Hi, I use Sennheiser HD600's (3 years now) and have been told they are classics for mixing, love them. One thing though is that I found they have quite high THD compared to say planar magnetics I believe?
Since I can't afford planars (i.e. LCD X) can anyone tell me any techniques/tips for how to compensate for the high THD and specifically what to watch out for when mixing? specifically want to know because I use Sonarworks to boost the bass by around 8db so I imagine this effect is compounded?
So far I know that the drivers cause "Distortion" below 100hz or so but have found very little info on what that sounds like(apparently because we are less "sensitive" to distortion down there or "can't really hear it", but what does that mean? what effect does this have on the mix?). Does it mean bass transients arent accurate? what do I listen out for?
first post so sorry if this is in the wrong subject group (please advise if so)
Headphones with high THD: how to compensate for this below 100hz? (HD600 tips)
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- KVRAF
- 16820 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Harmonic distortion means, if it plays a pure sine of say 70Hz then higher frequencies can be heard as well. Clipping is a well known form of harmonic distortion. Boosting the bass will make it worse. Perhaps listening at lower volumes helps.
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 4 posts since 26 Mar, 2019
Thanks! so I should keep in mind that extra harmonics will be added when assessing bass. I imagine its quite difficult to hear added harmonics in a complex waveform like a full track vs a pure sine.
Interesting I'm gna try playing a pure sine really low and see if I can actually hear it adding harmonics. thanks!
sorry I meant to clarify I don't "boost" the bass using EQ. Sonarworks just adds an 8dB boost around 40hz with the stock hd600 profile. Weird that they do that knowing the thing has such high THD but honestly I cant mix without it now haha bass is almost entirely inaudible without sonarworks (also seen many producers say sonarworks is a must for hd600 due to this issue)
Interesting I'm gna try playing a pure sine really low and see if I can actually hear it adding harmonics. thanks!
sorry I meant to clarify I don't "boost" the bass using EQ. Sonarworks just adds an 8dB boost around 40hz with the stock hd600 profile. Weird that they do that knowing the thing has such high THD but honestly I cant mix without it now haha bass is almost entirely inaudible without sonarworks (also seen many producers say sonarworks is a must for hd600 due to this issue)