controller, loads more expensive than the Behringer controller, nowhere near as flashy, BUT it works flawlessly with Cubase. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (The Behringer went back!)
Have fun The Barry Lurve Show!
Hey Dom, thanks a bunch for you advice, your vids resonate with me a lot! One question about the monitors: for a 20sqm untreaded livingroom, would you rather go with the hs7 or hs8? I'd actually like to hear sub frequencies more, but I guess a subwoofer is pointless in my context?
Thanks for this highly informative video Dom!
I'm stuck between Audeze LCD-X and LCD-MX4.
I found that there's a dip in upper mids of the LCD-X, doesn't that effect your mix master decisions? How much of this problem is solved by the reveal+ DSP plugin? And how do these Audeze headphones compare to the Adam S2V's you have?
Thanks again.. Hoping to get your help!
Great video Dom. As always, I learn good things from you. My favorites are AKG K240. I have major sensitivity and can't deal with anything resembling tight fitting. They are super comfortable and I love the flat tone. I have some Yamaha monitors and an Avantone Mix cube, but end up having to do everything on headphones...
Hey Dom great video. Which is better for mixing and mastering audio technica m40x or 50x
Arguably more important than the headphones is an excellent DAC and headphone Amplifier. Now that I think about it, this video is over 4 years old and may pre-date the "mixing exclusively on headphones" Renaissance.
Hello Dom
Thanks for the professional effort you spread.
Do any of these headphones require an amplifier?
And when we should use an amplifier for a headphone?
Great video! I’m still on a few old K240s from when I had a commercial studio, but I never mix on them. What do you think of the Slate VSX? People rave about them.
Really great info, thank you! I know this video is a bit older because Neumann didn't release their NDH30 open back headphones yet (at the time when you did this review). My question is, have you tried those and if you have, how do they compare against the Audeze LCD-X? Would love to know, thank you!
I love my AKG K712 Pros for checking mixes. My only complaint is their somewhat lacking low-end.
The Audeze LCD-X are great headphones. How are you driving yours? My signal chain is HDSP 9632 AES into a Black Lion Audio Red Sparrow DAC into a Neve RNHP amp. Ive had this setup for over a year and I've been very happy. I also put dearVR MONITOR and Sonarworks on in control room. It sounds like I'm on a very good room in a very good studio.
with the LCDXs I recommend shortening the strap. I punch a couple extra holes in mine, it helps.
That was something in my mind, since I don't like my 70$ headphone. Thank you my teacher
got the hs 8 in white few months ago.. so beautiful ..and a very very good surprise.. Very good sound.
Thanks Dom, great video just wondering what you plug your Audeeze into? Is it a usb interface of a dedicated headphone amp?
I just use Sony mdr 7506 .. affordable..great quality imo.. I don't use daws though I'm old-school .. I use multitrack hardware in my home studio..I'm a hardware over apps daws plug in type of guy... When I mix I listen repeatedly.. so let's say I'm EQing first I listen through my monitors ..then I playback again through my headphones..then I have stereo out line running into an old 90s era boombox and listen through that.. then I have cheap 10$ air buds plugged into the boombox and I listen through that.. if it sounds good and right through each I'm satisfied
Hey Dom, your video is good medicine for the buyers remorse I feel for having bought the Audeze LCD-X headphones.
I just have one question though - Do you use the Reveal+ plugin with them? TIA
Hello Dom ✌🏽☺️ where did u get the orange Cable for your Headphone? Looks so 😃 nice!
Audeze pronunciation: Aw - dee - zee mix of Audio and Odyssey
Thanks Dom. Very useful.
Hi Dom, I'm trying to decide between the HD600 and the HD650 for mixing and mastering in an untreated room. I was able to test the HD650 and liked their sound, but I felt that in hard rock songs the main vocal was a little bit on the back, while in pop songs everything was fine.
What do you think?
I read that the HD600 is more flat and has more treble, but has a narrow soundstage - which I'm not sure if it'll be better for me or not.
Also, do you suggest listening with Sonarworks, or just to get to know the headphones as they are?
Thank you!
Perfect 👌🏻 I’m just looking for a pair of headphones
I'm using the Beyerdynamics DT770pro also and also the80ohm version. Really comfortable (can use them for hours without blisters on my ears) and a real great sound. One downside: I'm allways in war with the cable, driving my chair over it.....most of the time......bit too long in my opinion......
Did it never occur to you to coil the excess cable up a bit, and secure it with either a cable tie, or a piece of tape, or some Velcro or something..?
Wow, great info. So, where do you feed the signal to the headphones from? straight from the interface? do you use a headphone amplifier/splitter? I am seriously considering the Audeze LCD-X, own a Fireface 400 and a Presonus HP4 but I wonder if feeding the signal from the HP4 will defeat the purpose of having such high end headphones... do you use a dedicated amplifier? what's your signal chain? Thx man.
Hi Dom, great video. I own a pair of Sennheiser hd650, and my room has it's issues although is treated. I'm interested in the audeze lcd x. The problem is there's no where to hear & test them. My question to you is the audeze lcd x a truly a big step up or even a game changer form the 650 Sennheiser or it's more on conservative side, it's an upgrade but not that big one?
Thanks Dom! Video for me :-)
Dom 80 ohms aren't neutral in dt 770 pro when you plug them into the audio interface, for this purpose try using the 250 ohm version
What would you recommend me? I'm currently working on Sony wh-1000xm2 (not a studio headphones I know), want to get some studio, thinking about 80 ohm version of dt770 or maybe the yamahas one but idk, will I need audio interface? I don't record or anything and I'm moving from place to place a lot. Also does sonarwork help it a lot?
Great review bro👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Hello Dom! Do you still recommend the HPH - MT7 headphones for mixing or do you think there are better options for the same price when it comes to flat sound response nowadays?
Excellent video, Dom. I am currently looking to buy the LCD-X’s and I would like to know something else, are they comfortable to wear for long hours or do you feel that they start to feel heavy? Thanks.
They are quite comfortable for their size and weight. I would probably not wear them for more than 4 hours without a break but they don’t squeeze your head to the point that other headphones do that cause you headaches. The one annoying thing I have with them is that my hair always gets tangled in their screws so I always pull a hair or two when I remove them quickly. It’s so annoying but I guess not a problem if you don’t have long hair hahaha
@@DomSigalas Thanks, Dom. Something that I wanted to hear. I do not have a room that is perfectly treated at the moment, so having a very solid reference with these headphones will help me get the most out of my mixes. And I do not have long hair, so I guess I will not have that problem, haha. Again, thanks and thank you for giving all these tips related to Cubase and the equipment involving production. Keep it going!
Sennheiser HD 265 linear, still working, still the best for me
Thank for the great video!
At 20:34 it looks like you throwing the headphone right awawy in the corner OMG!
hahaha just saw this :P
Hello Dom, what's the name of your microphone stand for your shure Sm7b? Awesome channel btw
Very interesting, Dom. I just feel curious about those famous AKG K701. Anything, goog or bad, to say? Cheers
I have a question, dear Dom: What is your opinion, judgement, about dedicated special Headhone Amplifiers? Do you use these?
Your fan from Holland, Adri Verschoor!
Hi Andri, I love them but for practical reasons I try to use audio interfaces that have really good headphone amps. For example the Hilo that I have behind me has exceptional headphone amps. I don’t use it as an interface but as a converter.
Dom Sigalas Thank you Dom!!
Hi Dom. Awesome video. Wondering if you have any experience A/Bing the HD650 vs HD600. I'd sure love to go w. the 650s, but I've seen more than a handful of threads stating the 600s are a tad more neutral / honest. Would really appreciate any thoughts. Thanks so much for your awesome channel.
Paul. I started with HD650 but a friend was selling the HD600 at a great price so I thought they would be a good spare. I found they translated even better so they became my preferred choice. They are SO comfortable too. Wouldn't mix/master without them now :-) PS I also use Sonarworks Studio Reference 4
Thanks so much for the reply! I wonder if you could describe the difference you experienced a bit more. Ive been enjoying my 650s, but they gosh... seem a bit dark. It hasn’t particularly bothered me, as it likely causes less ear fatigue. But whenever I remove my phones and listen on the studio monitors (or anywhere else), things brighten up considerably. Again, strangely, this has worked for me. But I’m definitely still open to alternatives! Thanks again.
@@Paulcvids I found the 600's to be a little more neutral but the difference is very subtle if you find the 650 dark compared to your monitors my experience suggests your speakers/room are possibly too bright. Do you have acoustic treatment and do you use reference tracks? Both will help but I would trust the headphones if you have doubts.
I have various acoustic treatments in my room, yes. But my experience of the 650s is that they seem darker than EVERYTHING else - car, earbuds, monitors, stereo, other studio phones, etc. And not bassier, just darker on top. I seem to remember the 650s were actually supposed to be a tad brighter than the 600s?
Paul I haven't used my 650's for quite a while since swapping to the 600s so I just did an A/B. Yes the sound is a little darker and I find the 600's more aligned with my monitors (B&W 601s) which I know my masters translate well with. HTH?
Hi Dom I'm a little confused about something. If you're gonna listen to a track on one pair of headphones, and make mix decisions.. and you say go try the mix on another pair.. but then you'd make decisions based off that pair of headphones, doesn't that negate the first pair of headphones? I'm referring to what you said at 14:40.
Hi Dom, thanx for your work i like your channel. Any advice about Sony mdr 7506 ? Thanx
I’ve used them on various occasions and they are really really good. Great for tracking too! I just happened to never buy them. :)
Dom Sigalas thanx , I want to use them just for producing and mixing.
@@faridhbgayeth9720 my mixes with the sony sound very too close in the trebles.
Do you think the In ear Monitors are also good for mixing?
Hi Dom. Great Video. Can you pLease suggest me Headphones for EleCtroniC Drums?
Hi. Still happy with your Audeze LCD-X, or would you now prefer the Audeze MM500 ?
Yes of course why would I not be? Just because there’s another model doesn’t make the older models less good :) I haven’t heard the MM500 yet though so not sure how much better they are :)
Curious, have you tried the Neumann NDH-30's headphones? If so, still like the LCD-x better?
Great vid!
Hi Dom, great info as usual! Maybe a "stupid" question, What is your orange Headphones extention cable? ThX :)
Hi Dom,great informative and enjoyable video as always )) i have a question if u do practice and use it.i see lately some music videos that are mixed in some sort of surround audio for regular stereo headphones. are this ambisonic or surround that were converted somehow for "stereo" headphones ? is it possible to do it in cubase pro ? i see some ambisonic tools and some surround converters to stereo plugins in cubase pro but i don't get what they do and how to use them really :))
( just to add, i don't have surround system in my setup ,only stereo,so i really can't use the surround tools in cubase as they should be used in real surround setup)
Cubase can do surround very well. Actually, did you know that the Revelation reverb is capable of surround ? :) Nuendo has even more capabilities for these sort of things but the issue is that you will always need a surround system to check your creations in true surround. Do you have an example to share so I can have a look?
@@DomSigalas the first thing i heard is this demonstration but its a different thing (i think its a dummy head with mics) th-cam.com/video/IUDTlvagjJA/w-d-xo.html
the other method is called 24D (just noticed now the term name) which i listen to it
th-cam.com/video/2jTRHBzGX7k/w-d-xo.html
now when listening again its not that impressive and surround as i thought. it's more kind of phasing and panning frequencies or some kind of psychoacoustics ?!(i didn't really research just my thoughts)
why are you choosing the hd650 over the hd600 for mixing/mastering?
Great review, would you be kind enough to have a pros and cons for pc vs mac os for music daw & prodduction.
Advise please: Dear my teacher, I am from Ethiopia. Currently I am living in Dubai. But after 5 month i will go back home for good. Now I have cubase 10.5. M audio- oxygen 61, 8 channel interface, bx5 speakers. And my laptop is win.10. 4gb ram. I need to setup professional studio( best studio) in my country. Plaese tell me what items I should buy. My budget is 2000$. I need advise from someone like you. Please. It took me years to come to this point. Please advice.
Did you go back home already? I want to build a studio in Africa but I haven't picked a country yet but I'm going to check the eastern countries first. But I have to see the land of His Majesty. One love.
What is a good level to mix atvwith headphones? I'm usually at 32dB... sometimes 42dB but thatvreally pushes my ears. Thanks
Hello! which headphone amp are you using for your Audeze LCD-X? Thanks!
hi dom! i'm wondering if it's really important to choose headphones that are as flat as possible. the sony mdr 7506 has been the industry standard for like eternity, it's extremely flat. and i really don't know if i should choose the dt770 pro over the mdr 7506, i'm just worried that it won't let me hear all the flaws in my mix, but the mdr 7506 just lacks soundstage, and i don't plan on buying another headphone until about 1 or 2 more years. thanks so much for your help and love your videos!
Love ya Dom kerp up the great music 🎼 man peace ✌️
O.K. so If I want one closed back set of headphones that if a mix sounds good on them, it will sound good on most other systems, which one should I get?
sir, you have talked about yamaha MT7 , and now mt8 is available on amazon.. can i go for it ? or mt7 is way better?
Im using for recording the bayerdynamic
I m working at Home in a Room where I can’t use speakers
I making HipHop Beats using a lot 808
Do you think the Sennheiser hd 650 is the right one or should I try a other pair better ?
Your last pair is to expensive to me