Talk to me about monitors and headphones for mixing, please!

[VH4_BigRig]

Hey guys, with Windows 7 now out of support, I'm going to be upgrading my computer setup soon, adding more RAM, Windows 10, and a new interface that actually has SPDIF. While these will be welcome additions to use with my Kemper and Reaper, I'm trying to decide what to do in terms of mixing stuff...

My monitors are older M-Audio BX8s. My mixing headphones also bit the dust recently thanks to my cat chewing on them when I wasn't home, lol. My spare room/music room is somewhat treated, with some blankets on one set of walls and some cheap foam panels and bass traps on the ceiling, but still needs some work....so I'm wondering which to upgrade first. I'm leaning towards headphones due to the room not being totally the way I want yet, but need your input!

Should I get headphones? If so what kind? AKGs? Sennheisers?

Should I get monitors? If so, what size is best for using without needing a sub (assuming I need at least 8s to be able to skip a sub?). I've seen good things about the Yamaha HS models, Kali LP series, and JBL 300 series (from this prior thread: https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=197603&hilit=monitors ). I do have proper monitor stands, which helps.

Any thoughts on what would be good to prioritize would be greatly appreciated! Cheers,
BigRig

 

[stratjacket]

What I would recommend is to take your time and do everything the way you want. Do each area the best you can and then move to the other area. For example, if headphones are your first choice, then I’d get the best ones you like best. Over time you have an awesome setup that will last years and years.

I would make your own acoustic panels, search YouTube for how-to videos. It’s super easy and cheap.

 

[japetus]

I have always said that if you can make a mix sound tight on decent monitors, then it is going to sound good everywhere else. I don't like mixing in headphones because everything sounds big all the time. As far as brands, the Yamaha HS8's are really nice and if you keep an eye out you can snag a pair for fairly inexpensive ($400 or so). Whatever you do, just don't cheap out on monitors.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I have the HD 380 pro and I love em...

 

[romanianreaper]

I would not use headphones as your primary way of mixing. I use headphones when I'm doing vocals or want to hear something better but you'll want to use monitors to mix for a few reasons. First off, they are closer to how everyone else is going to listen to the song (thru car speakers, stereo, etc.). Also, headphones tend to play tricks on your ears because everything is sealed off so to speak. You are not getting a real feel of a full listening environment like a big room, etc.

I have KRK Rokit 5s but almost picked up some JBL 305Ls this weekend. You don't have to spend a fortune on speakers. There are some good ones out there.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I would not use headphones as your primary way of mixing. I use headphones when I'm doing vocals or want to hear something better but you'll want to use monitors to mix for a few reasons. First off, they are closer to how everyone else is going to listen to the song (thru car speakers, stereo, etc.). Also, headphones tend to play tricks on your ears because everything is sealed off so to speak. You are not getting a real feel of a full listening environment like a big room, etc.

I have KRK Rokit 5s but almost picked up some JBL 305Ls this weekend. You don't have to spend a fortune on speakers. There are some good ones out there.

I love the JBL 305 but I sold em and I got the 308s much better bass response IMO

 

[romanianreaper]

I would not use headphones as your primary way of mixing. I use headphones when I'm doing vocals or want to hear something better but you'll want to use monitors to mix for a few reasons. First off, they are closer to how everyone else is going to listen to the song (thru car speakers, stereo, etc.). Also, headphones tend to play tricks on your ears because everything is sealed off so to speak. You are not getting a real feel of a full listening environment like a big room, etc.

I have KRK Rokit 5s but almost picked up some JBL 305Ls this weekend. You don't have to spend a fortune on speakers. There are some good ones out there.

I love the JBL 305 but I sold em and I got the 308s much better bass response IMO

 

[skullfxr]

Yamaha NS-10M (Matched Pair) https://reverb.com/item/2743183-yamaha- ... nt=2743183

I have a pair of these with a receiver and they ended my hunt forever. Look local you can find them for half of tha.

 

[ErikT]

My KRKs are fading (with only one in working condition atm) so I'm in the same search. I've pretty much landed on the Yamaha HS7's or HS8's. They seem like the best bang for the buck and punch above their weight.