[MCS5280]

I am a newbie in the headphone world. Currently I have a pair of dJAYS and a pair of KSC-75's (based on suggestions from this site). I have been using them to monitor guitar recordings that I make on my laptop and to listen to music. They work alright (especially the dJAYS) but I recently acquired a MOTU Ultralite audio interface. I have been recording through the Ultralite and then the output is set for the built in audio on my Macbook Pro. I am experiencing a little bit of latency, and I have heard that the Motu's headphone output is excellent and experiences almost no latency. Unfortunately, all my headphones have 1/8 plugs, and the MOTU needs a 1/4 for headphones. I am looking for a great sounding headphone that would be able to run into my MOTU (I am not sure if it amps the headphones or not). I am looking to spend no more than $200 for the headphones.

Any suggestions?

 

[EsthetiX]

You dont need special headphones. You just use a 1/4th adapter.

I wouldnt recommend any of those headphones for monitoring purposes though. YUCK. Try equation rp-21.

+ latency has nothing to do with your headphone jack. the latency you experience is related to your soundcard/audio interface. Most interfaces have a way to adjust for latency compensation through the software...

 

[ChickenGod]

The Etymotic ER-4S is great for monitoring because that's what it was designed to do.

 

[osoner]

The hd25-1 is are very good headphones for monitoring... Or try some bd770/80ohms very nice too and mush more neutral than the senns

 

[MCS5280]

Will these headphones also sound good while listening to music? I am looking for something that is multipurpose. The Beyer 770 does look nice...maybe I can find a used pair.

 

[grndslm]

MDR-V6 should be the very minimum you look at. It comes with a 1/4" adapter, and that phone was designed to be a durable monitoring 'phone.

osoner's suggestions are definitely a bit better, tho.... if you must spend the money.

 

[MCS5280]

Ok I have my eye on a used pair of 770's but one more question. Will my MOTU Ultralite provide enough power to run these? It is not necessarily a headphone amp so I am not sure if it will give the 770's enough juice

 

[qazwsx]

DT770? Aren't those a bit bass-y for monitoring?

 

[grndslm]

Yes, DT770 would be too bassy.... V6 or HD25-1

 

[Aar0n]

Yeah, the DT-770 is pretty bassy. Not exactly the best of monitoring. Chalk up another vote for the RP-21. A clear, neutral sound with a slight nuance of extra bass. They're very nice for enjoyment-listening.

 

[EsthetiX]

Yup goood ol RP-21's

If you really want the 770's check my sig! I'm selling a new pair! I love them too, they're EXTREMELY ENJOYABLE! but I just love the 990's more!!!!!!!!

 

[grndslm]

Supposedly RP-21 is "flawed in the treble"... I'd really stick to V6 and HD25-1 as those are both portable, which fulfills the "multipurpose" solution.

 

[ronmtorres]

hd280 pro also is designed for monitoring. but if you can really skip buying a headphone and just buy a 1/8 to 1/4 adaptor, the better.

 

[Aar0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grndslm /img/forum/go_quote.gif Supposedly RP-21 is "flawed in the treble"... I'd really stick to V6 and HD25-1 as those are both portable, which fulfills the "multipurpose" solution.

I don't really think so. Some people think that the treble sounds a little unnatural at times, but I'm not noticing any of that. Either I'm a bad listener, or it's pretty subtle. However, it could have something to do with the pads I'm using. *Shrug*

 

[MaloS]

OP: read the reviews for equation RP-21. A good monitoring headphone is just fine for listening, I am personally using AKG-k240 Monitor for the purpose of listening, and its great.