AUDIO ENGINEER Tests The Best Headphones Under $300
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- Опубликовано: 3 июл 2024
- I tested the best headphones for music production and mixing. Please read below for information about how I compared them.
Good headphones should:
1) Provide an accurate, spacious sound stage to aid in mixing and mastering music.
2) Reveal low, mid and high frequencies without distortion so you can make quick production decisions.
3) Faithfully reproduce the dynamics and transient response of the material.
4) Reveal the true depth and image of audio material.
5) Feel comfortable on your head for many hours and be strong enough to withstand daily use.
I tested each headphone with both a high-quality headphone amplifier and a standard MacBook 1/8 audio output. I referenced, mixed and listened casually with each headphone over the course of many weeks and months to reach my conclusions.
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - The Headphones
1:35 - My favourite
2:46 - $150 vs $300
3:23 - AKG K702
4:30 - Focal Listen Pro
5:20 - Beyerdynamic DT Pro X
6:15 - ATH M70X
6:50 - VSX
7:25 - Why I chose VSX
Headphone specs and more info:
Get VSX Here:stevenslateaudio.com/?ref=Wynne
Steven Slate Audio VSX Essentials: stevenslateaudio.com/?ref=Wynne
ATH M70x: bit.ly/ATHM70
Focal Listen Pro: bit.ly/FocalPro
Beyerdynamic DT PRO700 X: bit.ly/DTPROX
Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X bit.ly/DT_900PROX
AKG K702: bit.ly/AKG702
🌍 My Website / Contact / Hire me - michaelwynneaudio.com
🎧 My Sound Banks / Preset Packs - inthemix.store
📱 Join My Free Discord - / discord
💸Releasing a song? Save money on DistroKid if you sign up through my custom link - distrokid.com/vip/inthemix
#mixing #musicproduction #headphones 
Хобби
If you want to try or buy VSX, you can support me by using my affiliate link here: stevenslateaudio.com/?ref=Wynne
Important:
I have been inundated with messages, emails and comments asking how I set these headphones up. It’s just a case of following the set up guide and takes about 2 minutes the first time you use them. After that there is no additional set up.
Please read below for information about how I compared them.
I tested each headphone with both a high quality headphone amplifier and a standard MacBook 1/8 audio output. I referenced, mixed and listened casually with each headphone over the course of many weeks and months to reach my conclusions.
Good headphones should:
1) Provide an accurate, spacious sound stage to aid in mixing and mastering music.
2) Reveal low, mid and high frequencies without distortion so you can make quick production decisions.
3) Faithfully reproduce the dynamics and transient response of the material.
4) Reveal the true depth and image of audio material.
5) Feel comfortable on your head for many hours and be strong enough to withstand daily use.
Thank your always informative videos...I watch ur videos religiously...wanted to ask if possible seeing that u encounter vocal session nd recordings could u do the same video for microphones 🎤 maybe explaining from ur mixing perspective on the most troublesomes mics or their characteristics etc you've picked on session you had to mix from different mics etc . Thank you again for u content keep up the good content. ❤🙏🏽
@@cgnature That would be interesting indeed! Admittedly, with microphones I believe that as long as the quality is decent, the placement and positioning of them is by far the most important aspect.
@@inthemix true but am from kenya and 300 dollars is like 30000 shillings
tooo expensive for me
@@inthemix Maybe I missed this in the video or description but is this video sponsored in any way?
@@Drummer1000George at 2:05 I talked about how they sent me the pair (I’ve been sent dozens of headphones to test from many brands over the years) and I talked about how they paid me for my time testing and evaluating the headphones. In this video I am sharing my own opinions and experience, they have not paid me to say anything positive or negative about the headphones and they had no control over the video :)
Slowly transitioning from being just a rapper to being a full-time producer. This channel have been so helpful
Finally decided to begin a journey producing music and stumbled across you.
I could listen to you for hours brother. Thanks for being so informative and relaxing to listen to.
Very helpful as always. As others have said you have earned my trust with your superb repertoire of videos so naturally I came here as I need a new set
Oooh! I was looking for new headphones and was looking for your old videos, good to know there's some sort of updated version!
Concise yet very informative. Thanks!
Great and detailed video, planning on getting my first Professional studio headphones, thanks a lot 🙏
Thank you. I hope you find the right ones!
You sold me on the VSX I have them now, and truly enjoy them!
Thank you so very much this is really helpful!
congrats on so close to 1 mil btw!
VSX by far the best, most flat sounding, most versatile. I tested EVERYTHING else and nothing comes EVEN CLOSE. The soundstage imaging, the clarity, the bass response, the flat frequency response curve.... VSX gives the best BANG (bucks aside as it's price is nothing, compared to value) not even counting the studio and headphone emulations. My cons on the VSX are the comfort, but then again I've got a big fat knob for a head so it may vary for you. I also don't like leather pads as they make your ears sweat, especially if you produce/mix/master for long hours at a time. But that doesn't take away from making them the best headphones out of all of them anyways.
Great reviews. Thank you so much! ⚜
Couldn't agree more about the vsx Michael. I have full confidence that what I hear when mixing with them, won't need altered when played back on another system. Because you get the feeling you're already listening to great monitors, there's no need to check them on actual monitors . Being able to check car stereo setups, boom box, and even earbuds just gives a great all round look at what you're doing from every possible angle. For me, these are a personal revolution.
have you ever worked in one of those fancy studios the headphones "replicate"?
Another Great Video Mate! Thanks a ton. Now im so hyped to get my hands on VSX 🤤
We need MORE VIDS From IN THE MIX! I love how you just get straight to the point of the video. I am gonna check out the VSX Cans! I currently use the BeyerDynamic 990 Pro (the older ones), which I love!
Great video, have a happy weekend👍
Still the best youtuber for hobbyist musicians. Thank you for everything
Amazing video as always I might have to get a pair of the vsx, i currently have the 770 pros
I've just ordered them after watching this video. You help me become top tier producent. Thank YOU for everything you do for us. I wish you Health, Love and Abundance!
Thank you thank you thank you. You and Benn Jordan are the two main people I check in with for learning/buyers guides. Neither of you have let me down yet and seem to agree a decent amount of the time, at least where it counts.
reaper is really tuff to learn had it for 3 yrs erased it got studio one 6 never looked back just sayin and i went to full saill for audio engineering classes!
I got these headphones about a week ago and they have been simply incredible.
Oh that headphone transition is so cool😀
You’re the first person to comment on it! Thank you, I’ve been trying to improve my video quality these days :)
Thank you for a very comprehensive review!!!! I currently use the ATH-M50X and really like them. I've never heard of the VSX headphones and am very curious about them!
Currently using the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohms and I absolutely love these head phones. Running them through the Presonus USB 96 and a Mackie HM4 to give them the extra power they need. So clear and balanced while also being comfortable on my large head.
Having seen what the VSX is capable of, I may have gone with those if I didn't already invest in the DT 770s
yep same here, I run mine with the Pro-Ject Head Box DS. Rarely had such comfortable headphones and I can wear them all day long, without getting heavy on the head, it's like I don't even feel that I'm wearing one. And they're awesome for big ears.
As always writing a comment to support the channel
Thx for this review
You're welcome
Wasn’t even thinking about the VSX’s just because I loathe “emulation” typically when I hear it said, but now I’m going to have to try them. I think aside from the focal headphones, I tried them all and totally agree with what you said about them. Good job!
Thanks for this! My cat destroyed my MX20s a few weeks ago so I ended up buying some MX40s secondhand and couldn't be happier. Was thinking of bumping those to gym headphones and getting the MX70s but after this review I might go with some 50s in the future. Or maybe springing for the VSX for my studio headphones.
dont get the 50s, even the m40x are better from a tuning perspective. skip them
I've started learning how to compose my music a few years ago thanks to your videos, One day I might get the courage to post them lol
You really should share your creativity! If you want help with this, you could check out our Discord Server where you can share ideas and music without judgement. We are just a bunch of people who love music and support each other. The link is in the description of the video here.
@@inthemix
Thanks
I got the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro 250 Ohms Impendace and I can't say how awesome they are. Finally I can pinpoint, issues, where I never had idea of they existed in my music.
I love mine as well going into a Motu M2 and fit perfectly with my Adam Audio T7V's for reference.
Thank you for the review, it will be nice if they includes all of the spaces
To be honest, I think it’s good that they have this cheaper option with less spaces so that we don’t all have to pay $499 to access everything in the Platinum version.
@@inthemix nah, the spaces should be include it in the same $299 package or improve the look and feel of the headphones because it looks fragile plasticish cheap. Thanks again...:)
Sometimes it's just that easy. Nice. Going to test them. Love your calm voice. Can you maybe recommend amplifiers in different price ranges, too?
You’ve earned my trust. The return policy means giving them a chance is simple enough. I love my Audio Technica ATH-M50s, but now am eager to check out the VSX. Thanks!
i dont understand why people like the m50x. I Tried them 3 times.... I have hurt after 20min, and the sound is very not flat... and my mixes sound not good when I use them.
@@ChrisBessy Most people I know, including myself, replace the earcups right away with the AT-M40/50x series haha. Would be nice to not have to, but the cost still keeps them on the low end of the "Okay For Mixing" budget. And especially the high end with m50x could use some loving. But seems there's some great alternatives in this video!
@@ChrisBessy not a fan either
@@thelolmighty can you sugest me earcups for m50x. i have bought some thick ones and i lack some bass and sound is diferent on almost anything i listen.
What did you end deciding? I’ve been mixing on the athm50s for so long (with correction software to adjust the hyped eq) that mine are pretty worn down now. I’d love to try something else.
Thank's a lot
I'm Currently wearing a pair of AKG240's...Love 'em
I've always used and loved my m50x's but lately they've been collecting dust since my VSX's can perfectly emulate their sound. they even managed to replicate the m50x's soundstage and bass respose, sounds identical to me. it's truly impressive
I question why pay double for a pair of these to only replicate a headphone that is half the price. I would expect to not maybe get double the sound improvement but a serious margin of improvement.
@@ELG1958 well, it can replicate, doesn't mean you have to care about that, it has a lot more to offer. this just makes the process of getting used to sound of the emulations and the headphone itself a lot easier. since I'm past that point I use this particular emulation a lot less, now I just use it as a tool to check the harshness of my high-end, since the bump around 10kHz of the m50x is very useful for that (if you're used to how they sound, of course)
i hate the m50x though...
@@Aestareth_ lol I understand that feeling. at first I didn't think they have a pleasant sound, and they really don't, it's harsh af, but they are quite useful for music production once you get used to how they sound. you're getting a very detailed sound for the price you pay. VSX is much more useful though, and can be quite pleasant depending on the preset
@@bfreitas456 might as well get AKG 631s then. still, i think i'm gonna keep my HyperX Cloud IIs for now, until i'm ready to upgrade to higher tier headphones
Every headphone has imperfections, but using a software component allows that to be improved.
I wonder if you would consider comparing all units without software, and comparing all with software,
perhaps using something like Sonarworks for the units that do not have dedicated software?
Love the fact that you always get straight to the point without wasting time. My question is: do the VSX deliver an honest sound?
no
Thanks. Good video (even if it feels a bit much like an ad). Some more info about the implementation of the VSX software would have been good. Apparently it's vst/au/aax only, so no (hustle-free) use outside of the DAW without 3rd party SW!? Also iLok or HW Dongle to use!? These are important factors for some and should definitely be mentioned in a review.
I use them out of the DAW and don’t fond the 3rd party soundsource app to be any trouble. Truthfully I have used sound source for a long time because it allows me to run anything on any output or input. I regularly use EQ when watching videos, movies, RUclips ect :)
Yeah, I use a similar tool (APO EQ) for Windows, which has some onboard FX and can host VSTs as well (mostly for dealing with my pesky room-modes). Just felt that, with the SW as a central point of your praise, these things would be of insterest for some.
great video as always! you talked about the importance of setting the vsxs up right or calibrating them. How would you go about that and what do you mean. greetings from Germany
Awesome thank you! Question to you and any other experts in the topic: Would you prefer VSX also for pleasure listening? And does the software give you this kind of enhanced experience option? What I mean is when your goal is not to monitoring as clearly as you can but having good time make the sound more exciting like a home cinema experience. Would it be still the VSX the best in this price range for that?
You did a good job of explaining the variables here! all these companies should pay you for this work! Especially with everything being ordered online these days, it's hard to compare headphones.
Question: Does the VSX spatial audio create any latency - or would that primarily heavily depend on CPU capacity/usage?
A review of the Beyer DT880 & DT990 would be appreciated. 👍
Very good review, made me consider the VSX again even though I have LCD-X! One minor detail, though: you said this is 'not spatial audio' - If you mean Apple's term for their spatial rendering technology, I see, but if not, then I'm a little confused. Assuming VSX utilizes HRTF binauralisation, then that pretty much _is_ spatial audio, or are they doing something else entirely? Thanks and keep it up! Really enjoy your videos.
Forgive me, it is spatial audio. What I mean is that it is not random 3D audio around the head.
As far as I know, the VSX does utilise HRTF along with some other proprietary technologies.
I didn’t mean to cause any confusion but I hope that clears it up?
@@inthemix thank you! Would have been amazing if they just came up with something else. That cleared it up 👌🏼
Got tired of the "boxiness" of my M50x and needed something new.
Bought the Vsx based on your recomendation and i have to say...
Best Headphones i've ever had.
A great review as always! Perhaps my HD650 and DT 770 Pro, which I currently use when composing my orchestral music, will get a new colleague soon! ;) Thank you!
Did you ever buy the VSX? Want to upgrade my cans for orchestrating, sound design and film composing at the indie level. Curious how dry sample libs, wet sample libs, arranging and mixing to room emulations is valuable.
@@dpixvid No I didn't buy the VSX.
I've been meaning to upgrade from my M70x after using it for years. The M70x is fantasic in my opinion for how clean it sounds, especially for orchestral / instrumental music. Do you think if I should get the VSX or something else for mixing & mastering? I don't mind spending over $300 if there's an even better choice. Thanks!
yes. the Vsx can emulate the M70x and speakers. Worth the money 100%
I am a better musician because of this channel.
Keep rocking!
Thanks Brian. You too!
Well, I picked out the ATH m40x a few years back - Heard it was the most neutral and the 50s actually add bass. Didn't even know there were any 70s yet. Nice to know I didn't waste my time & money with something else. At least I can say that~! 😁
Thanks for the comparison. Since you plase such emphasis on set up of the VSX's would you maybe make a video about how you set them up?
I should have specified that the set up is a one time process that takes around 2 minutes. Its a set up guide produced by SSA which explains the controls on the plugin.
Just ordered the DT 900 Pro X. My ears are very sensitive and I need soft pads and light clamping power. I am excited to try them!
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X are 345g. So I agree that they are heavy. All 7 other headphones I compared them too were between 235g and 290g. So too much pressure on the top of my head for me, which I could tell (when I tested them in the shop) would get uncomfortable over a long session. They did sound fantastic though.
Been umming and erring about VSX for a while, but when Steven Slate said you reviewed it and loved them… that just about got me sold! Respect you a lot so if you say they’re that good they must be amazing
Thanks! If you haven't got them yet, it's a great time to get them because you get some extra rooms free with the standard version here: stevenslateaudio.com/?ref=Wynne
I don't doubt that the Steven Slate VSX are a great pair of headphones, but the video is "The Best Headphones Under $300" and the VSX option that you have sells for £499 (or $615), so double that of the price range in the video. I feel that's VERY important to point out. Also, I'm against DLC in any form, so asking for that premium price for DLC of specific spaces just doesn't sit well with me. Cheers as always for your videos and opinions :)
VSX essentials are $299
@@inthemix They're £329 ($418) from the UK dealer, and as I mentioned in my original comment, the version that you showed with all of the mixing environments is £499 ($615), so my comment stands 👍
I recently bought the VSX headphones, influenced in great part by your glowing review, but i find myself getting ear fatigued quickly when using them. I think perhaps the bass response on my ears is hurting my ears. Did you experience anything similar and if so how did you solve it?
Turn the volume down
This would be more of a general question about headphones and studio speakers since I am just in my first year of mixing. In which instances do you use your headphones and in which your studio speakers and vice versa? I myself have pioneer dm 40 d speakers and crappy headphones. If you read this, thanks for the content. It helped me a lot with getting started in FL Studio
Hi there, thanks for the review. I love your channel. I've never really been good with eq and love listening to electro dance music but these headphones you've reviewed here are really peaking my interest. Do you think it would be worth for me to invest in a pair given these factors. I've currently got a Volt 1 and Apollo Twin and the DT 770 and DT 990. The VSX's seem to be a real step up.
no, those are not headphones to enjoy music with. for that there are better headphones. these are critical listening headphones and a room emulation system to further enhance that CRITICAL listening. not for listening enjoyment.
@@gravity00x For listening enjoyment i'm thinking of refining my headphone search with either Audio Technica M50x, Sennheiser HD 25 or Beyerdynamic Pro X 700 for listening to edm music. Any thoughts on those 2 for this purpose? Thanks
Thank u bro
As a bass player, the VSX headphones sound like a great option for me. I use Ableton live lite with a focusrite scarlett solo gen 3 for recording.
The Grado Labs SR80 or SR125 or SR225 and Koss Porta Pro are an excellent choice too in an open-sounding style! Grado is it like a sense of a life like at a real concert
The Beyerdynamics are so beyond comfortable. I don't need to do mixing, but I wear them for monitoring my dialogue recording and I love them.
Not comfortable at all the ear pads are not deep enough
For me the headband is pretty painfull after 30 minutes
@@Luka_H My biggest apprehension. My DT880 Edition has a contact pressure of 2.8 N(and it really is wearable for hours)...the DT900 pro x has a contact pressure of 5.3N. Sounds way too harsh for me. I wish they would offer a DT900 x Edition with maybe 3,2N like the Amiron Home with nearly the same weight. For me comfort is in he same way important as sound quality. I don´t want to listen to my music with any pain...no!
Superlux HD681F. Fantastic semi-open headphones with a flat response for a low price!
Wow, excellent video, thx. I have to say, though - you are aware that you have the PERFECT model head for wearing and showing headphones, right? Right? 🙂 Cheers from Germany!
Honestly this video is the most convincing case for VSX i've seen yet
Indeed, Michael@InTheMix! ;):)
I was actually just in the market for some headphones after the jack on my DT-770Pro broke, and I don't have the tools to disassemble and solder a new one, so I ended up getting a relatively inexpensive pair of the AKG K72. Not bad for 50 bucks, you just have to wear them at a specific angle. And I got another pair of Sony MDR-7506s, which is what I used years ago, but they honestly sound and feel different than I remember.
The MDR-7506 do not sound the way I remember them either, it's funny that you feel the same way.
some on amazon are fake actually
@@inthemix yeah the MDRs feel like they super compress all the high end for me. Mixing on them does not translate well at all
@@MrBumpalicious same here, when i mix with the sony, my mix then is so close in the trebles ...... my hd280 translate better.
Perfect review and I am a new subscriber! If you could only have one set of headphones to mix with what would you choose-Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or VSX?
both are bad. I recommend you buy sennhieser HD560S or 555 with mod \ 595 and do eq on sub. OR buy ATH R70X
The VSX are very interesting! Do you think they would be also a good choice for video editing? (post-processing/mixing interviews, sound effects, music..)
I didn’t test them for video editing yet but, funnily enough, I was listening to a podcast today and it made the experience so much more comfortable. Hearing the voices out in front of me felt more natural and easier to follow.
I wasn’t expecting that but it did sound good, I think editing on them would require a lot of referencing.
@@inthemix Thank you very much! 🙌🏻 Are there any headphones you would recommend for video editing? Or possibly it can be any of the ones you mentioned in video?
I would like to learn more about sound processing and also invest into more "accurate sounding" sound equipment than the one I use now.. (15€ yenkee speakers) 😅
Awesome video bro I'm excited for you to donate a set to your bigger brother!
I will be donating asap :)
How did you get the mt48 in black?!? Is it limited edition or somthing?!? Great video 👍🏽
I have heard about their modelling technology before and I also believe your word. very interesting stuff but one thing that has been bothering me is the looks. It looks too plasticy and so, it looks cheap even though it. I think a better design, contrasting colours or materials and maybe a better design for the logo would be perfect. I might sound nitpicky but with that they can achieve perfection.
Around a couple of years ago I got the Avantone Planars which are open back and I love their sound, but they are heavy and the headband broke (the entire weight held up by a flimsy plastic brace, so dumb). I've since sort of fixed them myself with some scuffed sewing and extra padding. I got them for like $200. The weight is now giving me headaches, but I don't want to go back to closed back headphones. I am skeptical that the VSX can truly convince you there's nothing on your head while being closed back. Without any software, I have frequently been playing games and heard something that I thought came from elsewhere in the house with my current pair.
What pair of headphones in a 50 to 150 dollar range do you think would be best for strictly vocals. Recording vocals and mixing vocals. all the instrumentals are already professionally mastered and ready for vocals but I want to record them at home on my own time. Will I still need a pair of open back to mix the vocals or is there some kind of closed backs that can work for all vocal situations?
Hello my friend. I have a big question. I see that most of the producers use dt 770 pro. I want to ask what do you think about the choice [ DT 770 pro VS. VSX] Is there a big difference between them? Big Enough!? I know there is a difference for sure, so to make the question straight, is it worth spending additional 250 $ (because that's the price gap) and get VSX? Or is it like "you will do great with both, but VSX gives you a (BIT) better mid depth (or something) and cool features like car,studio,club listening?
I recently switched to the VSX (after 10+ years with the DT770), and no regret. But still prefer the DT770 for its confort and building quality, if Slate would make their headphone as strong as the DT, it would be the ultimate combo (also with a more solid cable, the one I got was broken right out of the box).
Slate got the DT770 in their emulation (and it's pretty close to the original I own), and I notice that the DT770 80 ohm is very different from the 250 ohm version. I only own the 80 ohm version, so if you try both, is it really that different ?
i have both here .... yes not the same. The 250 ohm is more precise in the mids, they sound more flat with a little more trebles. The 80ohm sound with more bass, but less precise for mixing.
@@ChrisBessy oh that's interesting I have 80ohm, need to try 250 then
Have you considered checking the 200~ range? Or some sennheiser options rather. I just bought a pair of Senns 560s which don't have many reviews yet! Not as detailed as these at least. Thanks for the good video as always!
Thank you. My previous review ($50-150) does cover a few $200 options due to inflation.
I didn’t feel that there were enough offerings around the $200 mark to make a whole video. It seems that most companies focus on $100, $250-$300, $500 with some then specialising beyond $1500.
As for the Senns, there wasn’t a pair in the price range that was rated very well (that I could find). Many of their models are loved and respected in the industry but the price is often higher than what I reviewed here.
However, the 560 did look interesting snd if I could remake my $50 to $150/200 video review I would certainly include then and put them to the test. Thanks for the feedback and questions!
Is there a recommendation of how to set the vxs up properly, I currently own them but can’t use the software because it doesn’t sound right to my ears, I just end up using the headphones, glad I watched your video and hope there is an answer to this
Cheers
So I actually got the VSX headphones and I experienced something I haven't really heard anyone talking about, so I thought I'd leave a comment.
The psychoacoustic effect that they use to get that sub bass frequency feels extremely uncomfortable to my ears. I'm not sure why because I've heard no one else talk about this, but it almost feels like a physical pressure on your eardrums. To me, I can barely stand it for longer than 30 minutes and it's why I will likely be returning them.
I think it might be analogous to pressing your ear against a quiet subwoofer. No matter how quiet I listen, that pressure is always there. Also a few other things to note are that the headband does start to hurt after listening for a while, and the fact that they're closed back means your ears will get kinda hot and sweaty.
In summary, it is impressive that they managed to get the bass response they did, but I think it comes at a severe cost of comfort.
thank you for your comment ..... :)
I enjoyed this. I clicked because I was looking for a headphone that would be good for for apple hi-res using a DAC with an iPhone with a bit of low end punch
Is there something in this list that may do that
Cheers
I'm total in love with my Sony XM4 wondering on opinions...?
@inthemix what’s ur second favorite and why
Thank you for the comparison! But I'm a bit confused, if you don't want to use the software that comes with VSX, are they still so great?
Without software the headphones are good, in my opinion. I think the best option is to use the linear 2 model in the software if you want the headphones to sound their best.
The raw headphone sound is not designed to be optimal on its own and is more of a blank canvas for modelling, as far as I am aware.
please tutorial on how you do your hair mate? ;)
AKG k702's were on sale last month for £80 brand new
Of all things they are amazing gaming headphones (very clear, very good sound stage and the lack of bass and boosted highs is a good thing here).
Im very curious as to what you think about the AIAIAI studio headphones 🙂
Hi. First off I want to say that I'm not an expert and what I'm going to say it's just my thought and experience. Before you spoke about the AKG I was expecting the "not enough bass", it's something I noticed in every AKG to be honest, people always tell me that AKGs are good, for recording, mixing, monitoring, etc. But when I produce with them I use to mix low end real bad, so I would never recommend any AKG.
I had the same experience as you, it seems. Thanks for sharing your input. The more opinions and reviews, the better!
Same here...I have some AKG 271 MK ll...no bass at all !!! Not very comfy for many hours. What i do like is that the sound mutes when you take them off. I got them 10 years ago for like 180€. Never again. 😉
At the moment im using the Superlux HD660 Pro for 49€....AND they sound 10 times better than the AKG. But im thinking about the DT700 or DT900 or even the VSX now...👍
@@tak-pa3134 Nah fam, it really depends, you can't do no trap, or drill without powerful ad distorted 808s. To make music and mix it as you want you need to hear it as flat as you can, that means without boosting or attenuating the low end or boosting the high-end. That's why certain gear is used as standard, like monitors, headphones, etc.
@@JoyfulWAVE i have the same AKG 271 MKII, no Bass, with sonarworks they have bass but the sound overall then feels wrong.
It Would be Nice If could Do a "best budget Microphones" as well
Love the video, but I'll take this with a hefty brick of salt. Every time a new, affordable piece of gear comes out, it's touted as the next best thing at half the cost with twice the features. That being said, I've heard great things about the VSX, but I've also seen everyone and their mother advertise for and be sponsored by Slate Digital in the last couple months. I think time will tell if this is a passing trend or an innovation. I'm a big fan of SD, but I like to wait for the marketing frenzy to die down a bit. That way if I'm disappointed in the purchase, there's no one to blame but myself.
Edit: and where are the 280 Pro's?!
The 280 pros are unusable for mixing, they are more suited to broadcast and live playback situations. I reviewed them in my previous video ($50 to $150 review) if you would like to know my thoughts?
I wanted to point out that SD is a different company from SSA in case there was some confusion.
I was also highly skeptical of the VSX system but ultimately the sound and money back guarantee won me over. Researching and buying what you are most comfortable with is a good strategy, I hope my video helped.
@@inthemix Oof, I guess it's a good thing mine have been relegated to tracking use these days, but I always got decent mixes out of them. and yes, my mistake SSA, not SD. Swear I'll mix those up till the end of time...
Your videos are always a big help for gathering information on gear and mixing, so thanks for that!
i mean, have you seen the other thousands of reviews on the VSX post headband replacement? they are all genuinly and overwhelmingly positive. I was as skeptical, as you at first too. if you're still skeptical, take a look at the small youtubers, who arent getting paid to do any reviews. If that vaguely peaks your interest, grab them, test them for a day or two, depending on what your return policy is in your country, and if you find everyone else has been straight out lying, just send them back and get your money back lol. I got mine and was so blown away, that for the first time in my life buying a product, I reached out to the guy making them and actually thanked him. I know sounds like a massive shill, but they are just that good, there is nothing else that can be said about them.
Comfort is a weird aspect of headphone reviews. I mean, it's obviously very subjective as said here. But I also feel it's probably the single most important aspect of a headphone, especially if it's wrong. I mean, I can get by with a little bit weird sound profile, but I can't get by with an uncomfortable set. I have especially loved reviews that go into detail on the comfort side, as it's also something many manufacturers don't go into detail themselves! For example, ear pad measurements are something that's invaluable to people with big ears. Some manufacturers call 35mm inner diameter pads over-ears, but for me about 55mm is the minimum to actually go around the ear.
Is there a program on the market that compensates for hearing loss in certain frequency ranges? Seems like something Mr. Slate should look into.
I used to use audiotechnica and akg but now Im happy to use Audeze lcd
1 with little correction ffq3 and canopener crossfeed on master.
That sounds like a very tuned set up. Enjoy it!
VFX headphones suggestion for the next model: build in DSP in the headband for saving the "Room Settings" so you can use the headphones anywhere without needing the software. An on/off switch for the DSP
That’s actually a pretty neat idea. Would probably cost a lot but I’d be happy to see it!
This is super interesting, because from what I remembered you prefer open back headphones, and in general I've heard open backs give you better stereo field and are better for mixing and mastering.
But now you're saying that the VSX headphones are this good, that they can beat even speakers, which are the most open back you can get audio to sound like, how can a closed back headphones can even be compared to speakers?
I'm really curious if high end open back headphones like the DT 1990, or even high end closed back headphones can be compared to that (and ofcourse let's assume you're in a quiet environment with a proper audio interface that can drive both)
Because I was so sure these would be my dream headphones and now I'm starting to question myself and perhaps the VSX are just better.
Also just for context, I want to upgrade my DT 770 pro, and I have proper speakers
Sundara?
Impressive. Giveaway please 🥺
I think the ATH strenght is not really issue. On my m50 I had too much clamping force but you can put earcups on the table and push headband basically all the way to the table to strech it out a bit. It's really scary to do but it survived with no issues.
It is most definitely a concern. I purchased M70x and used them lightly for studio recording and mixing - the earcup snapped off within 6 months of use. Never again!
thanks for this video !
a few things id like to ask
1)have you compared VSX to Audeze LCD X or MM500? Completely different price range and planar magnetic but just curious how you feel about them as mixing headphones compared to the VSX?
2) which monitors do you consider PSI to be as good as? ATC SCM 25? Genelec 8341? Hedd Type 20? curious if you compared with any of these.....
3) Did you find your PSI speakers (or any others previously owned) to sound better due to better D to A conversion in the new audio interface here ? (compared to a mid tier Apollo Twin X?).
4) can you do a review on the Apollo Twin X (desktop) D to A conversion quality, and if possible compare with Lynx Hilo / RME UCX 2 / Apogee Symphony?
thanks so much!
Thanks for the questions.
1) LCD X, yes. The VSX models them well but of course, they will sound different on different heads. The size, weight and fit are vastly different. LCD X would need corrective EQ and crossfeed software for them to be useful to me as a monitoring solution. The price of that all added up is eye-watering, to me!
2) The PSIs blew the ATC SCM 25 out of the water, the bass on the ATCs was, frankly, pathetic and I was not impressed with the value for money. I have not compared the PSIs to the Genelecs or Hedds but I have yet to hear a monitor of this size that is anywhere close to as good as the PSIs. They were not my first choice, I really wanted the ATCs to be the one.
The care that they build these speakers with is simply unmatched imo. I wish they sponsored me because it was a big investment!
3) Surprisingly, no. When you spend £500-800 and above I can't reliably hear the difference. If you blind-tested me, I would be guessing!
Below £500 there is quite a big difference in the imaging and L/R balance which a trained ear could pick up.
4) Maybe one day!
@@inthemix
Thanks so much for your response ! I really appreciate it! I agree that LCD X is a lot of money......it also would fall off my head if I leaned forward or looked down.....
1) do you use PSI ACTIVE 25 M?
those are like $15k for a pair!! my oh my
do you find the mid range on PSI to be as good as ATC?
2) regarding D to A conversion,
(i) I have a question - this would only affect the quality of audio sent from laptop to speaker (if using analog connection), however, if we use a digital connection, the D to A quality would not matter?
- I guess this is important because many speakers today with corrective EQ anyway convert the analog signal to a digital signal using its in built converter
(ii) if we mix in the box, does it matter whether we finally bounce the track using audio interface or just from the laptop? in other words, if digital remains digital, then the audio interface would not affect the quality of the bounced file?
3) regarding the comfort of the VSX, I have a wide head, I find the Beyerdynamic 700 pro X to be pretty comfortable (the previous DT 770 was even more comfortable as it had even less clamping force), in this aspect, is the. VSX as comfortable ?
Thanks so much! wish you loads of creative inspiration!
I started watching this channel for the wrong reason the I’m learning so much😊
Although you mentioned the VSXs sound good on their own. Without the software, how would you say they sound compared to the rest? I know it somewhat defeats their purpose, but I'm still interested in what the headphones are like on their own.
Very nicely detailed and flat on their own. They definitely shine with the software though
Great video! So The VSX is way beyond the waves NX stuff?
Thank you! Truthfully it has been a long time since I used NX. My experience at the time was not positive and I decided not to showcase it on the channel. I think combining a purpose built headphone with the software is what makes it work for me. I wonder if others who have tried it could add to the discussion?
Yes, it is way superior