Professional Headphones
Mixing in headphones is a somewhat controversial topic in the pro audio world. Some producers and engineers mix primarily in headphones (often out of necessity) and others denounce the practice as entirely useless, preferring to work only on studio monitors. But I think that everyone can agree that a sound mix, whether it’s a song, podcast, video, or other, needs to sound good on headphones and on larger speakers. For me, and many other engineers, that balance is often
For 30+ years, ULTRASONE has been specializing in high-end audiophile, studio, DJ, and music enthusiast headphones. The company’s stated objective is to manufacture advanced headphones with an emphasis on the professional audio sector, while utilizing sustainable materials. All high-end headphones are meticulously handcrafted in Germany. For a complete list of ULTRASONE products, click here.
Most of us spend a ton of time at our desks working, and if you’re a music lover, as I am, there’s a good chance you rely on your favorite tunes to help you make it through the workday. As someone who works in pro audio, comfortable, isolating, great-sounding headphones that don’t tire my ears are essential to the work I do. But, even when I’m not editing a podcast or mixing a song, I still usually have my headphones on because I’m listening to music while writing articles or emails. So, in my years as an audio engineer, as well as a writer, I
When the people at Austrian Audio say they have a killer line of headphones for professional engineers, you should believe them: this company comprises 22 employees, who used to be the lifeblood of AKG’s Vienna offices. And indeed, their HI-X line of headphones, released at NAMM 2020, seems to be a formidable series of open-backed closed-ear cans, indeed.
Consider the drivers, which measure 44mm, not because that’s the largest size they can be, but because Austrian Audio has conducted enough measurements and listening tests to believe
It’s NAMM 2020, and renowned manufacturer Mackie is up to some new tricks, this time giving us a whole studio’s worth of gear, dropping at one convention. Revamping its CR series of monitors—and adding more microphones and headphones into the mix—2020 looks to be a bright year for the company. Let us enumerate exactly how.
First on the block are the new entrants in the CR series. As you can see from the picture, which will surely be reproduced below (or above), these CR monitors—
Neumann is famous for its microphones, making some of the most beloved classic capsules of all time. In recent years, the company has garnered praise for its line of studio monitors. Now, we have a pair of referencing-grade headphones for listening, mixing, mastering, and more, in the NDH 20 Closed-Back Studio Headphones.
Finding solid headphones for general-purpose listening isn’t too difficult, but homing in on purpose-built cans that are optimal for drummers, vocalists, and audio engineers is a challenge on its own level. With the staggering number of headphones on the market, it can be difficult to filter your options and remain confident that you’re getting closer to a good choice. Wireless, wired, in-ear, on-ear, over-ear, open-back, closed-back, etc.… there are so many types and models to sort through. So, maybe instead of scrolling through hundreds of
For more than 60 years, Neumann has been known for its top-notch microphones. It should come as no surprise that the talented minds at Neumann would apply their legendary expertise in transducers and electronics to the world of studio monitoring. Well timed for the NAMM 2019 show, the company unveiled two new exciting products: the KH 750 compact DSP-controlled subwoofer, and the
Attention DJs, remixers, and EDM artists seeking to set themselves apart from the competition! When the crowd sees you tossing on a set of cans, why not have them be impressed? Pioneer DJ's new limited-edition HDJ-X10C headphones are designed to accent your stage appearance tastefully while enhancing comfort, durability, and sound quality.
Though the HDJ-X10C headphones use the same transducers found in the HDJ-X10 model—50mm
As we continue our very own B&H-flavored version of Oprah’s Favorite Things just in time for Valentine’s Day, one thing that comes screaming to mind is headphones. Everyone uses them, and they elicit passion, from casual listeners all the way to audiophiles. I fully admit I am something of a low-end Lothario, or dynamic-driver Don Juan, (depending on how you want to alliterate) when talking about headphones. I own a bunch of headphones and, like John Lennon, in my life I’ve loved them all. I have at least two pairs sitting on my desk at
Are you a stage musician looking for a personal monitoring solution that doesn’t shut out the crowd—something that will balance the sound of your bandmates and the vibe of your audience without sacrificing either? Well, look no farther than this series from Westone Pro, which utilizes proprietary SLED technology to combine outside ambiance with the incoming monitor mix in a manner that’ll
Fostex has released its second version of the TH-900 premium headphones, now featuring detachable connectors for cable replacement and compatibility with the optional balanced cable (model ET-H3.0N7BL). Like the original, the TH-900mk2 offers a uniquely designed Neodymium magnetic circuit, adopting the magnetic
I admit it: I am an audio snob, but at the same time, I find the concept of some “audiophile” gear to be ridiculous. Some people go to lengths to enjoy their music that are well beyond reasonable and border on the absurd, and my experience as a recording engineer always has me reaching for the practical approach. While I track audio at high resolution rates (24-bit, 88.2 or 96 kHz) for mixing purposes, I have never experienced a practical difference listening to a mastered album at higher-than-CD quality or one at normal CD quality (sorry Neil
Originally designed for the Concorde supersonic commercial jetliner, Sennheiser developed the HD25 for high-fidelity sound reproduction, noise isolation, and comfort. It wasn’t long before the headphones became a favorite among A-List DJs around the world, as well as professional audio engineers, live sound technicians, and the broadcast community. The newly streamlined product line offers three models, including the
There is no accessory more fundamental than a good pair of headphones. They link our ears, privately, to music, media, and entertainment. These days, there is so much content to enjoy that the number of options can be overwhelming. The same is true with the sheer number of headphones on the market. There are so many different kinds available, you might want some help sorting through the possibilities.
In this article, we’ll look at several