Mar 10, 2015 08:29 am I'll be of zero help here, the best set of headphones I've ever had for recording is a set I got on sale at Radio Shack about 10 years ago for about $16...
LOL, and I am serious.
Looking to upgrade some gear...
Posted on Mar 10, 2015 07:46 am
RockWood610
John
Member Since: May 06, 2007
Hi guys,
I'm currently looking to update some of my current gear and add a couple pieces.
Right now, I'm in dire need of new headphones for tracking. As the current ones I have are starting to see their last days.
I do a lot of ordering of gear through Sweetwater, as I have the same sales rep I deal with every time I shop there.
My sales rep Lindsay suggested to me the Sennheiser HD280s for tracking headphones in the $100 price range,.and she said the Focal Spirit Pros are great for mixing.
I looked around online, and I saw high star reviews at several places for both those headphones. I don't have the proper room or monitors to mix, so I'm hoping a good pair of phones will help me, as I really wanna try mixing ny own tracks now instead of sending them off to other studios.
Do you guys have any suggestions on other phones I should look into?
I was also thinking about getting a new vocal mic. I currently do all my vocals and acoustic guitars with my MXL V63M. I've had the mic since 2003, and it has fine me well over the years, but I was wondering if there are other options out there now I should look into?
I do a lot of acoustic recordings ava Rock/metal where there is a lot of screaming and harder vocals. Any suggestions on what I should look into? I don't have many mics at this point, so I'm looking to expand a bit...
Thanks in advance fellas!
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Mar 10, 2015 08:29 am I'll be of zero help here, the best set of headphones I've ever had for recording is a set I got on sale at Radio Shack about 10 years ago for about $16...
LOL, and I am serious.
Mar 10, 2015 09:26 am General consensus is you want closed back headphones for tracking. For mixing, while using headphones isn't the best choice, I understand the limitations, but you would want open back headphones for mixing, or at least semi-open back.
For mixing, you want open or at least semi-open back headphones, so I would suggest either a good pair of Grados for mixing (something John Scrip suggested a while back), or something like the AKG K240S headphones, which are semi-open back. Open back headphones can give you a better sense of space/position compared to closed back headphones. But they will bleed into the mic.
I generally liked the Senn HD280 Pros when I heard them, but ultimately, I ended up getting the Shure SRH 440 headphones which are about the same price. I do find that in a pinch, I can get an okay ballpark mix on the Shure cans even though they are closed back, and I feel like they're fairly neutral sounding. The Shures also seal really well, so little to no mic bleed.
The only problem I have with the shures is the headband cushion is realllllly thin, so I bought some lined leather fabric and high density foam at JoAnn's to make a headband cushion and used double-sided tape to attach it. Now I can wear them for hours without discomfort (and they're slightly on the heavy side) Before I made the cushion, I was getting headaches after about 15 minutes.
I think, given your situation, needing headphones for both recording and mixing duties, get the semi-open AKG 240 Studio headphones. They are the same price as the Sennheisers. They are closed enough to where leakage/mic bleed should be minimal, but open enough to get a decent response and space perception. Kind of the best of both worlds. You should be able to get a decent ballpark mix on them, and then fine tune the mix after listening in other places, like in the car.
Mar 10, 2015 11:48 am Wow J bot. Thanks a million. You just saved me a good chunk of change. I can actually snag a few issues of these so my guys and I can work on the mix together.
What are your thoughts on a mic?
Mar 10, 2015 02:21 pm Well, what mics do you have now, and what do you plan to record? The whole band at one time, or one at a time? Which mics have you been considering?
I'm still fairly "rookie-ish" so I can't tell you which is the best mic for a certain vocal quality, or guitar/cab combination, etc. etc.
I tend to small-mic the drums. Meaning 3 or 4 mics. A pair of LDC mics as overheads,(I have a pair of SE2200A MKII Cardioid mics) both pointed at their half of the snare, and spaced so I can pick up some of the toms and cymbals. SM57 on the edge of the snare head, and my Beta 52 on the kick. Mostly because when live recording, I've only got 8 inputs to use on a band.
An SM7B is a large diaphragm dynamic mic, and a great utilitarian mic that works well on many sources. So, it's a great mic to have handy. Usable on kick, good for bass cab, great for those rock vocals.
For guitars/cabs, depending on what you and/or the band wants, you could either put an SM57 on the cab halfway between the center and the edge of the cone as a starting point. Or you could consider going DI, or use a multi-fx like a zoom g3x. (I just got one, and it's a fun little pedal, though I'm still teaching myself guitar)
I did use an SM57 on a bass cab the first couple trips out since I was a little overprotective of my SM7B, but it's not an ideal sound. Better to use a large diaphragm dynamic like a Beta 52 or SM7B, or maybe something like a Heil PR40, which is supposed to be a pretty good mic for low frequency sources. I did eventually take my SM7B out to record the bass cab....turned out quite a bit better.
A Rode NT1A or NT2A is also a good solid LDC mic choice that's usable for different situations.
Mar 10, 2015 03:24 pm Ugh, I do apologize Jbot. I should have known better to ask such a general question. I forgot that I didn't explain my setup yet ha.
Let me go through my setup...
I originally got into home recording for myself, but I have branched off into recording local bands/friends. I have not done much of it the last couple years, but am looking to get back into the swing of things.
I only mic guitars and vocals. No drums. For drums I am using an Alesis DM10 Pro Studio kit with Superior Drummer 2.0. I do not own any pre-amps. I usually use digital pres through my Line 6 UX8 interface. Which leads me to the Sm7B.... I had one... but sold it because I didn't think it was worth keeping without a physical pre amp, when I actually used it through the line 6 UX8 successfully once for metal vocals...
My current only mic I own for the studio is a MXL V63M condenser mic. I bought it in 2003, and it has done me pretty well over the years. I am just looking to expand on my mics for different situations. I also had an sm57 at one point, but sold that when i stopped doing a lot of projects.
My current project is my own band, and we do metal. I am the vocalist. This will be the first band I mix up both screaming vocals as well as melodic ones. I can do both with the MXL, but I really wanna try and experiment with different mics for different sounds. I also want to get into mixing again, as I haven't done much of it since 2010, and I am really tired of having all the tools/plugins for mixing, but paying someone else to finish my projects for me....
I have just been out of the recording loop for a couple years, and I am looking to get back into it more now. I like the headphones you suggested, and I might go back to the Sm7B. Is a pre-amp needed for that mic? Or can you pull of a decent sound with it using digital plugins line Line 6 Pod Farm or Gearbox? I am currently using Gearbox plugin for our guitars, but I also own a Line 6 Spider IV head/cab combo that we plan on Micing for certain effects....
Sorry for the ramble ha. I am half asleep at this point trying to pick out the right gear to snag...
Mar 10, 2015 10:00 pm The SM7B does like a good bit of clean gain. I think a good pre-amp that can supply at least 60dB of gain is what it likes to have available. Depending on your budget, you could look at something like one of the Warm Audio pre-amps like the TB12 which has some tone shaping capabilities, or the WA12, or something like a Grace Designs M101. Someone also recommended fivefishstudios if you're handy with soldering, or into 500 series pres. They are good solid preamps, but as we know, good pre-amps aren't super cheap.
So, my thoughts, if you end up using the Spider cab, I'd try throwing an SM57 on it. You can always experiment with the position of the mic a bit.
I don't know what mic would be best for metal vocals. I would think the SM7B would be a strong contender and the standard choice. But you could try a Beta 58a at half the price, and see how well that works.
Mar 11, 2015 01:05 am Damn Jbot... you got me looking into going into a small debt haha. I'm going to have to do some research here....
I honestly have never used a stand alone pre amp for mics before. The thought of it never crossed my mind with the whole 'built in pre amp' slogan line 6 uses on the UX8.
In the line 6 gearbox/podfarm setups, they have the software pre amps. That's what I always used to boost mic signal. Reading up on it, I'm learning this might be a no no, as those are to just add tones to the mic track, and not designed to do proper line level.
So, I guess I might be re-evaluating my gear list here. I was thinking about the headphones, a mic, a new pair of monitors (I currently have a small set of Samson 40a) but I think I might consider a pre amp now as well.
Like I said, I've never used a physical pre amp before, and I'm not sure what type of settings should be used with one. I'm not really good with EQ knowledge, which I'm sure has a lot to do with it...
Here's my options budget wise. Give me your opinion on what YOU would do if you where in my situation...
I can buy a single item from Sweetwater with 3 years of interest free payments if the item is $699.00 or more. I can then get a separate order of whatever items I want if the total is $500 or more on another account with no interest for a year that I can pay off by next year easy. So I'm looking at an over all budget of $1200.00. I'll get the headphones and other smaller items on the $500.00 account.
I'm thinking since the pre amps are the most cash, I'd buy a good one from Sweetwater to get the 3 year deal. I wouldn't wanna go any higher then $750, $800 max. If you think a solid pre amp is needed in my setup to really add to the quality of my recordings, I would like to get one. I'm even willing to shoot a video of my room/setup and YouTube it so you can see what I have to work with if it will help get me the details/opinions needed...
I have a couple weeks before these financing options expire, so I have a little time to make sine decisions...
Thanks for any future replies!
Mar 11, 2015 07:42 am Yeah, I know a decent preamp can be a bit costly. But, honestly I don't think you really need it at this point.
I did a quick search/look, and the UX8 you have has +60dB gain on its XLR inputs, and that is pretty standard. They won't sound flipping amazing, but they should be decently usable even with an SM7B mic.
So, I think shelve the idea of an outboard pre-amp for now, and use that money towards other stuff. I was just listing suggestions as to what's out there. You can always save up for one later if you think you need it for, say, vocals or something. Besides, placement and position of the mic in the room is going to influence the recording more than an outboard preamp.
What I would do, is get what will do the job decently that you feel comfortable spending money on right now, and try my hardest to avoid any monthly payment plans, haha. You could get a Beta 58a mic for $150 instead of the SM7B at $350, and probably still get good vocals out of it. I'd also get an SM57 ($100) for the Spider and other sources. It's a good all around mic to have on hand.
Then you've got the AKG 240 Studio headphones for $100 which will be pulling double duty for tracking and mixing.
You might consider upgrading the monitors, sure, and putting money saved from not getting the preamp or the SM7B could go to the monitors. Something like the Yamaha HS5's or HS8's for instance.
Mar 11, 2015 08:19 am Thanks again for the reply Jbot.
I am glad I didn't jump the gun on the pre amp. I have a tendency to over think a lot of things, which is why I'm scared to start mixing again haha.
My current only studio mic is the MXL V63M. It's a solid condenser mic. It was $400.00 when I bought it in 2003, now it goes for $80.00. I'm pretty happy with it, but the issue I'm having now is, ever since I upgraded my video card in my pc which adds fan noise, the mic picks it up. It's a pretty hot mic.
I'm wondering if using a beta 58a would help eliminate the worry of a lot of that fan noise bleeding into the mic. I currently don't have a closed room to record vocals in. We have a little alcove in the room and we just toss up a thick blanket, cover the inside walls with a few more blankets, and there is a matress behind the mic. It's not terrible for killing sound, but until my room gets remodeled, it's what we have to work with.
With the line 6 unit, there comes bundled software where it has software pre amps. You can track with those pre amps on, while recording the mic dry, and then you can use the line 6 plugin to load whatever pre amp sound/effects you want.
I had a sm57 and sold it... dummy here ha. I'll probably pick one up again fly this project.
You mentioned those headphones, but I was also pointed into the direction of the Sony MDR-7506. Same price. $100 ball park. Do you know anything about those? They are highly rated in reviews.
Mar 11, 2015 09:10 am Yeah, the MDR-7506 are another "industry standard." They're good cans, and they seal really well. I think they also have a slight boost in the mids vocal range, so they're good for monitoring vocals, and communicating across noisy areas, like on a movie set for instance. But they are closed back. Great for tracking and monitoring, but the AKG cans will be better for mixing if you need to mix on headphones.
If you plan to get more than one set of headphones, you could get one set for mixing, and use the other cans for tracking. I wasn't sure if you were getting more than one set. If you get a chance, go to a local music shop and see if you can demo a few sets of headphones. You know, what your ears like may not be the same as what works for my ears. Most will probably carry the Sennheisers and probably the Sonys. I don't know if they'll carry the Shures, but I know guitar center had them. It might be a little hard to find and demo the AKG 240 Studio headphones, but you could look around.
Also, I hear you on the PC noise. With my computer on, my room's noise floor is around 45 dB SPL at my listening position. I monitor around 75 dB SPL. I don't want to push it too loud in here because I'm in an old apartment building (built 1948) and the wood floors hardly have any insulation.
It's generally pretty quiet here, though. Most the neighbor noise is out in the living room, and it doesn't transfer back here too much usually. Have to say this room is WAY better than the box I was crammed into back in Iowa, haha! This room measures approx. 9ft 6in W by 13ft 4in deep by 7ft 9in high. So, the dimensions are pretty decent for my purposes.
The old Iowa place was 8.5ft x 9.5ft x 8ft, and I shared the room with my wife's desk and everything.
Mar 11, 2015 09:49 am It's really hard to demo stuff in my area. That's my issue. The bigger music stores that have those kinds of things in site are a good 1 to 2 hours away....
I was planning on getting a couple pairs of cans. The ones you suggested as well as the Sony's both got great reviews. So, I might get a pair of each.
I think I'll skip the pre amp for sure and go for updated monitors.
I was eye-balling the JBL LSR305s today. I have a pair of JBL speakers and love the sound of them. I've also ran live sound with JBL series mains. I dig their overall quality, and the reviews on these LSRs are really good.
Mar 11, 2015 09:55 am There are a few models like those, I've used at least two, maybe three of them, and all have been pretty darn good. I still have an old pair of "Digital Monitor" (it says on the device, forget the model number)...the leather over the foam is worn out, the foam is deteriorating, but they remain epic cans.
Mar 11, 2015 10:04 am The foam issue is one of the reasons I'm looking for a be pair. My current ones are doing the same.
Mar 11, 2015 10:05 am Realize mine, probably like yours, are about 20 years old...so, well, I cut them some slack. :-)
Mar 12, 2015 04:24 am Okay fellas, I've decided on some gear to upgrade to. I'm actually looking to upgrade my audio interface as well. Here's what in looking at...
I'm of course using Reaper now.
I have decided that it's time to upgrade my audio interface as well. With Reaper, do you guys have any feedback on performance with Presonus units? I'm currently looking at the Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL.
The headphones I decided to go with for tracking are the Shure SRH440. I did some research on those, and with the monitors I wanna get, I don't want to try mixing with headphones. I'm going to start working on trading my room accordingly.
Speaking of the monitors, I decided on a pair. I have experience with JBL speakers from running live sound a few times at one of the local venues here. I also have a pair of JBL speakers at home that I really like. So I decided to go with them.
I I'm looking to order the JBL LSR305 pair with Ultimate Support's MS-90 monitor stands.
The only thing I'm lacking and still hesitant on buying is cables for everything. Sweetwater is where inn imaging the majority of my order, but I feel like the cable prices are a little high.
I need 2 balanced patch cables to go from the Presonus unit to the monitors (15 feet minimum), headphone extension cable, a couple guitar cables, and a couple xlr cables. Do you guys have any recommendations on where to get quality cables fit good prices? My court Sweetwater shopping cart total is a little over 800, and almost 90 of that is cables...
Mar 12, 2015 12:36 pm I'm using XLR, TS, and TRS cables from Monoprice. They're cheap, pretty solid/decent quality, and I do not regret my purchase one bit! Otherwise, I'd say look for the CBI/Belden cables. B&H Photo Video might carry some decent cheaper cables too. I think my 8-channel snake is a CBI/Belden made cable I got from B&H.
Mar 13, 2015 07:38 pm Thanks Jbot.
Musicians friend had a decent deal in a combo mic set. My current condenser mic is an older mxl V6M. I stumbled into the MXL 990 and 991 in a combo on musicians friend. It includes a hard shell case to store them in, which I need.
The kit doesn't include a shock mount though. My next purchase needs to be through Newegg.com for a financing deal I am using.
I can't tell if this shock mount will fit the MXL 990 or not. What do you guys think? What do I need to be looking for as far as a fitting shock mount. New egg doesn't have the one that MXL suggests I their website.
m.newegg.com/Product/inde...=9SIA1PU0V96028
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