Mixing Headphones

[Spring Goose]

Also, of course, a decent headphone amp makes a big difference here. I'm really fond of this one lately: http://www.aphex.com/products/headpod-4 The Aphex Headpod 4.

I don't think this is available in the UK actually.

[lunardigs]

Also, of course, a decent headphone amp makes a big difference here. I'm really fond of this one lately: http://www.aphex.com/products/headpod-4 The Aphex Headpod 4.

The difference is pretty evident too when you A/B various amps. For instance, my MixWizard headphone amp, which expects professional/hi-z phones is quite good sounding. Yet, you'd think twice when compared to the above.
Meanwhile, my FiiO DAP is leagues above my Asus laptop and so on.

In an opposite fashion, you can get a sense of what impedance means if you have a mic-pre with a switchable Z. With lower impedance setting, a given mic can become more transparent and smooth sounding (less in-your-face). With higher impedance settings, you get a punchiness and thickness to the sound.

Ideally, for both of the above, you'd want to match impedances--some would say otherwise, but this is conventional wisdom. Generally speaking, you'd mate phones and a like amp (pro/pro grade, hi-z/hi-z, etc.).

I have DT1990s. So you're saying that i'd be better off with a headphone amp then?, cos i'm using Focusrite Scarlett (i thought with no problems) but i had heard "you might need to get a headphone amp for with the 1990s because they are low in volume".

TBH i haven't noticed they are low in volume with the Scarlett.

I took a look just now and I see the DT1990 are 250 Ohms. This means they should be pretty loud with most gear. This is opposed to headphones which might be 600 Ohms.

Although, the reason to have a good powerful amp--and the Scarlett may very well have one--is for accuracy (minimal distortion). Btw, distortion is also known as asymmetric amplification; imagine a skewed sine wave, added harmonics, etc.
Generally speaking, amps will distort near the extent of their operating range (lowest gain and highest gain). This is why having plenty of power/headroom is desirable--and usually, a dedicated headphone amp will ensure a good design with plenty power.

[Spring Goose]

Also, of course, a decent headphone amp makes a big difference here. I'm really fond of this one lately: http://www.aphex.com/products/headpod-4 The Aphex Headpod 4.

The difference is pretty evident too when you A/B various amps. For instance, my MixWizard headphone amp, which expects professional/hi-z phones is quite good sounding. Yet, you'd think twice when compared to the above.
Meanwhile, my FiiO DAP is leagues above my Asus laptop and so on.

In an opposite fashion, you can get a sense of what impedance means if you have a mic-pre with a switchable Z. With lower impedance setting, a given mic can become more transparent and smooth sounding (less in-your-face). With higher impedance settings, you get a punchiness and thickness to the sound.

Ideally, for both of the above, you'd want to match impedances--some would say otherwise, but this is conventional wisdom. Generally speaking, you'd mate phones and a like amp (pro/pro grade, hi-z/hi-z, etc.).

I have DT1990s. So you're saying that i'd be better off with a headphone amp then?, cos i'm using Focusrite Scarlett (i thought with no problems) but i had heard "you might need to get a headphone amp for with the 1990s because they are low in volume".

TBH i haven't noticed they are low in volume with the Scarlett.

I took a look just now and I see the DT1990 are 250 Ohms. This means they should be pretty loud with most gear. This is opposed to headphones which might be 600 Ohms.

Although, the reason to have a good powerful amp--and the Scarlett may very well have one--is for accuracy (minimal distortion). Btw, distortion is also known as asymmetric amplification; imagine a skewed sine wave, added harmonics, etc.
Generally speaking, amps will distort near the extent of their operating range (lowest gain and highest gain). This is why having plenty of power/headroom is desirable--and usually, a dedicated headphone amp will ensure a good design with plenty power.

Cheers

[Spring Goose]

Anyone use Sonarworks Reference Headphone edition? I'm demoing it now, I use DT 990 pros, and it's doing good things, and I nearly bought it when it was on sale last week... but then I was like "Wait a minute, I'll be paying all that money for what is essentially an E.Q preset to chuck on the master". I can see how the studio version is a bit more complicated, but the headphone edition could be a little more reasonably priced... in my opinion. So yeah, anyone using it?

What i can say is: the sound with Reference on is VERY different than off.

I didn't like the sound at first. But then tonight i've been doing some mixing and then i thought "actually i do like the sound now". I don't know whether that's any help to you.

[Spring Goose]

Anyone use Sonarworks Reference Headphone edition? I'm demoing it now, I use DT 990 pros, and it's doing good things, and I nearly bought it when it was on sale last week... but then I was like "Wait a minute, I'll be paying all that money for what is essentially an E.Q preset to chuck on the master". I can see how the studio version is a bit more complicated, but the headphone edition could be a little more reasonably priced... in my opinion. So yeah, anyone using it?

What i can say is: the sound with Reference on is VERY different than off.

I didn't like the sound at first. But then tonight i've been doing some mixing and then i thought "actually i do like the sound now". I don't know whether that's any help to you.

However there was some occasions where i forgot to put Reference on, and i mixed some songs, and now i'm not in a hurry to go back and do these songs again with Reference on. I don't know whether that's any help to you.

[SparkySpark]

Hold the presses! There is now a new contender to ReferenceWorks and MorphIt: Re-Head from Blue Cat Audio. Both EQ correction and room simulation, appetizingly priced.

viewtopic.php?f=52&t=545419

[Yaroslove]

I'm pretty happy with my Sennheiser HD 650 + dSONIQ Realphones. I really can reccomend it. Sure, a budget for this two products is higher, but, for sure, worth it!

[bronlund]

I use beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO with Sonarworks Headphone. Pretty cheap setup, but decent. I live in a somewhat noise environment so open back isn't really an option for me.

[jeromebeats]

HIFIMAN have great low cost planar magnetics headphones.