Headphones choice (dt880 vs k712)

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by mOcean, May 17, 2020.

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Mixing with...

  1. AKG K712

    6 vote(s)
    33.3%

  2. Beyerdynamic DT-880

    6 vote(s)
    33.3%

  3. Other...

    6 vote(s)
    33.3%
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  1. Olymoon

    Olymoon Moderator

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    Well there is a contradiction here, because technically 62 ohms will need much less power than 250 ohms... That's for sure.
     
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    Olymoon, May 17, 2020
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  2. Lois Lane

    Lois Lane Audiosexual

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    Whatever you decide, for mixing go with open back as the frequency response on cans as such are more flat. Closed back are a must if you are recording quieter sources like vocalists and violins which are generally miced close-ish to the source and for galavanting while bobbing your head while walking around town listening to tunes or books on tape (to keep the sound both in on public transport or out from pesky environmental noise), but for mixing an open back is the charm as generally the sound stage generated is both wider and with greater depth. The Sennheiser HD-600 is a bit power needy, but an inexpensive preamp would solve that issue.
    https://www.thomannmusic.ch/cat_rank.html?sid=85b5d1001b3ff3b4a7c34e5e4e21a1e4&ar=337109
     
    Lois Lane, May 18, 2020
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  3. phumb-reh

    phumb-reh Guest

    I'll chime in about the AKG's, I've got K701's which are pretty similar to what you're looking at, the K712s.

    I find them to be pretty solid for extended sessions since they've a pretty smooth sound, however this might be sometimes a negative since they do lack a bit of "punch". But as long as you reference with other speakers/phones you should be good.

    As for amplification... using a basic onboard audio or laptop output is not enough in my opinion, but any decent audio interface should do the trick. I've had no issues there.

    And as others have mentioned, there's really no isolation to speak of, take that into account.
     
    phumb-reh, May 18, 2020
    23
  4. reziduchamp

    reziduchamp Platinum Record

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    Best Answer
    I have DT770's (80 ohms) and K712's. I use the DT's for vocal recording only (closed back), but sometimes I can't be bothered switching after vocals so I end up making music in the Beyers for an hour or two.

    Before I got an Apollo for the zero latency input monitoring (compression, EQ etc), the DT's were dragging my voice out. They were uncomfortable. I find them quite suffocating for vocals. There's a pressure on the ears and head, and the pumping (dance music) adds a lot of tension. This is only for vocals though and its probably a lot to do with being closed back. The bass that I get out of them is much louder and warmer than the K712's and making music on those I get a nice warm sound... But I can only use them, even on fairly quiet for a couple of hours before getting fatigue. Again this is probably because they are closed back. Adding in compression, Pre Amp and EQ on the way in has changed the sound of them for me, and it can make them sound really nice now.

    I do all my mixing and midi recording through the K712's. I can use these for hours and not get fatigued. As already stated, they're brighter and lack the bass of the Beyers, but its a sound that I can listen to all day.

    As already mentioned, it depends on you ultimately and what sound appeals to you. Personally I think that the prominent frequencies in the kind of music that you make would probably sway that decision. If you were going for something like a radio quality, I think the 712's are probably the answer. If you want pumping, thumping club music, maybe you'd prefer the sound of the Beyers. I make dance music and prefer the AKG, so its not written in stone and bear in mind its for creating and getting an accurate sound, not for listening at consumer level.

    As an aside, if it even makes any sense or has any relevance, I would switch from 770 to 712 for making music and referencing, but I'd never do the opposite for referencing. Once I have the 712's on I will run to the end of the session, unless I need to put a vocal down.

    I think the key, whatever pair that you get, is to listen to a lot of tracks that you like on the headphones that you buy and get used to them. You probably won't be able to test a pair in a shop any time soon, so you'll be stuck with them, so getting an idea how they sound is key to making the best out of them. Also mentioned above is the Sonarworks thing if you want to tweak them. I'm finding that with my UAD I can get a much nicer sound out of the 770's for vocals, something that I really like, so I can imagine the Sonarworks having a similar impact. If you get a pair and don't like them, have a bit of a fiddle around in your Main Output. A little bit of 'air' EQ might be enough to give the Beyers what you are looking for.

    If I could only have one pair and vocals wasn't important I think I'd go for the 712's personally, but that's my taste. One thing to consider is that if you get the brighter pair, your mixing will tend to bring that end down and the bass up, so if you are a bit heavy handed on either end of the spectrum it might help you to tame either of those aspects with the choice that you make.

    Again this might not mean anything, but I would describe the colour of both in terms of a Neumann U87 Mic. The original sounds a lot warmer in the low end, whilst the new AI version is a lot brighter. If you listen to some YouTube videos of those it might give you an idea. Its another extreme for me though, because I prefer the original U87 for its warmth on vocals over the hi end of the AI, whereas I prefer the opposite on headphones, but maybe that's a compensation thing?

    I mix in the headphones output on my USB Console btw. Audient ID14 previously and now an Apollo USB and they're loud enough for my ears.
     
    reziduchamp, May 18, 2020
    24
  5. midi-man

    midi-man Audiosexual

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    Good info Olymoon..
     
    midi-man, May 18, 2020
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  6. yann_

    yann_ Newbie

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    Hi this is my small opinion, I own the k712 and I would not recommend em.
    They are pretty good but the build quality is yeah could be better.
    Also they sound pretty nice. but If you want to use headphones for mixing and mastering,
    the ones I would recommend are by Ollo https://olloaudio.com/
    They got a Totally Flat response, and thats what u need when mixing.
    They are amazingly good but a bit more expensive than the k712.
    But if u have those u won't need no room/headphonecorrection type of app like the Sonarworks 4 app.
    Anyway good luck. I would definitly go with the Ollo's again. :D
     
    yann_, May 18, 2020
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  7. evolasme

    evolasme Producer

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    ive got BD DT990pro (250ohm) and love them for mixing
     
    evolasme, May 18, 2020
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  8. mOcean

    mOcean Newbie

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    Thank you for your reply. What is your audio source for K701?
     
    mOcean, May 18, 2020
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  9. mOcean

    mOcean Newbie

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    Also considered them initially. Madly in love with the design! But unfortunately I also have nowhere to listen to them. And the problem of high impedance is also present for me ((
     
    mOcean, May 18, 2020
    29
  10. mOcean

    mOcean Newbie

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    Very interesting. Intriguing promo.
    But it seems they are not so popular, not a lot of reviews. And their price... I think I won’t be able to afford these without preliminary listening.
    But these headphones are really sex))))
     
    mOcean, May 18, 2020
    30
  11. mOcean

    mOcean Newbie

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    Thank you so much for the detailed answer!
    About the same setup I plan in the end: open + closed headphones.
    Now I have an old HD449 as my closed-back hp. I will use them as an additional source of control.
    At the moment, I’m working like that - the maximum number of audio systems to listen my mix. It doesn’t look any different at home))
    I think I’ll still get the K712, and if my audio card amplifies them normally, then maybe I’ll supplement my ATH-m50x setup a little later.
    I must already decide! I have been choosing and doubting the correctness of the chosen solution for a very long time, and you inspired me a little))

    P.S. UAD Apollo - a dream interface!
     
    mOcean, May 18, 2020
    31
  12. phumb-reh

    phumb-reh Guest

    This particular pair is used with a MOTU Ultralite, an Alesis Multimix and a cheapo Behringer Xenyx.
     
    phumb-reh, May 19, 2020
    32
  13. jayj4y

    jayj4y Member

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    I have the dt880 , 1 year trial and I'm happy, but the most important thing for a producer is to reduce fatigue, is the great enemy, the 880 you can be 8 hours with it, but the problem I see are the pads, they absorb a lot of sweat and you have to wash them every month or 2 months and reduce comfort and is super difficult to put the pads and you hurt your fingers, now i want to buy the 660s and i don't think it will improve the sound, i'm very happy with the dt880s but the long term comfort for me is essential, i also have the Beats studio 3, the 's0l0 2' and the senheiser hd25 to test and know what people will hear, i must say they are awful and not good to produce, but you need them to know the final product, sorry for my bad english
     
    jayj4y, May 19, 2020
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  14. 23322332

    23322332 Rock Star

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    DT880 pro are very good budget headphones (probably the best), if you are after close to flat response. The only problem is in the 5-7k region, which is boosted by like 4 db (which is alot).
    From what I have seen in the frequency response graphs of more expensive headphones, there is no such thing as "flat" response - the main difference is there is like no distortion and the bandwidth (so, more bass and highs, not like you are gonna hear them...).
     
    23322332, May 19, 2020
    34
  15. Bandit

    Bandit Producer

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    I won the 990DT PRO.... great stuff.
     
    Bandit, May 19, 2020
    35
  16. MLooms

    MLooms Ultrasonic

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    People will always have different opinions on the spectrum, quality, comfort… positive as negative even on the best headphones on the market today.

    Honestly, when I needed a new pair of headphones I searched for days online for a decent pair and got more and more confused the more I listen to all the reviews I could find.

    In my opinion there aren’t any perfect headphones on the market today, well at least not in my price range as far I know, they all have their pro and cons.
    Just test some till you are happy, then buy them or just take advantage of the 30-day money back guarantee to test them if you don’t find them in your store.

    Happy hunting
     
    MLooms, May 19, 2020
    36
  17. mOcean

    mOcean Newbie

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    I am writing on the result. I eventually chose the DT880Pro. I did not decide on the AKG K712Pro with my sound card. And it seems not in vain! I am delighted that the output power was still enough! Even when mixing quiet sounds, I have enough volume! Although it feels like the audio interface produces its maximum, and sometimes you have to twist it to the maximum, I think this will not cause any problems. Especially since I'm going to change the interface, but fortunately now I can take my time with this.
    Bottom line: Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 copes normally with the Beyerdynamic DT-880Pro 250 Ohm! imho))
    Also, I really liked the frequency response 880pro. Very, very cool sound! I was afraid of these famous Beyerdynamic treble, but in 880 I really liked them! I really heard where I went too far with the treble in my old works)) And there is a lot of bass in them! Its as much as it should be! In general, I am satisfied. Thank
    you all for your help in choosing. I hope this topic will be useful to someone!
     
    mOcean, Jul 5, 2020
    37
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