|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
Hi, I'm looking to buy a "really good set of headphones" in the $100 - $500 price range. Would be listening to various styles of music. Any suggestions?
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551 |
Personal enjoyment or studio work phones?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
If you want to "listen" to music and not use it for recording, I suggest open headphones. They`re more comfortable to wear (less sweat) and you hear a bit of the room reverb, so the stereo image is alot more defined.
These are the studio reference Phones (open):
AKG K-702
Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro
Sandra
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826 |
These are my favorites bar none. AKG 240 Studio
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,511
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,511 |
I did not believe how good mine were until I tried them at a colleague's studio: Alessandro One, for $99. It's a modified Grado, open air. I prefer open air for longer listening periods. There is also an upgrade model for $299. http://www.alessandro-products.com/main.php?p=headphones
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
Peter, I use a set of Sennheiser HD570 (approx $100a few years back) which have since been discontinued but replaced with the SM555 model. The HD570 got all sorts of bad reviews about being "too trebly" or "too mushy". All I know is that I tried quite a few different brands before I settled on these, and I like'em. "Hearing is in the ear of the beholder" so my suggestion would be to take a recording you are very familiar with and go to a stereo shop and try various ones out listening to that recording. If you find a model you like, see if they will let you listen to the recording using different sets of the same model. It doesn't have to be costly if it fits your need. DennisD
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
First of all, I have to make a disclaimer. I'm an engineer for Westone Laboratories and one of our product lines are in-ear monitor headphones. So, with that bit of bias clearly stated up front - let me ask you if you have considered the following questions: 1. Do you track any kind of acoustic instruments into microphones? 2. Do you listen to music on an iPod type of device? 3. Do you travel on airplanes or public transportation very much? Here's the reasoning behind those questions. If the answer to #1 is yes, then I would immediately rule out open-back phones of any kind because of bleed issues while tracking. If the answer to #2 is yes, then I would say that in-ear monitors are an ideal solution for you, because they are triple-use. You can use them for tracking in your home studio without any issue of bleed and quite flat response to 'hear what the microphone hears', and go right from there to the best sounding iPod/personal listening device headphones you can imagine and be discreet about it, and pack them into a pocket for a nice quiet experience on the airplane. I like many of the headphone models shown above (personal experience with the AKG 240 models and Sennheiser models), but if you wear those out of the house, you look rather silly. All of our universal fit models offer 25+ dB of isolation from outside noise. I would shoot for the UM3X model. http://www.westone.com/catalog/um3x-true-3-way-monitor-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
I vote for the Grado SR80 (or higher) from Goodcans (link above in earlier post).
R
Last edited by Rachael; 12/14/10 01:35 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410 |
The ATH M50 seems to get good reviews for 'bang for buck' comfort and accuracy. http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4UI have the next model down, but with the same design and I like them. They are well padded and don't pinch to bad. Try to find a place where you can try some on if you can. Later, Jim ps. Did you find a guitar? I was looking about the same time and wound up with a Parker P8EN.
I'd be completely happy if I had just one more guitar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551 |
ATH M50 is one set I would not recommend. But maybe that's just me. Got them after owning M40;
They are a little more comfortable than the M40, but I don't like the coloring of the sound. Or the coiled cable..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I also use the AKG 240's. Interesting they're mentioned several times in this little thread. Did you send a PM to Harvey Gerst? I'm curious what he has to say about it.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551 |
Quote:
Did you send a PM to Harvey Gerst? I'm curious what he has to say about it.
Bob
http://www.audiomidi.com/MoreMe-Studio-Deluxe-Headphones-P9413.aspx
He also has a line of monitors he recently designed. Use Googlefoo 
Yeah, I got k240s laying around here too. At least one set in the travelin bag for recording. They let me hear edits very well. Even the slightest tick jumps out to me with those, so I like them for edits, punch-ins, etc. Plus they are open, so nice for extended sessions.
Last edited by rharv; 12/14/10 04:35 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Sennheiser HD600 is what engineers go for - I have had abouyt a dozen sennheisers and non dissapointed. Clarity, good sound stage very three dimensional, overall frequncey balnce is excellent. http://www.dv247.com/headphones/sennheis...eadphones--7294
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 303 |
Peter, I've had the Sennheiser HD600 headphones for over a decade. I began recommending them to musicians (in person and on the internet) from the day I got them. At first it was a hard sell (cost), but the word has gotten around. I have at least 10,000 hours listening experience with the Sennheiser HD600's. (This is where you conclude that they are incredibly comfortable.) The phones go around the ear, but have an open back. Therefore, they are not suitable for a vocalist while recording (lack of isolation). They are perfect for late-at-night listening. If someone is seated right next to you in a quiet environment, and you have them turned up loud, there will be some tinny sound audible to them. They are completely neutral. You will appreciate them the first time you put them on, but you wll appreciate them much more 6 months down the road. (After 6 months, those nagging little response problems will grate on you. In the Sennheiser HD600's there are none.) The bass response is stunning. It will probably be shocking to you, because it is so clean. You'll probably never have a burning desire to buy, for either comfort or fidelity, another set of phones, . The cord is very light, nearer in weight to a mp3 player ear bud cord than the old-timey shielded coaxial cord. The phones come in a form-fitting cardboard case. They're really well made, but they're not made for throwing on a table or the floor. I've done this with many other phones, but never with the HD600's. In fact, I put them back in the case each time when I'm through with them. Sennheiser's support of their headphone products is incredible. Based on past performance, if you need another cord, or ear covers, 20 or 30 years from now, you'll be able to get those things. DRIVERS: They will sound great if driven from a (Sony) portable CD player. (But not nearly as great as they can sound.) I would not drive these with a $200 multichannel receiver (garbage). But if you have a nice receiver you will be ecstatic with the sound. (You can, of course, spend thousands on the driver electronics. These headphones will actually support you in that expenditure, but (obviously) with diminishing returns.) .RECOMMENDATIONS: Currently, the Sennheiser HD800 headphones ($1400) are thought to be the best available. Previously, the Sennheiser HD650 headphones ($650) got that praise. (2nd in the Sennheiser line) Prior to that, the Sennheiser HD600 headphones ($520) were universally so acclaimed. (3rd in the Sennheiser line) The street prices (South American River prices were the only ones I checked) were significantly lower. (The guys at Headroom say they will match any price from an authorized dealer.) The HD650 and HD600 are both in your (street) price range. Either would be great. I'd get the HD650's. I wouldn't even consider getting a lesser Sennheiser model than the HD600's, based on my listening experience. USEFUL LINKS: (BTW, Headroom is a great company; those guys are REALLY serious about headphones (and they carry them all). http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/top-picks/top-picks-for-audiophiles.phphttp://www.headphone.com/headphones/sennheiser-hd-800.php (for edification and comparison, only) http://www.headphone.com/headphones/sennheiser-hd-650.phphttp://www.headphone.com/headphones/sennheiser-hd-600.phpWhen I got the Sennheiser HD600 headphones, it seemed like so much money, even if they were rated the best commercially available headphones in the world. Within a year, I thought they were the biggest audiophile bargain of my life. I still feel that way! Hope you find the headphones that are right for YOU!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
Best advice is to take a couple of CD's you know well and try a couple of pre-selected cans.
This is the only way to select the best headphones for your personal taste.
I highly reccomend that you take the Grado RS2i into your test-selection. Try along with the Sennheiser HD600 and the Beyer Dynamic DT-990 Pro
Try to pre-select no more than 6 models. Take your time when auditioning the headphones. Have them bring you a cup of cofee and leave you alone with the cans. Of course you should use a high-quality CD-player and during the whole listening session you should not change any eq-settings.
Have fun and let us know which ones you selected
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Peter, You're getting a lot of great recommendations. Wish I had time to go try some of them myself. My vote is for the beyerdynamic DT770 reference headphones. Here are the full specs. Closed-back circumaural type. Large diaphragms with great power capacity allow you to listen at near-live levels. Response from 5 Hz to 35 kHz but very neutral. Field-replaceable parts. Substantial feel in your hand, yet you nearly forget you are wearing them. I wear glasses and they don't interfere. I have used the same pair since 1996, when I got them for medical transcription because of their excellent acoustic isolation. Where I began to really appreciate them was when I realized that I was wearing them for 8 hours on shift and going on to use them in the studio after work. They are the most comfortable I have ever found. They are obviously durable as well. Around $200 USD, a little less if you look around. Let us know what you decide--I know it'll be great whatever it is. Richard
Last edited by Ryszard; 12/15/10 07:43 AM.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 95
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 95 |
Quote:
Did you send a PM to Harvey Gerst? I'm curious what he has to say about it.
Bob
+1
Seen threads over at "gearslutz" discussing his new line of monitors. He's got big experience I guess  when it comes to sound. (Check out his equipment list - unreal!) http://www.itrstudio.com/staff.html
I personally like the Sennheiser HD600 + HD650 (own both) and I know that a lot of seasoned engineers use them (also read on gearslutz). Don't buy the ATH M50 (as I did). They're good to check the low end (very deep + strong bass response) but they sound harsh and tinny on the rest. The HD600 has got a slight dip in the frequency response in the mids and lower mid's.
Daniel
Last edited by deltagolf; 12/15/10 08:21 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
ATH-M40fs
I use these for everything from tracking to watching TV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,083
Posts799,879
Members40,031
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean