Author Topic: Headphone Recommendation (Read 10825 times)

F0CKER · « **on:** October 04, 2007, 01:14:07 PM »

Somebody recommend me a good set of headphones specific for use in the field. They're going to be used in loud concert environments to help set the pattern and width for a Soundfield setup on the fly. I need a set of cans that has good rejection of outside noise, good bass extension, and won't drain my bank account.

Frank in JC · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2007, 01:27:00 PM »

Those would be magic headphones you're looking for

If anything though, try the in-ear-monitor route. I use a pair of Etymotic ER-4Ss and Shure SE530s, both of which offer a fair amount of isolation (the Etys are much better, though), and it's STILL not enough to monitor effectively at the average loud concert. Also, because the attenuated ambient noise is still pretty loud, you'll need to crank the volume to unhealthy levels.

Now if you wear hearing protectors on top of IEMs, you'll be getting somewhere... but you'll also look like a dork

OFOTD · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2007, 01:29:45 PM »

Sony MDR-7506 without question. You can find them for $100 or less tons of places.

They are a helluva field headphone. I absolutely love mine.

pfife · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2007, 01:40:38 PM »

Quote from: OFOTD on October 04, 2007, 01:29:45 PM

Sony MDR-7506 without question. You can find them for $100 or less tons of places.

They are a helluva field headphone. I absolutely love mine.

I love mine, but I don't feel they isolate very well.

to the OP, be careful of damaging your hearing. Concert SPLs are ridiclously loud as is...

Tim · « **Reply #4 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:28:26 PM »

I agree with pfife on the 7506's - I love em and they are built like tanks but I don't find that they isolate that well.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:40:22 PM »

Quote from: anonymous TS.com poster on October 04, 2007, 01:40:38 PM

Quote from: OFOTD on October 04, 2007, 01:29:45 PM
Sony MDR-7506 without question. You can find them for $100 or less tons of places.

They are a helluva field headphone. I absolutely love mine.

I love mine, but I don't feel they isolate very well.

to the OP, be careful of damaging your hearing. Concert SPLs are ridiclously loud as is...

I use my 7506 headphone for live mixing all the time.. Plenty of isolation for my needs for the last 20 years or so. But if your right beside the PA they might not isolate enough.

These headphones are the standard mixing headphones for live sound in the industry since there inception.

ilduclo · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:42:51 PM »

SENNHEISERS

Shawn · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:44:21 PM »

I think I remember reading that the sennheiser hd280's reject about 30 db of outside noise so they could be decent for on the fly mixing. I wouldn't say they have the greatest bass extension in the world. They are bulky as hell for lugging around in a gear bag too, but I know some tapers who do (bean comes to mind).

Tim · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:50:35 PM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on October 04, 2007, 02:40:22 PM

I use my 7506 headphone for live mixing all the time.. Plenty of isolation for my needs for the last 20 years or so. But if your right beside the PA they might not isolate enough. These headphones are the standard mixing headphones for live sound in the industry since there inception.

how does the headphone jack on the 722 compare to one on a FOH desk? I used my 7506's when I was mixing but that was with the good headphone jacks on the console

Frank in JC · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:53:20 PM »

Quote from: Shawn on October 04, 2007, 02:44:21 PM

I think I remember reading that the sennheiser hd580's reject about 30 db of outside noise...

No offense, but that's gotta be a mistake. The 580 is an open-back design that might attenuate ambient noise by a handful of decibels. I've never worn them, but my Grados are the same type of headphone.

Maybe you're referring to a closed-back model?

Shawn · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:54:51 PM »

oops I meant hd280. brain fart.

JasonR · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:59:16 PM »

Quote from: Tim on October 04, 2007, 02:50:35 PM

how does the headphone jack on the 722 compare to one on a FOH desk? I used my 7506's when I was mixing but that was with the good headphone jacks on the console

It gets loud. It doesn't sound any good, but it gets loud enough to monitor. I have to agree with the recommendations for an in-ear monitor like the Etymotics or Shures. I keep a pair of ER6s in my bag, and they're a great tool. The 7-series headphone amp doesn't sound good enough to really evaluate how good a recording you're getting, but you can establish the overall signal, balance, time issues, etc... and really that's probably all most of us need to do in the field.

- Jason

George · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM »

The only headphone/iem's I could recommend are the ones that have custom molding to fit your ears to provide the absolute best hearing protection and that will give you the ability to monitor on the fly.

I've owned the 7506's for 6 years, they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers). I think the 7506's might give you about 5db of isolation, they're pretty much useless for on the fly monitoring, imho.

pfife · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2007, 03:31:54 PM »

Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM

I've owned the 7506's for 6 years, they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers). I think the 7506's might give you about 5db of isolation, they're pretty much useless for on the fly monitoring, imho.

this was my experience with them too.

Frank in JC · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2007, 03:41:08 PM »

Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM

...they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers).

I hate the noise of the subway about 10% as much as I hate the summer heat down there (meaning I still really, really hate the noise). With a pair of Shure SE530s and a Ray Samuels Tomahawk, I'm the happiest guy on the PATH... everybody else looks as painfully miserable as I'd be otherwise!

I found that the Etys isolate too well to be safe in a busy place like this, however.

cheshirecat · « **Reply #15 on:** October 04, 2007, 03:54:06 PM »

Quote from: Frank in JC on October 04, 2007, 03:41:08 PM

Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM
...they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers).

I hate the noise of the subway about 10% as much as I hate the summer heat down there (meaning I still really, really hate the noise). With a pair of Shure SE530s and a Ray Samuels Tomahawk, I'm the happiest guy on the PATH... everybody else looks as painfully miserable as I'd be otherwise!

I found that the Etys isolate too well to be safe in a busy place like this, however.

Yeah, it's just a bummer that when you get off you're in Jersey.

[kidding of course... sorta... lived in hoboken for 3 years]

Frank in JC · « **Reply #16 on:** October 04, 2007, 04:37:13 PM »

Quote from: cheshirecat on October 04, 2007, 03:54:06 PM

Quote from: Frank in JC on October 04, 2007, 03:41:08 PM
Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM
...they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers).

I hate the noise of the subway about 10% as much as I hate the summer heat down there (meaning I still really, really hate the noise). With a pair of Shure SE530s and a Ray Samuels Tomahawk, I'm the happiest guy on the PATH... everybody else looks as painfully miserable as I'd be otherwise!

I found that the Etys isolate too well to be safe in a busy place like this, however.

Yeah, it's just a bummer that when you get off you're in Jersey.

[kidding of course... sorta... lived in hoboken for 3 years]

Haha, tell me about it!! Fortunately, I live across the street from a nice park (Van Vorst) where I can hardly see anything BUT greenery out my window. Given some of the other apartments I looked at last December, it wouldn't be hard to be miserable in Jersey City.

Tim · « **Reply #17 on:** October 04, 2007, 07:20:16 PM »

Quote from: Jason Reiser on October 04, 2007, 02:59:16 PM

It gets loud. It doesn't sound any good, but it gets loud enough to monitor.

thanks +T

George · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2007, 09:18:20 AM »

Quote from: Frank in JC on October 04, 2007, 03:41:08 PM

Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM
...they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers).

I hate the noise of the subway about 10% as much as I hate the summer heat down there (meaning I still really, really hate the noise). With a pair of Shure SE530s and a Ray Samuels Tomahawk, I'm the happiest guy on the PATH... everybody else looks as painfully miserable as I'd be otherwise!

Nice. I run my se530's with my rio karma...no amp required

Although, the wiring on one side cracked and I lost sound so I gotta send em in for warranty replacement. I love my se530's, their midrange is so ridiculously smooth.

Frank in JC · « **Reply #19 on:** October 05, 2007, 09:56:33 AM »

Quote from: gloco on October 05, 2007, 09:18:20 AM

Quote from: Frank in JC on October 04, 2007, 03:41:08 PM
Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM
...they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers).

I hate the noise of the subway about 10% as much as I hate the summer heat down there (meaning I still really, really hate the noise). With a pair of Shure SE530s and a Ray Samuels Tomahawk, I'm the happiest guy on the PATH... everybody else looks as painfully miserable as I'd be otherwise!

Nice. I run my se530's with my rio karma...no amp required

Although, the wiring on one side cracked and I lost sound so I gotta send em in for warranty replacement. I love my se530's, their midrange is so ridiculously smooth.

Yeah, often I run them out of my iPod without the amp and it's still nice. The Etys though, forget it, they need an amp. Amazing what a difference sensitivity makes.

I heard there have been cracked wiring problems... I guess the engineers overlooked the fact the wiring would be in direct contact with skin oils. D'oh!

cheshirecat · « **Reply #20 on:** October 05, 2007, 09:58:48 AM »

Quote from: Frank in JC on October 04, 2007, 04:37:13 PM

Haha, tell me about it!! Fortunately, I live across the street from a nice park (Van Vorst) where I can hardly see anything BUT greenery out my window. Given some of the other apartments I looked at last December, it wouldn't be hard to be miserable in Jersey City.

Very nice. +T

George · « **Reply #21 on:** October 05, 2007, 11:44:12 AM »

Quote from: Frank in JC on October 05, 2007, 09:56:33 AM

Quote from: gloco on October 05, 2007, 09:18:20 AM
Quote from: Frank in JC on October 04, 2007, 03:41:08 PM
Quote from: gloco on October 04, 2007, 03:26:29 PM
...they don't block out enough train noise to be used in the subway (I'm talking about the A, C and F lines for you New Yorkers).

I hate the noise of the subway about 10% as much as I hate the summer heat down there (meaning I still really, really hate the noise). With a pair of Shure SE530s and a Ray Samuels Tomahawk, I'm the happiest guy on the PATH... everybody else looks as painfully miserable as I'd be otherwise!

Nice. I run my se530's with my rio karma...no amp required

Although, the wiring on one side cracked and I lost sound so I gotta send em in for warranty replacement. I love my se530's, their midrange is so ridiculously smooth.

I heard there have been cracked wiring problems... I guess the engineers overlooked the fact the wiring would be in direct contact with skin oils. D'oh!

Yep, and cold weather. My e2c's wiring would always crack by January (I've had them replaced three times). Thankfully, Shure is very responsive to warranty returns.

Belexes · « **Reply #22 on:** October 05, 2007, 01:51:42 PM »

I use these at home, not field use, but they are excellent in terms of isolation:

beyerdynamic DT 770

http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/sealed-and-noise-canceling/beyerdynamic-dt-770.php

I can't hear a damn thing in the room besides what I am monitoring in the cans.

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #23 on:** October 05, 2007, 02:00:17 PM »

I have the DT880, while not great at isolation they sound fuckin amazing...

Chris K · « **Reply #24 on:** October 05, 2007, 07:08:12 PM »

i used to like using the 7506's with the SD MP-2...man that MP-2 had a great headphone amp built into it, and it got loud, enough to cancel out the stacks, but probably to the detriment of my eardrums

RebelRebel · « **Reply #25 on:** October 05, 2007, 10:23:06 PM »

for field use?? Etymotic ER-4.

Quote from: F0CKER on October 04, 2007, 01:14:07 PM

Somebody recommend me a good set of headphones specific for use in the field. They're going to be used in loud concert environments to help set the pattern and width for a Soundfield setup on the fly. I need a set of cans that has good rejection of outside noise, good bass extension, and won't drain my bank account.

boojum · « **Reply #26 on:** October 05, 2007, 10:47:58 PM »

I use them and also a SONY MDR-V6. The Etymotic shines.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #27 on:** October 07, 2007, 09:35:07 AM »

Ety's.
for sure.

I actually prefer the M-Audio in ear jobbies, but as long as you are using some form of in ear setup you'll be able to do what you're trying to do.
I used the ety 4p w/my soundfield.
I was able to hear things through those even when riding stage lip at a show.
no problem.

dactylus · « **Reply #28 on:** October 07, 2007, 09:56:11 AM »

Which "M-Audio in ear jobbies" are you speaking of? I'm in the market...

Quote from: Nick's Picks on October 07, 2007, 09:35:07 AM

Ety's.
for sure.

I actually prefer the M-Audio in ear jobbies, but as long as you are using some form of in ear setup you'll be able to do what you're trying to do.
I used the ety 4p w/my soundfield.
I was able to hear things through those even when riding stage lip at a show.
no problem.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #29 on:** October 08, 2007, 08:58:00 AM »

why, the cheap ones ($90)
e10 I think?

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #30 on:** October 08, 2007, 08:58:39 AM »

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?ID=Earphones&do=products.list

dactylus · « **Reply #31 on:** October 08, 2007, 06:40:30 PM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on October 08, 2007, 08:58:39 AM

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?ID=Earphones&do=products.list

Thank you! +T

F0CKER · « **Reply #32 on:** October 13, 2007, 12:44:51 PM »

Thanks everyone! I decided to go with the Etymotic ER4P's. +T's all around

momule · « **Reply #33 on:** October 17, 2007, 10:31:46 AM »

looks like its a bit late now. But I have just recently been turned onto these. They can be found on ebay for $100 which is crazy cheap for the performance they deliver. Just ask our Friend Mike (Grace) what he thinks about them.

rokpunk · « **Reply #34 on:** October 17, 2007, 09:13:06 PM »

http://www.livewiresforyou.com/

best in ear monitor/headphone solution, IMO.

custom molded.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #35 on:** October 17, 2007, 09:52:09 PM »

wow, never heard of those before (no pun).

dactylus · « **Reply #36 on:** October 18, 2007, 06:51:50 AM »

Quote from: rokpunk on October 17, 2007, 09:13:06 PM

http://www.livewiresforyou.com/

best in ear monitor/headphone solution, IMO.

custom molded.

Did you pay the MSRP of $249?

rokpunk · « **Reply #37 on:** October 18, 2007, 07:20:58 AM »

Quote from: dactylus on October 18, 2007, 06:51:50 AM

Did you pay the MSRP of $249?

I paid a little less than that at the trade show. But $249 is pretty damn reasonable, IMO.

bobbygeeWOW · « **Reply #38 on:** October 19, 2007, 09:43:38 PM »

Nice timing to find you mentioning live wires here because I literally just decided that since I'm very satisfied with mine after a few months I'd let people know. These rank right up with my all-time most satisfying audio purchase.
Partly to finish off this thread there:

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,85923.0.html

I will add that that I received one ear slightly too small to maintain a perfect seal all the time.
They were happy to send me another after a descriptive email or two, and it fits great.

jerryfreak · « **Reply #39 on:** October 20, 2007, 12:11:47 AM »

the etymotics are an absolute steal for the $180 they sell them for on ebay, I paid $300 for them 6 years ago, still use em a lot.

i'll put em up against my sennheiser hd600's for clarity any day of the week

Author Topic: Headphone Recommendation (Read 10825 times)

ilduclo

RebelRebel