Equation Audio RN-21 Review

Lifted · 9th February 2010

Considering I was in the same position not too long ago not sure about these headphones, here is my opinion on them (+ ATH-M50 comparison).

My use will be monitoring/surgery mixing of some elements, in conjunction with my Yamaha MSP5s monitors.

As soon as I pulled them out I thought there was nothing in the box, but they were just that light.

Of course I turned on a few records that I knew. I knew exactly how they sounded due to extensive listening/mixing in the past.

I was amazed by very linear frequency response, with only slightly lacking
low frequency spectrum (which is not a bad thing, considering most of the time headphones are bumped in the lows). I would say 2-3 decibel low frequency difference deficiency compared to my monitors.

Now back to listening.

The song/instrument separation was pretty amazing, where I could hear every element separated (in a good way), with no apparent bumps in the high frequencies (major issue I had with most headphones in the same price range).

The headphones were almost boring

ONLY because they are so linear, it's ridiculous!

Anything that I have mixed in the past and messed up was dead obvious here, no doubts, just thoughts of remixing my mistakes.

These are definitely NOT consumer headphones, they are perfect for finding the perfect instrument balance, and not being confused for a good mix where the mistake resides. Much more accurate than AKG 240s, ATH-M50, Sennheiser HD280s, and other headphones in this price range.

Now comparison of Equation Audio RP-21 vs Audio Technica ATH-M50 (coiled cord)

ATH-M50 was generally much more comfortable set of headphones with a soft headband at the top.

ATH-M50 provide much better sound isolation, so in my opinion serve better for tracking headphones, and hours and hours of recording/tracking. ATH-M50 have an insane amount of low end, and bumped highs, so they are not accurate for mixing at all.

RP-21 have bigger holes in the ear pads for your ears, so in a sense they could be more comfortable if you have big ears, but overall comfort goes to ATH-M50, because the pads are softer.

RP-21 ear pads seem just about the same good quality, just slightly less wide.

RP-21 are lighter set of headphones, so it's a big plus for long session.

I'm very satisfied with the purchase. I'm going to be wearing RN-21 when tracking vocalists, players in the same room as I'm monitoring/recording, and these are the perfect choice.

If I had a choice of having 2 sets of headphones: 1 for tracking and 1 for mixing/checking the mix, my vote would go for Equation Audio RP-21 and Audio Technica ATH-M50

kidvybes · 9th February 2010

...aren't those "RP-21"?...or is there another model?...

Lifted · 9th February 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...aren't those "RP-21"?...or is there another model?...

You are right. They are RP and not RN.

Good call, let me edit the post.

kidvybes · 9th February 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifted

You are right. They are RP and not RN.

Good call, let me edit the post.

...yes I use them for both vocal tracking and mixing (along with 2 other different pair and my monitors for reference sake)...I'm very pleased with the quality of the RP-21...

Lifted · 10th February 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...yes I use them for both vocal tracking and mixing (along with 2 other different pair and my monitors for reference sake)...I'm very pleased with the quality of the RP-21...

These headphones are definitely a sleeper. I have heard AKG 240s Acoustic/Studio (open back) versus these, and Equation wins in linear response.

I'm yet to hear any headphones in the $150 price range closer to their linear response.

stevens119 · 10th February 2010

I have praised these phones many times on this forum. I got my first pair back in June of 08. They took me a few to get used to. They seemed very tight to my ears at first. I've broken a set of these and went to Corner Music the next day to buy another pair. I can't work without them. They do have like a 2 year warranty, but I had lost my receipt. I also use a pair of RP-15's. I keep them in my laptop bag in case I need to listen to something. They fold up, making them very convenient. I take them on planes with me. They are not as accurate sounding as the 21's, but they still sound great. The RP-21's are the best set of $100 headphones I have ever used.

9th February 2010	#1
Lifted Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,243 Thread Starter	Equation Audio RP-21 Review Considering I was in the same position not too long ago not sure about these headphones, here is my opinion on them (+ ATH-M50 comparison). My use will be monitoring/surgery mixing of some elements, in conjunction with my Yamaha MSP5s monitors. As soon as I pulled them out I thought there was nothing in the box, but they were just that light. Of course I turned on a few records that I knew. I knew exactly how they sounded due to extensive listening/mixing in the past. I was amazed by very linear frequency response, with only slightly lacking low frequency spectrum (which is not a bad thing, considering most of the time headphones are bumped in the lows). I would say 2-3 decibel low frequency difference deficiency compared to my monitors. Now back to listening. The song/instrument separation was pretty amazing, where I could hear every element separated (in a good way), with no apparent bumps in the high frequencies (major issue I had with most headphones in the same price range). The headphones were almost boring ONLY because they are so linear, it's ridiculous! Anything that I have mixed in the past and messed up was dead obvious here, no doubts, just thoughts of remixing my mistakes. These are definitely NOT consumer headphones, they are perfect for finding the perfect instrument balance, and not being confused for a good mix where the mistake resides. Much more accurate than AKG 240s, ATH-M50, Sennheiser HD280s, and other headphones in this price range. Now comparison of Equation Audio RP-21 vs Audio Technica ATH-M50 (coiled cord) ATH-M50 was generally much more comfortable set of headphones with a soft headband at the top. ATH-M50 provide much better sound isolation, so in my opinion serve better for tracking headphones, and hours and hours of recording/tracking. ATH-M50 have an insane amount of low end, and bumped highs, so they are not accurate for mixing at all. RP-21 have bigger holes in the ear pads for your ears, so in a sense they could be more comfortable if you have big ears, but overall comfort goes to ATH-M50, because the pads are softer. RP-21 ear pads seem just about the same good quality, just slightly less wide. RP-21 are lighter set of headphones, so it's a big plus for long session. I'm very satisfied with the purchase. I'm going to be wearing RN-21 when tracking vocalists, players in the same room as I'm monitoring/recording, and these are the perfect choice. If I had a choice of having 2 sets of headphones: 1 for tracking and 1 for mixing/checking the mix, my vote would go for Equation Audio RP-21 and Audio Technica ATH-M50

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Equation Audio RP-21 opinions?	John N	Low End Theory	14	26th July 2011 12:46 AM
Equation Audio headphones?	illiummusic	So much gear, so little time!	4	7th December 2006 06:20 AM

9th February 2010	#2
kidvybes Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Banana Republic Posts: 2,181	...aren't those "RP-21"?...or is there another model?...

10th February 2010	#6
stevens119 Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nashville Posts: 1,081	I have praised these phones many times on this forum. I got my first pair back in June of 08. They took me a few to get used to. They seemed very tight to my ears at first. I've broken a set of these and went to Corner Music the next day to buy another pair. I can't work without them. They do have like a 2 year warranty, but I had lost my receipt. I also use a pair of RP-15's. I keep them in my laptop bag in case I need to listen to something. They fold up, making them very convenient. I take them on planes with me. They are not as accurate sounding as the 21's, but they still sound great. The RP-21's are the best set of $100 headphones I have ever used.