A Guide to Popular Studio Headphones

June 7, 2012 by Justin Colletti 7 Comments Headphones are more popular now than ever. And todays music fans arent just listening on cheap earbuds. Although the consumer audio sector didnt perform particularly well in the great recession, Hi-Fi headphones were the one category to boldly defy that trend. While the rest of the market dropped by 14% sales of headphones grew 25% in the UK in 2011 alone. The average cost of headphones has been rising as well. In the US, sales of headphones priced over $100 has more than doubled, adding over $200 million in new revenue to the market. Unfortunately, some of us audio geeks may think our listeners priorities can be misplaced at times. 54% of consumers said that the brand of headphones was very important in their choice, while only 48% said the same for sound quality. But before we get all high and mighty, lets take a look at what headphones weve been listening on in the studio, and then evaluate where they serve us well and where they dont. A Guide to Popular Studio Headphones Today, theres a nearly endless variety of high-quality headphones on the market. And just in time, because based on consumers tastes, it just might be more important to have a goodquality headphone reference now than at any other time in history. So what are we listening on and what should we expect of them? Sony MDR-7506 ($99) Pros: Theyre hard to break, theyre loud, and theyre everywhere. Cons: Extremely quirky frequency response; Have been out-classed by many new models.

Sony MDR-7506 ($99) Everyone who knows audio knows the MDR-7506 headphones. They are quite possibly one of the most ubiqutous models of headphones of all time. Theyre loud and hard to break, and these features, coupled with their closed-back design make them a sensible choice for the tracking room floor, intensive day-to-day handling and live sound applications. On the other hand, the MDR-7506 headphones are not without their quirks. How can you tell if your mix sounds right on these Sonys? Well, if it strikes you as too bright, too brash and too boomy, youre probably headed in the right direction. In the interest of sounding loud and exciting, the 7506s are unusually bright headphones, with a frequency response somewhere between a smiley face and a roller-coaster. This may help them overcome the boxiness of older closed-back designs in order to easily win audio siptests, but it doesnt mean theyre an ideal choice for all users. For some listeners, this hyped-up response may sound refreshing over short periods of time. Unfortunately, these headphones can become grating over long listening stretches, and in any event, they dont stack the deck in your favor when it comes to making smart choices about EQ and frequency balance. Related models: The bigger, more expensive MDR-7509 can sound slightly bigger in the lows and smoother on top than the MDR-7506, and they still have a frequency response that rivals Appalachia. The smaller, more affordable MDR-7502 may be a little brighter than some other brands of headphones, but they may also sound the most neutral of this bunch although perhaps not the most impressive. Sennheiser HD-280 Pro ($99) Pros: Hard to break, great isolation, un-hyped sound.

Cons: Lacks the benefits of more expensive open-back designs; Not ideal for mixing or critical listening.

Sennheiser HD-280 ($99) The Sennheiser HD-280 Pro headphones are now established as one of the rising stars of a newer generation of headphone designs. They can handle a lot of abuse, and their extremely well-insulated closed-back design reduces bleed and cuts out significant levels of outside noise. This makes the HD-280 an exceptional choice for tracking sessions, and these acoustic-isolation properties are especially useful in live sound applications. Although the HD-280 headphones may be one of the best tracking models available for under $100, theyre not without their limitations. Since the HD-280 lacks the open, uncolored performance of more expensive open-back headphones, so theyre not recommended for critical listening decisions or as a mix reference. Additionally, some singers can find the isolating effect of well-insulated headphones to be confusing, and the old removing one headphone trick can be necessary more often than not. Related models: Sennheisers HD-380 Pro are a nice step up for $199 and Audio-Technicas ATH-M50 are also good value at $159. AKG K240 Studio ($99) Pros: Affordable, comfortable open-back design delivers neutral frequency response. Cons: Larger than many other studio headphones; Wire-to-body connection may not be rugged enough for heavy-handling situations; Open-back means more headphone bleed (in both directions).

AKG K240S ($199) The AKG K 240 is one of the modern classics of high-quality headphones. Of all the models weve listed here so far, theyre easily the most un-hyped and reliable from a critical-listening standpoint. The one drawback is that although the open-back design of these headphones allows for a better frequency response, it also means more sound can get in and out. Headphones in this class are ill-suited for live sound scenarios and for tracking sessions that involve loud bands. Some singers, however, may enjoy the relative lack of acoustic isolation the K240 provides, and this style of headphone can sometimes help improve pitch issues without the need to remove one ear-cup. If you dont mind a smidge of headphone bleed in the mic, they can be terrific in this application. Related models: An updated version, K 240 MK II, is also available for $199. Grado Labs SR-325is ($295) & RS2i ($495) Pros: Neutral, durable, compact open-back design ideal for critical listening; Made locally in Brooklyn, NY by a classic and committed family-owned business. Cons: Fairly expensive; Not ideally suited for tracking or live sound applications. When you put on a good pair of Grado headphones, dont expect to be blown away by their sound. Instead, expect not to hear them at all. Thats the beauty of all of Grados best designs. They stand aside and allow you a direct link to your music. Although the SR-325is and RS 2i are not technically part of Grados Professional Series (The PS-500 and PS-1000 sell for $600 and $1,000, respectively) they are a great set, and would make a near-ideal headphone reference for most engineers and musicians.

Grado SR-325is ($295) Related models: The entire Grado line is worth investigating, and they offer superb models that run from $79 on up to $1,700. In this general price range, open-backed models from AKG like the K701 and K702 (both $349) are also worth a look, as are their closed-back K271 MKII ($269) which are suitable for tracking and live sound as well. The open-back Sennheiser HD-600 and HD-650 headphone are also available for a price of $399 and $479 respectively, and stand among some of the best pro audio headphones ever made. Justin Colletti is a Brooklyn recording engineer and studio journalist. He is a regular contributor to SonicScoop and edits the music blog Trust Me, Im A Scientist. Tags: AKG K240 Studio, AKG K271 MKII, AKG K701, AKG K702, Audio-Technica ATHM50, Grado Labs SR-325i, headphones, Justin Colletti, K 240 MK II, MDR-7502, MDR7509, Sennheiser HD-280 Pro, Sennheiser HD-380 Pro, Sennheiser HD-600, Sennheiser HD650, Sony MDR-7506

MultiSonus Audio Launches EarBombz InEar Headphones Pro Audio/Personal Device Hybrid

May 31, 2012 by David Weiss 1 Comment Is this the hybrid headphone weve been waiting for? A newcomer on the scene, MultiSonus Audio, has officially launched their new line of EartBombz in-ear headphones, which combine the performance of a professional isolating in-ear headphone with the functions common to use in phones, iPads and other portable consumer devices.

This headphone/in-ear monitor crossover may consolidate your listening habits. There are three tiers of the EarBombz product line: the A-Bombz (Absolute Audio Resolution) (MSRP: $24.95), the H-Bombz (High-definition Sound) (MSRP: $39.95), and the flagship EB-Pro (MSRP: $79.95) series, the latter of which are designed to meet professional standards in and out of the studio. All three products include in-line microphones and are compatible with a wide range of professional and consumer technology including tablets, smart phones, computers, mixing boards, and stage monitors. The founding team of Seattle-based MultiSonus Audio, which includes performers, engineers, producers, and avowed techies, developed the EarBombz using carefully considered acoustic engineering, high-quality materials, and components configured for durability Tags: A-Bombz, EarBombz, EB-Pro, H-Bombz, headphones, headphones for audio engineers, headphones for music and professional use, headphones for musicians, in-ear monitoring, monitoring, monitors, MultiSonus, MultiSonus Audio

Event choice: Silent Disco at the Great Googa Mooga, Sat. 5/18 and Sun 5/19, Prospect Park, BKLYN
May 19, 2012 by Jacqueline Smiley

1 Comment Things seem to be quieting downuntil you slip on a pair of wireless headphones and jump into Brooklyns wildest dance party, where a live DJ is spinning tunes directly into your head . . . and onlookers are watching one crazy silent movie.

Googa Mooga brings Silent Disco to Brooklyn this weekend. Where: Brooklyns Great Googa Mooga Festival in the Nethermead Meadow of Prospect Park. What: Silent Disco When: Saturday, May 18th from 7pm 9pm; Sunday, May 19th 6:30- 8pm Admission: General Tickets, Free; Extra Mooga $249.50 visit here to see if general tickets are still available Have you heard of Silent Disco? Or shall we say experienced the Silent Disco? Silent Disco creates a Dancing to nothing utopia for live music event attendees by replacing a live speaker system with wireless headphones. Each guest receives an individual pair of wireless headphones, then channels into the live music broadcast via FM-Transmitter and listens to the live music act. Thus, creating a silent atmosphere without violating local noise restrictions in evening hours. The Silent Disco was first spawned in 2005 at the U.K.s Glastonbury Festival. But, it was San Francisco DJ Robbie Motion Potion Kowal who brought the concept stateside to Tennessees Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in 2006. Since then this oxymoron phenomenon has been spreading worldwide from festivals to rooftops. But, is Silent Disco encouraging a more isolating environment or does it inspire communal interaction? The headphones are creative because this allows you the same experience whether in the front row of the crowd or in the back. You can also turn the headphones off or turn down the volume providing no reason to escape the loudspeaker noise to have an intimate conversation. With all the delicious food and beverages that the festival will bring, ending in a Silent Disco, will be a great way to people watch, digest and dance! Expand your palate and your mind! Check it out at Brooklyns Great Googa Mooga festival in the Nethermead Meadow of Prospect Park. Silent Disco will be grooving on Saturday from 7pm 9pm Sunday 6:308pm. Get in FREE or pay $249.50 timing is everything!

Tags: Googa Mooga, Great Googa Mooga, headphones, Motion Potion, music events at Googa Mooga, Silent Disco, Silent Disco in New York City, Silent Disco in NYC, the Great Googa Mooga Festival

G-Sonique Launches Monitor MSX5 Headphone Monitoring VST Plug-In

April 30, 2012 by Janice Brown 0 Comments The new Monitor MSX5 by G-Sonique is a VST plug-in designed to improve your headphone mixing capabilities with realistic monitor/speakers simulation for professional mixing. According to G-SoniqueWhile some classic spatial processors were developed for enhancement of music listened to on speakers, after a few years of research, we developed a new algorithm/system that is not working purely on the principles of basic spatial processing.

G-Sonique Monitor MSX5 GUI. Click to enlarge. Spatial processing is an algorithm simulating the basic concept of listening on speakers where left channel is copied into right channel, attenuated, frequency distorted, and time delayed by a few milliseconds, equally for right channel. G-Sonique Monitor MSX5 VST plug-in moves these basic spatial processing principles/algorithms forward and offers a comfortable and precise way of mixing on your headphones. While every studio monitoring system should have flat frequency response, every set of monitors have slightly different sounds. The sound of MSX5 is very neutral and flat, but has a few sound characteristics of the famous Japanese speakers that are popular worldwide for their very sharp and cold sound. Much more information on this new ($60) VST (PC-only) plug-in plus sound demos can be found at the G-Sonique website.