Advice for "studio" headphone

[blackmouse78]

Hi All,

I'm back on the forum after a long time, spent enjoying the setup I've put together thanks to your advice

So... I'm back in selfish mode trying to get more advice from good willed members of the community.

I'm a lousy guitar player, but I'm now spending more and more time with headphones connected to my stompbox and electric guitar.

I've got a pair of HiFiMan HE400i which I use for music listening, but those are way too quiet when connected to the stompbox, and I can't/don't want to connect the amp/DAC that I have (Grace M9xx) to the box, and I've ended up using the Koss SportaPro that I normally wear when running....

Theys sound ok and loud enough, but the wire is short, not interchangeable, and they tend to get uncomfortable after a while...

This is why I'm looking into a pair of half-decent "studio" headphones, with a longer wire (possibly detachable, but as long as I get at least 2m non coiled wire I'm ok), closed back, and easy to drive.

Build quality and comfort are important, I don't want to have to pamper them, and might want to use them as portable/travel gear, but this is just a second field of use....

I'm not particularly bothered by "flat" frequency response, which is often a requirement for "studio" headphones. I'm playing my guitar and recording occasionally, but surely won't be mixing stuff... As long as the frequency response is not totally crazy basshead-style I'm fine!

My budget would be below £100

I had tried a pair of Audio Technica ath m30x to give you an idea of the kind of gear I'm looking at. Got them from Amazon Warehouse, were supposed to be "like new", but the plastic on one of the swivels had a crack, right out of the box, so they wouldn't even sit symmetrically on my head unless held in place with my hands. That's a shame because they sounded fit for purpose and ticked all the boxes... I've read online that also the m40x have similar issues with the plastic not being tough/durable at all, so I'm steering clear from AT.
Too bad beacause they seemed just right...

I've looked at Shure SRH440, but they come with a coiled wire and I don't want to spend extra ~£20 for an aftermarket wire, but so far they seem like my best option.

Sony Mdr-v6 are another candidate, but again they come with non-detachable stupid coiled wire...

Does Sennheiser do anything in that price bracket with decent sound quality?
I'm afraid not.. I like Sennheiser build quality and design but I'm afraid that sound quality would be disappointing in that price bracket....

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Check out the Status Audio CB-1

Bit recessed in the mids, but a great budget full size headphone

 

[MixMasterMan]

I have a 4 pairs of AT headphones. They have lasted the test of time, and the plastic on them is fine as long as you dont forcefully abuse them. One pair, I've had for over 10 years (original m50's). I'd suggest getting a new pair of m40x's or m50x's. You really arent going to find much better fitting your requirments, within your budget.

 

[blackmouse78]

I have a 4 pairs of AT headphones. They have lasted the test of time, and the plastic on them is fine as long as you dont forcefully abuse them. One pair, I've had for over 10 years (original m50's). I'd suggest getting a new pair of m40x's or m50x's. You really arent going to find much better fitting your requirments, within your budget.

Are you sure the plastic is ok on current M40x? The M50x has a different headband swivel, is more expensive and I don't like the description of the sound signature (everywhere they say it's pretty bass-heavy).

I've read many people whose 40X broke down exactly where my 30X broke.... I am really not so willing to bet on AT again, even though I did like the sound of the 30X....

 

[MixMasterMan]

Positive. I have 2 pairs of m40x's. Of course, there is always going to be the one off, where something breaks on a product. But, these headphones are popular and have a good reputation for a reason. Remember, that most of the time, people only review an item when they have something to complain about. If satisfied, they usually don't say anything. Out of every hundred reviews, you may come across 2-3 where you'll see problems. Those are more the exception, than the rule. - You are basing your experience of a m30x, on a pre-owned unit that was already used, abused, and broken. Buy new. With confidence.

As for sound signature, again, these headphones are popular for a reason. They both sound awesome, and are very utilitarian. The m40x & m50x are actually very similar. The m40x is the more balanced one in terms of EQ, but less sensitive (less volume at same level). The m50x has slightly more boosted treble shelf that starts in the low treble, and about 1-2db more bass below around 100hz. The m50x is more comfortable than the m40x, with bigger cups, and softer ear pads.

Take your pick.

 

[MixMasterMan]

Btw, just went back and forth again between my 40x/50x. I've always preferred the 40x in the studio, but damn is it hard to beat for a studio headphone. Not only great for tracking, but they are accurate, and you can mix with them. Outstanding value at under $100. Get those first (new!). The 50x, I prefer for listening to music on a portable, when I want some edge and hype in the bass and treble. The 40x gets "just" loud enough on my Galaxy Note5, but is easy with my X3. - And to add about the swivel... If you push hard enough, that hinge will snap. You gotta be really trying to break it (or just really careless and abusive) for that to happen. If you treat them with respect, it shouldn't break.

Like Oscar HiFi said above, the Status Audio CB-1 is another option. Apparently, they are similar to 40x's but the 40x's have a better build quality. Maybe get both and pick your favorite? - Again...take your pick

 

[blackmouse78]

Hi! Thanks a lot for the great advice. I went for a new pair of 40x in the end. I really hope they're not as delicate as I fear.... I know very well how it works with online reviews, and I try never to give them too much credit, but I've shopped from Amazon Warehouse before, and normally when products are tagges "like new", they actually are.

The 30x I got were in mint condition, pads, cups and headband were pristine, even the box looked totally intact. I now regret not having taken a picture of the damage, but it got me thinking that the quality of the plastic must be really bad for a component to break in that way... .let's hope it was a display item, people were rough with it and I was just unlucky.

Looking fwd to playing guitar with my 40X on now!

Thanks again @MixMasterMan, @Oscar-HiFi!