AKG K271 (MKII) - Any Happy Users Here - For Tracking?

[ido1957]

I use AKG K271 (MKII) for tracking. Comfortable and good iso. Recommended by me :D

[Sqye]

.

Thanks, man! How do they compare to the 240s? Have you compared?

Cheers!


.

[ido1957]

240's bleed out sound (open backed) so they are not as good for tracking.

[xfreddex]

I have the K271 mkII and use it for tracking and it's great for that.
But I haven't used the 240's so I don't know how they compare.

I find the K271 sounding alittle too laid back and "distant" sounding for mixning

For closed headphones check out the AKG K-550. I just got a pair and my initial impressions are very positive! I think I like em better then my K271 and ATH-50 but I have to spend some more time with them for a final judgement

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by ido1957

240's bleed out sound (open backed) so they are not as good for tracking.

.

Yes, of course - but I'm asking how they actually compare sonically.

Thanks!

.

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by xfreddex

I have the K271 mkII and use it for tracking and it's great for that.
But I haven't used the 240's so I don't know how they compare.

I find the K271 sounding alittle too laid back and "distant" sounding for mixning

For closed headphones check out the AKG K-550. I just got a pair and my initial impressions are very positive! I think I like em better then my K271 and ATH-50 but I have to spend some more time with them for a final judgement

.

Thanks xfreddex - much appreciated!

.

[DarkSky Media]

Originally Posted by Sqye

.

Sorry for the second thread, but I thought I'd get more to the point with the thread title.

Anyone here using the 271s for tracking?

I need a closed back headphone but with a similar tonal balance to the K240 Studios - which I love.

Is the 271 MKII similar in tonal balance / EQ?

Mostly I'm concerned with bleed from the 240s, but it would be great if I could use the 271s for some production and mixing, as well - so I don't need to swap headphones if I'm tracking overdubs and editing simultaenously, etc.

Thanks as always for any help, Slutz!


.

We use various closed-back headphones including a bunch of K271s for tracking, and for most applications I prefer the 271s. They're well balanced - crisp and detailed without being hyped - and most things sound good on them, plus they offer good isolation and plenty of level. FWIW, I'd say they're in the same general sonic ballpark as the 240s, despite being closed-back.

The only thing to watch is that they have a neat switching arrangement that is operated by the headstrap (to turn them off when not being worn) which is a bonus in general (for bleed management), but occasionally presents issues when people with 'modest cranial endowment' wear them (ie if they don't position them far enough down on their head they may cut out - or not turn on - while being worn). No biggie (they just have to wear them differently) but occasionally it catches us out. :o

[Louis Bernstone]

271's here too, and people love them. Just the automatic switch is a pain, as has been stated in other posts. They are really honest

[Sqye]

.

Much obliged, guys. This is really helpful!

It seems like they may be at least somewhat sonically similar to the 240s.

Awesome.

With respect to the 550s, I'm worried the lack of bass roll will make them too boomy.

To my rears, the 240s have all the bass I need for tracking and even editing/mixing.

Sounds like the 271s might be the move.

.

[jayfield]

I have the AKG 271's and they are good. I also have the the ATH m50 and m40's. Nicely closed and isolating the 50's however a bit hyped in the low end. Recently I bought a pair of Sony MDR 7520's based on Peter Moshan's (mixer for "Live from Daryl's House) recommendation. They're a few scoots more but worth every penny! I am totally knocked out by these cans, as is Peter M.

[DarkSky Media]

Originally Posted by jayfield

...Recently I bought a pair of Sony MDR 7520's ... I am totally knocked out by these cans, as is Peter M.

Slightly OT, but I'd be interested in your comments about how the 7520s compare with (and differ from) the ubiquitous 7506s that we all know and (cough) love.

[jayfield]

Have not tried the 7506's--my buddy Bill Butler (William Butler - IMDb) -- loves them for Movie set audio--they were his go to cans on over 60 feature films. All I can say is try and go for a test run of these 7520's --then after I would really love to hear your impressions. For me they took it all up a very big notch!

[Sqye]

.

Used the 7506's years ago - very bright and punchy, too much for extended listening for me.

Although, I suppose they could work at low volumes.

But for tracking, editing, production and mixing they're too hyped in the highs, and the bass isn't honest enough, IMO.

.

[DarkSky Media]

Originally Posted by Sqye

.

Used the 7506's years ago - very bright and punchy, too much for extended listening for me.

Although, I suppose they could work at low volumes.

But for tracking, editing, production and mixing they're too hyped in the highs, and the bass isn't honest enough, IMO.

.

That pretty much sums up my thoughts on the 7506s. We keep one pair here for the occasional person who asks for them while tracking - but they don't get a great deal of use - the k271s' and a couple of DT770s are most often preferred. But I don't like to assume that the 7520 shares any of the sonic characteristics of its sibling.

[captainj]

Maybe I'm the only one, but I had a pair of k271 MkII and didn't like them much so I sold them. I also have AKG 240's which I think sound much better. I've found most vocalists don't like closed back headphones and the bit of leakage from 240's (or any other open back cans) has never been a problem. Nowadays when I need phones with good sound isolation, I'll use ear buds instead of closed back phones. Recently recorded a violinist with ear buds and that worked great for her because the headphones were not getting in the way.

[osirisguitar]

They require a lot of output, none of my computers can make them sound reasonably loud...

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by DarkSky Media

That pretty much sums up my thoughts on the 7506s. We keep one pair here for the occasional person who asks for them while tracking - but they don't get a great deal of use - the k271s' and a couple of DT770s are most often preferred. But I don't like to assume that the 7520 shares any of the sonic characteristics of its sibling.

.

Agreed.

And I like the 770s, but they're a bit too bass heavy for me.

It's nice to have some bass, though.

.

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by captainj

Maybe I'm the only one, but I had a pair of k271 MkII and didn't like them much so I sold them. I also have AKG 240's which I think sound much better. I've found most vocalists don't like closed back headphones and the bit of leakage from 240's (or any other open back cans) has never been a problem. Nowadays when I need phones with good sound isolation, I'll use ear buds instead of closed back phones. Recently recorded a violinist with ear buds and that worked great for her because the headphones were not getting in the way.

.

Interesting. I haven't tried working on earbuds, but I do enjoy listening to good ones.

I also don't usually have problems tracking with open-back cans, but every once in a while for those super quiet passages, or BVs with too much additional dirt, it'd be nice to have the closed-back option.

.