Topic: Headphone recommendations for field recordings..

[Tablet]

Hello everybody!
This is my first message here, I hope I'm in the right section.

I would like to buy some headphones for recording soundscapes.
I need good isolation and good frequency response as flat as possible.

My budget is around 200$ & my recorder is the Olympus ls-100.

Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance!

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I'm like a broken record when it comes to fluffing these, but I suggest the Audio-Technica ATH-M50.  Closed back monitor headphones that are very accurate and durable.  Having used most of the industry standard studio cans over the years (Sony 7506, Sennheiser 280, AKG 240, etc.), these sound the best to my ears.  I've had mine for over 2-1/2 years, bring them into the field all the time to monitor my recordings and they still sound and function flawlessly.  Price is usually around $130 and come in both straight and coiled cable versions.

[Tablet]

I heard about the too much bass they have.Is this true?

I also have in mind

Akg k271 mkII
Sony mdr 7510
Ultrasone 550 or 750

What about these compare to AudioTechnica ATH-M50 ?

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I heard about the too much bass they have.Is this true?

Nope.  The bass is accurate, defined and well-extended on the M50's.  If it's hyped at all along the frequency range I'd say there's a slight bump, and I mean slight, as you get to the upper region but they don't seem nearly as bright or harsh as the Sony 7506 in that same area.  Speaking of which, I haven't heard them myself but it's my understanding that the MDR 7510 is an update on the venerable 7506 and is a slightly more neutral headphone.  The drawback being that the 7510 is plastic whereas the 7506 uses some metal in the construction.

Conversely, while the AKG's are wonderful casual listening headphones they seem, in general, to roll off the low-end and have a little sparkle in the high-end.  Not truly flat.  I found this with both the 240's and 270's I owned and in my limited experience with the 271's.

I have heard positive things about the Ultrasone headphones but don't have any personal experience with them.

[fmaderjr]

I'm like a broken record when it comes to fluffing these, but I suggest the Audio-Technica ATH-M50.  Closed back monitor headphones that are very accurate and durable.  Having used most of the industry standard studio cans over the years (Sony 7506, Sennheiser 280, AKG 240, etc.), these sound the best to my ears.  I've had mine for over 2-1/2 years, bring them into the field all the time to monitor my recordings and they still sound and function flawlessly.  Price is usually around $130 and come in both straight and coiled cable versions.

Thanks to FCB's fluff I got a pair of these last week. They sound incredible. My main phones are Sennheiser HD650's with the Cardas cable which would cost $550 or more new (I got them pretty cheap used) and I find the M50's just about as enjoyable to listed to (and more so if you need isolation). There can be no more bang for the buck than these when seeking a good pair of headphones.

[Tablet]

So you think ATH-M50 as the best option in this budget?

[fmaderjr]

I'm almost sure of it. It's hard to see how anything could sound better for $200  or less. And you can get them new on E-Bay for $130 or less shipped. I got lucky and got mine for $107.00.

I fact, a week later I liked them so much I ordered a 2nd pair for the same price for my 2nd listening position. The Sennheiser 600 series doesn't work so well with a loud A/C on.....

[Tablet]

I found that actually there are 2 similar models ATH-M50 & ATH-M50S LE.

What's the difference?

[fmaderjr]

I found that actually there are 2 similar models ATH-M50 & ATH-M50S LE.

What's the difference?

I don't think there is any difference other than a fancier finish on the LE and probably not possible to get a low price on E-Bay like you can with the regular M50's.

You really should try Google before posting Q's like this. That's what I had to do to answer. Ask the board questions when it is not simple to Google an answer. Members will appreciate it!

[rastasean]

I have been very happy with my AT m50s but the cable may be slightly long for the field so take a zip tie or velcro strap to use with the headphones.

[fmaderjr]

I have been very happy with my AT m50s but the cable may be slightly long for the field so take a zip tie or velcro strap to use with the headphones.

The version with the coiled cord would probably be best for the field. That one may not be too long.

[Myco]

I found that actually there are 2 similar models ATH-M50 & ATH-M50S LE.

What's the difference?

ATH-M50Super LowEnd   




jus kiddin', it's the finish.

[acidjack]

So you think ATH-M50 as the best option in this budget?

The Sennheiser HD280s are the other headphones that get a lot of mention in this range (they're a bit less expensive; I think down to like  $80 now).  I owned them before moving to the ATH-M50s.  The Senns had much more LF bump, I thought.

[Tablet]

I just got my m50's...EXCELLENT choice for field recording.The cable is just the right size !!!
The isolation is very good and the sq also!!!
So I thing for this budget and field recording the ath-m50 is definitely the best option!!!

[acidjack]

...I should also add that while I think the M50s sound a lot better, and would be better for the OP's purposes, for louder shows, then Senn HD280s are great for the field because they seem (to me) to have a bit more isolation than the AT's.  As I said, I kept my AT's because I prefer the sound and don't do a ton of in-field monitoring, but I think you more commonly see sound guys using 280s...

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Regarding the slight LF bump and isolation, I think you're spot-on with the 280's, acidjack.  They're great headphones but the M50's sound just a shade better, to my ears at least.  One drawback I will point out about the Sennheisers, though, is that I think they're built for "narrower" heads.  If your melon tends to be on the wider side, they can be uncomfortable.

Congrats on the new purchase, Tablet!  They'll only get better as you burn them in and use them more.

[rastasean]

if you need a lot of isolation, i would recommend the sennheiser HD-25II. These cans are ~$80 more than the m50s.

regardless, Tablet, you made an excellent choice!

[axomxa]

...I should also add that while I think the M50s sound a lot better, and would be better for the OP's purposes, for louder shows, then Senn HD280s are great for the field because they seem (to me) to have a bit more isolation than the AT's.  As I said, I kept my AT's because I prefer the sound and don't do a ton of in-field monitoring, but I think you more commonly see sound guys using 280s...

Although I have not compared the AT's, I agree the 280's have excellent closure for iso in the field.