Tracking cans that give good mud

[Jimbo]

I'm looking for a set of close-backed cans that will let me hear low-end problems (e.g., muddy/boomy acoustic guitars/basses) if they exist while tracking. If there's a problem down below, I want to hear it while I'm placing the mic.

While I love my Etymotics, they just don't do a good job of letting me hear low-end problems.

I'm currently considering the Beyer DT770 and the new Audio Technica ATM-50, but will happily entertain other options. It's important, however, that they do a decent job of blocking-out external sounds.

Thanks for the help.

[pkautzsch]

Everything sounds good on DT770. I give it to impatient customers and to musicians for their ego.
To actually evaluate what I'm doing I use the Beyer DT250. If it sounds good on these, it IS good. Lowest impedance version is LOUD too.

[richardswag]

I normally use Sennheiser HD280s for 'work' in the studio (ie. writing and mixing) but I have some Sony MDR-V700s that I used to use for live/DJ work *because* they have a very pronounced low end (as well as being loud) - so maybe they might be worth considering if you want to look at your bottom.

[Jim vanBergen]

HD280s are the closest I have found to reproduce good LF in phones, but I'm still not thrilled with them. Grados are pretty damn accurate, but don't give the best isolation. it's a constant battle, isn't it?

[tenor39]

The Ultrasone Pro-750's are absolutely the best closed-back 'phones I've use for recording. It it's there, you'll hear it.

[locosoundman]

I like the HD280's because I hate the sound of them.

I know that sounds crazy, but for me it's true. The Sony 7506 and 09 sound too "pretty" for me - I don't trust them. In order to get what I want using 7506's, I have to guess by making it sound too close and bright - it's usually just right.

The HD280's aren't great for detail or imaging and they are kind of midrangey sounding. If I can get it to sound good in there, it will usually sound good anywhere. On the downside, to me they are a little uncomfortable and I have trouble listening to them for long periods of time.

[videoteque]

Now I may say a stupid thing, but in-ear monitors plus a muff are not good to isolate and provide good bass??

You will look funny though!!!

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the feedback, folks.

Lot's of good suggestions here.

I'm going to see if I can find a place that will let me audition three or four pair (good luck, huh? )

Videoteque: Will earmuffs help me hear boomy low-end with the Etys? Currently, without muffs, I don't hear boomy acoustic guitar until the boominess hits about a "7" on the boominess scale (1-10) as measured through my Dynaudios.

Jim VB: I hadn't considered open back cans. While they won't help much with placement, they might, at least, allow me to accurately evaluate between takes. I think I might point myself this direction. The Grado's are fairly inexpensive too...

[Jungle Jazz]

I just got a pair of the ATH-M50s. My initial impressions are that they are quite good. Compared to 7506s, the ATHs have a better low end and not as hyped highs. Compared to the DT770 Pro, the ATHs are a little less comfortable, but also less pretty sounding. I like the DT770s for listening, and for longer sessions, but I think the ATHs might give a more accurate idea of what's going on in the sound field.

The ATHs are clear all around, have a nice stereo representation, and they don't seem to accentuate any particular frequency range. They're still new, and their sound might change with more use, but out of the box, they are quite usable. Also, I can see them being good for the talent to use while tracking.

[videoteque]

Will earmuffs help me hear boomy low-end with the Etys?

Only you can know!!!

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by videoteque

Only you can know!!!

Well, based on your initial post, my assumption was that you have tried the Etys with earmuffs on boomy guitars and such.....no?

If not, I don't think that extra isolation (provided by earmuffs) will help me hear the low-end better.

Thanks, though.

[edwinhurwitz]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Well, based on your initial post, my assumption was that you have tried the Etys with earmuffs on boomy guitars and such.....no?

If not, I don't think that extra isolation (provided by earmuffs) will help me hear the low-end better.

Thanks, though.

My experience is that the etys won't give you the low end you seek. The new Futuresonics Atrios, will, though. Beyond that, I have the Beyer DT770s and the AT ATM-50s as well. I like them both, but I give the edge to the ATs for this. I haven't used them in very loud environments to judge low end, but they should work. When it gets really loud, I use the Atrios with shooting muffs. I have Westone earmolds made for the UM1 in ears that fit perfectly and this gives me a great seal and with the earmuffs, very very good isolation.

I know I didn't give you a definitive answer, but I think all three should work OK although I find that the Beyers don't always give me the best results. They seal OK, but the low end still leaks a lot.

Edwin

[videoteque]

I am glad I am not the only one who thinks it can be done...

Of course you must find in-ears that you like and feel confident about!

[klaukholm]

HD650 and sony 7509 are both very good for this purpose.
the sennheiser is open and the sony provides good isolation

[salvomix]

A lot of studios I work in have Fostex T-20's, the workhorse of studio headphones.

www.salvomix.com

[aracu]

Any opinions on the EX-29 Extreme Isolation compared with the Senn HD280 pro? Besides using earbuds, which headphones really prevent mic bleed the most for musicians listening?

[aracu]

I had a chance today to compare a Senn HD 280 with a Beyer DT 770. They sound completely different. The Sennheiser is more of a decent quality hyped bass and treble sound, and the Beyer is more along the lines of a high quality flat sound for mixing. The Beyer is more comfortable and classy, but the Sennheiser is much more isolating and has a hotter output. It would be more practical to use in mic bleed situations. Also it costs around half as much. I also checked out an Audio Tech M45, it sounded similar to the Sennheiser, similar price, not quite as good sounding I thought. I want to compare also an Extreme Isolation ex 29 if I can find one. It might sound flatter than the Sennheiser.