The great 2010 studio headphone shoot out

I was lucky enough to be joined by John of Urban Chain Studios as we tested the following selection of closed back circumaural studio headphones:

Sony 7509 HD
Beyerdynamic DT100
Audio Technica ATH-M50
AKG K271 MKII
SHURE SRH840

The champion wasn’t the most expensive and it did take us by surprise.

(Warning this episode is a long one so be prepared for 30mins of headphone natter)

Share

What next?

  1. Return to Urban Chain Studios
  2. John Calafati on Urban Chain Studios build – Part 1
  3. Akai MINIAK review
  4. Gigantor of Evol Intent interview – Part 2
  5. Novation Launchpad advanced configuration (LaunchDrum) – Part 2
  • Leo
    I'm a beginner home recording enthusiast and bought the ATH-M50s a year back. I love the sound and love listening to music on them. Until I watched the video and saw you pointing out the problem with overestimating bass on them I never had exactly realized why my mixes seem to lack something in the bass department on other peoples' speakers :)

    Thanks for that. I like your other reviews as well, great job!
  • RupertBrown
    Translation (your mix on other systems) can be tough and a little disheartening when it sounded so good at home! Getting a mix right on headphones (instead of monitors) is even harder again.

    You really need to learn those headphones so take time out to listen to tracks with your favorite bass lines. Really try to lock into how loud the bass is, not easy as a beginner but keep at it and you will learn to compensate for the extra bass the M50s are adding.

    Hope this helps and thanks for watching Leo.
  • Ady
    great shoot out!
    which headphones do you use..?
  • RupertBrown
    As a result of this exercise I brought the SHURE SRH840 and I love them. And no they didn't sponsor or give me a pair! (sadly)
  • Ady
    I wonder if John did too..
    They should've at least sent you a t-shirt - guess that's two they owe you now...
    8)
  • RupertBrown
    I dont think John will be hanging up his Sonys any time soon.
    Actually I have to give credit where its due they did send me t-shirts!
  • Adrian
    Normally love your videos but the audio in this one was just to harsh.
  • RupertBrown
    I know, your totally right Adrian, sorry about that. Was trying a new shotgun mic in the worlds worst room (not a good combo). Will avoid this in the future.
  • Adrian
    Looking forward to the next video!
blog comments powered by Disqus