In the above video, SonicSenseProAudio Reviews three of the
top headphones under $100. There are varying frequency ranges/responses and
sounds that each pair has, and which one is right for you, your production, and
your application is purely subjective.
When doing location or post sound, recordists and engineers
may look for fidelity in their headphones to hear what is closest to the actual
sound with no audio coloration. The following are three options that audio
crews may look at purchasing if on a budget.
Audio-Technica A TH-M40x:
Driver
|
1.5" (40 mm)
|
Magnet
|
Neodymium
|
Voice Coil
|
CCAW (copper-clad aluminum wire)
|
Frequency Response
|
15 Hz to 24 kHz
|
Maximum Input Power
|
1600 mW @ 1 kHz
|
Sensitivity
|
98 dB
|
Impedance
|
35 Ω
|
Weight
|
8.5 oz (240 g) without cable
|
Sony MDR-7506:
Type
|
Circumaural, closed-back
|
Frequency Range
|
10 Hz - 20 kHz
|
Impedance
|
63 Ohms
|
Sensitivity
|
104dB SPL/mW
|
Maximum Input Power
|
1000 mW
|
Connectors
|
1/8" stereo mini-jack, with 1/8" to 1/4"
TRS phono adapter
|
Cable Length
|
10' (3 m)
|
Weight
|
7.8 oz (221 g)
|
Sennheiser HD 280:
Type
|
Circumaural, closed-back
|
Frequency Range
|
8Hz - 25kHz
|
Impedance
|
64 Ohms
|
Sensitivity
|
102dB SPL/mW
|
Maximum Input Power
|
500mW
|
Connectors
|
3.5mm stereo mini plug with screw-type 1/4" adapter
|
Cable Length
|
10' (3 m) (coiled)
|
Weight
|
7.8 oz (220g) (without cable)
|
Specs are only part of the picture, they are a good guide,
but ultimately it is what your ears hear and what it likes or is true to the
natural sound of the source that is what is most important. There are less
expensive headphones (not recommended), there are more expensive headphones
that offer durability, wireless options, and greater attenuation of external
sources, but for around $100, any of these three pairs of headphones should do
the trick.
I've had the Sony MDR-7506 for over 3 years now and still function properly. I sometimes produces music on my laptop when I'm outside the studio. The ear cup design on these headphones reduces environmental noise when I'm working inside the train.
ReplyDeleteGreat break down post on the Sennheiser HD 280, Sony MDR-7506, and the Audio-Technica A TH-M40x. Good video to introduce everything also, i want to check out the Sennheiser myself.
ReplyDeleteOscar, glad to know that these classic, trusty headphones are still working for you. Guess that quality and comfort is a reason they have been so popular for so long.
ReplyDeleteRichard, I have used the Sennheiser HD280 model myself and find that after not very long the pressure from the head band tension squeezes my head and ears and hurts. Good sound but headaches ensue after not too long. But of course try them for your self. I am interested in the Audio-Technicas. They sounded nice and I love the option of having interchangeable cables types and lengths.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting cuz my buddy wats to produce and i told him well if thats what your trying to do then get flat frequency headphones in other words studio one he asked me about the beats studio and i told him no the sony one are really good for the price they are been using them to produce great headphones
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Ulises. Stay far away from beats headphones. They may get rid of the 3.5 mm jack all together and go to thunder or lightning connection only. Oh, well.
ReplyDelete