Today we are speaking
about headphones!
First
it’s important to ask youself the right question:
- What i got to do with my headphones?
I’m going to record voice and instrument?
Or I’m going to do post-processing?
Or both?
- What’s
my budget?
Let's start by saying that there
are two types of headphones:
Closed-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are often used for
production and recording. One of the primary advantages of closed-back
headphones is noise isolation. Closed-back headphones are sealed and insulated
to prevent sounds from leaking and isolate sounds from the surrounding
environment to bleed through. The trade-off is that the design causes pressure
to accumulate inside the cup of the headphone, causing false low frequencies.
Closed-back headphones are considered as less accurate for critical listening
because the sound is more colored and isolated. However, the isolation allows
you to focus on sounds more clearly and are essential in the studio or on the
stage
Open-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones and semi-open-back
headphones are ideal for mixing and monitoring. Instead of a sealed earcup,
these headphones allow typically have a grille or perforations that allow air
and sound to flow in and out of the headphones. The design of these headphones
offers a more natural and accurate sound to the listener because the sound is
not isolated. Rather then sealing you off from the outside world, they tend to
give you a feeling of being in an environment, much like listening to a pair of
monitors. However, there are drawbacks to using open cans because there is less
isolation and sounds can leak out making them impractical for recording using
microphones.
Budget
Below is a selection of
headphones ranging from affordable headphones on a budget to high-quality
professional headphones.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Monitor Headphones (Closed-back)
As the most critically
acclaimed model in the M-Series line, the ATH-M50 is praised by top audio
engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year. Now, the ATH-M50x
professional monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature, with
the added feature of detachable cables. From the large aperture drivers, sound
isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched
experience for the most critical audio professionals
Price is about $119.95
.
Type
|
Closed-back dynamic
|
Driver Diameter
|
45 mm
|
Magnet
|
Neodymium
|
Voice Coil
|
CCAW
(Copper-clad aluminum wire)
|
Frequency Response
|
15 - 28,000 Hz
|
Maximum Input Power
|
1,600 mW at 1 kHz
|
Sensitivity
|
99 dB
|
Impedance
|
38 ohms
|
Weight
|
285 g (10 oz),
without cable and connector
|
Cable
|
Interchangeable
cables: detachable 1.2 m - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m
(9.8') straight cable and detachable 1.2 m (3.9') straight cable
|
Accessories Included
|
Protective
carrying pouch, 6.3 mm (1/4") screw-on adapter
|
AKG K712 Pro Reference Studio Headphones (Open-back)
The K712 PROs are a reference, open, over-ear
headphones for precise listening, mixing and mastering. The over-ear design
guarantees maximum wearing comfort for fatigue-free mixing and mastering, while
providing spacious and airy sound without any compromise. Their precise,
powerful sound results from an improved low-end performance by 3dB.
These headphones have a genuine soft
leather headband for a lightweight and comfortable fit. Their carefully
selected transducers provide consistency and accurate localization. The K712
PROs come with a professional mini XLR connector for quick replacement of the
cable. Also included is an additional coiled cable and a premium carrying bag.
Price is about $412.74 .
General
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Audio Interface
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Dimensions / Weight
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AKG K702 Reference Studio Headphones (Open-back)
The K702′s are a reference, open, over-ear studio
headphones for precision listening, mixing and mastering. They combine an
extremely accurate response with agility and spaciousness. This is achieved by
using revolutionary flat-wire voice coils and a patented Varimotion two-layer
diaphragm. A totally open design and a high-performance cable complete these
reference headphones.
The K702′s comfortable, specially shaped
3D-foam ear pads and a genuine-leather headband ensure a perfect fit. They
provide a professional mini XLR connector for quick replacement of the cable.
The K702s are individually tested and serial-numbered.
The price is about $230.00 .
General
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Audio Interface
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Dimensions / Weight
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Focal Spirit Professional
|(Closed Back)
Spirit Professional
headphones have been specifically designed to meet the expectations and
requirements of Recording Studios, Home Studios, and Broadcasting Studios.
These studio reference headphones offer highly accurate reproduction of bass
frequencies and will reveal the smallest defects in the mix while avoiding
acoustic constraints of the workspace. Spirit Professional are equipped with
excellent acoustic insulation to address the constraints of the often noisy
environments specific to Broadcasting and Home Studios.
The price is about $349.00 .
Tech Specs
- 2 Transductor 40mm in Mylar / Titanium.
- Neodymium magnets
- Frequency Response:
5Hz - 22kHz
- Impedence: 32 Ohm
- Sensibility: 102dB
SPL/ 1mW @ 1kHz
- THD: <0,3% / 1kHz / 100 dB SPL
- Weight: 0,280kg
Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro
Reference Headphone (Semi-Open)
The DT 880 PRO is a
reference-class, semi-open studio headphone which combines all strengths of
open, transparent headphones with those of more powerful, closed headphones.
Specially designed housings and an improved system equalisation turn this
“remake” of the studio classic DT 880 into an ideal studio monitoring
headphone, with analytical qualities. Soft earpads and adjustable, sliding,
earpieces together with a single sided connecting cable ensure listening
comfort during extended periods of use.
The price is about $256.11 .
Tech
Specs
- Transducer type:
Dynamic
- Operating principle:
Semi-open
- Nominal frequency
response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
- Nominal impedance: 250 Ω per
cartridge
- Nominal SPL: 96 dB SPL
- Nominal T.H.D.: <
0.2%
- Power handling
capacity: 100 mW
- Sound coupling to ear:
Circumaural
- Nominal headband
pressure: 3.5 N
- Weight (without
cable): 295 g
- Length and type of cable: 3 m / single-sided coiled cable
- Connection: Gold plated stereo mini jack plug (3.5 mm) and 1/4"
adapter (6.35 mm)
Grado Prestige Series
SR325e Headphones (Closed Back)
The Top of the Range Prestige Series Headphone. The new SR325e has a new driver and cable design. The added mass from the metal housing minimizes transient distortions. With the new eight-conductor cable design, you will notice superb control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum, with both supporting Grado’s world renowned midrange. The SR325e will produce a sound that is pure Grado, with warm harmonic colors, rich, full-bodied vocals, excellent dynamics, and an ultra-smooth top end.
The price is about $325.00 .
Audio
Specs:
Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Open Air
Frequency Response: 18 - 24,000 hz
SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
Normal Impedance: 32 ohms
Driver Matched dB: .05 dB
Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Open Air
Frequency Response: 18 - 24,000 hz
SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB
Normal Impedance: 32 ohms
Driver Matched dB: .05 dB
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones (Closed-Back)
The HD 280 Pro is
Sennheiser’s most significant closed, around-the-ear headphone to be introduced
in years. Designed to exceed the demands of the professional environment, the
HD 280 Pro boasts extremely robust construction combined with the sound
quality, modular design, and aggressive noise isolation the necessary in the
field. The unique collapsible design, combined with swiveling ear cups, offers
maximum flexibility in any application.
The price is about $98.94 .
| Color | black | |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing style | Headband | |
| Frequency response (headphones) | 8 - 25000 Hz | |
| Sound pressure level (SPL) | 102 dB (IEC 268-7) | |
| THD, total harmonic distortion | 0,1 % | |
| Contact pressure | 6 N | |
| Ear coupling | circumaural | |
| Jack plug | 3,5 / 6,3 mm stereo | |
| Connection cable | Coiled cable (min. 1m / max. 3m) | |
| Transducer principle | dynamic, closed | |
| Weight | w/o cable: 220 g | |
| Nominal impedance | 64 Ω | |
| Load rating | 500 mW | |
Sennheiser HD 800 Dynamic Stereo Headphones (Open-back)
More than 60 years of ingenious headphone engineering
has been applied to the new HD 800. Incorporating Sennheiser’s most advanced
driver technology, these open, around-the-ear, dynamic stereo headphones
redefine what reference-grade audio is all about.
The HD 800 is hand-assembled in Germany
with only the finest of materials. The transducer is encased in a precision
material made of stainless steel while the headband and headphone mounting
utilizes the most advanced development from the aerospace industry
.
The price is about $1340.00 .
| Color | silver | |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing style | Headband | |
| Frequency response (headphones) | 14 – 44100 Hz (- 3 dB) | |
| Frequency response | 6 – 51000 Hz (- 10 dB) | |
| THD, total harmonic distortion | 0.02 % (1 kHz 1 Vrms) | |
| Contact pressure | ~ 3,4 N (± 0,3 N) | |
| Jack plug | Jack stereo ¼” (6,3 mm) | |
| Cable length | 3 m | |
| Weight | Without cable: 330 g | |
| Nominal impedance | 300 Ω | |
Sennheiser HD25-1 II Headphones (Closed-Back)
The closed-back HD 25-1
II purpose-designed, professional monitoring headphones offer high attenuation
of background noise. Capable of handling very high sound pressure levels and of
extremely robust construction, these headphones perform exceptionally well in
high-noise environments, such as sound reinforcement, studio monitoring, and
audio equipment testing. The capsule is rotatable for one-ear listening. The
Sennheiser HD-25 II make ideal monitoring headphones for cameramen and DJs.
The price is about $249.95 .
The possibility therefore there are to every budget level and for each ear from the less demanding to the audiophile!
The choice is yours , always keeping in mind that " those who spend more spend less " always within limit of your budget.
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