Hey everyone, "sorry for the usual questions".
I’m looking to upgrade my headphone setup for music production and mixing. I produce 99% of time Techno (mostly focusing on heavy sub-bass design, precise kick/rumble separation, and fast transients).
I don't come from any "headphones", so I don't have a point of reference.
Here is my current situation and room setup:
- Budget: Around 500€ (can stretch a bit if it’s an absolute game-changer).
- Room Acoustics: The room is completely untreated acoustically, BUT it is located in a very quiet environment with relative/total silence (no traffic, no neighbor noise).
Open vs. Closed Back:
Given that my room is almost "dead silent", I am heavily leaning towards Open-Back headphones to get a natural soundstage, accurate depth, and less ear fatigue during long night sessions. However, I am also open to Closed-Back models if they prove to be significantly better for accurately monitoring extreme sub-bass extension and low-end pressure, which is critical for techno.
What I need the most:
- Sub-bass extension & accuracy: I need to clearly hear and balance rumbles, kicks, and sub-basses down to 30Hz without guessing.
- Speed/Transients: Fast response to accurately mix fast hats, percussions, and aggressive synth transients.
- Comfort: I spend hours producing, so heavy clamping force is a big minus.
What would be your ultimate advise for production under these conditions?
Thanks in advance!
EDIT 😄
First of all, thank you for your time to try help me, this is the power of community. 🙌☮️
The only thing consensual, without a doubt, OPEN. 😂😶🌫️😶🌫️😶🌫️
My first impressions, some models caught my eye:
The inevitable BeyerDynamic 770 Pro (already used)/990 Pro and its more refined 1990 version.
It's difficult to say, even having used them for a short time, as they are among the most talked about and referenced. However, I'd like to know if anyone has also used, for example, the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x and can assure me that it really sounds better than its two most recent competitors in the same price range. (A friendly "real" tip xD)
Does the 1990 version come close to competitors in the same price range?
The new "Chi-Fi" wave, but I'm not very familiar with it. Nothing against it, quite the contrary, anything that offers more value in the purchase is great.
- Hifiman Ananda Nano and Edition XS.
VSX in general seems to me something that some of them, along with "Sonarworks", easily achieve... It seems alarming to me, or forgive my complete ignorance.
- Sony MDR-MV1 or anything from AKG
One thing is certain, comfort and precision are their "in".
They were, and perhaps still are, legends of the industry for a reason.
Does it deserve more attention???
Now, let's get to the real "heavyweights," in addition to some models from my "beloved" Sennheiser that I'll mention later, which I prefer not to even think about xD, despite being strongly suggested as "the industry benchmarks" in this price range...:
- Audeze MM100
- Hedd D1s
and the most consensual so far:
- Neumann NDH-30
To put it in context, if I were to choose one of these, I certainly wouldn't go with Scarlett, but would be more inclined towards some RME or UA... Also, tell me, is there a need for extra amplification for any of the scenarios??
Just one more, I promise. xD
Is there anyone who has used the Sennheiser 490 Pro and can compare it, for example, with its closest equivalents, the 480/600/660S2/650?
Thanks , have a good day.
Peace.