Headphones for Monitoring Sound

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

I need to buy some headphones so that I can monitor audio when videoing, particularly for use when using my radio mics.

After googling for a while it seems that in the the UK the 'professional equipment of choice' is the Sony MDR-7506. That is fine but for one thing. In my case they will be used occassionally rather than regularly so I really didn't plan on spending that sort of money.

If you have any monitoring headphone suggestions based on user experience that you can share then that information will be gratefully received.

[George Tyndall]

If you have any monitoring headphone suggestions based on user experience that you can share then that information will be gratefully received.

I tried out about 10 models, ranging in price from $20 to over $200. In terms of both sound and comfort for an eyeglass wearer, the winner was the Sony MDR-410. The MDR-410 folds and is therefore--in addition to its quality of being lighweight--very portable.

Price: About $20

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/3317689/Sony-MDR-410-Street-Style-Headphones/Product.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428241-REG/Sony_MDR410LP_MDR_410LP_Ultra_Lightweight_Stereo.html

[Dave McElderry]

i purchased the MDR-7506 in 2005 for occasional use too, for situations like you describe. Although I also considered them expensive for what I was going to do, I can say that I couldn't be happier with the purchase. They are very lightweight, feel great on the ears, make a good seal, and the sound is the best I've ever had in a pair of headphones; "transparent" is the word that comes to mind. They also fold up really small and come with a nice little carry bag. I used to be a Koss fan, but I have no regrets with this purchase. I was surprised to find that they're still around, considering how often manufacturers change models. That in itself should say something, although I do see that Amazon no longer has them. They may not be around much longer.

My point? I can't help you with the purchase of a cheaper set of headphones, but if you were to reconsider the MDR-7506 I can say that I don't think you would be disappointed.

[Chuck Engels]

I have the Sony MDR XD200, love them. They don't fold up but I still can fit them in my laptop case (it is a rather large one with wheels and a handle, more like a piece of luggage really.) For at home they are perfect and very comfortable, best thing is the price at right around $20 USD.
http://astore.amazon.com/chuckengelsco- ... B0007N55NW

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

I finally went with the Sony MDR-7506 and am happy with my choice.

[Dave McElderry]

Thanks for the follow-up John. I think your decision will hold up over time. Enjoy!

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

It was your eloquence that persuaded me, Dave.

[RJ Johnston]

I just purchased a pair of Sony MDR-7506 headphones at the Guitar Center and couldn't be happier. I can't believe the sounds I've been missing. I returned a pair of Sony MDR-V150DJ after two days of use because of pain. It was like having a vice clamped on my ears. They had a nice sound and were very good for audio noise reduction editing. The clerk at the Guitar Center tried to sell me a pair of Shure SHR-440 headphones. I see that on Amazon that people have been giving those high ratings for sound, but occasionally someone complains about the discomfort. So I'm glad I didn't go with the Shure. I've been wearing the MDR-7506 just about all day. Every once in a while I come out from under them just to make sure the rest of the world is still there.

Anyway, I'm glad you guys started this thread a while ago, because I remembered about it, but couldn't remember the Sony model. I didn't want to spend twice as much as the MDR-V150DJs when I started out, but now I'm glad I did. They do sell these now through Amazon and there are over 100 reviews.

[Dave McElderry]

Every once in a while I come out from under them just to make sure the rest of the world is still there.

I still use mine frequently. It's nice to find something in today's world that works so well on all levels and is reasonably priced.

[George Tyndall]

I just purchased a pair of Sony MDR-7506 headphones at the Guitar Center and couldn't be happier.... I've been wearing the MDR-7506 just about all day. Every once in a while I come out from under them just to make sure the rest of the world is still there.

RJ, do you wear eyeglasses?

The reason I ask is that, of all the over-ear phones I've tried, only the very light Sony MDR-410 do not cause pain, however, this model has been discontinued, and I'm wondering what to do if ever those that I have need replacement.

[RJ Johnston]

George, yes, I wear eyeglasses that are thin.

[Peru]

RJ, do you wear eyeglasses?

The reason I ask is that, of all the over-ear phones I've tried, only the very light Sony MDR-410 do not cause pain, however, this model has been discontinued, and I'm wondering what to do if ever those that I have need replacement.

I wear heavy frame glasses and find this one very comfortable. You can turn the noise reduction on or off.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/produ ... 79640#desc

[George Tyndall]

George, yes, I wear eyeglasses that are thin.

Because my neighbor tends to complain whenever I use my home theater, I tend to wear my headphones continuously when I am editing, even when rendering/sharing, so I can hear any of the chirps that might arise from a background program. I'm talking 10-12 hours per day, or more.

Your phones do not pinch your eyeglass frames against your ears and head even with prolonged wearing?

You don't perspire under those large pads?

[George Tyndall]

I wear heavy frame glasses and find this one very comfortable. You can turn the noise reduction on or off.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/produ ... 79640#desc

Yes, I can imagine that those smaller pads might be better for an eyeglass wearer. Thanks for giving me that idea as B&H does offer a variety of pads that will fit the MDR-7506.

Earpads for MDR-7506.JPG

[RJ Johnston]

George, I haven't experienced any pinching with eyeglasses on. Like I said, my frames are thin.

It's humid after long wearing, but no perspiring yet.