Best Mixing / Mastering Headphones below $200

[BertMerson1]

im using beyerdynamics dt 990

[damoog]

Just got my DT990’s and I prefer the clarity way better then my Audio Technica MT50x’s and feel I will be able to make better mix decisions with the open back design on them

The MT50x are still really good and I aim to keep them for reference purposes

[PebbleInAStream]

Hobbyist here, used to use K240's, got 6XX's and my mixing became noticeably better.

[cmarais]

Get the Sennheiser 6XX - they are the Massdrop collab with Sennheiser to make a version of the 650 that is identical except for some aesthetic differences (color? Can't remember) and the 6XX comes with a detachable shorter cable - they should run about $200 or so

I've been using them for about a decade now

[Madasa]

Not mastering headphones - but I use Bose QC35's - they're amazing and provide me with exactly what I need. Not expensive either.

I guess it works for some and some require more expensive headphones to hear other frequencies. I've had a small number of tracks picked up by labels and I use my headphones to produce so the headphones must be doing something right with the frequencies

[stoopicus]

Beyerdynamics DT990Pro for me. Not the absolute flattest response, but not bad either and I like wearing them much more than my Sony MDR-V6.

[Negoba]

Thanks everyone. I think I've adapted to my DT990Pros - they have a curve but once you get to know it, they are quite good.

I think the hardware between the cans is the limiting factor at this point for me.

[jrwaltb]

VSX

[kverse99]

Massdrop sells a version of the Sennheiser HD 650s called HD 6xx. They sell used for under $200 and are excellent for mixing.

[whassup]

AT MT50 something with Bluetooth. Plug the cable in in the the studio and have (almost) same sound when being mobile. Sound good, low distortion when loud, comfortably wearing them many hours per day. Looks good, LOL!

[HAL76]

"Best" is for whimps, but the DT990 are great.

[VELLTONE MUSIC]

any open alternative or better choice in 300 euro range,than Sennheiser HD 600,mostly for mixing,but will appreciate it if offer audiophile pleasure too ???

[rafa1981]

Fidelio x2hr. Replacing my 500€ neuman ndh20's (closed) while making better mixing decisions. My opinion doesn't match the negative reviews online.

The headphone world is now a complete scam, the margins the manufacturers have are outrageous. This started by Neumann wanting me to pay 50 euro for two earpads: a piece of cloth and memory foam. I'm no audiophile, I feel scammed/milked. At 20€ is already a very reasonable margin for such a 0.3€ manufacturing-cost article.

Here you have info about multiple cans. I realized I like the harman curve (neutral).
https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wi ... f_presets/

So I want at some point test the AKG371 and MDR-7506 too for closed headphones.

The x2hr has the drawback of not having original replacement parts, although the pads are replaceable. Other than that and being slightly bright, they are an excellent reference for a hard to beat price. Very comfortable too. Note that I had a budget limit on the ndh30s (600€). I tried these and found them fit for purpose, so the price difference stays in my pocket.

PS: and the most important advice, check the levels with monitors and multiple cans of different qualities.

[VELLTONE MUSIC]

yeah i need cans to work with monitors.
I still love and use my eris e5 + samson sr950,which was the best budget solution few years ago,but need an upgrade,mostly new open headphones to translate right details in the mix and to be comfortable in long session as well,because samson sr950 is amazing in details,but it's closed type and can't work with it more than 30 min,pressure on ears become physically painful.
Speakesrs are used mostly to feel the mix in a living room,so for now don't need new ,but headphones are very important in my case.
Consider audiophile headphones with more neutral curve,if there is such or 'pro' with enough neutrality proven in many records in studio enviroment.
'Pro' headphones under 200 euro are far from linearity in most cases,hard to call them mixing headphones,don't know why people even use such.
My experience with 150 euro popular brand and model was absolute nightmare,so willing to spend 300-350eu if find something that worth it.
For now Hifiman have my attention with some interesting models in this price range,but will check also 400-500 euro solutions,cause it's better to invest one time in a better headphones,which will use next 5-6 years ,than to work with budget solution again,like i do now and to compromise the mix quality

[dvdster]

When I was starting out I mixed an album with Sony XM5's... Big mistake, had to restart from scratch. Now i mix with k240's but then listen in my car for the final mix.