Best $200 or less for Video Monitoring / Editing

[ahenson]

Hello

I am looking at purchasing cans to use in our new Video Dept. at my office and I'm a bit of a headphone newb. These would be used mostly for monitoring audio with a Sony HVR-Z5U cam and for editing in Final Cut / Premiere Pro. I need some that will block out people around me that also provide good sound quality while editing. How do these compare, and which do I absolutely need an amp for and what are your recommendations for an amp?

These are the ones I am looking at:

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro-80
Amazon.com: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro-80 Closed Studio Headphones: Electronics

Sennheiser HD-280
(Amazon.com: Sennheiser HD-280 Professional Headphones: Electronics)

Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
(Amazon.com: Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Headphones: Electronics)

Audio-Technica ATH-M50s
(Amazon.com: Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Monitor Headphones: Electronics)

Thanks for the help.

 

[runswithaliens]

You are missing the Fostex T50RP headphones. I don't think you will find a better set of cans in your price range for accurate reproduction of vocals. Detail and clarity are also amazing with these alternate technology headphones.

 

[joelpearce]

If you are heading the Beyerdynamic route, I would recommend the DT150 or DT250 instead. They are more geared towards professional use, and are still pretty comfortable, and are easier to drive.

I love my Beyers.

 

[phandrew]

I would also choose the DT150 if it was for monitoring.

 

[winma]

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro-80 hands down... they are perfect for recording and editing.

 

[JadeEast]

I would go for the lowest impedance headphone the sony camera may not have the juice to drive a mixing headphone. Your going to find that there are different qualities needed for different things with video.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Not even close. The DT48 was made for this sort of stuff.. & are closed with good noise blockage.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by runswithaliens /img/forum/go_quote.gif You are missing the Fostex T50RP headphones. I don't think you will find a better set of cans in your price range for accurate reproduction of vocals. Detail and clarity are also amazing with these alternate technology headphones.

You can.. A vintage pair of DT48e.

 

[Acix]

The K-271MKll, and the GMP-8.35 will be also a great options. On a budget, the M-50 are my first choice.

 

[eucariote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelpearce /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are heading the Beyerdynamic route, I would recommend the DT150 or DT250 instead. They are more geared towards professional use, and are still pretty comfortable, and are easier to drive.

Haven't heard all the headphones in your poll but I also much preferred my DT250-250 over DT770-80. The DT770 would not fly for monitoring recordings- lows (overpowering) mids (hidden) and highs (piercing) weren't made for fidelity.

 

[rhythmdevils]

The M50 are fantastic, I just got a pair for video monitoring myself. Great headphones.

 

[classakg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by winma /img/forum/go_quote.gif Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro-80 hands down... they are perfect for recording and editing.

X2
I love my beyers...they are detailed and i enjoy making music with them.

 

[shane55]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhythmdevils /img/forum/go_quote.gif The M50 are fantastic, I just got a pair for video monitoring myself. Great headphones.

Yep.
I would have suggested the SRH840. Clear, clean, very neutral... almost flat.
But... no bottom end and as uncomfortable a HP as I've worn. Mine are being sold ASAP.

The M50's, while not the flattest or most 'neutral' are still very 'natural'. Bass is a bit exaggerated, but not to a fault. Upper-Mids are ever so slightly recessed. But on the whole they produce an exceptional sound... especially for around $100. Must be one of, if not the best value out there.

shane

 

[Kevin Sinnott]

Quote:

Originally Posted by runswithaliens /img/forum/go_quote.gif You are missing the Fostex T50RP headphones. I don't think you will find a better set of cans in your price range for accurate reproduction of vocals. Detail and clarity are also amazing with these alternate technology headphones.

x2. Another option is the Sony V6. Not quite as nice sounding as the Fostex, but very commonly available and very hardy to clumsy video people. Also, they fold down nicely into camera bags, AND (big one) camera people can wear them while shooting. The Fostex stick out more. These would be my top two choices. I look for phones that are easy to drive, neutral tonal balance and rugged. Most TV studios and gear like cameras, can't drive the high end AKG phones, and Grados just aren't neutral enough.

I haven't seen any of the phones you mention around studios or on location work here. That wouldn't preclude them, but I'd consider the above challenges.

I own a lot of phones for home use. The ones above are my top choices.