Headphone Recommendations for under $50?

salils

salils

Well-known member
Any suggestions? $50 max. I used to have (they broke after about 4 years of heavy use) the Sony MDR-CD180, they were pretty acceptable and only cost me $20 on clearance from Fry's but they're discontinued.
 
I have a pair of Sony MDR-7502s ($49.99). They are small and comfortable, however, they are not fully closed over the ear. Probably not the best for real loud environments.
 
Steve House said:
Monitor yes, mix no. If you can see your way clear to double your budget, an industry standard is the Sony MDR-7506, right at $100,.
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Okay, so which do you think would be better real consumer speakers that cost $50 (for mixing) and consumer headphones that cost $50 (for monitoring on location). Or a set of pro (ie: MDR-7506) headphones for mixing + monitoring?
 
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d. None of the above

Different tools for different jobs. The cross over works as well as a hammer on a screw.

To understand what the issues are and what you are trying to do read Jay Rose book, Great Sound for Digital Video. Not having seen the Sound DVD from Barry and Matt I can't say the info is also there but I would guess it is covered.

If you are happy with the results of $20 headpones on your camera then buy the latest update to that model line.

Cheers
 
salils said:
Okay, so which do you think would be better real consumer speakers that cost $50 (for mixing) and consumer headphones that cost $50 (for monitoring on location). Or a set of pro (ie: MDR-7506) headphones for mixing + monitoring?
Click to expand...

I'll echo wabbit's response - none of the above. Sony MDR or comparable for monitoring - cheaper usually have poor response and most importantly lack sufficient isolation from the surroundings for you to be able to really hear what's going on. There are no phones made that are appropriate to use for mixing. See the commended "Great Sound..." book for detailed reasons why. $50 consumer speakers won't cut it for mixing either unless all you're doing is clips to post on YouTube. You don't have to spend a fortune for speakers but if you're serious about how your work sounds, a pair of true monitor speakers are a necessity and they'll start at about $500 a pair for the minimum worth having. Sorry about that but that's the reality of the business. That's not to say the mix police will come and arrest you if you try to mix on headphones but you need to know going in that you'll have to remix on a proper workstation if your videos are going to get played in any serious venues such as festivals or make it to broadcast.
 
i would just get the sony 7506's

they hold up EXTREMELY well and you can get the cord repaired/replaced and i know many people have had the 1/4 plug cut off and replaced with a 1/4".

i prefer a 1/4" right angle as it makes it a LOT less likely to come unplugged from my bag/cart if i pull on it a little bit too much.

hell, i think i have like 4 pairs now! some @(*#$&(#@ stole a pair at a bigish shoot! they were well worn but still can't believe someone walked off with them.

matthew
 
I ended up taking the plunge with the Sony MDR-7506 after saving a bit extra. I can't say enough about how great these headphones sound! Thanks for all of your input everyone!
 
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