|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Wow! That's really an incredible story. A life-changer for him!
I have what is generally the loss most folks have, in the middle frequencies. It's a dipping bell curve. For example, pre-aides, I'd never had to ask a guy to repeat what he said (low), but young women (high) could stand right in front of me in a whisper-quiet office environment and I couldn't understand a syllable, repeated many times. Now I hear them crisply, but don't know what they are really saying, young or old.
I limped along for years, then 2 years ago bit the bullet. I could NOT believe what I had been missing, especially singing. It was like the first time I got glasses. I had no idea anyone could see that far. Modern aides are pretty spendy, lots of adjustments can be made by the doc, so they are dialed in as well as can expected, I control them with a smartphone app. And they are hidden behind the ear, ...no one even knows I wear them.
In reality, they are really just microphones and speakers. Just really complex, micro-circuity equipment. But we all know that mics/speakers have limitations in the real world. I don't really need to wear them all the time, though I do. But I can't cover them with ear cups or they feedback. But, even the 12 cent headphones I use now are pretty awesome for me. I am looking forward to getting the new sets to do the Pepsi challenge with.
Thanks, again, to all of you guys.
Andy, I would suggest that you try making your own hearing loss compensation EQ in your DAW so that you can wear good quality phones without hearing aids. I can walk you through how to do this if you get your HL curves from your audiologist.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
....that is the nicest gesture, Scott. I sure will get the info and I'll message you.
Wow...Thank you, Scott.
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
Thanks, Critter. They are out of my budget range, I'm sure they are awesome. Probably throwing pearls before swine, though. I might not really be able to tell the difference.
I got the Sonys and HD 280s today, so I'll be testing them out. They both sound fantastic and are comfortable. It will be a hard decision.
Thank you, again, to all.
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
I've been using the ATH-40f/s for a long time. Bought a second pair when I heard they were being discontinued. I use mine a lot. Eventually they shed and I have to get new covers. The newer model was supposed to fix that but I haven't tried those so can't say. Andy hope you will update us on which pair you wind up keeping. And I hope you don't mind if I ask this here. Does anybody know how long headphones are supposed to last? Not talking about ear pad covers - does the quality of sound in them degrade over time? I've seen some really old ones on ebay. I wouldn't buy an old pair like that but it made me curious about headphone real usable lifespans. ??? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486 |
I've never had one where the sound deteriorated in any way. I suppose it might be possible to do the equivalent of blow the speaker, but it hasn't happened in my 55 year experience. There's only between one and two volts max going into it.
Headphones have plenty of parts that break but the sound is either fine or gone; it doesn't degrade.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
I need Josie and Bob to pick stocks for me. Their investment in the discontinued ATH 40 f/s, for (and I'm making a WAG here) $100 or less, had a 350% return! $450 a pair now, and as rare as hen's teeth.
I ordered the Sonys, ATHX, and HD280 Pros. The other suggestions were very helpful and greatly appreciated. I couldn't bring myself to order more, knowing I'll return all but one.
I can definitely hear a difference, but it's hard for me to tell which would be the best choice overall. The HD280s are the most comfortable and seal completely, like with no tracks playing, I can't hear anything in the outside world. I can wear them for hours without discomfort, which is the way I like it, just need to let a little heat out occasionally. The only drawback is the cable coiling. For my situation it catches on the desk, like stepping on an untied shoestring, but there's a work around, binding the coil at the interface, and using an extension cord.
Scott's helping me with an EQ plug-in adjustment and I'm really stoked! He's a mensch! You all are!
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,522
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,522 |
Cool story (you may have heard it);
I had my first set of M40s and thought 'well this time I'll get the M50s', because they must be better, right?
I ended up trading my new M50s with a forum member here and he gave me his new M40s.
We both felt like we won.
I still do. I can see both sets from here.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
.....have you had an issue finding replacements? I haven't had to look yet .. so curious. Nope, found a couple sellers on eBay that had ones identical to the originals for $3.99 a pair shipped from Mars, or $6.99 a pair shipped from NY. Both were the exact same, so I bought 4 pairs from the NY guy.  When I find his eBay ID I will update this post.... 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 326
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 326 |
They cost a little more, but I use the Sennheiser HD6 mixing headphones, and am delighted. As ever, you have to listen to a mix on several systems to make sure its right. My acid test is to make a CD and listen to it in the car. if it sounds good there, it's finished.
ProTools 12, Faderport 8, Melodyne, JBL monitors, Novation UltraNova, Yamaha MX49, Stratocaster, Telecaster, Rickenbacker 12, Ovation 12, Vox VT20X amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
Thank you, JC and Will.
I'll keep the Sennheiser HD6 in mind. Of course everything is subjective, that day, that song, how much sleep you got.
Previously, I bought 4 various sets (not including the HD6) and kept the HD 280 Pros. For me, they were/are awesome. The HD6s are rated a little higher (again, that's subjective), so might have been a good set to test also. I bet you do like them.
Eventually I'll get a 2nd set of something and will certainly check out the 6s. Thanks for the tip, Will!
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 408
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 408 |
They cost a little more, but I use the Sennheiser HD6 mixing headphones, and am delighted. As ever, you have to listen to a mix on several systems to make sure its right. My acid test is to make a CD and listen to it in the car. if it sounds good there, it's finished. I love the Sennheiser HD6s, so consider this another vote for them from me!
Will - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887 |
Go for the Mo-Fi headphones. They are a bit pricy but worth the money.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
I like recording vocals with one cup on, closed headphones. Do open headphones achieve that also, or what are they designed for? I find having both cups on, with my very good closed set (HD 280s) doesn't give me enough in-the-moment sound and I'm flat/sharp a lot. The HD's are great for mixing, coupled with good monitors (and trials on other cd players,car, etc.).
Thanks.
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486 |
You would not use open headphones as you record vocals; the sound would bleed into the mic.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,751
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,751 |
Headphones are like stereo speakers in that they are all biased or add coloration to the sound. Be aware of that up front. To minx on them you will need to "learn them".
That said, almost every studio has them and they are critical for monitoring during recording takes.
My advice.... for what it's worth.
Go to a music store and try them. Ask the sales guy to let you try the ones you are interested in possibly buying. You will find that they sound quite different from each other.
Find a pair that feel good and are comfortable. remember, you'll likely be wearing them for several hours at a time. Next is the sound quality. Listen to the lows and the highs and the mids. In fact, I highly recommend that you carry your own source material on a laptop, phone, or mp3 player and an adapter in case they are 1/4" plugs. Play the same material for each pair you try. A good source song is Heart's Magic Man. It has synths that are high and it also has that dive-bombing super low synth in it to test the bottom response as well as the standard instruments and vocals. Also select a song of the same genre and style that you plan to work with. Put the cans through their paces.
My story on cans. I went to the store with a budget of $300 top. I was looking for a pair to replace my existing Yamaha rh5ma cheap cans. I bought those on an impulse buy from the 50% off bargain bin in a Guitar Center store for $30. They don't sound bad. In fact I use them all the time in my studio and have even mixed...as in final mix.... several songs on them. They work and sound good and are comfortable enough to wear for hours of recording and mixing.
I went to the store with my mp3 player and my ear buds that cost $20. (Creative EP-630). Note that these ear buds are well built and have exceptionally good sound quality and superb low end reproduction, due to the rubber ear-cups that seal quite nicely. They are sound reducing and I have used them in a pinch when mowing the lawn and shooting my rifle to reduce the ambient dB level to prevent hearing damage. Back to the store... I tried several of the cans in the +$200 range and compared them to the sound in the 630's. End result....all of the cans were disappointing. I could hear no discernible improvement in sound reproduction with the high dollar cans over the $20 ear buds. I walked out of the store having bought nothing. The 630's had the same or similar sound quality, and in one case better sound quality than the cans costing nearly 15 times as much.
You want to audition the cans you plan on buying and just remember that the price of the headphones doesn't always equate to better sound. Trust your ears and not the hype from the ads or the salesman in the store.
BTW: You can still buy the Yamaha rh5ma cans on Amazon brand new for around $50 And the Creative EO-630's for $20 on Amazon. And, BTW.... I have used my ear buds when tracking vocals. Talk about having almost ZERO bleed into the mic.... nothing even close to the cans which do tend to bleed.
My 2 cents worth
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/08/17 02:02 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
All good info. I didn't think about bleeding, Matt.
Herb, that is great to know. I need another set and I'll look for those. And listen.
Thanks, guys.
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,751
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,751 |
All good info. I didn't think about bleeding, Matt.
Herb, that is great to know. I need another set and I'll look for those. And listen.
Thanks, guys. Bleed happens. No matter what you use...closed back, open back, ear buds..... it all depends on how loud the mix is in the cans and how sensitive the mic is. A good condenser will pick up the bleed no matter how low it is in the cans. The big question is will it be an issue? Generally if you do some editing of the vocal track with volume envelopes or mute, you can get rid of it. The problem with either of those arises when you have reverb trails in the track. You can't mute those.... but again, if the bleed is of the program material and the source is playing, you got a nice coverup happening and no harm no foul.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
singing flat while tracking vocals using cans is a time honored tradition!
If you have issue with this, and want to avoid bleed, one cup off does work - just set the playback balance to feed only the cup that is on your head.
You can do this in your DAW or on your headphone amp if it has a balance control which it probably doesn't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486 |
Some people just cut the wire to one side of the headphones.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
Thanks, guys. RS, if so, I am a CHAMPION! I try the balance deal (such an obvious thing to try. DOUGH!) cut a wire, and try removing a cup. I have several cruddy sets that I can experiment with. Happy Monday!
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,939
Posts797,951
Members39,986
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean