Originally Posted by tiari
Can this K-system somehow be useful when using headphones? How to calibrate headphones?
Quote:
Originally Posted by joenovice  Don't thing that's possible. |
Of course you can use K-System with headphones.
You will need an adapter to use a sound pressure level meter for an ear (different models of headphones will need different adapters). Set reference level just like you would in a listening position for a loudspeaker.
The best "adapter" for an over-the-ear headphone might be a B&K head simulator. We might be able to get "close enough" with a little plywood/foam and a Radio Shack SPL meter for a tiny fraction of the cost of research-grade gear. Can we get within 1dB of a correct reference level with cheap tools? This would be an informative experiment for someone who has the good stuff for comparison.
Another, even more error-prone method of substitution calibration is to use a loudspeaker and spl meter to set a standard level in a room, then with one ear (in the same place as the SPL meter) adjust the same signal in a headphone ear cup to match the levels. Repeat for the other ear. This will work for some people and not others.
The levels might seem a little low over headphones, compared to what people crank cans up to, just listen carefully. Your ears will last longer at lower levels.
If you have listened much to a variety of headphones and compared to good loudspeakers, you will notice that stereo perception is way different. Headphones provide lots of channel separation and keep the angle of hearing the same regardless of head tilt/twist. A pair of $600 headphones and good headphone amplifier will always beat a pair of $600 speakers and equal amplifiers, when the room is an untreated as-found place. There's a little advantage to be had in spending more on Stax electrostatic headphones. There's lots of advantage to getting better loudspeakers and upgrading listening room acoustics.
I'm not saying one or the other (headphones/loudspeakers) is better/more important as a "standard monitor", but that a mix ought to work well in both "spaces" and K-System is transportable anywhere there are ears hearing and levels that need setting.
Cheers.