Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Monitor Headphones
Comment came in asking about what people think might be a good set of Headphones for Monitoring Audio. I thought it would be interesting to hear the different options out there, so
phone lines web lines are open, if you've got a favorite pair, leave your comments about Who, Why, and Where can we find them...
[Update] We got some great feedback in the comments about some great Headphones that are used in the industry.
Tech Support
I think that Sony MDR 7560 brings the best headphones for the devices and are also budget friendly.It is good to use them for gaming as well as listening music. They provide a very good user experience.
Rem
While it's true that this thread is old, it's also true that there are still so many people out there looking for the best mixing headphones for them. I actually just got my first pair of headphones after reading so many articles and lists of
the best studio monitoring headphones online. I ended up getting the Audio Technica ATH-M50x. At first I thought it was overrated and wouldn't live up to the type, but I was wrong and I'm glad I was. It sounds excellent! I use it everyday and I never tire of the way it sounds. If you don't have it yet, you definitely should go get it.
BobS
I know this thread is old but I had to chime in. I recently threw my still working Sony 7506 phones in the trash and never looked back. After years of cussing at the dang coiled cable I had enough. It gets caught on every cable that gets near it and constantly is a tangled mess. If they had a straight cabled version I'd use them again. With the coiled cable ill never buy another pair. Using Shure and Beyerdynamic now.
Katie
bah. Im torn between the Sony MDR-7506, the Beyerdynamic DT 770s and the Sennheiser HD 280's....
any audiophiles out there to push me toward one pair of cans over the others??
Archie
I use the Sennheiser HD 215
, I love the rotating earcup so I just swivel one earcup around talk to the crew and rotate it back in place.
https://www.trustedreviews.com/Sennheiser-HD-215-headphones_Peripheral_review
David Grant
Sennheiser HD 25-1 II
Superb!
BBC use them all the time, nuff said.
David Grant
Not Monster Beats by Dr. Dre - Over-hyped nonsense
Elliot
Is there a difference between the 7506 and the v6? Right now, on amazon, the 7506 is about 20 bucks more than the v6.
Patrick
audio technica m-50
Videocam
I also agree with the Sony 7506, I used to use them when I was in radio. Good except they can fall off the head a bit easily and the earpads tend to come off and are not easy to get back on. Also make sure not to wrap the cord around the headphones when storing, but gently drop the cord into the included bag...if you dont, the cord will become a stretched, tangled mess instead of a nice coil.
One reason the AKG headphones beat out the Sony is the fact that the cord is replaceable on the AKG headsets.
Videocam
Hands down the AKG-271, but if size is an issue, the AKG-171 series is good as well.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=AKG+271&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=AKG+171&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
Simon
Considering sound isolation, comfort over many hours and useful tonal response, there is no match for the Sony 7506
when recording audio for video.
About 90% of radio people and location sound mixers wear these in my market and wearing something like Dr Dre's would earn you little respect among pros and clients.
The Sony 7506's also fold up nicely into the provided bag, the 1/4" adapter screws on and stays put. Pro audio gear uses 1/4" almost exclusively.
They will last quite a while with metal parts where it counts.
They do tend to accenuate the low end - this is a plus since any boom handling sounds, fridge, plane or traffic noises will be very obvious so you can deal with it. If you can't it always sounds better in post.
Since they are a near standard, you can get used to them wherever you work and others who want a quick listen to the last take will be used to them.
These are also excellent on long flights since they have good isolation but without the tight head clamp feel of way over priced/rated Bose models.
https://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=263
has them and the replacement parts.
For super loud environments (NASCAR) mixers use these: https://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=255&cat=109&page=1
Pingback:
Audio tips from JuicedLink Part #1 – Oliviatech » CheesyCam
Jean-Philippe Archibald
MDR-7506
! Industry standard, every professionnal sound guy know and use them. Good isolation, and wide range. You will heard everything the microphone will pick.
I am using my set for 10 years now and they are still great. I just had to replace the protective foam one time (available for 10$).
Dustin
Not sure if most of ya'll are talking about monitoring in studio or in the field. For me, in studio I use a nice big set of open backed AKG K-240
, mostly because that's what an audio professor recommended to me when I was in school 6 years ago......but in the field, (and I do mostly live events), I use cheap (around $30) ear buds because the sound quality is certainly good enough to know what you're getting, but it doesn't allow your audio to bleed into the room disturbing guests/audience members, and it doesn't allow outside noise to get in our ear. Nothing isolates like a "marshmallow" earbud, so that's my go-to in the field.
Daniel
Hey PHugger,
How about the Etymotic ER6i (Ear Buds) | $99? Are they good enough for sound monitoring?
Thanks!
Mikula
Im a producer / audio engineer and tried a lot of headphones over the years. You can go wild if you got the cash, but if you're looking for industry standards for a reasonable price go for the Beyer Dynamic DT770 or the DT990
Nick
I've never seen a pro sound guy with anything other than Sony 7506's on. Literally never anything else. I own pair and love them.
PHugger
For full sized 'cans' I really like Sennheiser and Beyer Dynamic. My favorites 'In-ears' are Etymotics ER4s. The ER4s are kind of pricey, but they are very comfortable (once you get used to sticking something deep into your ears) especially on hot days. They also have the highest ambient noise reduction of anything out there. The brand name Active Noise canceling cans are only around -15db. The ER4s are around -40db.
Deepak
Sennheiser headphones are the shit!
Dan Burke
Sony MDR-7506 great, industry-standard and comfortable.
Yanni
I have the Audio-Technica ATH-M40fs, but they have the larger 1/4'' jack. I was worried that with the tip sleeve attachment that it was going to break in my Zoom. So I went out and bought this Sonyhttps://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRNC7-BLK-Canceling-headphones/dp/tags-on-product/B001EYU3L2
and I was surprisingly impressed. They're very inexpensive, small and fold up for storage. They're not as comfortable, but they get the job done.
Christian Truong
These never break or blow out. They also conform to any head shape. Sound quality is 9/10.
Sennheiser HD25-1 II Closed Back Professional Headphone with Swivel Earcups
michel
Kelly, you made my day!
Anthony
Really like teh Audio-Technica ones. I have the ATH-M45 but I think they have been replaced by the ATH-M50s now: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50S-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U
j hanna
@Kelly
I really really want to rock hello kitty headphones.
That's awesome.
Dan
After trying on a bunch of different headphones, I settled on the Sennheiser HD 280's as they were the most comfortable for long hours of post production and sound amazing for music listening.
Ryan P
Thanks so much @Emm and everyone that responded, I just purchased the Sennheiser 280 Pros!
Emm
Post author@Kelly - LOL, i'll send you a $20 dollar Amazon Gift card if you rock those headphones and do a video review! No Joke!
Kelly
https://www.target.com/Hello-Kitty-Headphones-11609-Black/dp/B004CRIG76/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=hello_kitty_headphones&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-2&qid=1298654748&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Hello%20Kitty%20Headphones%2011609%20Black&node
Best bang for your buck.....no joke!
SkunkWorks
I have a pair Sennheiser HD 280 Pro as well, the ones in your picture.
I use them for tracking purposes in my home recording studio because of their sound isolation property. Because of that property, be aware that you might not be able to hear much of what's going on around you while wearing them... if that's going to be an issue for you.
They fit tight, some think that makes thems uncomfortable over extended periods of time, but at least they're not going to fall off your head if you're moving around alot š
They have a complete lack of mid bass compared to any higher end "open" design phone, but for what you guys would use them for I don't think that's an issue... just don't try to mix music with them š For monitoring they're fine. They have a low impedance so it doesn't take much power to drive them.
The faux leather on the ear pads will degrade pretty quick... I know lots of guys using these in their studios and I don't know a single one whose this hasn't happened to and it doesn't take long if they get regular use, especially if you sweat alot.
There are cheaper options for this intended use.
1/4" and 3.5mm jack with adapter.
George
I have been using the Sony MDR 7506's ,after a sound director at a movie set suggested them as the best bang for the buck for everything audio related, for about a year now and i have to say im really astonished.I can wear them for hours,they are extremely comfortable,they dont "colour" sound or enhance bass the way my Sennheiser hd 203 used to,i even sound design with them although that is a faulty practice in general.To my pretty mucj untrained ears they sound absolutely "real" and wonderful.
One thing you should be really aware of if you decide to puschase them online via ebay...There a LOT of imitations around and there are a couple of dead giveaways to spot one,just search online on how to spot imitation/fake 7506's.
The ebay seller i bought mine listed them for 40USD's and i risked it,but the store shut down before i left feedback.Thankfully the same sound guy in the set had the same one as a backup to monitor audio and we compared them.Thankfully it was the real deal.
apostolos
Using the Senns HD280 for a few years now, very happy with them.
Aaron B
x10 on the Sony MDR-7506. I've been running them for 15 years. Only issue is as they age, the shiny "vinyl" coating on the ear pads flakes off and can stick to your head. Making temporary, but odd looking black birthmarks. haha
John
I switched over to BeyerDynamic a couple of years ago.
The sound out of my DT-100s is just fantastic, difficult to beat, but in terms of comfort while still also getting top quality sound, I love my DT-250s and tend to use those much more often.
Daniel
anybody here old school enough to know/like the good ol' AKG K240 (or any number above) headphones? they are to me the best!But kinda expensive to rake on the road. I've seen sound engineers have them for many years onthe road. also the Grado sr80 or the 225. The Grado headphones are known for their accurate and very flat response, which to me is what you really want to edit, monitor with.
cheers!
Randy
Sony MDR-7506 are prevalent among audio pros. When I was looking they were $100 so I went with the Sony MDR-V6 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358337-REG/Sony_MDRV6_MDR_V6_Closed_Back.html
The MDR-V6 are nearly identical to the 7506, but the V6 have broader dynamic range. They're great, clean sounding phones with excellent sound isolation.
Martin Taylor
Sennheiser HD 202 MK II https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-202-MK-Professional/dp/B003LPTAYI
Cheap, tough, light, comfortable, seal out background noise, pretty neutral
ronn
Sony MDR-7506 are all I use for video. About $80.
Evan Butka
Sennheiser HD280Pro!!
Tony
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49510-REG/Sony_MDR_7506_MDR_7506_Headphone.html
Sony 7506's are a staple in the video production industry... and they were my favorites before I even worked in the business. They accentuate the highs just a little bit more than some people like, but you really know if your audio is clean or noisy with that boost. Other than that, they're fairly accurate over the rest of the spectrum so you can be sure what you're hearing is what you're recording. I have three pair, one in my audio kit, one in my camera bag, and one in my office... so I'm almost never without them.
Chris
Seinheisser HD-280 Pro - best bang for buck.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/240764-REG/Sennheiser_HD_280PRO_HD_280_Pro.html
Dave
Iām a big fan of the Sennheiser HD-280ās. A lot of people are still using the standard Sony models like the MDR-7506, but my personal preference are the Sennheisers. They seal out noise pretty well and are comfortable to wear for hours on end. I know of several professional field recordists who have switched to the 280ās because they like the sound better than the Sony's, but the industry is often slow to change and the Sony's are standard. Either way you can't go wrong, and fortunately they are both only about $99, so it's not a ridiculous investment for a good-quality tool.
Dave
I'm a big fan of the Sennheiser HD-280's. A lot of people are still using the standard Sony models like the MDR-7506, but my personal preference are the Sennheisers. I know of several professional field recordists who have switched to the 280's.
Enrique
I would have to go with the BeyerDynamic DT770, for around 250$ that is. I have used them and can say that have better response versus AKG 240 and Senheiser HD series.
Dan
I've been using these headphones for a while! They are great and cheap Sennheiser hd202
Newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106306&cm_re=sennheiser_hd_202-_-26-106-306-_-Product
Mikkel
I really like Sennheiser HD25-1 II
Douglas Bischoff
The ones you picture are the ones I use. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. Lightweight, 1/8" OR 1/4" jack (with a threaded adapter, included), good isolation, excellent frequency response.
At $99 they are a steal!
-Doug
Halldor
I like monitoring my Zoom H1 with my Sennheiser RS 160
. They are cordless with batteries that last for a long time. The sender is really small and uses two AA batteries so I can place the H1 with the sender where ever I want to as long as it isn't over 20 meters away. š
lex vgs
senhieser, look like the ones you have posted. i have 2 of them.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/240764-REG/Sennheiser_HD_280PRO_HD_280_Pro.html
jameszvideo
I personally opt for the Sennheiser HD25-1 II
.
Pros:
- Nice definition throughout the frequency spectrum
- When I wear them I almost only hear what's coming from the headphones; not the surroundings, (this enables you to monitor with relativ low volume; your ears will thank you in the long run), but
- Is also able to deliver nice volume
- Durable*
Neutral:
- Price
Cons:
- *The cable, or to be more specific: the connection from where the cable goes into the earpiece is very sh*tty. You'll need to fix this after a while
allen
Sennheisers HD 280 pro of course. They are only 100 bucks and they are pretty much industry standard in production and in music studios.
Marco
I use these
Quietheadphones.com/product/ex-25/
They work like a charm.
I bought them for my recording studio. I usually use them with drummers.
Mike
Audio-Technica ATH-M50
, best bang for the buck š
J Toha
One vote for Sennheiser HD 202
.
Lightweight, quite rugged constructions and comfortable to wear for extended period of time. For music, I hear many layers of instruments that I've never noticed before when using external speakers. Haven't taken it much for outdoor shoot, but I'm a firm believer it does more than a decent job at it.
Mark 2 version is coming out, so must have had some improvements. I bought the previous version for just under $20. Check it out!
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751924-REG/Sennheiser_HD202_II_HD_202_II_Closed_Back_Around_Ear.html
Tom
Sony MDR-7506. They're the professional industry standard set of cans. They sound pretty good, and have good sound isolating ability. They retail for around $100 give or take a bit. So they're not too expensive but they're not cheap either. You're getting quality for your money, if any part of them brakes you can replace that part through Sony's repair service. The most important thing is that sound guys learn how things sound when wearing these headphones. If you work with other people they're great to have around.
If you want to save money I'd recommend the Sennheiser HD 202. I've seen them selling for around $20-30 and there is nothing wrong with them. They'll do just fine while you save up for better equipment.
Filips
I used to work in radio station and really loved Roland RH-200 High audio and built quality, coiled cable, metal 1/4 jack with screwable 3/4 jack adapter. I'm planing to pick up ones myself for monitoring purpose.
Sony mdr-v6 looks similar in design. However i haven't tried them.
Martynas
Sennheiser HD25-1 II
All the way. Lightweight, incredible sound quality, great isolation and compact.
Dave
Iv got ACS T15's...
Hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=115
They are great as they are small - really comfortable to wear - and as they are custom molded I get a great isolation so I know whats being recorded not what I can hear ambiently.
Also have some Sennheiser HD 202
cans that are nice.
Joe Hewes
Just up my ally, I love headphones and have a ton of them.
for monitoring audio on location for minimal cost it's hard not to look at the sennheiser hd 280 pro (the same from the blog picture). They aren't as comfortable as I'd like and the sound is.... good for the price.
My next choice would be the beyerdynamic DT 770 pro. It's a rock solid set of cans that are really comfortable. The open air design (still closed back) actually helps them sound a lot fuller and more true than comparable headphones.
and when money is no object, some Grado ps1000's with a tube amp. Or a good set of electrostatic headphones. As a practical point neither would be durable enough to take out on shoots anyway.
I know sony makes some decent stuff for monitoring, but I haven't used their stuff enough to give my thoughts.
Basically for the Cheesy Cam crowd, pick up some HD 280's and be done
Hugh
I haven't tried too many but I decided on this Sennheiser HD428 refurb set on eBay for $29.99 with free shipping. They're very light, fit completely over the ears (so they block a decent amount of background noise) and they're still comfortable with extended use. Durability is the only issue as it's all plastic construction, but for under 30 bucks delivered, I'll take my chances.
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390292289009#ht_4045wt_1124
Serge
https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Studio-Dr-Dre-Noise-Canceling/dp/B001DD55OE
Serge
*them
Serge
Monster Beats by Dr. Dre and Power Beats
too.
seems every music artist is having a cookie cutter version named after they such as the Justin Beiber edition, the P-Diddy ones too but the pro edition Monster and Power are no gimmicks.
Every Major DJ uses them and Seen a couple of behind the scenes where Yoyo Ma is using them in his recording sessions, a lot of people are.
Here is a review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D5IxpbJltA
And here is a couple of recording artist (Paris Hilton?? shes everywhere beats me, no pun intended)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3Kg8o5Rc0&feature=related
Jason
I have the pair you have pictured.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Love um. Best cans I ever bought
MartijnGizmo
I've got the Sony MDR 7560, as I found out by some googling that they're supposed to be really good for cameramen on a budget. They've been great so far, they do sound a bit flat if you use them to listen to music, but that's a good thing when monitoring sound for video. Wearing comfort is really good too, even with glasses on.