Reposted from another forum I frequent:

My AKG K240s cans are soon to wear out after more than a decade of being probably the most important tool to my music development short of FL Studio 11 itself. It will be time between now and 2021 to replace them and I'm wondering what modern cans you folks are using for mixing at the proper (or "flat") signal frequencies and high quality audio playback in this era.

Budget could be as high as $300.00. Doesn't HAVE to be a 2020 model of anything, I just want to get something a lot more modern than my previous model was at 12 years old at least.

What recs do you folks have?

 

I'm using... a brand new pair of K40s. They only cost, like, $50 now! Really, if you know them and love them don't change for the sake of change.

 

audio technica ath-m40x been very solid for me

 

You want open back for mixing. AKG k701/k702 or beyerdynamic dt880 google their names and see for yourself.

 

DT880 are definately not suitable for mixing purposes. I have a pair, and above 4Khz a lot is boosted. Like, beyond recognition.

 

The general recommendation for "mixing headphones" are the Sennheiser HD 650s.
However they released a new model in 2019 and I can not speak for them.
The old ones are very nice tho.

 

If you can only spend $300, and you do live recordings too, I will recommend Focal Spirit Pro. First let me explain about 2 problems. Number one, they stopped manufacturing them, however, can be found on Ebay. A used pair can run you as low as $80 in excellent condition.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Focal-Spir...830903?hash=item2aebb05f37:g:yoEAAOSw8Xpe9uRA.
The second issue is the headband. Earlier serial numbers had a problem with the headband. it WILL break. It was "kind of" fixed in latter models. Nevertheless, it is something to seriously consider if you have clients that will be using them.
I am a user, and love how they sound. I have been using them for years. Since they are closed back, these headphones can be used for tracking, however, they are excellent for mixing as well which tells a lot about their sonic quality. In other words, you wont be needing 2 pairs of different headphones. Whoever tells you that you can't use closed-back headphones for mixing never tried doing it with a pair of Focal Spirit Pro. Read the reviews by users. As I said, only downside is the headband issue mainly with earlier models.
lastly, headphones are purely subjective, Try good quality ones, and make a desicion as to how they sound, and feel to you. Always paying careful consideration to build quality.

 

I can really recommend Ollo Audio's headphones. If you can get into their endorsement project they are within your budget. Until I got mine i used Sennhiser 600 and 650 for years and loved them but these Ollo cups are just really good. I got the S4X reference headphones but thye have other vaersions of them depending on what you prefer. CAnt say much about the other ones but the reference oens are as said one of the best ive tried and if i compare what i hear in them against what i hear on my monitors at home and in other studios im very close and dont need to fix much once its time to put the track on ice.. Check en out..

https://olloaudio.com/pages/s4x-reference-headphones

 

BD DT990 250 ohm have been amazing for me for mixing

 

I can't count the amount of pairs of headphones I have lying around at the moment. Some expensive, some not so expensive. If anyone is on a budget, Superlux HD668B, some decent replacement ear pads (optional), and using Sonarworks (optional)and Can Opener (optional) is a really good combo. Just to add, you can pick up a bluetooth receiver and transmitter really cheaply and go wireless with no mods required if you aren't into cables. (you could probably kit out and track a whole band with that set up for 300 bucks lol)

 

Last edited: Jul 2, 2020

Shure SRH1840 is better than sennheiser 660s?

 

I bought these at the end of '19 - best money I spent on cans yet although pricier than OP's budget! They are on sale at times and the 600's are also highly recommended which should fit the budget especially on sale! Awesome and comfy! A++