Considering Brainwavs HM5 for home music studio recording

If by neutral you mean accurate, I'm not sure how you'd take to an IEM recommendation, but the Etymotic line is as accurate as it gets under ~$500, and have excellent isolation. I've owned the Hf5 and Mc5. Other than that, the only headphones I can think of for mixing/monitoring are the Sennheiser HD280 Pro's, which also isolate quite well for a full size (IEM's or in-ear-monitors nearly always block more noise.)

If you want to compare to see what is most flat with FR (Frequency Response) take a look here:

http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/build-a-graph.php?graphID[0]=2711&graphID[1]=533&graphID[2]=&graphID[3]=&graphType=0&buttonSelection=Compare+Headphones

the HM5 are basically HD280 with better bass and stereo imaging, they should be alright for recording. For mixing, you'd really need monitor speakers though. 

As I use these in my home studio along with my well worn HD600's,I can attest to the fact that they make good quality monitors for the price paid. I use them for both the original recording followed by mixing as I'm of the camp that believes that both should be done using the same headphones to avoid any additional coloring of the source during the recording/mixing process. 

For mixing and mastering: http://www.head-fi.org/t/393139/k702-in-the-studio

Drumming/ bass guitar/ vocals: http://www.head-fi.org/t/406658/the-german-maestro-gmp-8-35-d-monitor-in-the-studio-serious-about-audio-indeed

Im mixing, creating, and editing classical/ambient music (along the lines of ben frost, nico muhly, yann tiersen). I do this outside of home often, so i need something that can survive the commute.

I had a pair of AGK k 271 mk his and they sounded great, but were a bit flimsy and broke several times. Ive been told the Audio Technica ATH-M50s are an ok alternative.

Iv'e had the HM5s referred to me. Is this a good fit? If possible I would also like them for playing and monitoring that kind of music live (less important as we will likely have a dedicated sound guy, but not always). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonch070 

Im mixing, creating, and editing classical/ambient music (along the lines of ben frost, nico muhly, yann tiersen). I do this outside of home often, so i need something that can survive the commute.

I had a pair of AGK k 271 mk his and they sounded great, but were a bit flimsy and broke several times. Ive been told the Audio Technica ATH-M50s are an ok alternative.

 

Iv'e had the HM5s referred to me. Is this a good fit? If possible I would also like them for playing and monitoring that kind of music live (less important as we will likely have a dedicated sound guy, but not always). 

If you liked the K271, why not to get a new 272HD/271MKll.

My mistake it was the K271 MKII that i had. It sadly only came down to build quality and a lack of accurate bass (not that I'm a bass head I was just over mixing bass). For this reason I'm a little inclined to steer clear of AKG

well d2k is the one who reviewed the HM5 the first time, and he got a studio.. so i guess he been using his hm5 for that. I have hm5 however, never did any studio monitoring in my life, but if u wanna compare to m50.. i take the hm5 anytime cause i also have one and i think the hm5 offers a better sound and imaging. cheaper as well..

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonch070 

My mistake it was the K271 MKII that i had. It sadly only came down to build quality and a lack of accurate bass (not that I'm a bass head I was just over mixing bass). For this reason I'm a little inclined to steer clear of AKG

Over mixing bass can happen with bassy hps as well, I think any hps or speakers needs to be learn a bit. The K-240MKll have a bit more bass, as well the K-70X (you'll need some amp with the 70X series, around $200).

Other good options for studio will be the Sony SA-300 (flat sounds), and for close design probably the ZX700 (I have to check those out).