[RevRacer]

Hey guys and gals,
 
I'm new to the forum, but I've bounced around here for a bit, checking out different things from time to time. I've tried to do a little reading before registering and posting, and I've come to a place where I'd like a little help.
 
I actually am helping a new church get started, and I am currently helping with sound/media. I've done sound now for a couple of years, and have lots more to learn. I am currently working with some Peavey equipment from back in the 80's (I'll post models later, just to make sure I'm right). It all actually doesn't sound bad for the space, but the acoustics of the room are quite horrendous, since all the walls are covered with wood paneling. I've tried desperately to try and mix everything by ear, but with the echoes in the room, it can be quite difficult. We are in the process of resolving some of that, but in the mean time, we've also started to record services, and I've been using Garageband to do it, using the headphone output of the board to check how everything is mixed, since the only input I have on the computer is being used.  I sure hope all that made sense!
 
We are currently on a small budget, but I am looking for a set of headphones to do multiple duties - to use as a monitor for my mixing during service, and to use processing the files afterwards on my macbook pro. My previous experience was at my last church, where I actually used a set of k240 studio headphones through a much nicer board. They worked well, but with them being as open as they were, I had a hard time differentiating between the sound in the sanctuary and the sound on my recording. I liked them well enough, but from what I've been reading, they wouldn't work well with just my laptop to power them. Here are some of the options I've looked at so far:
 
ATH-M40/50x: recently found these with an amp in a bundle for $100-$150
http://amzn.com/B00T58SB18
http://amzn.com/B00NLHBZ30
http://amzn.com/B00NLIXGQ8
-Which of these amps would work better with these headphones?
 
The Sony MDR7506: I know these have been used for years, but would they work well on my laptop?
http://amzn.com/B000AJIF4E
 
The Sennheiser HD 558's - I'd read that they would do well for laptop use, but would they work ok in the church?
http://amzn.com/B004FEEY9A
 
These are just a few that I've looked at that are right in my price range, but if there are some others that you guys would recommend, I'm all ears. This place has been an awesome source of info, and I am thankful in advance for all your advice!
 
Michael

 

[billybob_jcv]

The Sennheiser HD558 are more open than the AKG K240, so I would probably not choose those. The Sennheiser HD280 Pro would probably be the model that competes directly with the ATH-M40X and the Sony MDR 7506. A lower-cost option also might be the Takstar Pro 80.

IMHO, none of those absolutely need an amp. The amps in those bundles are inexpensive, so it's not a big deal either way.

 

[RevRacer]

The Sennheiser HD558 are more open than the AKG K240, so I would probably not choose those. The Sennheiser HD280 Pro would probably be the model that competes directly with the ATH-M40X and the Sony MDR 7506. A lower-cost option also might be the Takstar Pro 80.

IMHO, none of those absolutely need an amp. The amps in those bundles are inexpensive, so it's not a big deal either way.

 

Much appreciated! Thanks for the info. I wasn't 100% on how open the HD558's were. What are your thoughts between the M40X, the MDR 7506, or the Takstar's? I've never considered the Takstar's, but I will dig on them and see what I can find.

On other notes, any particular reason that you'd recommend the M40x's, vs. the 50's? Are those amps actually helpful?

 

[cel4145]

The Sony MDR7506: I know these have been used for years, but would they work well on my laptop?

Yep. The Sony MDR V6/7506 (basically the same headphone) have been popular as a budget studio monitoring headphone for a long time. They are definitely a safe bet for your usage. They are also very durable. Some people upgrade the pads for better comfort: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/313962-REG/Beyerdynamic_942704_Padded_Earcushions_for_DT250_DT280.html

 

[billybob_jcv]

The M40X is typically considered a more neutral headphone, and the M50X is a bit more fun (a bit more punch in the bass and a bit more sizzle on top). All I really meant was that the M40X, HD280 and MDR7506 are usually considered direct competitors because they are all closed studio cans and roughly the same price. The M50X is a step up in price. Plenty of people use all of those headphones for studio work, and it's probably as much personal preference as anything else. Personally, I would probably pick the M50X or the Sennheiser HD280, but I'm not a studio guy and I don't do any mixing. If you have a Guitar Center or Sam Ash store in your area, you might be able to see one or more those choices. My local Guitar Center usually has the HD280 and the Sony V6/7506 in stock.

 

[RevRacer]

Good call on the guitar center. I'll be right near one in the next couple days. Thanks for the heads up! I'll check them out next time I'm there.

 

[RevRacer]

Well, wound up with the m40x's this afternoon, and they followed me home.. I tried out the M45's (last year's model), and when I put on the m40x's, it was a match. I'm not audiophile enough to actually be able to express what they sound like, but I was blown away, for the amount of investment. Just playing some regular music through them for now, but will be using them asap for my garageband stuff, so that I can put some stuff out for church before the end of the week. Looking forward to Sunday!