[Balog]

Years ago I did live sound engineering as a side gig, nights and weekends kind of thing. I got out of it when my kids were getting older and I couldn’t hack the schedule. Tonight a friend that runs a small venue reached out, they fired their head sound guy and want me to help sort out some issues they’ve been having.

I used to mix with ATH-M50’s, but it’s been years and I’ve let my kids use them so they’re beat up. Plus this is a good excuse to go shopping again.

My biggest concerns are isolation and a neutral sound. They’ll be users so they need to be sturdy enough to take some bumps. Being able to easily replace the cable or rebuild them would be ideal. Budget is $150 or so, and I’m fine with open box or refurbished.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Sony MDR-V6 monitor headphones.
Used around $60, plus $8-$18 for replacement ear pads.

 

[Thomasr]

The new Sony MDR-M1 looks interesting.

 

[MacFrank]

If full size over-ear cans are okay with you, I'd go with Beyerdynamic DT770s, personally even the 250 Ohm version, as many mixers and pro audio gear often have loud hp outputs. A 80 Ohm version is available, that I like less acoustically, even though they are easier driven via portable sources (e.g. smartphones). Very sturdy and all parts replaceable. They sport quite a healthy bass region, so be aware when mixing; but I like their boost in the presence region for EQing and cleaning vocals. I mainly use them on film gigs on my stationary rig for monitoring speech and testing microphone positioning.

If on-ear headphones are more to your liking, I have to admit that, personally, I'm not a fan of Sennheiser's HD25, but they are a defacto standard for monitoring purposes still, imho, mainly because of their sturdiness, lightweight and quite easy to drive nature. I'd never use them for mixing, though.

Have you considered getting in ear monitors (IEMs)?

 

[RuslanG]

Audio Technica AT-70x very accurate across the entire frequency range, but they may be a bit bright for some, and they are not cheap.

 

[MacFrank]

Audio Technica AT-70x very accurate across the entire frequency range, but they may be a bit bright for some, and they are not cheap.

My understanding is that the ATH-R70X are open cans? Following the OP‘s worries about sound isolation I would suggest getting closed headphones, to maximise use cases. Great headphones, though!

 

[RuslanG]

My understanding is that the ATH-R70X are open cans? Following the OP‘s worries about sound isolation I would suggest getting closed headphones, to maximise use cases. Great headphones, though!

My mistake, I meant M70x

 

[Balog]

Sony MDR-V6 monitor headphones.
Used around $60, plus $8-$18 for replacement ear pads.

How do those compare to the MDR-7506? I used those when I was first training and didn’t like them much.

 

[Balog]

If full size over-ear cans are okay with you, I'd go with Beyerdynamic DT770s, personally even the 250 Ohm version, as many mixers and pro audio gear often have loud hp outputs. A 80 Ohm version is available, that I like less acoustically, even though they are easier driven via portable sources (e.g. smartphones). Very sturdy and all parts replaceable. They sport quite a healthy bass region, so be aware when mixing; but I like their boost in the presence region for EQing and cleaning vocals. I mainly use them on film gigs on my stationary rig for monitoring speech and testing microphone positioning.

If on-ear headphones are more to your liking, I have to admit that, personally, I'm not a fan of Sennheiser's HD25, but they are a defacto standard for monitoring purposes still, imho, mainly because of their sturdiness, lightweight and quite easy to drive nature. I'd never use them for mixing, though.

Have you considered getting in ear monitors (IEMs)?

That’s very helpful, thank you! I prefer over ear to on ear. For the DT-770’s does the extra presence in the bass cause issues when trying to mix in a concert environment when bleed through from the subs is already a concern?

As for IEMs I’ve tried some cheap ones for personal listening but never anything pro grade or that I’ve mixed with. Any that you’d recommend?

 

[PurpleAngel]

How do those compare to the MDR-7506? I used those when I was first training and didn’t like them much.

The MDR-7506 is considered slightly brighter, than the MDR-V6.

 

[Balog]

The MDR-7506 is considered slightly brighter, than the MDR-V6.

Thanks!

 

[Magic77]

I would say the AKG-K371. May be a little more than $150 but sometimes on sale.