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[ I'm glad I like to mix with monitors because I get ear fatigue quickly with headphones/pods/buds. Try some nice open-back headphones if you haven't already - they typically don't suffer from anywhere as much ear fatigue as closed-backs. . Thanks Simon, I use a pair of Sennheizers from the HD500 range - open backed & comfy - I'm onto my third set of foam pads - they sound good, feel good but I still get tired ears and sore skull from the phones pushing my specs into the side of my head.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I use a pair of Sennheizers from the HD500 range - open backed & comfy - I'm onto my third set of foam pads - they sound good, feel good but I still get tired ears and sore skull from the phones pushing my specs into the side of my head. Ah yes, glasses. Might be worth trying something that's lightweight and on-ear like Grados (though those aren't quite what I'd suggest for monitoring, not exactly flat).
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Ah, glasses.
Obviously the following doesn't help if you don't have similar frames as mine, but it might be useful to be aware of.
I hadn't considered the issue of glasses, despite wearing the or contacts for most of my life.
It hasn't really effected me, though it does with my headset mic, which has hops over the ears.
I guess that the reason I haven't had the issue is because I wear very thin and lightweight titanium half-frames. They're thin enough and light enough that I don't notice them with headphones.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
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Ah, glasses.
Obviously the following doesn't help if you don't have similar frames as mine, but it might be useful to be aware of.
I hadn't considered the issue of glasses, despite wearing the or contacts for most of my life.
It hasn't really effected me, though it does with my headset mic, which has hops over the ears.
I guess that the reason I haven't had the issue is because I wear very thin and lightweight titanium half-frames. They're thin enough and light enough that I don't notice them with headphones. I have single focus "computer glasses" made every year. Some people benefit from a blue tint in these. By caring only about comfort and ignoring style, the cost is not much–no need for any lens treatments etc. In fact, mine are somewhat ugly. I do this on purpose so that, if I'm about to drive with them on, my wife will notice and remind me to change to a pair that lets me see road signs. Many optical plans in the US include a "free glasses" benefit — and then you find that benefit to be so limited that it may as well not exist. My computer glasses are always inexpensive enough that they qualify.
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I'm due for a new prescription for my specs so I'll discuss the matter with the folk in store who know my health benefits schedule and may be able to accommodate me. THANKS
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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For those interested in the Steven Slate Audio VSX system, they're having a sale.
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Thanks for the helpful article. I start off with a gaming headset (SteelSeries Arctis 3). Over time I've learned to recognize its biases. The headset mic is handy for singing along to rehearse or to record a quick working track.
I agree that final mixes need monitors. I start with JBL 2-way broadcast monitors, then check with home stereo speakers and a computer sound bar, but the final real-world test is playing a burned CD on the Bose system in my car with flat settings.
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I guess to each his own but I like and prefer mixing on headphones and I get the best results with a pair of pretty inexpensive AKG k52s. (I have the 240s but I get better results from the k52s.)
Using the AKG k52s I can tell exactly how it's going to sound on speakers and it also allows me to pay careful attention to finer details, but that's just me.
I will admit I have had NO luck with other headphones but for some reason those AKG k52s are different and create a very rich environment for me. I found a one day special on some extra pairs last year and got 2 pairs for $30. What a deal.
Waves has a couple of those virtual room speaker simulations for headphones and I use them sometimes but I actually get better results when I have them off.
Again it may just be me and my technique but headphone mixing is easier for me and I like the AKG k52s and when I get finished mixing with them and I play it on speakers or any environment it's exactly what I was looking for, and it translates perfectly to monitors, or living room speakers and everything else, including phone speakers.
So I guess everyone has their own technique.
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My buddy Barry also loves his K52s, when I asked him to try my AKG-40s he said 'yeah they sound about the same to me' .. so I got that going for me.
Point is, sometimes more $$ doesn't equal what you were aiming for.
Find what works for you and use it.
I find myself working in headphones quite often, hasn't really bothered me bu I do notice speakers (especially nearfields) seem to make you 'feel' it a little more, not sure how to describe it except to say your whole body 'hears' it, not just your ears.
But I do not judge anyone one way or the other; do what works for you.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Interesting David as I have the K92s and I love them.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
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I've been using the Sony MDR 7506 cans. I saw them recommended by a recording engineer and decided to upgrade from my cheap Yamaha cans that I bought at the local guitar store from the bargain bin. I've used them to not only track but also for mixing and the final polishing of tracks that I've posted here in the showcase.
I've noticed that if I'm mixing on them, it's harder to go to the monitors but easy to go the other way around. The cans sound really good and give great results.
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.
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I've been using the Sony MDR 7506 cans. … Those have been my go-to since 1988. I don't like to track on anything else but find that, unlike the Slate VSX, mixes barely translate. I got tired of having to replace the ear pads every year or two so, however, I went with these AURAY Genuine Sheepskin Leather Earpads . There's a bit of a break-in period before the leather and memory foam pads become comfortable but, once that happens... haven't worn out a pair yet. My 2¢
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I've been using the Sony MDR 7506 cans. … Those have been my go-to since 1988. I don't like to track on anything else but find that, unlike the Slate VSX, mixes barely translate. I got tired of having to replace the ear pads every year or two so, however, I went with these AURAY Genuine Sheepskin Leather Earpads . There's a bit of a break-in period before the leather and memory foam pads become comfortable but, once that happens... haven't worn out a pair yet. My 2¢ Mike, what do you mean by "unlike the Slate VSX, mixes barely translate"? Also...Earpad and headband rot is my personal curse. Have saved the link to your sheepskin pads. Like that idea...
DC Ron
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[quote=Guitarhacker]I've been using the Sony MDR 7506 cans. … Mike, what do you mean by "unlike the Slate VSX, mixes barely translate"? Also...Earpad and headband rot is my personal curse. Have saved the link to your sheepskin pads. Like that idea... I mix for all kinds of environments from K-LOVE radio to audiophile to AV soundtracks etc. A good mix has to translate to sound great — the more environments it does, the better. For some reason, the detailed response I get out of 7506s doesn't sound as good on many other systems as I would like. The Slate VSX is a dedicated mixing environment using plug-ins and calibrated headphones. What I hear when done sounds good on pretty much everything including my calibrated studio monitors. Did I like spending $500 on VSX? Oh hell no but I like the results.
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[quote=Guitarhacker]I've been using the Sony MDR 7506 cans. … Mike, what do you mean by "unlike the Slate VSX, mixes barely translate"? Also...Earpad and headband rot is my personal curse. Have saved the link to your sheepskin pads. Like that idea... I mix for all kinds of environments from K-LOVE radio to audiophile to AV soundtracks etc. A good mix has to translate to sound great — the more environments it does, the better. For some reason, the detailed response I get out of 7506s doesn't sound as good on many other systems as I would like. The Slate VSX is a dedicated mixing environment using plug-ins and calibrated headphones. What I hear when done sounds good on pretty much everything including my calibrated studio monitors. Did I like spending $500 on VSX? Oh hell no but I like the results. Thanks, Mike, that's very helpful. Am very intrigued by the VSX approach, but even at $399 Black Friday pricing, I'm still questioning the ROI. Am only mixing my own home studio stuff, and always review on multiple sources, with multiple incremental adjustments/versions. Sure, it's inefficient, and if I were doing this professionally I would certainly do it differently. But...I DO have the time, and (gasp!) enjoy the process...
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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.
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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