KVR Audio

counterparty · Post by **counterparty** » Tue May 08, 2018 6:13 pm

Hi,

TLDR: how loud is the bleed from open-back headphones - is it going to disturb people in other rooms in the house if I'm working on a track at 4am?

The long version:

I need some new headphones for mixing and generally listening to music. I've been using Sennheiser HD280 pro (which are closed-back), but one of the earpieces has started to cut out intermittently.

I've been looking at Sennheiser HD600s (which are open-back). The specs look good, but a potential issue is that I often work quite early in the morning (e.g. 4am), and I'm a bit concerned about the bleed from the open-back design disturbing other people in other rooms in the house. Is this likely to be a problem?

Is it worth me tracking down a pair to listen to, or should I just order another pair of HD280s? I can always keep my existing pair for recording (even if I have to wiggle the earpiece once in a while).

Thanks.

Apratim · Post by **Apratim** » Tue May 08, 2018 6:43 pm

yes they will bleed but not so much that it will disturb the guy in another room

these are head phone not speakers man...

counterparty · Post by **counterparty** » Tue May 08, 2018 7:08 pm

Thanks - that helps.

Will audition some open-back!

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Tue May 08, 2018 7:18 pm

Of course it always depends on the level, but, i can't imagine someone next room hearing anything with open-back headphones, if the doors are closed. Mine hardly bleed more than in-ear phones.

counterparty · Post by **counterparty** » Tue May 08, 2018 7:56 pm

chk071 wrote:Of course it always depends on the level, but, i can't imagine someone next room hearing anything with open-back headphones, if the doors are closed. Mine hardly bleed more than in-ear phones.

Thanks!

fluffy_little_something · Tue May 08, 2018 8:02 pm

When your headphones bleed into other rooms, your ears probably bleed into your headphones

I use the 280's as well, but more in order to keep sounds outside, rather than inside.

stratum · Post by **stratum** » Wed May 09, 2018 11:42 am

fluffy_little_something wrote:When your headphones bleed into other rooms, your ears probably bleed into your headphones

Unfortunately that doesn't happen that way. More probably some damage will accumulate over time and result tinnitus some day.

himalaya · Post by **himalaya** » Wed May 09, 2018 11:47 am

counterparty wrote:
Is it worth me tracking down a pair to listen to, or should I just order another pair of HD280s? I can always keep my existing pair for recording (even if I have to wiggle the earpiece once in a while).

Thanks.

Definitely upgrade from your HD280, which are not very good by the way.
The HD600 are highly recommended (more than HD650).

(user of HD280, HD650, AT M50x, AKG K701, Audeeze LCD-X, plus other older models)

counterparty · Post by **counterparty** » Wed May 09, 2018 5:42 pm

Thanks very much for your replies

Up until now my music has been as bad as my headphones, so it hasn't really been a problem.

However, it sounds like an upgrade might improve both.

(Ok, maybe just the headphones)

Anyway, thanks again for the info.

Open-back vs closed-back headphones